Final information to Devon for households

Two beautiful coasts, two cities filled with historical past and points of interest, two great nationwide parks, and so many different issues to do with youngsters in Devon that I can barely rely – which is why I’ve created my final information to Devon for households to begin you off.

incorporates 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 recollections with a number of journeys throughout her lifetime to this point – so whether or not you’re searching for issues to do in Devon with toddlers, household days out in Devon, the most effective seashores for rockpooling, low cost days out and issues to do in Devon within the rain, I’ve bought loads of concepts for any journey.

You’ll discover hyperlinks to my different posts for extra info, 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

Should you’re searching for issues to do in Devon with youngsters, the most effective place to begin is with my listing 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 a superb style of the number of issues to do in Devon for teenagers that you just’ll discover within the space.

However when you’re searching for one thing specific, I’ve additionally listed a number of the greatest free days out in Devon with youngsters when you’re visiting on a funds, concepts when you’re seeking to get outdoor or choices when you’re being compelled indoors by the rain, and strategies for various areas, with days out south Devon, north Devon and east Devon.

Free days out in Devon

Travelling with youngsters isn’t at all times low cost, even on a UK staycation so whereas days spent on the seashore may not set you again a lot past an ice cream and a spare bucket and spade, it’s at all times helpful to have some extra concepts of low cost days out in Devon.

I’ve collected a number of the greatest free issues to do in Devon on this publish, together with Exeter’s RAMM museum and The Field in Plymouth, some beautiful out of doors spots and locations to satisfy animals – supreme when you’re searching for issues to do in Devon with a toddler.

There are additionally some nice household walks in Devon which gained’t value a penny – you needn’t be severe hikers to seek out straightforward walks on Dartmoor with youngsters in addition to loads of family-friendly choices alongside the South West Coast Path. 

Indoor actions Devon

There’s no assure of superb sunshine even in the course of the British summer season so it’s at all times price having a number of concepts of issues to do on wet days in Devon – I’ve picked out my prime concepts for Devon within the rain with youngsters 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 implausible aquariums too – at all times a winner when it’s dangerous climate. We beloved the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, however you too can discover extra sea creatures at Ilfracombe aquarium. [Living Coasts Torquay, a coastal zoo and aquarium, closed permanently in 2020].

Take a look at our ideas for visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

Not far-off, the maze of caves at Kents Cavern have been as soon as house 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 youngsters in Devon, head to the Home of Marbles in Bovey Tracey – with 5 totally different marble runs, glassblowing and a set of video games courting again to the seventeenth century, it beats taking part in one more board recreation whilst you await the drizzle to cease.

And when you’re visiting Devon in winter, there are some particular Christmas illuminations to be careful for, in addition to the most effective locations in Devon for households for a deliciously warming sizzling chocolate on this publish.

Outside household actions Devon

Between coast and countryside, you’re not wanting locations to go along with youngsters in Devon if you wish to get outdoor – excellent for lively households, with choices to cycle and hike, there are additionally gentler choices when you’re visiting Devon with a toddler.

Scroll down when you’re searching for concepts of Devon’s greatest seashores with youngsters, 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 tons 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 you could find treasure trails alongside some stretches of the coast, akin to Exmouth to Seaton, which incorporates some driving in addition to strolling.

Or you’ll be able to uncover a number of the Nationwide Belief land in addition to Devon’s Nationwide Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor – take a look at a number of the household points of interest on Dartmoor right here in addition to strategies for various walks. Exmoor additionally has household occasions all year long.

Should you’re planning a vacation in East Devon, it’s house to a delegated 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 types a part of the Devon coast to coast cycle route – you’ll be able to rent bikes when you don’t have your individual, so it’s a beautiful method to discover extra of the north of the county in addition to being an amazing possibility for days out with youngsters in Devon.

Should you’re searching for Devon days out with youthful youngsters, Haldon Forest Park options the Forestry Fee’s household trails – together with common trails themed round Julia Donaldson books, which make for simple enjoyable walks.

And exquisite Berry Head Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot for teenagers to run round close to Brixham: you’ll discover Napoleonic Battle fortifications and uncommon wildlife, but in addition some fabulous views and a beautiful cafe. It’s additionally straightforward 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 largest adventures, it’s onerous to beat a visit to Lundy Island. Well-known for its puffins, you may spot dolphins on the two-hour boat journey over and there are actions when you arrive, in addition to birdwatching.

Issues to do with youngsters in north Devon

Should you’re staying in and across the north coast, you is perhaps farther from a number of the best-known issues to see in Devon however there’s nonetheless loads for households to get pleasure from.

For extra concepts of the most effective issues to do in North Devon with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks

Get outdoor

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 elements of England.

For some gentler out of doors actions, the Tarka Path can also be the most effective issues to do in north Devon with youngsters: the strolling and biking route is straightforward to adapt to totally different ages and a beautiful method 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 concentrate on conservation of smaller animals, so it’s a beautiful possibility for a day trip with a toddler as effectively.

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 house to 2 of the county’s theme parks – the Massive 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 Method Journey Park, not far-off at Clovelly, has its personal rides and points of interest in addition to a separate space for preschoolers.

And Watermouth Citadel has its personal mixture of household points of interest – from the dungeon labyrinths to dancing fountains, journey playgrounds, toboggan runs and much for youthful youngsters in addition to older siblings.

Historical past and tradition

You possibly can journey again via time on the UK’s solely steam railway the place passengers use Victorian railway carriages designed within the Eighteen Nineties for each journey, on the Lynton and Barnstaple railway.

Or take a journey on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway which first opened again in 1890 – the very 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 prime when you fancy).

Uncover classic carriages at Arlington Courtroom in Barnstaple, house 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 style enjoyable – there’s a quiz to strive inside the home, a former abbey, in addition to nature trails outdoor.

There’s nothing like some dwelling historical past, particularly in akin to fairly spot as Clovelly, a working fishing village on a clifftop – and no vehicles within the streets, solely donkeys, which is able to go well with youthful youngsters all the way down to the bottom.

For an amazing indoor exercise, there’s the quirky Ilfracombe museum which has each native shows and objects from around the globe, together with pure historical past and archaeology, artwork and images, 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 youngsters, there are surfboards galore and reveals on the best way browsing has developed over time.

Issues to do in south Devon with youngsters

Get outdoor

Discover the wild open areas of Dartmoor with youngsters, the place you too can strive 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 youngsters, 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 – you too can stroll a part of the South West Coast Path to succeed in it, or benefit from the beautiful 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 after all 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 in regards to the space’s sealife in addition to extra unique marine creatures from around the globe.

Take a look at my ideas for visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium with youngsters

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 youngsters will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to convey the world of the dinosaurs to life – with all the things from fashions to fossils, a lot of dino details to be taught and the prospect to sit down on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).

For extra concepts of tips on how 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 bought a prime trumps path and particular animal experiences together with assembly the meerkats.

For youthful youngsters, there are some beautiful possibilities to get near smaller animals elsewhere in Devon. Occombe Farm is a working farm with a nature path and cattle to satisfy, together with alpacas.

And Pennywell Farm close to Buckfastleigh consists of the prospect to cuddle with miniature pigs, strive 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 cattle – you may stroke an eagle owl and feed a pink squirrel, in addition to assembly the opposite animals right here.

And for an additional uncommon mixture, the Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is house to 3 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 in addition points of interest and rides to go well with 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 world’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 centered on Plymouth’s previous, all the things 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 youngsters, take a look at my prime 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 around the globe.

Take a look at my assessment of our go to to the Golden Hind in Brixham with a toddler

Or you may head to Drake’s personal former house at Buckland Abbey – the 700-year-old home close to Yelverton was as soon as a Cistercian Abbey earlier than later passing into the fingers of Sir Francis Drake – there at the moment are common household actions on the Nationwide Belief property.

For extra historic homes and buildings, you too can 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 Citadel 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 most effective issues to do in Dartmouth with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks

On the north facet of Dartmoor, you too can discover the final fort to be in-built England – Citadel Drogo has been present process a serious renovation venture 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, comply with spotter trails and stroll to the Teign Gorge.

Not removed from Exeter, you too can see inside Powderham Citadel, 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 assessment of our go to to Powderham Citadel

Should you and your youngsters love historical past, there’s loads to find in Exeter itself, together with the cathedral, one of many oldest in England – strive recognizing the animals adorning the within to maintain littler ones entertained.

You may also 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 youngsters

Or at Morwhellam Quay historic port farm, uncover what life was like throughout its Victorian heyday, using on a copper mine prepare, 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 youngsters – 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 operating between Paignton and Kingswear not far-off – you too can mix this with a ship journey from Dartmouth, or a spherical journey together with an open-topped bus.

Different household points of interest

Should you’re searching for extra issues to do with youngsters in south Devon, there are a number of extra quirky household points of interest to maintain on the listing.

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 good place to pop into, particularly on wet days.

Right here’s what we discovered once we visited throughout a day exploring Dartmoor with youngsters

Or simply exterior Torquay, head to Kents Cavern, a prehistoric cave that was as soon as house to historical people – there are some very enjoyable household actions together with cave portray, riddle quests and trails, each indoor and out.

You may also uncover the village of Cockington, frozen in time, with its thatched homes, water mill and forge, plus sixteenth century manor home Cockington Courtroom 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 journey via the streets.

In Torquay itself, get some nice views on a journey on the English Riviera Wheel within the city’s Pavilion gardens – a 12 minute journey takes you virtually 60m as much as look out to the ocean and skyline in the course of the summer season 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 youngsters, 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 youngsters

Should you’re staying in east Devon, you’re inside straightforward attain of a variety of the south Devon household points of interest (scroll as much as verify them out), together with Exeter and Powderham Citadel, and solely round an hour’s drive from Torquay.

Begin with my tips about the most effective issues to do in Exeter with youngsters, together with concepts for days out close to the town.

Household points of interest

However there are some nice issues to do with youngsters 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 via the centuries and uncover a number of the secrets and techniques of the Jurassic coast on the immersive dinosaur attraction.

Or the Seaton Tramway is one other beautiful method 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 assessment of Diggerland in Kent right here. With rides and actions for youthful youngsters, it’s large enjoyable at any age.

Get outdoor

The area can also be house to the East Devon Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, which incorporates a part of the Jurassic Coast (excellent for dinosaur followers) and a few beautiful countryside to wander and stroll with youngsters.

Or strive pond dipping at Seaton Wetlands – made up of three native nature reserves, it consists of walks via marshland and reedbeds as effectively.

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 effectively 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 assessment of a go to to Killerton with youngsters.

See the animals

One in all Devon’s most beloved household points of interest for toddlers needs to be the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – there are additionally trails to wander, recognizing a number of the rescued donkey inhabitants who’ve made their house right here, plus a play space and a maze. 

Younger animal lovers will even be in heaven at Axe Valley Wildlife Park close to Axminster, with all the things from meerkats and chipmunks to zebras and flamingoes at this little zoo.

The place to remain in Devon for households

You’re spoiled for alternative whether or not you’re searching for self-catering cottages in Devon, family-friendly accommodations or AirBNB properties, with as many quirky locations to remain in Devon as there are traditional seaside household escapes.

Self-catering in Devon 

I’ve picked a number of of my favourites whether or not you’re searching for 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 onerous to beat Dittisham Hideaway, simply exterior Dartmouth – we stayed in one of many treehouses there for a implausible family-friendly deal with. Take a look at my assessment.

There are another nice family-friendly cottage collections too – Sykes Vacation cottages additionally has a whole lot of cottages in Devon, together with child-friendly household cottages for each funds and elegance.

You’ll additionally discover AirBNB properties galore – we stayed at this little gem close to Topsham, referred to as The Linhay to provide one instance. Take a look spherical on this video.

Household accommodations in Devon

Should you want a lodge and are searching for the most effective locations to stick with youngsters, reserving.com is at all times a superb place to begin with their listing of accommodations in Devon.

However for a spot of luxurious, there are a number of favourites which at all times prime the lists of probably the most family-friendly accommodations in Devon – Soar Mill Cove is true on the seashore and has loads of actions for teenagers within the holidays, together with its personal saltwater pool. You possibly can borrow boogie boards and crab strains too.

Or The Cary Arms at Babbacombe has self-catering cottages in addition to lodge rooms so you may get the most effective of each worlds – and youngsters get a bucket, spade and fishing internet after they arrive, plus the seashore of Babbacombe Bay on the lodge’s doorstep to check them out.

Should you’re searching for a Devon lodge with toddlers or a baby-friendly Devon lodge, the Saunton Sands lodge gives two hours free childcare for teenagers aged six weeks to 11 years, and a bunch of child tools with its ‘child go calmly’ possibility. There are additionally household rooms and suites, in addition to luxurious flats.

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 youngsters’ buffet at dinner, and rooms which have a mixture of further sleeping room offered by bunk beds, couch beds, cots and additional beds, in addition to pre bookable babysitting.

Tenting and glamping in Devon

Should you’re searching for an inexpensive vacation in Devon, one method to stick with your funds is to take a look at the numerous tenting and glamping websites throughout the county. The Tinbox Traveller weblog has a implausible round-up of the most effective glamping websites in Devon to begin you off.

Or take a look at the Pitch Up web site for concepts of the place to camp in Devon with youngsters.

The very best Devon seashores

One of many largest 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 youngsters, and all the things in between.

No matter you fancy, take a look at my information to the most effective seashores in Devon with youngsters in addition to a few of my favourites under.

Scroll down for extra concepts on seashore actions for teenagers, my favorite seashore towels and exercise books.

Finest seashores in north Devon

You possibly can’t discuss north Devon seashores with out mentioning Woolacombe seashore – repeatedly ranked among the many prime seashores to go to within the UK and Europe, there are miles of sand stretching out to play on.

Should you’re searching for surf you’ll discover it right here, together with a lifeguard station manned in the summertime, amenities together with cafes and bogs close by, and it’s even dog-friendly (though there are restrictions in some areas in the course of the summer season months).

Close by Putsborough Seashore is much much less well-known but it surely’s bought the bonus of being quieter in consequence, and is one other in style one for households – you’ll discover necessities like bogs and cafe, plus you’ll be able to paddle within the shallows or clamber on a number of the rocks protruding from the sand.

Take a look at Combe Martin seashore too, which has gained a Seaside award, and has large flat sands at low tide – there are additionally nature trails close by to find, and bogs, parking and cafes right here too.

Saunton Sands, with their traditional seashore huts and dunes, are an amazing style of the seaside stretching for 3.5 miles and it’s a dog-friendly seashore when you’re travelling with pets.

Or Croyde Seashore is one other nice one when you’re searching for sand and surf. It’s an award-winning seashore and in addition has its personal lifeguard station.

For one of the crucial uncommon seashores, it’s onerous to beat Tunnels seashore at Ilfracombe – there’s a cost for this seashore but it surely’s well worth the small payment to discover this uncommon cove with a Victorian tidal pool.

You stroll via hand carved tunnels within the rock to succeed in 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 bogs have gained awards!

And when you’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 all the way down to this wild pebble seashore, with caves and an island to discover. Head down at low tide, and older youngsters will love exploring one of many prime 10 wild swimming seashores within the UK.

For extra days on the sand, take a look at my decide of the most effective seashores in Devon with youngsters

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 identify, it’s truly a shingle seashore reasonably than sandy.

Or Dawlish Warren is one other Blue Flag seashore which regularly hosts open-air occasions in the course of the summer season, 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 could possibly be straight from the Mediterranean with tree-lined cliffs across the cove, and can also be a dog-friendly possibility.

Youthful youngsters will love Bantham Seashore close to Kingsbridge which has shallow waters for paddling, sand and dunes – it additionally appears out to Burgh Island, and there’s someplace to get snacks close to the parking (each want money). 

You possibly can watch the ocean tractor (or head over to Burgh Island) from close by Bigbury on Sea seashore too, though with shallow shelving water and ideal sand for sandcastles, you may not wish 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 bought the character reserve of Slapton Ley close by with its wildlife when you can persuade youngsters away from the seashore.

Should you’re staying close to Torquay and Paignton, there are some nice seashores in these traditional seaside spots as effectively.

Torre Abbey Sands at Torquay is a comfortable sandy seashore, and if you wish to do greater than paddle, you’ll be able to hire pedalos – plus there are bogs, a store and cafes or snack stalls for the compulsory ice lotions.

On the outskirts of Paignton, Goodrington Sands can also 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 possibly can even spot steam trains from the seashore and canines are allowed on North Sands year-round (although not South Sands).

There’s additionally Preston Sands which has extra comfortable sand and rock swimming pools (plus loopy golf and bogs), in addition to deckchairs to hire and vibrant seashore huts ranged alongside the again.

For considered one of south Devon’s most uncommon seashores, head via 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 effectively. Shaldon Zoo is true subsequent door to the seashore as effectively, as an added bonus.

Uncover what we thought throughout our day trip in Shaldon and Teignmouth

Rockpooling Devon

Should you’re searching for a number of the greatest seashores to go rockpooling in Devon, you’ll discover loads of alternative on each coasts.

Take a look at the most effective 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 beloved Shoalstone seashore 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 assessment 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 schooling centre in addition to a number of the nation’s greatest rockpooling – not too removed from Plymouth, it’s one for the listing when 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 an additional rockpooling spot.

On the north coast, Hartland Quay is a good place to go rockpooling in north Devon – when you’re fortunate, you may even see falcons nesting on the cliffs above this rocky seashore.

Or not removed from in style Woolacombe seashore, Combesgate Seashore has a lot of family-friendly rockpools – in the course of the summer season months, they often have rockpool rambles with the seashore rangers too.

And close by Barricane seashore is known for unique seashells which get washed up from the Caribbean – and in addition for the Sri Lankan seashore shack serving curry in summer season. Even when you don’t discover both of these in your go to, there are some beautiful rock swimming pools between the large expanses of sand right here too.

Discover tips about tips on how to get probably the most out of rockpooling with youngsters and staying secure

Planning a visit to Devon for households

Chances are high, when you’re visiting Devon with youngsters 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 Method too.

For some extra of my greatest motorway stop-offs within the UK, take a look at this publish.

And when you’re searching for methods to outlive the highway journey with youngsters, I’ve bought concepts on tips on how to entertain them alongside the best way, in addition to tips on how 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 – supreme if studying or tablets do trigger automobile illness as effectively. 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 entire Paddington assortment.

When you arrive, no journey to Devon is full with out at the least one journey to the seashore – virtually actually much more. And whereas sandcastles and rockpooling are at all times favourites (don’t overlook the bucket, spade and internet), I’ve bought a number of different concepts of seashore actions for teenagers too.

You possibly can see a few of my different journey necessities to pack, together with my favorite hammam towels and SPF, on this listing, in addition to this I Spy on the Seaside e-book and an I Spy on the Seaside exercise e-book.

Devon information books to purchase

Footprint guides has a e-book of concepts for Devon with youngsters whereas this Wild Information: Devon, Cornwall and the South West has nice strategies to seek out the much less explored facet of the nation.

For extra methods to get outdoor, Devon – 40 Coast and Nation Walks consists of all the things from straightforward 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 tips about issues to do in Devon with youngsters 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 here are my prime issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters, 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 youngsters

 

PIN FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DEVON FOR FAMILIES

Disclosure: This publish incorporates some affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee.

Pictures: Courtesy Depositphotos or copyright MummyTravels

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER