Two attractive coasts, two cities filled with historical past and points of interest, two great nationwide parks, and so many different issues to do with children in Devon that I can barely rely – which is why I’ve created my final information to Devon for households to start out you off.
accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
I’ve been visiting Devon since I used to be a baby myself, and my daughter’s began to construct her personal vacation reminiscences with a number of journeys throughout her lifetime thus far – so whether or not you’re in search of issues to do in Devon with toddlers, household days out in Devon, the very best seashores for rockpooling, low cost days out and issues to do in Devon within the rain, I’ve obtained loads of concepts for any journey.
You’ll discover hyperlinks to my different posts for extra data, and loads of concepts to maintain everybody entertained, whatever the climate and the way lengthy you’re staying in Devon.
Finest household days out in Devon
In case you’re in search of issues to do in Devon with children, the very best place to start out is with my record of the highest days out in Devon – whether or not you’re visiting Devon with a child, a toddler or teenagers, there’s one thing to tempt.
From theme parks and points of interest to museums and historic homes, zoos and aquariums, it’s an excellent style of the number of issues to do in Devon for teenagers that you simply’ll discover within the space.
However in the event you’re in search of one thing explicit, I’ve additionally listed among the greatest free days out in Devon with children in the event you’re visiting on a funds, concepts in the event you’re trying to get outside or choices in the event you’re being pressured indoors by the rain, and recommendations for various areas, with days out south Devon, north Devon and east Devon.
Free days out in Devon
Travelling with children isn’t all the time low cost, even on a UK staycation so whereas days spent on the seaside won’t set you again a lot past an ice cream and a spare bucket and spade, it’s all the time useful to have some extra concepts of low cost days out in Devon.
I’ve collected among the greatest free issues to do in Devon on this publish, together with Exeter’s RAMM museum and The Field in Plymouth, some pretty outside spots and locations to satisfy animals – superb in the event you’re in search of issues to do in Devon with a toddler.
There are additionally some nice household walks in Devon which received’t value a penny – you needn’t be critical hikers to seek out simple walks on Dartmoor with children in addition to loads of family-friendly choices alongside the South West Coast Path.
Indoor actions Devon
There’s no assure of wonderful sunshine even in the midst of the British summer time so it’s all the time value having a couple of concepts of issues to do on wet days in Devon – I’ve picked out my high concepts for Devon within the rain with children together with actions like indoor mountain climbing, swimming and trampolining, together with wet day Devon points of interest for households.
Take a look at the county’s unbelievable aquariums too – all the time a winner when it’s unhealthy climate. We cherished the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, however it’s also possible to discover extra sea creatures at Ilfracombe aquarium. [Living Coasts Torquay, a coastal zoo and aquarium, closed permanently in 2020].
Take a look at our suggestions for visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
Not distant, the maze of caves at Kents Cavern had been as soon as residence to historical people and date again 2.5 million years. There are many household actions, together with digging for fossils and making your individual cave work, plus exercise trails.
Or for one of many quirkiest days out with children in Devon, head to the Home of Marbles in Bovey Tracey – with 5 totally different marble runs, glassblowing and a group of video games courting again to the seventeenth century, it beats taking part in yet one more board sport whilst you look ahead to the drizzle to cease.
And in the event you’re visiting Devon in winter, there are some particular Christmas illuminations to be careful for, in addition to among the finest locations in Devon for households for a deliciously warming sizzling chocolate on this publish.
Out of doors household actions Devon
Between coast and countryside, you’re not in need of locations to go together with children in Devon if you wish to get outside – excellent for energetic households, with choices to cycle and hike, there are additionally gentler choices in the event you’re visiting Devon with a toddler.
Scroll down in the event you’re in search of concepts of Devon’s greatest seashores with children, in addition to locations to go rockpooling in Devon
The South West coast path runs alongside each the north and south coasts, with 90 miles of path in north Devon and 115 miles within the south.
There are concepts for household walks with heaps to entertain past the views, together with geocaching and children’ actions: Devon doesn’t but have particular coast path treasure trails as Cornwall does, however yow will discover treasure trails alongside some stretches of the coast, equivalent to Exmouth to Seaton, which incorporates some driving in addition to strolling.
Or you’ll be able to uncover among the Nationwide Belief land in addition to Devon’s Nationwide Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor – take a look at among the household points of interest on Dartmoor right here in addition to recommendations for various walks. Exmoor additionally has household occasions all year long.
In case you’re planning a vacation in East Devon, it’s residence to a chosen Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence too, together with a part of the Jurassic Coast.
And the stunning Tarka Path is right for strolling and biking, impressed by the novel Tarka the Otter, and kinds a part of the Devon coast to coast cycle route – you’ll be able to rent bikes in the event you don’t have your individual, so it’s a stunning solution to discover extra of the north of the county in addition to being a terrific possibility for days out with children in Devon.
In case you’re in search of Devon days out with youthful children, Haldon Forest Park options the Forestry Fee’s household trails – together with common trails themed round Julia Donaldson books, which make for straightforward enjoyable walks.
And delightful Berry Head Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot for teenagers to run round close to Brixham: you’ll discover Napoleonic Struggle fortifications and uncommon wildlife, but additionally some fabulous views and a stunning cafe. It’s additionally simple to go to as a part of a stroll alongside the South West Coast Path.
Take a look at my go to to Berry Head with a toddler
Or there’s Paignton Geoplay park, a play space for various ages with a distinction – it’s all themed across the space’s geological historical past.
For a few of Devon’s extra dramatic surroundings, head to Lydford Gorge – the deepest gorge within the South West, it has a 30m waterfall.
For considered one of Devon’s greatest adventures, it’s laborious to beat a visit to Lundy Island. Well-known for its puffins, you may spot dolphins on the two-hour boat experience over and there are actions when you arrive, in addition to birdwatching.
Issues to do with children in north Devon
In case you’re staying in and across the north coast, you may be farther from among the best-known issues to see in Devon however there’s nonetheless a lot for households to get pleasure from.
For extra concepts of the very best issues to do in North Devon with children, take a look at my high picks
Get outside
With Exmoor within the northern half of the county, you’ll be able to benefit from the darkish skies for some stargazing, hear the legends of the moors or go strolling in one of the crucial unspoiled components of England.
For some gentler outside actions, the Tarka Path can be among the finest issues to do in north Devon with children: the strolling and biking route is straightforward to adapt to totally different ages and a stunning solution to discover.
See the animals
Head to Exmoor Zoo, with the UK’s solely pair of black leopards – it’s a small zoo with the deal with conservation of smaller animals, so it’s a stunning possibility for a time out with a toddler as properly.
Or in Ilfracombe, the aquarium focuses on the marine life round north Devon in addition to providing household actions for youthful guests.
And at Combe Martin, the Wildlife and Dinosaur park has a small zoo in addition to its lifesize animatronic fashions of dinosaurs plus a fossil museum.
Go to a theme park
North Devon is residence to 2 of the county’s theme parks – the Huge Sheep theme park at Bideford was as soon as a working sheep farm, and nonetheless has sheep racing in addition to rides and rollercoasters.
Or the Milky Manner Journey Park, not distant at Clovelly, has its personal rides and points of interest in addition to a separate space for preschoolers.
And Watermouth Fortress has its personal mixture of household points of interest – from the dungeon labyrinths to dancing fountains, journey playgrounds, toboggan runs and much for youthful children in addition to older siblings.
Historical past and tradition
You can journey again by time on the UK’s solely steam railway the place passengers use Victorian railway carriages designed within the Nineties for each journey, on the Lynton and Barnstaple railway.
Or take a experience on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway which first opened again in 1890 – the best and steepest completely water powered railway on the planet, the funicular takes you 500ft up the cliff for wonderful views (and cream teas on the high in the event you fancy).
Uncover classic carriages at Arlington Court docket in Barnstaple, residence to the Nationwide Belief Carriage museum in addition to wild play areas and household actions within the grounds of the Regency Home.
At Hartland Abbey, the emphasis is on old school enjoyable – there’s a quiz to attempt inside the home, a former abbey, in addition to nature trails outside.
There’s nothing like some residing historical past, particularly in equivalent to fairly spot as Clovelly, a working fishing village on a clifftop – and no automobiles within the streets, solely donkeys, which is able to swimsuit youthful children right down to the bottom.
For a terrific indoor exercise, there’s the quirky Ilfracombe museum which has each native shows and objects from all over the world, together with pure historical past and archaeology, artwork and pictures, plus costume and home historical past.
In the meantime the North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore is one other excellent place to find the county’s seafaring and shipbuilding traditions – plus an opportunity to be taught extra about pirates and smuggers.
And the Museum of British Browsing in Braunton is equally quirky – excellent if the surf bug has bitten your children, there are surfboards galore and displays on the best way browsing has developed through the years.
Issues to do in south Devon with children
Get outside
Discover the wild open areas of Dartmoor with children, the place it’s also possible to attempt your hand at letterboxing – the unique geocaching. There are additionally loads of child-friendly walks to find.
For extra concepts of the place to stroll on Dartmoor with children, in addition to biking and household points of interest close by, take a look at this publish.
Uncover Berry Head Nature Reserve on the south coast – it’s also possible to stroll a part of the South West Coast Path to achieve it, or benefit from the attractive views and spot historic fortifications in between following nature trails.
Take a look at our day at Berry Head Nature reserve with a toddler
There are playgrounds galore throughout Devon in fact however for a play space with a distinction, the Paignton Geopark has totally different areas for various ages, all themed across the space’s geological historical past.
See the animals
There are some nice animal points of interest for teenagers in south Devon, from smaller farms to zoos and the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth – the UK’s largest aquarium
With a captivating assortment of marine animals, you’ll be able to uncover extra concerning the space’s sealife in addition to extra unique marine creatures from all over the world.
Take a look at my suggestions for visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium with children
EDIT: Torquay’s personal aquarium and coastal zoo at Dwelling Coasts has sadly now closed completely following lockdown – the penguins, otters, seals and different inhabitants have been rehomed.
For prehistoric creatures, dino-mad children will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to deliver the world of the dinosaurs to life – with every part from fashions to fossils, a lot of dino info to be taught and the prospect to take a seat on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).
For extra concepts of the right way to spend someday in Torquay, take a look at this publish
Or head just a bit additional alongside the coast to Paignton Zoo with over 2,000 animals in six habitats, it’s additionally obtained a high trumps path and particular animal experiences together with assembly the meerkats.
For youthful children, there are some pretty possibilities to get near smaller animals elsewhere in Devon. Occombe Farm is a working farm with a nature path and livestock to satisfy, together with alpacas.
And Pennywell Farm close to Buckfastleigh consists of the prospect to cuddle with miniature pigs, attempt strolling goats and different animal actions, in addition to assembly alpacas and a pygmy hedgehog.
The Uncommon Breeds Farm in Totnes goals to assist protect endangered species of livestock – you may stroke an eagle owl and feed a pink squirrel, in addition to assembly the opposite animals right here.
And for one more uncommon mixture, the Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is residence to a few totally different species of otter (together with British or European otters) and an array of butterflies.
Go to a theme park
You’ll discover considered one of Devon’s largest theme parks in south Devon – Woodlands Leisure Park has its personal zoo park, but additionally points of interest and rides to swimsuit toddlers and to thrill teenagers.
Historical past and tradition
There’s historical past galore to find in south Devon, whether or not you’re following the realm’s seafaring previous or its mining heritage, in addition to medieval secrets and techniques and stately properties.
Begin with one of many space’s museums: The Field in Plymouth was new in 2020, with galleries and exhibitions targeted on Plymouth’s previous, every part from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads from ships, together with a complete host of details about the town’s seafaring historical past, plus trails for teenagers.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (or RAMM) in Exeter additionally tells the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current, in addition to pure historical past, world tradition, artwork galleries and shows on 18th and nineteenth century exploration.
For extra issues to do in Plymouth with children, take a look at my high picks
The Torquay museum focuses on native historical past (in addition to a gallery devoted to Agatha Christie), whereas Torre Abbey is now a museum of historical past and artwork with kids’s exercise trails, an opportunity to decorate up and actions.
Put your self in an explorer’s footwear in Brixham, the place you’ll be able to step on board the Golden Hind, a duplicate of the ship which Sir Francis Drake sailed all over the world.
Take a look at my evaluate of our go to to the Golden Hind in Brixham with a toddler
Or you may head to Drake’s personal former residence at Buckland Abbey – the 700-year-old home close to Yelverton was as soon as a Cistercian Abbey earlier than later passing into the palms of Sir Francis Drake – there at the moment are common household actions on the Nationwide Belief property.
For extra historic homes and buildings, it’s also possible to uncover Coleton Fishacre and the glamour of the Twenties, owned by the theatrical D’Oyly Carte household. Or step inside Greenway, close to Galmpton, the house of Agatha Christie.
And the fortress of Dartmouth Fortress has guarded the estuary right here for 600 years – take the boat up the river earlier than exploring the gun tower and seeing the chain which might have prevented ships from getting into the waters close by.
For extra concepts of the very best issues to do in Dartmouth with children, take a look at my high picks
On the north facet of Dartmoor, it’s also possible to discover the final fortress to be in-built England – Fortress Drogo has been present process a serious renovation mission by the Nationwide Belief, and in addition to seeing the outcomes now the scaffolding has come down, you’ll be able to uncover the miniature play home within the gardens, observe spotter trails and stroll to the Teign Gorge.
Not removed from Exeter, it’s also possible to see inside Powderham Fortress, the house of the Earl of Devon, with a play space and household actions in addition to occasional possibilities to discover the deer park.
Take a look at my evaluate of our go to to Powderham Fortress
In case you and your children love historical past, there’s a lot to find in Exeter itself, together with the cathedral, one of many oldest in England – attempt recognizing the animals adorning the within to maintain littler ones entertained.
You can even head into the town’s medieval tunnels – for over-fives and up – to listen to tales of Exeter’s dramatic previous.
Learn extra about my keep in Exeter with children
Or at Morwhellam Quay historic port farm, uncover what life was like throughout its Victorian heyday, driving on a copper mine practice, experiencing life for miners in centuries passed by, in addition to the historic port and village.
And there are additionally steam trains that can assist you discover south Devon with children – the South Devon railway runs alongside the River Dart valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, with heritage rolling inventory pulled by the steam engines.
In the meantime the Dartmouth Steam railway has its personal trains working between Paignton and Kingswear not distant – it’s also possible to mix this with a ship journey from Dartmouth, or a spherical journey together with an open-topped bus.
Different household points of interest
In case you’re in search of extra issues to do with children in south Devon, there are a couple of extra quirky household points of interest to maintain on the record.
The Home of Marbles in Bovey Tracey isn’t only for marble followers, with glassblowing and historic board video games to see too. Because it’s free to enter, this large marble assortment is a superb place to pop into, particularly on wet days.
Right here’s what we discovered after we visited throughout a day exploring Dartmoor with children
Or simply exterior Torquay, head to Kents Cavern, a prehistoric cave that was as soon as residence to historical people – there are some very enjoyable household actions together with cave portray, riddle quests and trails, each indoor and out.
You can even uncover the village of Cockington, frozen in time, with its thatched homes, water mill and forge, plus sixteenth century manor home Cockington Court docket at its coronary heart. The outdated medieval deer park is now Cockington’s cricket pitch, however you’ll be able to take a horse-drawn carriage experience by the streets.
In Torquay itself, get some nice views on a experience on the English Riviera Wheel within the city’s Pavilion gardens – a 12 minute experience takes you nearly 60m as much as look out to the ocean and skyline in the course of the summer time months.
Take a look at our day in Torquay, together with Kent’s Cavern, for extra concepts of what to do
There are additionally a string of Treasure Trails out there for days out in south Devon – considered one of my favorite methods to discover with children, there’s a mixture of homicide mysteries, spy and pirate themed trails.
Take a look at our day in Topsham, following the treasure path across the historic port.
Days out in east Devon with children
In case you’re staying in east Devon, you’re inside simple attain of lots of the south Devon household points of interest (scroll as much as examine them out), together with Exeter and Powderham Fortress, and solely round an hour’s drive from Torquay.
Begin with my recommendations on the very best issues to do in Exeter with children, together with concepts for days out close to the town.
Household points of interest
However there are some nice issues to do with children in east Devon itself – not least Crealy Theme Park and Resort, the south-west’s largest household theme park together with rides and points of interest in addition to a zoo (and a few enjoyable locations to remain).
At Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, you’ll be able to journey again by the centuries and uncover among the secrets and techniques of the Jurassic coast on the immersive dinosaur attraction.
Or the Seaton Tramway is one other pretty solution to journey again in time – the electrical tramway runs on a three-mile route from Seaton to Colyford and Colyton and is a enjoyable little slice of historical past.
Sadly you’ll be able to now not get behind the controls of a giant digger at Diggerland Devon in Cullompton, which closed in 2021 – if you’re tempted, it’s considered one of a number of websites across the nation, you’ll be able to learn our evaluate of Diggerland in Kent right here. With rides and actions for youthful children, it’s big enjoyable at any age.
Get outside
The area can be residence to the East Devon Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, which incorporates a part of the Jurassic Coast (excellent for dinosaur followers) and a few attractive countryside to wander and stroll with children.
Or attempt pond dipping at Seaton Wetlands – made up of three native nature reserves, it consists of walks by marshland and reedbeds as properly.
And for a gentler journey, Nationwide Belief property Killerton is repeatedly voted Finest Historic Attraction by households with trails on the historic property and play areas, as properly loads of house to roam on the 6,400 acre property.
Then play costume up – in your creativeness – on the trend collections inside the home.
Take a look at my evaluate of a go to to Killerton with children.
See the animals
One in every of Devon’s most beloved household points of interest for toddlers must be the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – there are additionally trails to wander, recognizing among the rescued donkey inhabitants who’ve made their residence right here, plus a play space and a maze.
Younger animal lovers can even be in heaven at Axe Valley Wildlife Park close to Axminster, with every part from meerkats and chipmunks to zebras and flamingoes at this little zoo.
The place to remain in Devon for households
You’re spoiled for selection whether or not you’re in search of self-catering cottages in Devon, family-friendly inns or AirBNB properties, with as many quirky locations to remain in Devon as there are basic seaside household escapes.
Self-catering in Devon
I’ve picked a couple of of my favourites whether or not you’re in search of locations to remain in south Devon or the north coast, luxurious properties or someplace a bit uncommon on this publish.
For a spot of luxurious glamping, it’s laborious to beat Dittisham Hideaway, simply exterior Dartmouth – we stayed in one of many treehouses there for a unbelievable family-friendly deal with. Take a look at my evaluate.
There are another nice family-friendly cottage collections too – Sykes Vacation cottages additionally has lots of of cottages in Devon, together with child-friendly household cottages for each funds and magnificence.
You’ll additionally discover AirBNB properties galore – we stayed at this little gem close to Topsham, referred to as The Linhay to present one instance. Take a look spherical on this video.
Household inns in Devon
In case you favor a lodge and are in search of the very best locations to stick with children, reserving.com is all the time an excellent place to start out with their record of inns in Devon.
However for a spot of luxurious, there are a couple of favourites which all the time high the lists of probably the most family-friendly inns in Devon – Soar Mill Cove is correct on the seaside and has loads of actions for teenagers within the holidays, together with its personal saltwater pool. You’ll be able to borrow boogie boards and crab traces too.
Or The Cary Arms at Babbacombe has self-catering cottages in addition to lodge rooms so you will get the very best of each worlds – and kids get a bucket, spade and fishing web after they arrive, plus the seaside of Babbacombe Bay on the lodge’s doorstep to check them out.
In case you’re in search of a Devon lodge with toddlers or a baby-friendly Devon lodge, the Saunton Sands lodge presents two hours free childcare for teenagers aged six weeks to 11 years, and a number of child gear with its ‘child go evenly’ possibility. There are additionally household rooms and suites, in addition to luxurious residences.
And for a mixture of countryside and coast, the Thurlestone Lodge has play rooms and actions throughout faculty holidays, plus family-friendly touches like a children’ buffet at dinner, and rooms which have a mixture of further sleeping room offered by bunk beds, couch beds, cots and further beds, in addition to pre bookable babysitting.
Tenting and glamping in Devon
In case you’re in search of an affordable vacation in Devon, one solution to follow your funds is to take a look at the various tenting and glamping websites throughout the county. The Tinbox Traveller weblog has a unbelievable round-up of the very best glamping websites in Devon to start out you off.
Or take a look at the Pitch Up web site for concepts of the place to camp in Devon with children.
One of the best Devon seashores
One of many greatest Devon points of interest is the miles and miles of sand on each coasts – the north Devon seashores are generally wilder, however you’ll discover loads of seashores for toddlers, with light stretches of sand to paddle on, in addition to surf seashores for older children, and every part in between.
No matter you fancy, take a look at my information to the very best seashores in Devon with children in addition to a few of my favourites under.
Scroll down for extra concepts on seaside actions for teenagers, my favorite seaside towels and exercise books.
Finest seashores in north Devon
You’ll be able to’t speak about north Devon seashores with out mentioning Woolacombe seaside – usually ranked among the many high seashores to go to within the UK and Europe, there are miles of sand stretching out to play on.
In case you’re in search of surf you’ll discover it right here, together with a lifeguard station manned in the summertime, amenities together with cafes and bathrooms close by, and it’s even dog-friendly (though there are restrictions in some areas in the course of the summer time months).
Close by Putsborough Seashore is much much less well-known but it surely’s obtained the bonus of being quieter because of this, and is one other widespread one for households – you’ll discover necessities like bathrooms and cafe, plus you’ll be able to paddle within the shallows or clamber on among the rocks protruding from the sand.
Take a look at Combe Martin seaside too, which has received a Seaside award, and has huge flat sands at low tide – there are additionally nature trails close by to find, and bathrooms, parking and cafes right here too.
Saunton Sands, with their basic seaside huts and dunes, are a terrific style of the seaside stretching for 3.5 miles and it’s a dog-friendly seaside in the event you’re travelling with pets.
Or Croyde Seashore is one other nice one in the event you’re in search of sand and surf. It’s an award-winning seaside and likewise has its personal lifeguard station.
For one of the crucial uncommon seashores, it’s laborious to beat Tunnels seaside at Ilfracombe – there’s a cost for this seaside but it surely’s definitely worth the small charge to discover this uncommon cove with a Victorian tidal pool.
You stroll by hand carved tunnels within the rock to achieve Tunnels at Ilfracombe, and also you’ll discover details about the historical past – it was opened in 1823 – plus smugglers’ caves, rock swimming pools and a family-restaurant and play hut. Even the bathrooms have received awards!
And in the event you’re keen to place within the effort to have one nook of Devon’s coast nearly to your self, Broad Sands is value it – there are 200 steps right down to this wild pebble seaside, with caves and an island to discover. Head down at low tide, and older children will love exploring one of many high 10 wild swimming seashores within the UK.
For extra days on the sand, take a look at my choose of the very best seashores in Devon with children
Finest seashores in south Devon
There are some nice Blue Flag seashores in south Devon together with Blackpool Sands with its gorgeously clear water – though regardless of the title, it’s really a shingle seaside reasonably than sandy.
Or Dawlish Warren is one other Blue Flag seaside which frequently hosts open-air occasions in the course of the summer time, plus sand dunes and house for sandcastles, in addition to clear shallow water – there are dog-friendly areas year-round too.
For an additional sandy spot, Salcombe North Sands might be straight from the Mediterranean with tree-lined cliffs across the cove, and can be a dog-friendly possibility.
Youthful children will love Bantham Seashore close to Kingsbridge which has shallow waters for paddling, sand and dunes – it additionally appears to be like out to Burgh Island, and there’s someplace to get snacks close to the parking (each want money).
You’ll be able to watch the ocean tractor (or head over to Burgh Island) from close by Bigbury on Sea seaside too, though with shallow shelving water and excellent sand for sandcastles, you won’t need to transfer. One which’s greatest when the tide is low although.
For an additional dog-friendly possibility with calm waters and watersports, Slapton Sands additionally has lifeguards in the summertime plus you’ve obtained the character reserve of Slapton Ley close by with its wildlife in the event you can persuade children away from the seaside.
In case you’re staying close to Torquay and Paignton, there are some nice seashores in these basic seaside spots as properly.
Torre Abbey Sands at Torquay is a mushy sandy seaside, and if you wish to do greater than paddle, you’ll be able to lease pedalos – plus there are bathrooms, a store and cafes or snack stalls for the compulsory ice lotions.
On the outskirts of Paignton, Goodrington Sands can be sandy however with rock swimming pools at low tide and loads of actvities from loopy golf to water sports activities, together with pedalo and kayak rent. You’ll be able to even spot steam trains from the seaside and canine are allowed on North Sands year-round (although not South Sands).
There’s additionally Preston Sands which has extra mushy sand and rock swimming pools (plus loopy golf and bathrooms), in addition to deckchairs to lease and vibrant seaside huts ranged alongside the again.
For considered one of south Devon’s most uncommon seashores, head by the smugglers’ tunnel to Ness Cove at Shaldon – rising from the darkish passageway onto the shingle and sand is half the enjoyable, however there are nice rockpools when you arrive as properly. Shaldon Zoo is correct subsequent door to the seaside as properly, as an added bonus.
Uncover what we thought throughout our time out in Shaldon and Teignmouth
Rockpooling Devon
In case you’re in search of among the greatest seashores to go rockpooling in Devon, you’ll discover loads of selection on each coasts.
Take a look at the very best seashores in north Devon and south Devon above, as some are additionally good spots for rockpooling, together with Goodrington Sands close to Paignton, Bantham Seashore and Ness Cove within the south plus Combe Martin within the north.
We additionally cherished Shoalstone seaside close to Brixham, the place you’ll be able to clamber over the rocks to find marine creatures galore together with crabs and tiny sea snails – there’s additionally a giant sea water pool for swimming.
Take a look at my evaluate of a morning clambering among the many rock swimming pools with a toddler.
Or Wembury Bay is a Nationwide Belief web site which additionally has its personal training centre in addition to among the nation’s greatest rockpooling – not too removed from Plymouth, it’s one for the record in the event you’re staying in south Devon.
Additional alongside the south coast in east Devon, take a look at Maer rocks close to Exmouth too for one more rockpooling spot.
On the north coast, Hartland Quay is a superb place to go rockpooling in north Devon – in the event you’re fortunate, you may even see falcons nesting on the cliffs above this rocky seaside.
Or not removed from widespread Woolacombe seaside, Combesgate Seashore has a lot of family-friendly rockpools – in the course of the summer time months, they generally have rockpool rambles with the seaside rangers too.
And close by Barricane seaside is known for unique seashells which get washed up from the Caribbean – and likewise for the Sri Lankan seaside shack serving curry in summer time. Even in the event you don’t discover both of these in your go to, there are some pretty rock swimming pools between the huge expanses of sand right here too.
Discover recommendations on the right way to get probably the most out of rockpooling with children and staying secure
Planning a visit to Devon for households
Likelihood is, in the event you’re visiting Devon with children you’ll have a automobile journey to get you there – even from London, it’s often a minimal of three and a half hours for us. On earlier journeys, we’ve damaged the journey at Stourhead in Wiltshire and Stonehenge though there are extra nice locations to discover on the Nice West Manner too.
For some extra of my greatest motorway stop-offs within the UK, take a look at this publish.
And in the event you’re in search of methods to outlive the street journey with children, I’ve obtained concepts on the right way to entertain them alongside the best way, in addition to the right way to make the journey go extra easily.
In the event that they don’t get automobile sick, the pocket sized I Spy books embrace I Spy on a automobile journey to maintain them occupied in the course of the drive.
Audiobooks are one other favorite – superb if studying or tablets do trigger automobile illness as properly. We’ve signed as much as Audible which has an incredible vary of child-friendly audio books however this assortment of Roald Dahl audiobooks on CD is one other nice purchase, as is the whole Paddington assortment.
When you arrive, no journey to Devon is full with out a minimum of one journey to the seaside – nearly actually much more. And whereas sandcastles and rockpooling are all the time favourites (don’t overlook the bucket, spade and web), I’ve obtained a couple of different concepts of seaside actions for teenagers too.
You’ll be able to see a few of my different journey necessities to pack, together with my favorite hammam towels and SPF, on this record, in addition to this I Spy on the Seaside guide and an I Spy on the Seaside exercise guide.
Devon information books to purchase
Footprint guides has a guide of concepts for Devon with children whereas this Wild Information: Devon, Cornwall and the South West has nice recommendations to seek out the much less explored facet of the nation.
For extra methods to get outside, Devon – 40 Coast and Nation Walks consists of every part from simple strolls to more difficult hikes. Or there are 50 concepts of buggy-friendly walks throughout the UK in Stunning Buggy Walks which is right for visiting Devon with a child or toddler.
Discover much more recommendations on issues to do in Devon with children in Lonely Planet’s Devon and Cornwall information or the Tough Information to Devon and Cornwall
And if you’re combining a visit to Devon with a go to to neighbouring Cornwall, listed below are my high issues to do in Cornwall with children, in addition to free issues to do in Cornwall and concepts of what to do in Cornwall within the rain, together with my final information to Cornwall with children
PIN FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DEVON FOR FAMILIES
Disclosure: This publish accommodates some affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee.
Photos: Courtesy Depositphotos or copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER