Within the deep midwinter, it’s really easy to spend days indoors, sheltering from the climate, by no means going far – a twenty first century hibernation. However for these quiet days between Christmas and New 12 months, or to cheer up a cold January, it’s an unexpectedly fantastic time to discover the UK, together with a visit to Devon in winter with youngsters.
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Wrapped up heat, underneath pale gold and blue winter skies, it’s good to roam the coast and the countryside and uncover the much less well-known temptations. Final yr took us to the border of Essex and Suffolk, however Devon is at all times one in all my favorite counties for a fast break – particularly with out the height season crowds if you happen to go to Devon in winter.
I’ve already give you a listing of one of the best issues to do in Devon with youngsters together with sights which are perfect for winter, plus free days out in Devon and concepts of what to do in Devon when it rains. So to finish the set, listed here are my high issues to do in Devon in winter.
Take a winter stroll
Whichever coast you’re staying on, whether or not you’re by the seaside or having fun with the countryside, there’ll be walks galore.
The stroll to Watersmeet on Exmoor has been referred to as one in all Britain’s Nice Winter Walks, with the dramatic river valley and thick historical forest, and it’s family-friendly too. There’s a Nationwide Belief tea room or heat up within the distant seventeenth century Rockford Inn pub.
For one more simple wander that’s nice for households, you would spot seals on the Nationwide Belief’s Dishevelled Level easy accessibility stroll and it’s an ideal place to gaze out to sea.
There’s loads of inspiration for locations to stroll alongside the South West Coast Path, together with these family-friendly stretches in North Devon, South Devon and East Devon.
Or you would discover the dramatic moorland surroundings with these pretty Dartmoor walks with youngsters. It goes with out saying that you simply do must be ready for the climate right here – Darmoor does get snow, and the circumstances can change in a short time, so at all times plan forward and don’t set off if it’s not protected.
Try these pretty winter walks from Go to Devon for extra inspiration too.
See the festive illuminations
Plan forward for this as, unsurprisingly, most of Devon’s festive illuminations are all completed and packed away by New 12 months – however Devon has some spectacular ones.
Coleton Aglow at Coleton Fishacre has a 20s theme or try the winter lights at Knightshayes.
Killerton usually has a Christmas path that’s lit after darkish, whereas RHS Rosemoor has its personal Glow backyard occasion till January.
Picturesque Clovelly is lit up for Christmas too, stretching by the village to the harbour, whereas Plymouth usually hosts the Illuminate competition at Royal William Yard.
For pure sparkle that’s laborious to beat, wrap up heat, embrace the darkish and head out to star-gaze at one of many UK’s finest darkish skies areas in Exmoor.
Take a festive practice experience
From illuminated journeys to an opportunity to see Santa, there are many festive practice rides to search out in Devon in winter with youngsters.
The station of Buckfastleigh will get a festive makeover because the departure level for an hour-long Polar Specific expertise in South Devon with South Devon Railway.
Or Dartmouth Steam Railway‘s Prepare of Lights is definitely one of many highest Christmas practice rides within the UK – and one of many few choices which runs after Christmas Eve as nicely.
Ranging from the station at Paignton, the platform and carriages are embellished with hundreds of lights. Then after a enjoyable 15-minute practice experience alongside the stunning coastal Devon path to Churston, you begin your journey to some enchanting woods embellished with a fantastically festive gentle present.
Ending with a view of the twinkling lights of Dartmouth itself, mirrored within the river, there’s probability to take pictures from Kingswear earlier than heading again to see if all once more from a special path.
And whereas the Seaton Tramway isn’t a conventional steam practice (as its title suggests, it’s a tram), it will probably really feel an much more private expertise with house for simply 24 within the tram automotive.
It’s additionally an extended expertise, lasting round two hours half-hour together with a cease on the North Pole.
Head underground
Brisk blue winter days are one factor nevertheless it’s much less enjoyable exploring Devon within the rain… Happily there are nonetheless some very enjoyable locations to discover underground if you happen to’re visiting Devon in winter.
Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern is the UK’s oldest residence of people – to not point out fairly just a few different creatures. Together with bears and hyenas, they’ve discovered woolly mammoth tooth and proof of big woolly rhinoceros and even a Roman shrine.
If the climate’s adequate, there are woodland walks to find as nicely, however regardless of the temperature outdoors, it’s a relentless 14C within the cavern year-round, with slightly museum to discover and a few actions for youths too. You may even meet Santa there within the run-up to Christmas.
Right here’s what we considered Kents Cavern on a drizzly day
Exeter’s medieval tunnels
Uncover Exeter’s medieval tunnels, underground passages initially constructed as ingesting water pipes again in medieval instances – 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 type within the UK, and as a part of the tour for over-fives and up, you can too go to the interpretation centre with fashions, movies, artefacts from the dig and the speaking determine of a medieval man.
Go to an aquarium
In case your youngsters love animals, the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is fabulous, together with the deepest tank within the UK, trails for youths, plus round 400 completely different species of marine creatures to identify.
With quirky trivia in regards to the sea creatures inside, an opportunity to look out into Plymouth Sound and many family-friendly actions, it’s an excellent choice if you happen to’re visiting Devon with toddlers in addition to older youngsters.
Try my 13 causes to go to the Nationwide Marine Aquarium with youngsters
Or Ilfracombe aquarium is about within the outdated Lifeboat Home, so that you’re proper on the harbourside – good if you happen to’ve needed to abandon the thought of rockpooling and search for issues to do indoors in north Devon.
This little aquarium recreates among the native marine life so you may journey alongside an Exmoor stream right into a river, on to an estuary and out by a harbour to the coast and end with a glimpse into the marine reserve of Lundy.
It closes throughout December and January with restricted opening hours throughout winter – permit round 30-60 minutes to discover.
Go to a museum
There are many locations to get indoors in Devon in winter, particularly among the county’s nice family-friendly museums.
The Field, Plymouth
Plymouth is residence to The Field, a brand new multimillion opening just a few years in the past. And with a museum and gallery, the humanities and heritage complicated is good if you happen to’re visiting Devon with youngsters – there’s loads of interactive enjoyable, and who doesn’t love a mammoth?
RAMM, Exeter
RAMM, or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to present it its full title, has shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current – plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb, to not point out a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
Torquay Museum, Torquay
The Torquay museum has an eclectic show, from a Neanderthal cranium to Egyptian statues and finds introduced again by explorers from world wide, plus there’s a particular path developed by the BBC for youths based mostly on the discovering of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Bygones Torquay
Step again in time to find a snapshot of Victorian life, with 15 retailers and eight rooms alongside the recreated interval road, from an ironmonger’s and grocer to an apothecary and candy store. You’ll additionally discover classic arcade amusements, 50s memorabilia and a mannequin railway recreated to point out life across the World Wars at Bygones Torquay.
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
Who wants board video games when you may go to a video games museum? On the sides of Dartmoor, The Home of Marbles has a set of various video games courting again so far as the 1600s, together with glassblowing and data on the historical past of glass and a pottery museum.
Nevertheless it’s the marbles which get probably the most consideration, with a set and 5 completely different marble runs, one which often is the largest within the UK. All the time one in all my high picks for a wet day in Devon – it’s free to go searching too.
You’ll discover a string of different Devon museums dotted throughout the county if you happen to’re outdoors the primary cities as nicely.
Discover a historic home
Buckland Abbey, close to Plymouth
This former monastery might be finest often known as the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer is simply a part of the eight centuries of historical past to find at Buckland Abbey because it was first in-built 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Transformed to a house after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you may nonetheless see proof of the outdated church, together with secret doorways and stairs which not lead anyplace, in addition to with the ability to stroll by time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian eating room.
Solely open at weekends throughout a lot of the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Arlington Courtroom, Barnstaple
Though the grounds are one of many massive highlights at Arlington Courtroom, there’s nonetheless loads extra if you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do in north Devon when it’s raining,
House to the Nationwide Carriage museum, there are some implausible automobiles on present, plus a quiz to take as you discover the home and occasional household actions and crafts.
However when it’s open, one of many greatest temptations for animal lovers is to go into the bat room and think about the colony which has made its residence its residence right here, by the bat cam. Home and carriage museum are open year-round however with lowered hours in winter.
Dartmouth Fortress, Dartmouth
Relationship again to the 14th century, Dartmouth citadel noticed motion within the Civil Conflict and was nonetheless in use as a fortress in Victorian instances – if it’s raining laborious, you’ll in all probability need to skip the choice of catching a ferry over from the city quay however attempt to discover a drier second to go as much as the roof for the views out throughout the river and the city.
Underneath cowl, you may discover the maze of passages, have a look at the huge chain which defended the harbour and check out on helmets within the gun tower.
Open yr spherical however weekends solely through the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
For extra of the finest issues to do in Dartmouth with youngsters, try my high picks
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Moving into this artwork deco home (constructed by the D’Oyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is fantastic at any time of yr, however if you happen to’re visiting Devon through the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is much more particular.
The home is embellished for a Twenties Christmas, with conventional video games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations if the climate isn’t too unhealthy: should be booked upfront) – there are spotter trails to comply with inside the home year-round although.
Open yr spherical however weekends solely/lowered opening through the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Greenway, Galmpton
Agatha Christie’s vacation residence, Greenway, nonetheless seems to be a lot because it did when she stayed there – there’s a path for youths to comply with round the home, which will get dressed up for Christmas, in addition to a altering show within the Cupboard of Curiosities.
Open year-round however weekends solely/lowered hours through the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets. Whereas there are numerous enjoyable methods to reach in summer season, some are much less tempting in winter so if you happen to’re planning to drive, you’ll must prebook a parking house.
Saltram Home, Plymouth
This elegant Georgian home was owned by the Parker household from 1712 for nearly 250 years, and you may nonetheless see a lot of the unique assortment.
Youngsters are more likely to be extra within the reality there’s a brand new path each season, plus alternatives to decorate up and check out actions inside, with further season occasions aimed toward households.
Open many of the yr however with lowered hours through the winter months and the home is closed fully throughout a part of the winter. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Discover dinosaurs
Dino-mad youngsters will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to deliver the world of the dinosaurs to life – with all the things from fashions to fossils, numerous dino information to study and the possibility to take a seat on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).
There’s an explorer quiz to strive as you discover and dinosaur crafts to strive – however the spotlight must be the possibility to the touch dinosaur poo.
The waterfront attraction is open year-round however with lowered days in winter. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Hit the seaside
Sunbathing is perhaps off the playing cards, however the limitless lengthy stretches of sand are nonetheless good for constructing sandcastles, flying kites, rockpooling or just operating at full pelt to blow away the cobwebs – and are normally dog-friendly in winter.
Woolacombe ticks all 4 packing containers properly, however you received’t be in need of choices – and also you don’t want solar to get pleasure from a few of these nice seaside actions.
For the actually daring, the county’s wild swimmers head into the waves off Tinside Seashore, Plymouth year-round, whereas winter browsing has grow to be one thing of a development on the seashores of North Devon.
It goes with out saying to verify the climate circumstances and ensure you’ve obtained the correct gear. I feel I’ll stick with dry land till summer season…
For extra concepts of nice Devon seashores, try my final information to Devon for households
Get lively
In case your youngsters must burn off some power however outside is just too dismal to ponder, there are many lively choices indoors.
Go mountaineering
Older youngsters can burn off some power and problem themselves at one of many indoor climbing centes in Devon.
Rock and Experience Journey Centre in South Molton is the most important indoor climbing wall in north Devon and is appropriate for full novices upwards, plus there are taster periods for age 6+ on daily basis.
Or for issues to do in east Devon within the rain, head to Clip’n’Climb Exeter which is open to youngsters aged 4 and above, together with complete newcomers, whereas the town’s Quay Climbing Centre has household taster periods for age 7+.
Bounce it out
Head to a trampoline park to bounce out any grumbles in regards to the unhealthy climate. Head to Air Excessive Barnstaple in north Devon which has completely different age choices together with periods for toddlers, whereas Supertramp Plymouth has household bounce and a tots membership for toddlers if you happen to’re in south Devon.
There are two iBounce trampoline parks, in Newton Abbot and Exeter with its foam pits, providing dad or mum and toddler periods.
Go swimming
For those who’re going to get moist anyway, you may as nicely have enjoyable! Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay has a sloping flooring that’s best if you happen to’ve obtained a mixture of swimmers and paddlers within the household – plus a wave machine which runs throughout weekend and faculty vacation periods.
There’s additionally a flume, open on the similar instances, plus a youngsters’s play space. Open all yr. Click on right here for particulars of opening instances
Add some spice
Nothing beats a warming drink after a cold day – so how about mulled chilli apple juice on the South Devon Chilli Farm in December, in addition to chilli sizzling chocolate and chilli jam on your cream tea on the café?
There’s additionally a play space for youths, mini excursions at school holidays, and different choices to see and study extra in regards to the chillis grown there at completely different factors of the yr. Plus loads to style… relying how courageous you’re!
Or the Dartmoor Chilli Farm makes its personal chilli chocolate which you should purchase at retailers throughout Devon (or on-line).
For those who choose your sizzling chocolate with none further kick, award-winning Chococo in Exeter is the proper spot for a deal with.
Curl up by a log fireplace
The cosiest finish to a winter’s day exploring must be coming again to a roaring log fireplace or wooden burner – which suggests one of many fabulous cosy cottages which Devon appears to specialize in.
Marsdens Devon Cottages has an entire luxurious assortment – in spite of everything, that is imagined to be a deal with – together with loads with an open fireplace to snuggle subsequent to. Or you would at all times go for one with a sizzling tub… or each.
Holidaycottages additionally specialises in self-catering lodging in Devon (and the South West), with choices in Woolacombe and wonderful Brixham, the place we explored the Golden Hind once we visited.
Or Sykes Cottages has an entire set proper on the coast, so you may scamper from a bracing stroll again indoors to heat up. Good for Devon in winter.
And what higher approach to brighten the yr’s darkest days?
For extra concepts, try my final information to Devon for households
*first revealed 2017, up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
RAMM courtesy of RAMM, Kents Cavern/Buckland Abbey/Dartmouth Fortress/Home of Marbles copyright MummyTravels, all different photographs courtesy of Depositphotos
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