A lot of my very own childhood reminiscences come courtesy of Devon and it’s one of many UK counties that my daughter has visited most – not stunning given simply how a lot there may be nonetheless for us to discover in Devon with children!
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So impressed by my record of the most effective issues to do in Cornwall with children, I’ve compiled an analogous record for its family-friendly neighbour, together with options for wet days in Devon, free household days out in addition to solar on the seashore.
With out additional ado, listed here are my prime issues to do in Devon with children of all ages from animal sights to theme parks, castles, museums and historic spots to countless wonderful Devon seashores.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Devon with children, try my final information to Devon for households or purchase the book model
Devon with children: Animal sights
Exmoor Zoo, Barnstaple
At Exmoor Zoo, you will get a lot nearer to the animals than most zoos, with a string of particular animal experiences – and there are some bigger animals to identify, together with the star black leopard (firmly inside its enclosure!)
There are additionally some nice talks and probabilities to see the animals being fed, in addition to animal encounters working all through the day. If that’s not sufficient household pleasant enjoyable to maintain everybody entertained, there’s often a stamp path for youths to observe as properly.
Proper on the sting of Exmoor nationwide park, it’s a enjoyable possibility to mix with a day exploring outside too.
Nationwide Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The Nationwide Marine Aquarium is the UK’s largest aquarium, with a collection of tanks and viewing factors to take you the world over’s oceans, from the shores of Plymouth to the coral reefs of the tropics.
The Nice Barrier Reef exhibit has over 70 species of fish alone, with sharks, turtles and rays together with jellyfish and anenomes to find, plus there are some nice trails for youths to observe via the 4 most important zones.
Try my ideas from our time out on the Nationwide Marine Aquarium
Occombe Farm, Paignton
It’s straightforward to spend hours at this working farm, which has a nature path, livestock and gardens to discover.
Regardless of the climate, Occombe Farm has indoor and outside play areas, with the indoor play impressed by forest and the ocean so there’s tons to spark children’ imaginations moderately than your common gentle play. There’s a separate space for under-twos if you happen to’re searching for gentle play too although.
Outside there’s a straw bale maze, mud kitchen, messy kitchen, water play and steadiness challenges across the animal paddocks path.
Within the animal encounters barn, you can cuddle a bunny or a guinea pig, in addition to assembly goats, ponies and different farmyard animals. Plus the café is stocked with produce grown on the positioning – suppose crab truffles earlier than a cream tea. Yum.
Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Hug, stroke and pet the five hundred residents without spending a dime on the pretty Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, with mules in addition to donkeys taken care of by the charity in cost.
There are additionally nature trails via the fields to wander, and common household actions – equivalent to a Prime Trumps path dotted across the sanctuary or a spring path highlighting a few of the nature to identify.
There’s no must prebook, and there’s an amazing cafe on web site with a kids’s menu, in addition to some tempting meals for adults.
For extra concepts of free days out in Devon with children, I’ve bought 9 concepts that received’t price you a penny.
The Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh
The stunning Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary is an ideal time out for youths who love animals, particularly if you happen to’re visiting Devon with youthful children.
Three species of otter stay right here, together with native British ones, playful Asian brief clawed and show-off North American river otters – you’ll have the most effective likelihood of seeing all of them at feeding occasions, at 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm.
You possibly can even e book particular child-friendly otter encounters if you happen to’d wish to get a bit nearer.
A specifically designed habitat homes the tropical butterflies, with dozens of various species exhibiting off their brightly colored wings – though do keep in mind that if you happen to go to in winter, solely a uncommon few are prone to be fluttering round.
Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm
One other fabulous attraction in Devon with children, you’ll be able to cuddle a guinea pig or easy the feathers of an Eagle Owl as you discover the Totnes Uncommon Breeds farm.
Set close to the South Devon Steam Railway, it’s one other good time out with toddlers, with the prospect to spy an entire collection of livestock, in addition to the attractive owls.
There have been beforehand usually joint tickets accessible to the farm, and the butterflies and otters on the Buckfastleigh sanctuary however these are presently unavailable. Do verify instructions on the web site earlier than visiting too, as sat navs typically ship you to the mistaken handle.
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
There’s extra to find at Pennywell Farm than simply the animals – with a distinct exercise going down each half-hour, you can take pleasure in something from watching pig racing to tractor rides.
Simply pay attention for the bell each half-hour as one thing new begins, with every little thing on the each day timetable included in your ticket.
However the farm can also be house to over 150 animals, together with the miniature pigs (save a while for a cuddle), miniature donkeys, alpacas, hedgehogs, loads of different farmyard favourites and a bunch of small fluffy creatures too.
Add in play areas, a bouncy fort, a small railway and cafe, and it’s an amazing Devon time out with children – plus Dartmoor Nationwide Park is on the doorstep too.
Devon with children: Amusement and theme parks
The Massive Sheep, Bideford
A sheep-themed household amusement park? Sounds quirky however at The Massive Sheep you’ll be able to guess on sheep racing (utilizing ewe-ros clearly), watch sheep shearing, attempt lamb feeding, and there are farm safaris and a gentle play barn, Ewetopia, good for a wet day.
There’s an entire string of family-friendly rides as properly, together with light choices like a practice trip, in addition to the Tornado chair swings, plus extra daring choices equivalent to Rampage, North Devon’s greatest, highest and quickest rollercoaster.
Crealy Theme Park
Recurrently voted the most effective time out in Devon, Crealy Theme Park and resort is the largest within the county, with over 60 rides and sights unfold over 100 acres.
With an enormous 75,000ft of undercover play and outside journey areas in addition to the basic coasters and rides, there are additionally greater than 200 animals to satisfy so there’s one thing for all ages, regardless of the weatherwatermNot removed from Exeter and simply off the M5, it’s an amazing one to mix with a break within the metropolis or Dartmoor.
(Whereas the sister web site in Cornwall has been closed to get replaced by Camel Creek, the Devon theme park could be very a lot nonetheless open)
For extra concepts of issues to do in Exeter with children, try this submit
Watermouth Citadel, Ilfracombe
Not an precise fort, however a theme park primarily based round a 19th century castle-style home, you’ll discover an underground fountain present and a dungeon labyrinth to discover at Watermouth Citadel, one among Devon’s prime vacationer sights.
In addition to the rides and sights, there’s a dungeon labyrinth with its corridor of mirrors and an underground fountain present with 1,000 jets of water and choreographed lights.
Add in classic amusement machines within the Nice Corridor and a few rooms arrange as they might have been in Victorian occasions, and it’s unqestionnably distinctive!
Watermouth Citadel has been offered to new house owners this yr, with plans to develop and enhance the positioning, so it’s value checking the newest modifications earlier than you go to
The Milky Method, Clovelly
For those who’re searching for a theme park that’s nice with smaller children, The Milky Method is right – and in addition to some nice sights for preschoolers, there’s a lot for the entire household whether or not it’s sunny or wet.
In addition to rides appropriate for little ones and extra daring older siblings, there’s 110 sq. toes of indoor enjoyable, together with gentle play sections for various ages in addition to journey slides (sufficiently big for adults too).
Save a while to look at the birds of prey present, in addition to a few of the interactive video games.
Woodlands Leisure Park, Totnes
For an additional of the most effective theme parks in Devon, Woodlands Leisure Park has its personal spectacular vary of issues to do, together with a whopping 60 acres of rides and sights.
Break up into 9 most important zones, there’s a toddler space, rides together with watercoasters, together with a zoo and falconry centre, farm rides and extra – not forgetting the prospect to color pottery.
Woodlands additionally ahs one of many largest indoor play areas within the South West, in case you’re visiting Devon within the rain, plus loads of themed occasions all year long, particularly at Halloween and Christmas.
Devon with children: Points of interest
Golden Hind, Brixham
This duplicate of Sir Francis Drake’s well-known ship has a lot for historical past followers, together with an audio tour, however whether or not you select that or not, the Golden Hind can also be nice for youths to scramble round and discover.
There are some steep steps if you happen to’re visiting with infants, however even pre-schoolers will love turning the wheel and child-friendly trails which have included trying to find hidden rats and mice. You may as well be taught to tie knots, tackle quizzes and challenges, and uncover extra about Drake’s exploits.
And if a daytime go to isn’t sufficient, there’s even likelihood to sleep on board the Golden Hind.
Try our evaluation of a go to to the Golden Hind with a toddler (to not be confused with the Golden Hinde in London)
Kents Cavern, Torquay
Stroll via a labyrinth of caverns, previous historical rocks, and uncover the house of historical people in caves which date again 2.5 million years for an enchanting glimpse into how folks as soon as lived.
In addition to the excursions via the caves at Kents Cavern, there are household actions too: digging for fossils, ammonites and shark’s enamel within the sand, making a tribal caveman face, chalk cave portray on the wall, and leaving a hand print on the wall of fingers.
Uncover what we thought when we visited Kents Cavern
There’s additionally an exercise path, plus outside trails if you happen to fancy trying to find ice age animals. The caves are appropriate for toddlers too, though buggies could be restricted at busy occasions – this does embrace throughout unhealthy climate, however it’s a nice household time out for a wet day too.
For extra concepts on what to do in Devon within the rain with children, try these options to keep away from the worst of the climate
Burgh Island sea tractors
The sands of Bigbury-on-Sea seashore are good for households, however at excessive tide, the sea tractor trip on the Thirties machine to Burgh Island is much more thrilling for youths.
Though you’ll be able to’t go to the attractive artwork deco lodge until you’re really staying there, you’ll be able to discover the island and wander again on foot at low tide – there’s a £2 cost for guests who can be a part of friends in crossing backward and forward.
For extra days on the sand, try my decide of the finest seashores in Devon with children
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh to Totnes
With seven miles of railway working alongside the River Dart valley, the South Devon Railway takes you between Buckfastleigh and Totnes so you’ll be able to benefit from the Devon countryside with none effort as your steam practice puffs and chuffs alongside.
There are sometimes particular themed occasions, together with Thomas the Tank Engine days and Christmas Santa specials
Though you’ll be able to’t presently purchase mixed tickets to the Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm and the Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary in Buckfastleigh, it’s straightforward to go to them at both finish of your practice trip to make a full enjoyable time out.
Dartmouth Steam Railway
The Dartmouth Steam railway has its personal classic trains working between Paignton and Kingswear for a moderately completely different approach to get to the seaside.
Travelling alongside the English Riviera Geopark coast line, the route passes a string of fairly stations together with Goodrington, Churston and Greenway Halt (for Agatha Christie’s vacation house) – though you’ll be able to solely get off at Paignton or Kingswear.
In addition to absorbing the coast and countryside, there’s a free foot passenger ferry included along with your practice ticket to sail over from fairly Dartmouth, in addition to spherical journey choices which embrace an open-topped bus, or with an additional round cruise on the River Dart.
For extra of the most effective issues to do in Dartmouth with children, try my prime picks
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
The working glass and video games manufacturing unit has a set containing one among each marble made through the years, and you’ll see 5 completely different marble runs in motion in addition to selecting up souvenirs in each color.
It’s not simply marbles although, regardless of the identify. The Home of Marbles additionally has a set of various video games relationship again so far as the 1600s, together with glassblowing and data on the 4,000-year-old historical past of glass and a pottery museum.
There are even brass rubbing trails to attempt – together with an indoor possibility for wet days – plus the video games backyard, with a climbing body, big video games and (no shock!) an opportunity to tackle your loved ones at marbles.
Try this submit for extra concepts of issues to do on Dartmoor with children, if you happen to’re visiting Bovey Tracey
Devon with children: Castles and heritage
You’ll discover extra family-friendly stately houses in Devon than fortified castles, however there’s nonetheless a lot for followers of knights and princesses.
Powderham Citadel, Exeter
Simply exterior Exeter on the banks of the Exe estuary, you’ll find the house of the Earl and Countess of Devon at Powderham Citadel – and together with the prospect to hitch a guided tour inside, there’s an enormous quantity to entertain within the grounds.
Take a tractor trip to identify the herd within the deer park, be king of your personal fort within the picket fort of the play space (impressed by the centuries of historical past inside the traditional house of the Courtenay household), spot the livestock, wander via gardens galore and be a part of within the common household actions, together with trails and crafts.
There’s a brand new Shaun the Sheep AR path for 2023 as properly that will help you discover the grounds as properly, and if you happen to miss one of many first come first served locations for the fort tour, you’ll be able to head in to go searching on the open home classes. Be sure you get there early although, as final entry to the fort is at 2.30pm.
See what we bought as much as on a go to to Powderham Citadel with children
Discover Exeter’s medieval historical past
Head underground in Exeter to discover the town’s 14th century medieval passages working beneath the excessive avenue – reserving is crucial, and this one is for over-fives solely.
After trying across the interpretation centre, with interactive shows together with a speaking determine of a medieval man and a video fly-through of the passages, you head underground for a 25-minute likelihood to discover and listen to tales of warfare, sieges, plague and pestilence…
Then head to the medieval cathedral to maintain the historical past theme going – there’s all the time one thing further to seize children’ consideration too, every little thing from a Lego mannequin of the historic constructing to exhibitions like 2022’s Museum of the Moon, in addition to trails and actions throughout faculty holidays.
For extra issues to do in Exeter with children, try my prime picks, together with canoeing on the river Exe
Greenway, Galmpton
Even if you happen to’re not an Agatha Christie fan, there’s a lot to find at her former house, Greenway, left frozen in time as it might have been within the Fifties.
There’s a path for youths to observe round the home, recognizing crocodiles alongside the way in which, in addition to a altering show within the Cupboard of Curiosities. Go to at Christmas, and the home will get an additional festive makeover too.
Or head into the gardens to take a look at the Travelling Timber path, and tick some actions off the 50 issues to do earlier than you’re 11 ¾ record, in addition to recognizing boats on the river and pretending to fireplace the cannon.
It’s value prebooking parking if you wish to go to Greenway throughout the summer time or in class holidays: there’s a ferry from Dartmouth or Dittisham (with a stroll on the finish), in any other case visiting by public transport is feasible however not straightforward.
Buckland Abbey, close to Plymouth
This former monastery might be finest often known as the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer’s possession is just a part of the eight centuries of historical past to find at Buckland Abbey because it was first in-built 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Transformed to a house after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you’ll be able to nonetheless see proof of the previous church, together with secret doorways and stairs which not lead anyplace, in addition to with the ability to stroll via time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian eating room.
Alongside the way in which there’s Drake’s drum, which is alleged to beat if England is at risk, a portrait of Rembrandt (again from mortgage in The Hague), Tudor dressing up and the prospect to study life on board Drake’s ship.
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Getting into this artwork deco home (constructed by the D’Oyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is fantastic at any time of yr, however if you happen to’re visiting Devon throughout the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is much more particular.
The home is adorned for a Nineteen Twenties Christmas, with conventional video games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations: should be booked upfront) – there are spotter trails to observe inside the home year-round although.
The remainder of the yr, there are free backyard trails to find the grounds and a enjoyable design path to assist children take pleasure in the home’s structure.
Saltram Home, Plymouth
This elegant Georgian home was owned by the Parker household from 1712 for nearly 250 years, and you’ll nonetheless see a lot of the unique assortment.
Youngsters are prone to be extra within the truth there are often new trails to assist discover, plus alternatives to decorate up and check out actions inside, with further seasonal occasions aimed toward households throughout faculty holidays.
The gardens and grounds are pretty to discover too, with straightforward strolling and biking trails which might be good for households.
Killerton, Exeter
In keeping with legend, Killerton is house to a sleeping dragon, who snoozes on a hill close by – good to get children out exploring the grounds.
The property is big – 10 sq. miles, with trails galore plus gardens and woodland in addition to a beautiful little play space, even if you happen to don’t spot a lot as a scaly wing. Look out for the bear’s hut too, which was really as soon as house to the household’s pet bear.
And that’s all earlier than you even get indoors. The home features a historic vogue assortment, which is surprisingly participating even for youthful children, plus a path that will help you discover.
Try what we considered a day at Killerton with children
There are a string of different Nationwide Belief websites in Devon too, together with Arlington Court docket, and Citadel Drogo, amongst others
Devon with children: Museums
RAMM, Exeter
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to present RAMM its full identify is a treasure trove of discovery for youths – and nice if you happen to’re searching for free days out in Devon.
In addition to shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current, plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb, to not point out a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
There are additionally quizzes, plus a string of interactive reveals from dressing up in Roman clothes and making a mosaic to inspecting microscopic slides, constructing a fowl and trying out a miniature medieval longhouse.
For an additional quirky museum time out in Devon with children, try the Museum of British Browsing in Braunton, with a wide range of early boards
The Field, Plymouth
This arts and cultural hub, which opened in 2020, has an amazing mixture of everlasting galleries and non permanent exhibitions – and even higher, there’s no entry cost to The Field so it’s one other implausible free time out in Devon with children.
The shows have hyperlinks to Plymouth’s previous – every little thing from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads from ships, together with an entire host of details about the town’s seafaring previous, together with interactive display and pictures exhibiting a few of the most well-known journeys which began in Plymouth.
Youngsters can decide up free trails to observe as they discover, designed for all ages, with half a dozen completely different subjects, or step in entrance of a inexperienced display to attempt their hand as a TV presenter.
For extra issues to do in Plymouth with children, try my prime picks
Devon with children: Getting outside
Go rockpooling
Devon’s two coasts are nice for locating rock swimming pools – Shoalstone seashore is implausible for clambering over rocks to find crabs, tiny sea snails and the occasional minnow in addition to a giant sea water pool for swimming. It’s additionally canine pleasant.
Try our evaluation of a morning clambering among the many rock swimming pools with a toddler
Or Wembury Bay is a beautiful Nationwide Belief web site with an training centre in addition to tons to seek out on the rocky shore.
For extra of the finest seashores in Devon with children, try my prime picks, together with extra concepts for Devon’s finest rockpools
Berry Head Nature Reserve
This attractive clifftop reserve on the southern half of Tor Bar is likely one of the gateways to the English Riviera international geopark, with some fabulous views out to the ocean on a sunny day.
When you’re at Berry Head Nature Reserve, you can too discover the fortifications from the Napoleonic Conflict, gaze out to attempt to spot seals and sharks within the waves, or enterprise onto one of many strolling trails.
Try our evaluation of a day at Berry Head Nature Reserve
South West Coast Path
Linking Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset, there’s loads of alternative alongside the South West Coast Path for walks with children.
The part in Devon stretches the size of the English Riviera with miles of coastal walks whether or not you’re searching for a brief amble or an extended hike.
Or you can uncover Devon’s slice of the Jurassic coast, the place east Devon meets Dorset, together with some straightforward household walks.
Letterboxing on Dartmoor
The unique geo-caching, letterboxing mixes treasure looking and puzzle fixing with orienteering as you monitor down over 100 letterboxes dotted round Dartmoor.
Whenever you’ve discovered them, use the stamp to mark a pocket book or postcard, then signal your identify or depart your personal stamp of their pocket book, till you get the set.
In case your children love a treasure path, there are a number of to attempt throughout Devon – we tried the Topsham treasure path as a enjoyable approach to discover this little city close to Exeter
Hit the seashore
The place to start out? You’ll by no means be removed from a stunning stretch of sand in Devon as my decide of the finest seashores in Devon with children proves.
To focus on only a few, Blackpool Sands Seaside is a Blue Flag household seashore that would simply be confused with the Mediterranean, and has some nice shallow water for youthful children.
Elsewhere, the three miles of sand at Woolacombe are often ranked as one among Britain’s finest seashores – it’s additionally dog-friendly year-round (though restricted to sure areas throughout summer time).
Bantham Seaside is shallow sufficient for youthful swimmers to take pleasure in too, whereas a smugglers’ tunnel takes you to the pink cliffed rugged Ness Cove at Shaldon.
Geoplay Park, Paignton
There are 4 sections aimed toward completely different ages inside this enjoyable play park on Paignton seafront, so it’s nice enjoyable whether or not you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers.
Themed across the space’s geological historical past, you can attempt discovering the Devonian interval with toddlers, using on a trilobite and swinging over the ocean which might have then coated Torbay.
Tarka Path
Impressed by the novel Tarka the Otter, the Tarka Path runs for round 180 miles, however one of many loveliest stretches is between Braunton and Meeth alongside the realm’s previous railway traces.
You may wrestle to identify an otter – particularly if you happen to’re exploring it with children! – however there’s nonetheless a lot to take pleasure in as you cycle or stroll.
The longest, steady cycle path within the UK, components run alongside the coast or you’ll be able to head off into Devon’s pretty countryside, with routes masking a big chunk of the county between Exmoor and Dartmoor.
Lundy Island
Because the Atlantic meets the Bristol Channel, Lundy Island is the final land earlier than you hit the US – the one approach to attain it’s by boat, so you’ll be able to select between cruises across the island or the ferry over to discover.
Good for nature lovers, this car-free island has letterboxing that will help you discover, you’ll be able to spot seabirds and probably dolphins on the ferry crossing in addition to puffins on the island itself.
The ocean crossing isn’t all the time easy, so higher with older children (or throughout calmer summer time climate).
For a car-free vacation spot in Devon which doesn’t contain a ship, head to fairly Clovelly – the streets are steep nevertheless it’s a beautiful time out for households
Lydford Gorge, close to Tavistock
The deepest gorge within the south west, Lydford Gorge is house to a spectacular 30m waterfall often known as the White Woman, with some attractive surroundings to tempt everybody out on a stroll.
The river and wildlife are lovely whether or not you’re visiting with spring flowers in bloom or autumn leaves on the timber and completely different trails lead you previous a few of the highlights, together with the effervescent Satan’s Cauldron. Not buggy-friendly, though you’ll be able to borrow carriers and there are tearooms.
Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
A sprawling 3,500 acres of woodland, Haldon Forest Park is just quarter-hour exterior Exeter, with choices for all ages if you happen to’re seeking to get outside in Devon.
There’s mountain biking for older adventurers and a gentler 1 ½ mile Discovery Path for households, amongst others strolling routes, plus Go Ape and archery classes.
There’s presently the Zog Exercise path for youths as properly, plus a restaurant if you happen to fancy a drink and slice of cake after your stroll.
The Bear Path, Cullompton
Whether or not it’s sunny or wet, The Bear Path is ideal for getting hilariously muddy with its 27 obstacles to “climb, slip, slide, run and swing in, beneath, over and thru” as they describe it.
This enjoyable impediment course additionally has a cubs’ nook designed for youngsters beneath one metre, however they’ll additionally take part leaping over muddy bear pits, whizzing down zip wires and crawling via tunnels (plus a path alongside if any obstacles defeat a few of the child bears).
Toddlers are welcome or teenagers also can problem themselves to the 3m and 5m bag jumps. Then there’s an out of doors wash level (deliver a change of garments!) plus wood-fired pizzas within the cafe.
For those who’re visiting out of season, I’ve additionally bought concepts of issues to do in Devon in winter in addition to the most effective locations to remain in Devon with children
*First printed 2015, final up to date 2023*
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Photos: Seaside photograph/donkey/fowl/amusement park/sand toys courtesy of Depositphotos; RAMM courtesy of Go to Exeter, Golden Hinde/Powderham/Berry Head copyright MummyTravels
