After years visiting Devon, Exeter is one place Iโve at all times wished to discover extra โ so after I noticed a spot to remain within the metropolis for our last-minute summer time escape, I jumped on the probability to take a look at extra of Exeter with children.
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We stayed for a brief break, together with a day trip on the seashore at Exmouth andย one other day exploring Dartmoor, however in any other case caught to the town on this journey.
Even in case youโre solely spending at some point in Exeter, you may pack lots in, though with some nice household points of interest in Exeter, choices for teenagers who love historical past, free days out in Exeter with children and for a wet day in Exeter too, itโs not arduous to spend so much longer. Listed here are a few of my favorite issues to do in Exeter with children to get you began.
Canoe from Exeter Quay
Simply one in every of my favorite actions of our complete journey was heading off in a canoe for a couple of hours from Exeter Quayside โ an ideal suggestion from the Devon with Youngsters Fb groupย thatโs nicely price trying out.
The Quay itself is a stunning place to wander, full of quirky little outlets, waterfront eating places and the previous Customized Home (now a customer centre) with cannon outdoors, together with a number of locations providing methods to get out on the water.
We pickedย Saddles & Paddles, the place you may rent bikes in addition to kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. We went for one of many family-sized canoes which seats 4 (two adults and two children) for 2 hours, popped on our buoyancy aids and set off up the river to the canal to see what we may discover.
Itโs straightforward to do, even in case youโre not professional (like us!) and we had loads of probability to identify swans and cygnets โ from a cautious distance โ in addition to having fun with the countryside. The Double Locks pub is a helpful stopping level with tables outdoor and by the river.
We booked a desk on-line, and you may order through the Youngs on Faucet app, plus thereโs even a spot outdoors to depart paddles.
Our two-hour jaunt gave us sufficient time to paddle there, get our canoe safely out of the water, have a drink, dodge a hissing swan sitting on the pontoon to get again into the water, and return to Exeter quayside in time.
You may depart baggage at Saddles & Paddles, which is a superb thought in case youโve received something you donโt need getting moist.
I took my waterproof Osprey rucksack wrapped in my Joules packaway raincoat and it survived our enthusiastic paddling and the puddles from earlier summer time drizzle, however a drysack isnโt a nasty thought if you wish to make certain nothing will get soggy, or one thing like my trusty waterproof case for telephones.
Discover Exeter Quayside
Once youโve completed your paddle โ or earlier than you arrange โ save a while to discover the Exeter quayside โ as soon as the townโs river port, the previous buildings have been reworked into locations to eat and a few quirky unbiased outlets.
My tip โ pizza at On The Waterfront (with some celebratory prosecco after our paddle/swan encounter)โฆ and has pizzas so huge, none of us wished something to eat for the remainder of the day.
You may as well study a bit extra in regards to the quaysideโs historical past on theย Exeter Customized Home Customer Centre, which covers all the things from Roman Exeter to the townโs flourishing fabric commerce.ย There are additionally some strolling excursions which depart from this spot.
Be taught extra about Exeter historical past
There are centuries of historical past to find in Exeter โ the Romans referred to as it Isca Dumnoniorum, the Normans constructed Rougemont Fort right here and you may nonetheless see the stays of the medieval bridge over the river Exe and the 900-year-old St Nicholas Priory.
Mentioned to be essentially the most haunted place in Exeter, it has been a monastery and a house to Tudor retailers throughout its historical past, and you may go to at weekends to study extra (or search for ghosts).
You may observe a free Exeter medieval pathย orย metropolis wall path to find extra historical past, or itโs at all times enjoyable to observe a treasure path with children, so the Exeter Treasure Path is one other good wager.
Go to Exeter cathedral
After paddling and pizza (and with rain forecast for the afternoon) we headed to the fantastic Exeter Cathedral for an opportunity to discover this slice of historical past in Exeter with children.
The constructing itself is over 900 years previous, and the sense of historical past is unbelievableโฆ fairly other than gazing on the Gothic structure, from the carvings outdoors to stained glass home windows underneath the hovering arches of the roof. Look out for the carved mermaid!
There’s brass rubbing for teenagers, in addition to an opportunity to identify the fifteenth century astronomonical clock (though you mayโt at present get too shut, presumably to forestall crowds gathering, as one of many distancing measures).
There are excursions of the cathedral, plus you may guide particular excursions of the roof, with youngstersโs actions usually happening in holidays, alongside a childrenโ cathedral path.
You may assist construct a Lego cathedral although, with a ยฃ1 donation requested for every brick added โ the completed mannequinย shall be 3.6m lengthy, 2m vast and over 1m excessive.
For me, the most important attraction is the historical past, wandering previous medieval tombs of native bishops and Earlsโฆ plus a plaque I noticed for the impressively named Reverend Nutcombe Nutcombe!
Admission prices ยฃ10 for adults and kids underneath 18 are free.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (orย RAMM) is a superb free day trip in Exeter with children, with shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current, in addition to an Egyptian tomb, plus animals together with an elephant, whale and Gerald the giraffe.
You may as well uncover world tradition, extra pure historical past, 18th and nineteenth century exploration and artwork contained in the museum.
The Victorian constructing has loads of probabilities for teenagers to get hands-on, in addition to common household occasions throughout holidays.
Uncover Exeterโs medieval tunnels
The townโs underground passages have been constructed for ingesting water pipes again in medieval instances, and you may nonetheless enterprise down beneath the floor of the town to find this uncommon slice of Exeter historical past.
The medieval tunnels are the one ones of their sort within the UK, and as a part of the tour for over-fives and up, you too can go to the interpretation centre with fashions, movies, artefacts from the dig and the speaking determine of a medieval man. Reserving beneficial.
Go climbing in Exeter
For an additional adventurous day trip,ย ClipโnโClimb Exeter is open to children aged 4 and above, together with for whole novices to attempt their palms at scaling the centreโs indoor climbing wall.
An awesome choice for wet days in Exeter with children, itโs open seven days per week, so itโs additionally excellent for energetic children year-round.
Issues to do close to Exeter with children
For those whoโve received a automotive, there are many choices of issues for households close to Exeter, together with theme parks, historic homes, and an opportunity to get outdoor โ fairly other than visiting fairly close by cities like Topsham. Right hereโs my decide of a few of the finest.
Killerton
In keeping with legend, Killertonย is dwelling to a sleeping dragon, who snoozes on a hill close by โ excellent to get children out exploring the grounds.
There are trails within the woodland, gardens to discover and a stunning play space, all earlier than you set foot in the home at this Nationwide Belief property close to Exeter, the place you may try the historic trend assortment, which is surprisingly partaking even for youthful children, plus a path that will help you discover.
The property is big โ 10 sq. miles, with outside trails galore plus gardens and woodland in addition to a stunning little play space, even in case you donโt spot a lot as a scaly wing. Look out for the bearโs hut too, which was truly as soon as dwelling to the householdโs pet bear.
Try what we considered a day at Killerton with children โ together with some dragon recognizing
Powderham Fort
Simply outdoors Exeter on the banks of the Exe estuary, you could find the house of the Earl and Countess of Devon at Powderham Fort โ and together with the possibility to affix a guided tour inside, thereโs an enormous quantity to entertain within the grounds.
Be king of your individual fortress within the picket fort of the play space (impressed by the centuries of historical past inside the traditional dwelling of the Courtenay household), spot the cattle, wander via gardens galore and be a part of within the common household actions, together with trails and crafts.
There are typically alternatives to take a look at the deer park, plus common household trails and actions all year long as nicely.
Discover out extra a few day at Powderham Fort with children after a go to with my daughter
Go to Dartmoor
Exeter is just round half an hour from the perimeters of Dartmoor, so whether or not youโre tempted by letterboxing, one of many Dartmoor cycle trails, recognizing wild ponies or attempting a straightforward stroll on Dartmoor with children, thereโs lots to do.
Try my picks of a few of the finest issues to do on and round Dartmoor with children, together with a straightforward stroll to 2 tors and a few Dartmoor points of interest
Fort Drogo
On the north aspect of Dartmoor, you too can discover the final fortress to be in-built England โ Fort Drogo has not too long ago undergone a serious renovation undertaking by the Nationwide Belief, and you may tour the home now all of the scaffolding has come down.
Thereโs lots to do within the grounds as nicely. Uncover the miniature play home within the gardens, observe spotter trails and stroll to the Teign Gorge.
Haldon Forest Park
The sprawling 3,500 acres of woodland at this Forestry England website is just quarter-hour from Exeter โ like many of the ones across the nation, Haldon Forest Park has numerous totally different strolling trails, in addition to cycle routes and there are sometimes additional themed household actions such because the Julia Donaldson-inspired trails.
Thereโs mountain biking for older adventurers and a gentler 1 ยฝ mile Discovery Path for households, amongst others strolling routes, plus Go Ape treetops journey course and archery classes as nicely.
Wildwood Escot
This little wildlife park is dwelling to creatures which as soon as lived โ or nonetheless dwell โ wild within the British Isles, in addition to a maze, a Saxon village and numerous play areas.
We noticed wolves, an Arctic fox, wildcat and birds of prey in addition to strolling via the purple squirrel enclosure.
Crealy Theme Park
Frequently voted one of the best day trip in Devon, the award-winning Crealy Theme Park has rides and points of interest in addition to a small zoo, plus indoor play areas โ all in all, the park covers 100 acres with greater than 60 rides and points of interest.
The most important household theme park within the south-west, it additionally has a large 75,000ft of undercover play and outside journey areas in addition to the basic coasters and rides, to not point out greater than 200 animals to fulfill so thereโs one thing for all ages.
Not removed from Exeter and simply off the M5, itโs an ideal one to mix with a break within the metropolis or Dartmoor.
The Bear Path, Cullompton
Whether or not itโs sunny or wet, The Bear Path is ideal for getting hilariously muddy with its 27 obstacles to โclimb, slip, slide, run and swing in, underneath, over and thruโ as they describe it โ and itโs lower than half an hour from Exeter.
This enjoyable impediment course additionally has a cubsโ nook designed for kids underneath 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 can even problem themselves to the 3m and 5m bag jumps. Then thereโs an outside wash level (convey a change of garments!) plus wood-fired pizzas within the cafe.
Discover Topsham
Round 20 minutes from Exeter, Topsham makes a stunning day journey from the town โ itโs straightforward to whereas away hours wandering all the way down to the quayside, strolling alongside the seafront, plus thereโs a nature reserve to discover too.
As soon asย Exeterโs main port, with a thriving trade from the close by textile commerce and a quay relationship again to 1316, it hasย historic hyperlinks toย the Netherlands and homes that also date from the seventeenth century โ it could be lots quieter right this moment, nevertheless itโs nonetheless such a fairly place to discover.
Thereโs additionally an outside pool in case youโre visiting when the climateโs good, and you may cycle alongside the Exe Estuary path from right here too.
Right hereโs what we thought on a go to to Topsham with children
Seaside close to Exeter with children
There are a number of seashores close to Exeter, so that youโve received a alternative if you wish to combine metropolis with coast โ head east to Sidmouth, the place the pebbly seashore is nice for rock swimming pools, or south in the direction of Dawlish Warren and Shaldon, all inside about half an hourโs drive.
For those whoโre heading to Shaldon, we beloved Ness Cove โ you move via a smugglerโs tunnel to get to the little seashore with its reddish sand, and thereโs additionally a small wildlife park close by.
For extra days on the sand, try my decide of one of the best seashores in Devon with children
However one of many closest seashores to Exeter is Exmouth: excellent in case youโre searching for sandcastles and paddling, in addition to an opportunity of rock swimming pools.
One tip: ensure you examine the tide instances! As ever, the rockpools are finest at low tideโฆ we turned up because the tide was rising and by the point weโd completed constructing our sandcastles and my daughter had carried out her paddling, weโd missed our probability.
The very best spots are round Maer Rocks โ wander alongside the entrance from Exmouth city centre previous the lifeboat station to search out them. Itโs a stunning stroll anyway, stopping to identify some paintings, the large gleaming lifeboat, and my daughter entertained herself together with her internet by the groynes.
Extra issues to do in Exmouth with children
For those who donโt fancy a stroll round Exmouth, the little land prepare pootles alongside the seafront and across the city, with a commentary as you go โ tickets are just a few kilos.
Thereโs extra to attempt in Exmouth with children than sitting on the seashore too, you too can take one of many Stuart Line Cruises heading all the way down to Torquay and Brixham, or out alongside the coast.
The one-hour mini cruises are perfect for households, however you too can select longer journeys alongside the Jurassic Coast and to Sidmouth.
For a shorter boat journey, thereโs additionally the Exmouth-Starcross ferry which takes you throughout the estuary, so you may see Exmouth seashore within the morning and head to Dawlish Warren for the afternoon in case you fancied!
And itโs not a correct day on the seaside with out fish and chips. After I began searching for one of the best ones to attempt, I found Exmouth has a formidable quantity within the prime picks.
We went for Land & Sea (beforehand referred to as the Level Bar & Grill) close to the marina, at one of many outside tables: thereโs a childrenโ menu with non-fish choices too. You may as well attempt Rockfish Exmouth โ weโve visited the Brixham and Torquay branches so itโs at all times a favorite โ or The Correct Fish and Chips Co for a faster takeaway.
The place to remain in Exeter with children
We stayed in a stunning AirBNB home in strolling distance of the town centre โ an enormous previous Victorian home thatโs at present being renovated, it had an enormous kitchen with all the things we wanted (together with a fab espresso machine), massive lavatory, two bedrooms, dwelling and eating room, plus parking and a backyard.
On the sting of the town, it was additionally excellent for exploring โ round half an hour from each Exmouthโs seashore and the perimeters of Dartmoor.ย
You may try extra self-catering cottages in Devon, together with choices close to Exeter, or family-friendly inns in Exeter.
*First printed 2020, final up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Exeter tunnels photographs courtesy Go to Exeter, all others copyright MummyTravels
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