There’s one thing extremely stress-free about even the considered a household vacation in Devon. Which implies after I’m in search of the very best locations to remain in Devon with youngsters, my ideas immediately flip to chilled-out cottages and quirky self-catering slightly than the formality of accommodations, nonetheless luxurious.
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After lengthy days on the seaside 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 comfortable couch out of peak season. I don’t wish to be worrying that we’ve tracked sand into the foyer, or really feel shoehorned into one room as I loosen up.
And whereas the county has some lovely countryside, the coast does at all times high my record – 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 seaside. That is what’s on my wishlist of locations to remain in Devon by the ocean…
Finest locations to remain in south Devon
It’s straightforward to assume it’s a must to keep away from cities if you’re travelling with youngsters – however not removed from Exeter, Kenniford Cider Steps (nice identify!) is ready 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 wood beams; outdoors there’s a personal patio in addition to loads of area for youths to run round – and the coast alongside from Topsham only a quick 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.
When you don’t fancy going into the town itself, the beautiful outdated port of Topsham is a beautiful spot to wander, in addition to Powderham Citadel with its deer park and family-friendly actions and the golden sandy seaside at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 youngsters.
Take a look at my full set of issues to do in Exeter with youngsters right here
Finest locations to remain in north Devon
When you’re having hassle 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 personal balcony, with Lynmouth itself only a quick stroll down the hill. You can even go strolling on a few of the routes proper on the cottage’s doorstep, with the realm referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’, together with a stroll to the gorge at Watersmeet.
Then there’s a woodburner if it’s good to heat up, and a wine cooler if you wish to loosen up 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 youngsters in north Devon – Exmoor Zoo is dwelling to a string of smaller animals, plus the ‘Exmoor Beast’, a pair of black leopards (legends have been impressed by reported sightings of comparable large 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 seaside earlier than a wander throughout the shingle, or experience 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 effectively – Watermouth Citadel is definitely a theme park, based mostly round a 19th 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 Court docket homes the Nationwide Carriage Museum, together with the same old expansive grounds and actions for youths.
Scroll down for extra recommendations on issues to do in Woolacombe and Croyde too
Finest luxurious locations to remain in Devon
Not simply my dream place to stick with youngsters, The Cliffs is presumably my dream dwelling – a penthouse condominium searching throughout the ocean, you possibly can take the cliff railway all the way down to the seaside. Now how cool is that?
In addition to the large home windows with a beautiful view, you can too stroll alongside the South West coastal path – even so far as unspoiled Oddicombe Seashore – 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, try my overview 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 youngsters, try my suggestions
It’s additionally a brief drive from Paignton Zoo, considered one of many issues to do in Paignton together with the Pier, or hop on the Western Girl Ferry Service to Brixham, the place we went rockpooling, explored Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind and ran round Berry Head nature reserve.
Finest quirky locations to remain in Devon
It doesn’t come far more uncommon than staying in a transformed chapel – and tempting although the concept of Shepherd’s huts at all times is, Lee Chapel additionally has much more room if you’re staying with youngsters. When you’re in search of a multigenerational vacation in Devon, you possibly can guide the neighbouring property too, which provides you area for seven.
There are nonetheless stained glass home windows within the open plan residing/eating room, plus bedrooms underneath the eaves and a patio to loosen up on.
The secluded seaside 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 seaside at Woolacombe has been voted the highest within the UK a number of instances – and slightly additional down the coast lies extra golden sand in addition to extra issues to do in Croyde. When you love theme parks, The Large Sheep and Milky Approach Journey Park are each about an hour’s drive away – and two of my high issues to do in Devon with youngsters.
Or head to Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, 28 acres with lifesize dinosaurs roaming, tender play, animals and extra. Uncover what My Journey Monkey thought on her go to.
For extra concepts, try my final information to Devon for households
*First printed 2018, final up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions on the very best locations to remain in Devon with youngsters are my very own
Brixham and Topsham pictures copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Adobe Inventory/Depositphotos