27 of the very best issues to do in North Devon with children

It’s typically the south coast of Devon which will get all the eye, however with smaller crowds, fabulous shoreline and plenty of issues to do in North Devon with children, you’ll discover loads of causes to tempt you to go to.

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Whether or not you’re planning to hit the seaside, wish to study to surf, discover the nice outside, uncover a North Devon theme park or spend a day with the animals, you’ll discover one thing in my checklist of North Devon points of interest to tempt each household.

And from extra fashionable household vacation locations like Woolacombe and Combe Martin, to Ilfracombe, Exmoor, Clovelly, Bideford and Barnstaple (to call a couple of), you’ll by no means be too removed from an awesome household day trip with my 27 high issues to do in North Devon with children both.

This information concentrates totally on the North Devon coast, in addition to a couple of concepts for days inland, however should you’re glad to journey additional and on the lookout for extra inspiration together with South Devon and East Devon, take a look at my Final information to Devon with children

The place to remain in North Devon with children

At any time when we’re visited Devon, we’ve at all times stayed in self-catering lodging – I like the flexibleness of getting house for all of the household, someplace to cook dinner and someplace to sit back out after a busy day exploring or on the seaside.

So should you’re on the lookout for locations to say in North Devon with children, I like cottage rental websites which allow you to filter by family-friendly properties in addition to completely different areas of the county – both North Devon as an entire, or particular areas like Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Bideford and Barnstaple. Vacation Cottages is a good place to begin, together with Sykes Cottages.

You possibly can even filter by how shut you wish to be to the ocean and the seaside, and even if you wish to be close to a sandy seaside – this being Devon, there are some beautiful family-friendly locations to remain that are virtually a shell’s throw away from the sand. To not point out cottages the place you possibly can take your canine.

And should you’re travelling with teenagers and tweens, there’s additionally an possibility to select properties with WiFi, whereas some actually have a pool, a scorching tub, a video games room or barbecue – or an open hearth, should you’re planning an escape exterior the summer season months.

Personally, a trendy seaside condo close to a sandy seaside, with a scorching tub and WiFi would go well with me right down to the bottom!

Issues to do in North Devon with children

A number of the greatest methods to spend a day in North Devon with children are exterior, from the fabulous coast to the equally memorable countryside.

But when the climate isn’t in your favour, you’ll discover loads of concepts for a wet day in North Devon with children, concepts for adventurous teenagers and for toddlers, plus some free days out in North Devon for households.

Finest seashores in north Devon

Among the best free issues to do in north Devon with children (other than the price of ice cream!) is a go to to one of many lovely seashores. You’ll discover dog-friendly seashores, surf seashores, secluded seashores, quirky coves and loads of stretches of golden sand to maintain children glad all day.

Take a look at my concepts for the very best seaside actions with children to maintain everybody entertained

Woolacombe Seaside

You possibly can’t speak about north Devon seashores with out mentioning Woolacombe seaside – recurrently ranked among the many high seashores to go to within the UK and Europe, there are miles of sand stretching out to play on.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for surf you’ll discover it right here, together with a lifeguard station manned in the summertime, services together with cafes and bogs close by, and it’s even canine pleasant (though there are restrictions in some areas throughout the summer season months).

Putsborough Seaside

Putsborough Seaside is much less well-known than close by Woolacombe nevertheless it’s acquired the bonus of being quieter consequently, and is one other fashionable one for households.

You’ll discover necessities like bogs and cafe, plus you possibly can paddle within the shallows or clamber on a few of the rocks protruding from the sand. It’s additionally canine pleasant all 12 months.

Combe Martin seaside

Combe Martin seaside has received a Seaside award, and has extensive flat sands at low tide – there are additionally nature trails close by to find, and bogs, parking and cafes right here too.

Preserve a watch out for the rock swimming pools right here at low tide, whereas you can too rent kayaks and paddleboards within the village if you wish to get out on the waves.

Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands, with its basic seaside huts and dunes, is a good style of the seaside stretching for 3.5 miles.

It’s a dog-friendly seaside should you’re travelling with pets, and in addition has a few of the county’s greatest surf, with lengthy sluggish waves.

Westward Ho!

Not simply on the checklist as a result of I like the title (though I actually do –  the one city within the UK to have an exclamation mark as a part of its title, it was named after a e book).

A Blue Flag seaside, Westward Ho! has a tempting two miles of sand, in addition to being good whether or not you wish to swim, surf or search the rockpools. Canines are additionally welcome on the seaside year-round (with some restrictions in the summertime).

Croyde Seaside

Croyde Seaside is one other nice possibility should you’re on the lookout for sand and surf – rated among the best surf seashores on this planet.

The award-winning seaside additionally has its personal lifeguard station, in addition to bogs and locations to purchase meals. You’ll discover surfboard and canoe rent right here too, together with some nice rock pooling.

Tunnels Seaside, Ilfracombe

For one of the crucial uncommon seashores, it’s arduous to beat Tunnels seaside at Ilfracombe – there’s a cost for this seaside, together with for youths, nevertheless it’s definitely worth the small payment to discover this uncommon cove with a Victorian tidal pool.

You stroll by means of hand carved tunnels within the rock to succeed in the seaside, with details about the historical past – it was opened in 1823 – plus smugglers’ caves, rock swimming pools and a household restaurant and play hut. Even the bogs have received awards!

Broad Sands

If you happen to’re keen to place within the effort to have one nook of Devon’s coast virtually to your self, Broad Sands is price it – there are 200 steps right down to this wild pebble seaside, with caves and an island to discover.

To not be confused with Broadsands seaside close to Torquay and Paignton on the south coast, it’s one to go to at low tide fairly than excessive tide, however 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

Rockpooling in North Devon

In case your children need extra leisure than constructing sandcastles and paddling, there are some nice locations to go rockpooling – superb if the climate isn’t as much as sunbathing.

In addition to a few of the nice seashores talked about above, there are a couple of different unmissable spots to strive rockpooling in North Devon with children.

On the north coast, Hartland Quay is a good place to discover – should you’re fortunate, you may even see falcons nesting on the cliffs above this rocky seaside.

Or not removed from fashionable Woolacombe seaside, Combesgate Seaside has a number of family-friendly rockpools – throughout the summer season months, they often have rockpool rambles with the seaside rangers too.

Close by Barricane seaside is known for unique seashells which get washed up from the Caribbean – and in addition for the Seaside Cafe serving muffins and sandwiches throughout the day, and genuine Sri Lankan curries within the night. However even with out these two points of interest, there are some pretty rock swimming pools between the extensive expanses of sand right here too.

For tips about tips on how to get probably the most out of rockpooling with children, staying secure and defending the creatures dwelling within the rockpools, take a look at the recommendation from the Nationwide Historical past Museum

Be taught to surf

Westward Ho! is house to the UK’s highest rated surf college, the North Devon Surf Faculty, which runs classes appropriate for full learners together with children.

You possibly can select from a half-day introduction, or blocks of classes between two and 10, in addition to personal classes should you’d fairly hone your abilities away from a gaggle.

Plus as one of many longest established surf faculties within the UK, there are additionally loads of services – not simply tools to rent, however heated altering rooms, safe storage, bogs and a pizza cafe to refuel after your lesson.

If you happen to’re visiting one other a part of the North Devon coast, you can too e book classes with Surf Saunton and Strolling on Waves at Saunton Sands (youthful children should be accompanied by a father or mother) in addition to Browsing Croyde Bay which runs household surf classes.

South West Coast Path

You’re not in need of locations to go for a stroll in North Devon with children – the South West coast path runs alongside each coasts, with 90 miles of path in north Devon alone.

There are concepts for household walks alongside the North Devon stretch of the South West Coast Path, with tons to entertain past the views, together with geocaching and youngsters’ actions.

You possibly can select from completely different ranges, together with some straightforward walks based mostly within the cities themselves, and more difficult choices; stroll to an Iron Age hill fort, spot a ‘sleeping elephant’ or wander by means of woodland alongside the way in which.

Exmoor Nationwide Park

With Exmoor within the northern half of the county, you can too expertise a few of England’s wildest countryside throughout a vacation in North Devon with children.

There’s some nice biking in addition to strolling right here, and with 1,000km of footpaths and bridlepaths, you could find the whole lot from a brief stroll to an adventurous hike.

One of many highlights is a go to to the Valley of the Rocks; a pure amphitheatre of historical stone perched excessive above the Bristol Channel, the place you may spot a few of the native feral goats in addition to having fun with the views.

There are completely different theories about how the valley shaped, however the rocks are a few of the oldest on Exmoor, as much as 400 million years outdated – once they shaped, the land was below a shallow sea. Regardless of the geological causes, they’ve been inspiring poets and writers (and different guests!) for years.

Exmoor was additionally Europe’s first designated Worldwide Darkish Skies Reserve, so it’s a implausible place to go stargazing – you possibly can even rent a telescope to get a greater view.

There are additionally nature reserves throughout North Devon (and the remainder of the county) for extra concepts of locations to get outside with children

The Tarka Path

For some gentler out of doors actions, the Tarka Path is one other of the very best issues to do in north Devon with children: the strolling and biking route is straightforward to adapt to completely different ages and a beautiful approach to discover.

Impressed by the story of Tarka The Otter (although you’d be fortunate to see one your self), the path stretches for 180 miles in a determine of eight loop, so whereas most individuals received’t full the entire thing, you’ll have loads of alternative of locations to get outside.

The UK’s longest traffic-free cycle path hyperlinks Braunton with Meeth, close to Okehampton, whereas a few of the strolling sections take you from Barnstaple to Lynton, crossing a part of Exmoor and becoming a member of the South West Coast path, in addition to one other part from Okehampton to Eggesford.

Desire a style of the path with out an excessive amount of effort? There’s just a little practice line from Eggesford to Barnstaple, so you possibly can take the Tarka Line for this part and benefit from the views with out transferring a muscle.

Need extra concepts of issues to do close to Barnstaple? Take a look at these family-friendly strategies

RHS Rosemoor, Nice Torrington

You don’t need to be a green-fingered aficionado to take pleasure in a day trip at RHS Backyard Rosemoor, with a lot to entertain households.

For starters, take a look at the play areas – there’s pure play space The Brash within the woodland, with sand pit, climbing frames and bug magnifiers, in addition to a ‘inexperienced ship’ in The Copse which has extra for older youngsters, includng a spiro-giro, in addition to comparable pure play for youthful children.

Look out for youngsters’s trails and craft actions all through college holidays, in addition to particular sculpures which pop up now and again, plus – in fact – an entire string of gardens to discover, and a few pretty seasonal walks.

H2 Outside, close to Woolacombe

If you happen to’re visiting North Devon with teenagers or adventurous older children who need greater than a stroll from their vacation, H2 Outside in Bideford is ideal with a number of methods to get your coronary heart racing.

From coasteering and kayaking to different enjoyable water sports activities, it’s the final word out of doors journey play.

Final Journey Centre, Abbotsham

If you happen to’re based mostly just a little additional south alongside the North Devon coast, there’s one other alternative to strive all issues adventurous on the well-named Final Journey Centre in Abbotsham close to Bideford.

You possibly can select coasteering and watersports like Stand Up Paddleboarding in addition to a water assault course, excessive ropes, archery and climbing wall. Even higher, when you’ve got significantly adventurous youthful children, loads of the actions are appropriate for age 5+.

Exmoor Zoo

In case your children love animals, you possibly can’t miss a day trip at Exmoor Zoo, house to the UK’s solely black leopard.

And when you received’t discover any large wildlife parks in north Devon, this small zoo is a beautiful possibility for a day trip with children and toddlers, together with a deal with conservation of smaller animals.

Together with the ‘Exmoor Beast’, you possibly can see a clouded leopard, but in addition numerous monkeys, cats and different smaller mammals (not least guinea pigs!) plus birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods (that’s bugs, spiders and snails).

There are additionally completely different talks and animal encounters going down each half hour, with recurrently altering themes

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

You is likely to be considering that dinosaurs don’t depend for an animal-themed day trip, however because the title suggests, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur park has a small zoo in addition to its lifesized animatronic dinosaurs.

With lemurs, meerkats, sea lions, monkeys galore and wolves among the many inhabitants, together with capybara, raccoons, penguins and birds, you possibly can simply fill a day with common talks as effectively.

For youthful children, the animatronic fashions of dinosaurs might be as a lot of a success on a household day trip, with T-Rex and his mates waking up each hour, plus a Dino Specific practice, botanical backyard and a fossil museum to find too.

And that’s earlier than you get to the Playzone. Billed as ‘the most important indoor playzone this facet of North Devon!’, there are over 7,500 sq. ft of slides, tubes, scramble nets, rope bridges & extra indoor mushy play enjoyable, plus an space for the below 2s.

Woolley Animals Farm Park, Winkleigh

A stunning day trip for younger youngsters, you possibly can encounter a few of your favorite cattle at Woolley Animals.

Cuddle guinea pigs, watch a sheepdog at work, groom the ponies, assist milk the goats and even bottle feed the animals in Spring – you possibly can even watch an alpaca have a bathe or leap on a tractor trailer experience.

Entry to the farm park is simply £5, so it’s an awesome worth day trip should you’re on the lookout for low-cost issues to do in North Devon with children.

Or you possibly can be a part of an Alpaca Stroll (should be prebooked) – children aged 10+ can lead their very own, or under-10s can share the accountability with an grownup. The stroll covers a one-mile route and lasts round an hour (alpacas usually are not recognized for his or her velocity!), and the associated fee contains entry to the farm park.

Ilfracombe Aquarium

It’s arduous to beat a go to to an aquarium when you’re by the seaside, and the Ilfracombe aquarium focuses on the marine life to be discovered round north Devon.

There are over 75 native species and a go to to the aquarium takes you proper from the water supply by means of lakes, rivers and ponds out to rockpools, harbours and the coast, and even a have a look at close by Lundy Island.

It’s not an enormous aquarium, so most guests spend round 30-45 minutes, nevertheless it’s straightforward to suit right into a day trip (or should you’re making an attempt to flee a passing bathe on a wet day in North Devon with children).

There are additionally youngsters’s trails and fish feeds among the many household actions for youthful guests.

The Large Sheep theme park, Bideford

You’ll discover two theme parks in North Devon however the Large Sheep at Bideford is definitely probably the most uncommon.

This working sheep farm has sheep racing in addition to rides and rollercoasters, with the whole lot from a delicate tractor safari to North Devon’s greatest, highest and quickest curler coaster, Rampage.

Children can nonetheless get arms on with the animals on the little petting zoo, in addition to feeding the lambs in Spring, and there are play areas for each wet days and solar.

EWEtopia indoor play is among the South West’s largest all-weather points of interest, with an opportunity for adults to take pleasure in a few of the enjoyable as effectively, together with large multi-lane slides, whereas there are large leaping pillows outside too. Throw in exhibits and particular actions throughout the college holidays and it’s enormous enjoyable for all ages.

Milky Method Journey Park, close to Clovelly

In case your children love a couple of rides, there’s one other North Devon theme park not removed from The Large Sheep – the Milky Method Journey Park close to Clovelly has its personal points of interest in addition to a separate space for preschoolers.

It’s an awesome possibility should you’re visiting North Devon within the rain with children, with over 110,000 sq. ft of indoor enjoyable together with Little Stars mushy play, ninja stars and laser taking pictures.

However there’s additionally a lot to entertain outside too. Together with the rides, you possibly can watch a birds of prey present, discover the maze, watch exhibits and get your adrenaline thrills on the Gravity Rider 30ft tall donut slide.

Watermouth Fortress, Ilfracombe

For a household day trip with a distinction, Watermouth Fortress has its personal mixture of family-friendly points of interest – and this North Devon spot isn’t fairly like wherever else!

Throughout a day trip on the Victorian citadel and its grounds, you possibly can discover the dungeon labyrinths or benefit from the dancing fountains, burn off power within the journey playgrounds and toboggan runs, loosen up on the Large River experience, wander by means of the Gnome Village and the Mystical Water Gardens, pan for gold or hearken to the mechanical robotic organ.

All in all, it’s nice for the entire household with a lot for youthful children in addition to older siblings (to not point out dad and mom).

Comfortable play in North Devon

If you happen to’re visiting North Devon with youthful children and on the lookout for concepts for a wet day, it’s arduous to beat an indoor mushy play to allow them to burn off some power.

And when you may additionally head to an indoor play space at one of many theme parks, comparable to Little Stars at The Milky Method, there are additionally some extra budget-friendly choices should you want an hour of enjoyable for the household (and occasional for the adults).

JunglaRoo, Barnstaple

The most important indoor mushy play centre in North Devon, JunglaRoo (previously often called FunderZone) has a lot to maintain children entertained.

Effectively price prebooking because it’s extremely popular in holidays and at weekends (plus you get a reduction), there are two-hour timed slots to benefit from the slides, ball swimming pools, nets and extra. Socks should be worn (and there’s WiFi for grown-ups).

The Quay Centre, Braunton

In case your children are lacking the seaside, head to The Quay Centre for its indoor seaside shack play space, with a nautical theme operating all through.

There are timed periods lasting 90 minutes to profit from the slides, climbing space and different enjoyable. Have to be prebooked.

World of Marvel, Bideford

Prepare for take-off at World of Marvel in Bideford, the place you possibly can test in to the ‘Wow’ airport earlier than taking off down the runway slide, and uncover a few of the world’s biggest landmarks as you play.

Add in a brand new traversing wall and an interactive ground, plus a separate space for youths aged as much as 4, and play for infants to age 11 too.

Play Hive at Quince Honey Farm, South Molton

This working honey farm has some added temptations together with its candy treats, together with the Play Hive the place children can buzz across the indoor mushy play.

There are climbing ropes and slides in addition to the standard mushy play enjoyable, together with a separate toddler and child mushy play, plus the Child Bee sensory space for youths below two. And if the solar does come out, there’s an outside play space with picnic tables too)

Lynton & Barnstaple railway

Journey again by means of time on the UK’s solely steam railway the place passengers use Victorian railway carriages designed within the Nineties for each journey.

The Lynton and Barnstaple railway initially opened again in 1898 and the slim gauge railway takes you from Woody Bay Station in Barnstaple to Killington Lane Halt and again once more – the two-mile journey takes round 20 minutes however you’ll get views of moorland and coast as your stream practice travels by means of the countryside.

Kids aged below 14 journey free, though you possibly can’t take pushchairs on board – there may be buggy parking on the station although.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

There aren’t simply steam trains that will help you get round North Devon in model – save a while to 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 this planet, the funicular takes you 500ft up the cliff for superb views (and cream teas on the high should you fancy).

In truth it’s one in every of solely three completely water-powered railways left on this planet in any respect (the others are in Portugal and Switzerland), so it’s distinctive within the UK – and because it travels by means of the guts of Exmoor Nationwide Park between Lynton and Lynmouth, you get some fabulous views out to the coast.

Arlington Court docket, Barnstaple

There aren’t fairly as many stately houses in North Devon as in South Devon, however Arlington Court docket is unquestionably one of many extra uncommon Nationwide Belief websites to take pleasure in some household enjoyable.

Residence to the Nationwide Carriage Museum, you can too discover the Regency Home, house to the Chichester household for over 500 years, with some enjoyable trails for youths – one instance is the ‘path of issues that don’t belong’, from Pokémon playing cards to Lego minifigures dotted across the historic house.

The classic carriages on the Carriage Museum within the stables are equally fascinating, with the whole lot from elegant coaches used for state events to fairly extra humble carts that will have carried servants.

Throw in 20 miles of walkways, bridleways and cycle routes by means of woodlands, in addition to wild play areas within the grounds, and additional household actions throughout college holidays, and it’s an awesome day trip with children – should you’re already a Nationwide Belief member, it’s additionally a free day out!

Hartland Abbey, Hartland

At Hartland Abbey, the emphasis is on old school enjoyable – acceptable given it’s the filming location for CBBC’s Malory Towers!

Followers can see the place the basic books’ characters went to highschool, and there’s a Malory Towers path to the movie places in the home and outside, plus an opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes pictures within the Movie Exhibition.

However even when your children couldn’t care much less concerning the Enid Blyton books, there’s a lot extra to find together with a quiz to strive inside the home, which is a former abbey, in addition to nature trails outside. Plus loads of house to play cover and search and different video games within the gardens, in addition to woodland walks to the seaside.

Children may meet the pleasant donkeys Becky and Snowdrop (though do bear in mind they’ll kick and chew in the event that they’re feeling in a much less pleasant temper), peacocks, guinea fowl, Black Welsh Mountain sheep and the bantams all fascinate youngsters.

Go to Clovelly

A day trip in Clovelly is among the greatest locations to go to in North Devon with children – not as a result of it’s filled with household points of interest however as a result of the entire village is such a stunning spot.

The working fishing village is ready on a clifftop, and also you’ll discover no automobiles within the streets, solely donkeys, which is able to go well with youthful children right down to the bottom.

It’s a style of some real dwelling historical past, in addition to being ridiculously fairly. You do need to pay a cost to enter to assist with the maintenance of the village, however you possibly can meet the donkeys, take some walks alongside the coast, uncover Clovelly Court docket gardens and Clovelly’s little museum with its fisherman’s cottage, in addition to strolling the streets.

North Devon Maritime Museum, Appledore

If you wish to study extra about Devon’s seafaring historical past – together with pirates and smugglers, in addition to fairly extra law-abiding ship-builders, the North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore is a good place for a go to.

There are mannequin ships exhibiting how designs modified from early Viking longships to medieval crafts and extra fashionable ships, together with shows on the final crusing ships, plus these constructed on the Applefore shipyard (together with components of present plane carriers).

You may as well study navigation, see weapons utilized by smugglers and discover out extra concerning the half Devon performed within the Second World Battle D-Day landings, in addition to a couple of interactive shows.

Museum of British Browsing, Braunton

Probably the most uncommon locations to go to in North Devon with children, the award-winning Museum of British Browsing in Braunton is ideal if the surf bug has bitten your children.

There are surfboards galore and reveals on the way in which browsing has developed over time – in reality, the museum has the most important and most complete public assortment of surfboards and associated memorabilia in Europe.

Alongside the way in which, you possibly can uncover browsing details – do you know the earliest account of westerners browsing was in 1779 when Captain Prepare dinner’s crew had a go in Hawaii? – see historic surf manuals and choose up a surf memento or two.

Ilfracombe Museum

If you happen to’re on the lookout for an awesome indoor exercise, the quirky Ilfracombe museum is house to each native shows and objects from around the globe.

Its eclectic assortment contains pure historical past and archaeology, artwork and images, plus costume and home historical past – with objects starting from marriage ceremony cake to a big python, a cabinet of British bats, plus an opportunity to strive brass rubbing and Morse code.

Take a ship journey from Ilfracombe

There’s been a port at Ilfracombe because the twelfth century, and when you’re extra more likely to be heading out for pleasure today, it’s nonetheless a working fishing port).

You’ll discover loads of boat journeys operating from the harbour, together with to Lundy Island (learn on for extra about visiting the island) in addition to coastal cruises to find the coast and wildlife.

There are three journeys to select from aboard the Ilfracombe Princess – uncover the smugglers’ caves and historic silver mines on a one-hour cruise that’s nice for youthful children, or strive the 90-minute tour which takes you on to Exmoor cliffs and waterfall as effectively, whereas a two-hour cruise takes you within the different route to seek for seals, with nice views of Woolacombe Bay.

Or spot extra seals, plus porpoises, dolphins and nesting sea birds with one of many small boat excursions from Ilfracombe Sea Safari – there’s a most of 12 individuals aboard the catamaran and three Ribs, and the excursions are appropriate for all ages (and canines!) with journeys from one hour as much as six hours. You possibly can even swim with the seals.

And the Hampshire Rose, a former lifeboat, runs half-hour journeys between Easter and the tip of October half-term, with an opportunity to absorb the surroundings and see wildlife – superb for youths with brief consideration spans or should you’re in need of time.

Whilst you’re on the harbour, cease and take a look at Damien Hirst’s 66ft sculpture Verity, on the entrance to the harbour – weighing the identical as 4 elephants, some love her, some positively don’t, however she’s assured to get individuals speaking

Boat journey to Lundy Island

Lundy Island is a very particular a part of the British Isles – simply 10 miles of the coast of Devon, it’s a haven for wildlife and a lovely place to discover with children.

Solely three miles lengthy and half a mile extensive, it’s straightforward to fill a day on the island – you’ll usually have between 4 and 6 hours to discover relying on crusing occasions, should you plan a day journey – with some pretty walks and an opportunity to identify wildlife together with sheep, deer, goats, the pygmy shrew, birds galore and seals off the coast.

Famously, you can too spot puffins on the island, particularly should you go to between April and July.

You may as well uncover historical buildings from Lundy’s 4,000-year historical past of human habitation, from the stays of Bronze Age settlements to early Christian grave markers, a medieval citadel, a Georgian lighthouse and a Victorian church.

MS Oldenburg sails from Bideford or Ilfracombe (relying on the tides) and the journey takes below two hours every means – it’s price being conscious that generally you’ll depart from one port and return to the opposite, though you possibly can e book a coach switch again. If you happen to’re fortunate, pods of dolphins generally comply with the ship, constructed again in 1958, on her journey.

Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions about the very best issues to do in North Devon with children stay my very own.

Rockpool picture copyright MummyTravels, Lynton and Barnstaple railway & Watermouth Fortress courtesy Picfair, all different pictures courtesy of Depositphotos

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