There’s one thing extremely enjoyable about even the considered a household vacation in Devon. Which implies once I’m searching for one of the best locations to remain in Devon with children, my ideas immediately flip to chilled-out cottages and quirky self-catering reasonably than the formality of motels, nonetheless luxurious.
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After lengthy days on the seashore constructing limitless sandcastles, I would like area to sprawl – in a sun-filled backyard with a glass of one thing chilly in summer season, or with scorching chocolate on a snug couch out of peak season. I don’t need to be worrying that we’ve tracked sand into the foyer, or really feel shoehorned into one room as I chill out.
And whereas the county has some stunning countryside, the coast does all the time high my listing – even visiting Devon on a wet day or in winter, I would like the waves inside a number of miles. Helpfully, these vacation cottages by the ocean are all assured to be a most of 5 miles from a seashore. That is what’s on my wishlist of locations to remain in Devon by the ocean…
Greatest locations to remain in south Devon
It’s straightforward to assume you must keep away from cities while you’re travelling with children – however not removed from Exeter, Kenniford Cider Steps (nice identify!) is about on a working farm with a café, play space and pets nook together with ponies, piglets, sheep, geese and chickens.
Inside, the transformed barn nonetheless has picket beams; outdoors there’s a personal patio in addition to loads of area for teenagers to run round – and the coast alongside from Topsham only a brief drive away.
Issues to do in Exeter and close by
Wander underground tunnels which date again centuries – this one’s for over fives solely, or head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, with shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current, plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb.
For those who don’t fancy going into town itself, the beautiful outdated port of Topsham is a stunning spot to wander, in addition to Powderham Citadel with its deer park and family-friendly actions and the golden sandy seashore at Exmouth.
Or head to Crealy Journey Park for rides, points of interest and indoor play, in addition to the donkey sanctuary at Sidmouth for extra animals – all three are amongst my high issues to do in Devon with children.
Take a look at my full set of issues to do in Exeter with children right here
Greatest locations to remain in north Devon
For those who’re having bother selecting whether or not to remain on Devon’s coast or within the countryside, heading to the north of the nation round Lynmouth helpfully allows you to do each from one vacation cottage.
Set in Exmoor Nationwide Park, Aberlyn overlooks the river and valley from its non-public balcony, with Lynmouth itself only a brief stroll down the hill. It’s also possible to go strolling on a number of the routes proper on the cottage’s doorstep, with the realm generally known as ‘Little Switzerland’, together with a stroll to the gorge at Watersmeet.
Then there’s a woodburner if you have to heat up, and a wine cooler if you wish to chill out within the solar – the stunning views from the balcony are an ideal place to sit back with a glass of one thing chilled.
Issues to do in north Devon
In addition to strolling, there are some much less strenuous issues to do with children in north Devon – Exmoor Zoo is house to a string of smaller animals, plus the ‘Exmoor Beast’, a pair of black leopards (legends have been impressed by reported sightings of comparable massive cats on the moors however you’re assured a glance right here).
Or hop on the water-powered funicular at Lynton and Lynmouth as you gaze throughout to the coast (and have a cream tea on the high to restart the endlessly entertaining ‘jam or cream first’ debate), go rockpooling at Lynmouth seashore earlier than a wander throughout the shingle, or journey on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, together with a cease at England’s highest slender gauge railway station.
There’s historical past to find as properly – Watermouth Citadel is definitely a theme park, primarily based round a nineteenth century castle-style home. In addition to the rides and points of interest, you’ll discover a dungeon labyrinth and an underground fountain present.
Close by Nationwide Belief property Arlington Courtroom homes the Nationwide Carriage Museum, together with the same old expansive grounds and actions for teenagers.
Scroll down for extra recommendations on issues to do in Woolacombe and Croyde too
Greatest luxurious locations to remain in Devon
Not simply my dream place to stick with children, The Cliffs is presumably my dream house – a penthouse condo searching throughout the ocean, you’ll be able to take the cliff railway all the way down to the seashore. Now how cool is that?
In addition to the massive home windows with an exquisite view, you may also stroll alongside the South West coastal path – even so far as unspoiled Oddicombe Seaside – earlier than sinking right into a king measurement mattress, whereas the well-equipped kitchen means you received’t spend your evenings washing up.
For luxurious with a distinction, take a look at my assessment of a keep at Dittisham Hideaway simply outdoors Dartmouth the place the treehouses are distinctly five-star household pleasant
Issues to do close to Torquay
Don’t miss the views from the English Riviera Wheel in Torquay or head to Babbacombe mannequin village, round 10 minutes drive away. If it’s wet, spot prehistoric monsters at Torquay’s Dinosaur World or step inside Kents Cavern, a cave which dates again 2.5 million years and residential to historical people.
For extra recommendations on issues to do in Torquay with children, take a look at my ideas
It’s additionally a brief drive from Paignton Zoo, one among many issues to do in Paignton together with the Pier, or hop on the Western Woman Ferry Service to Brixham, the place we went rockpooling, explored Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind and ran round Berry Head nature reserve.
Greatest quirky locations to remain in Devon
It doesn’t come rather more uncommon than staying in a transformed chapel – and tempting although the concept of Shepherd’s huts all the time is, Lee Chapel additionally has much more room while you’re staying with children. For those who’re searching for a multigenerational vacation in Devon, you’ll be able to e-book the neighbouring property too, which provides you area for seven.
There are nonetheless stained glass home windows within the open plan dwelling/eating room, plus bedrooms underneath the eaves and a patio to chill out on.
The secluded seashore on Lee Bay is strolling distance, with sand sufficient for a complete string of fortresses, and delightful Woolacombe, on the North Devon Heritage Coast is barely quarter-hour away.
Issues to do in Woolacombe
The seashore at Woolacombe has been voted the highest within the UK a number of occasions – and a bit additional down the coast lies extra golden sand in addition to extra issues to do in Croyde. For those who love theme parks, The Huge Sheep and Milky Method Journey Park are each about an hour’s drive away – and two of my high issues to do in Devon with children.
Or head to Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, 28 acres with lifesize dinosaurs roaming, delicate play, animals and extra. Uncover what My Journey Monkey thought on her go to.
For extra concepts, take a look at my final information to Devon for households
*First printed 2018, final up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on one of the best locations to remain in Devon with children are my very own
Brixham and Topsham photographs copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Adobe Inventory/Depositphotos
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