From cream teas to paddling, devon is certainly one of my favorite locations for a UK household vacation – however when you might simply fill a month with out repeating the identical day trip, my financial institution stability received’t stand for that (alas), which began me on the lookout for free issues to do in Devon with children.
It goes with out saying that you could spend days on the seashore in Devon with out spending a single penny, whereas the county is dwelling to the nationwide parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor as nicely, fairly other than all the opposite issues to do in Devon with children which do include a price ticket.
However should you’re on the lookout for free issues to do in Devon with children, there’s lots past the sand and surroundings as nicely, together with free museums and different household pleasant sights.
Contents – click on to leap to a bit
Hit the seashore
Sure, there are extra free days out in Devon with children than going to the seashore – however who doesn’t fancy a little bit of time on a number of the county’s great coast.
Since you’re spoiled for alternative in terms of nice seashores in Devon, with lengthy stretches of golden sand and smaller secluded coves, all utterly free – so long as you don’t purchase too many ice lotions.
To call just some, Blackpool Sands in South Devon is a Blue Flag seashore, which seems to be prefer it’s been plucked from the Mediterranean because of the pines and deep turquoise blue of the water.
In the meantime coves like Bantham Seashore even have rockpools in addition to shallow water to paddle in, or you could possibly watch the ocean tractors from Bigbury-on-Sea.
And you may’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 three miles of sand to play on.
Or Saunton Sands stretches for 3.5 miles, and it’s canine pleasant too – for concepts of extra seashores to go to together with your canine, try this publish from Devon With Youngsters.
There’s additionally fossil looking, particularly in east Devon in direction of the Jurassic Coast, in addition to crabbing and much extra enjoyable by the coast.
Take a look at my decide of the greatest seashores in Devon with children
Letterboxing & geocaching on Dartmoor
The unique geo-caching, letterboxing mixes treasure looking and puzzle fixing with orienteering as you observe down over 100 ‘letterboxes’ – small pots or packing containers containing a stamp.
If you’ve discovered them, use the stamp to mark a pocket book or postcard, then signal your title or depart your individual stamp of their pocket book, till you get the set – every has a clue that can assist you discover it.
Some are easy, some not so easy should you’re on the lookout for a household problem…
For extra concepts of issues to do on and round Dartmoor with children, try this publish
You’ll be able to go geocaching too – try Go to Devon’s information to geocaching in Devon as one other nice concept of one thing to do in Devon without spending a dime.
The wild landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor are good for a household journey so it is a nice solution to encourage children out to discover, whether or not you’re discovering the legends related to the moors, or stargazing with older children at Exmoor, certainly one of only some Darkish Sky Reserves on this planet.
Go to Berry Head, Tor Bay
Berry Head Nationwide Nature Reserve guards the southern half of Tor Bay, marking one of many gateways to the English Riviera international geopark.
Even higher, you may spot dolphins, seals and basking sharks from right here, in addition to some unbelievable views, or stroll the ramparts of the lately restored fortifications from the Napoleonic Conflict. For one thing extra adventurous, there’s mountain climbing and kayaking right here too.
Take a look at our day trip exploring Berry Head reserve, plus a spot of rockpooling on the aspect
Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
A sprawling 3,500 acres of woodland, Haldon Forest Park is just quarter-hour outdoors Exeter, with choices for all ages should you’re seeking to get outdoor in Devon.
There’s mountain biking for older adventurers and a gentler 1 ½ mile Discovery Path for households, amongst others strolling routes (plus Go Ape and archery classes among the many paid sights).
And should you’re on the lookout for low-cost days out in Devon with children however pleased with one thing that’s not 100% free, there are sometimes trails themed round Julia Donaldson ebook for youths as nicely – plus a restaurant should you fancy a drink and slice of cake after your stroll.
For extra outside enjoyable, Stover Nation Park is just a brief drive away from Haldon Forest Park and likewise has no entry price
Geoplay Park, Paignton
This park on Paignton seafront is cut up into 4 sections, designed across the space’s geological historical past. Ranging from toddlers as much as teenagers, there are totally different experiences to attempt on the Geoplay Park.
For instance the Devonian-period themed space for toddlers represents the time when Torbay was underwater, beneath tropical coral seas… to allow them to journey on a trilobite and swing over a wetpour sea (in addition to a moderately much less geological trampoline and seesaw).
Stroll the South West Coast Path
Stretching the entire size of the English Riviera, there are miles (and miles) of the South West Coast path to discover, whether or not you need a brief amble trying on the surroundings or an extended hike alongside the coast.
Actually, should you’re being bold, you could possibly stroll the whole 630 miles of shoreline, making up the longest Nationwide Path within the UK, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Or, extra doubtless, simply decide a scenic stretch close to to your lodging – wherever you keep in Devon with children, you shouldn’t be too removed from the prospect to walk, together with routes by means of the South Devon and East Devon AONB (Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence).
The web site additionally allows you to seek for walks of various problem (together with ones appropriate for a mobility scooter, and subsequently a buggy) and family-friendly choices.
Tarka Path, North Devon
Impressed by the novel Tarka the Otter, the Tarka Path runs for 163 miles, and is ideal for strolling or mild biking by means of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
You’ll be able to observe it from the coast, or by means of river valleys in addition to to woodland and moorland, in addition to discovering Lynmouth, Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, Okehampton and Ilfracombe for loads of free issues to do in north Devon.
The route contains extra than 30 miles of path for cyclists to get pleasure from, utilizing the realm’s previous railway traces – attempt one of many picturesque sections between Braunton and Meeth. As for Tarka, it’s price holding your eyes open however you’ll should be very fortunate to identify an otter.
For extra concepts of the most effective issues to do in North Devon with children, try my prime picks
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Hug, stroke and pet the five hundred residents of the beautiful Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth without spending a dime, with mules in addition to donkeys sorted by the charity in cost.
There are additionally nature trails by means of the fields to wander, and common household actions – equivalent to a Prime Trumps path dotted across the sanctuary or a spring path highlighting a number of the nature to identify.
There’s no have to prebook, and there’s an awesome cafe on web site with a youngsters’s menu, in addition to some tempting meals for adults. Youthful children will love this should you’re on the lookout for free days out in east Devon but it surely’s a stunning cease for the entire household.
Occombe Farm, Paignton
There’s a stunning 2km nature path at this working farm, which has livestock to identify, together with the wildlife you may see on the path – and there’s free parking as nicely.
There are a string of different household sights at Occombe Farm, together with indoor and outside play areas, and animal encounters to get pleasure from, however all these are paid actions – price figuring out earlier than you arrive, in case your children have their hearts set on the play areas impressed by native surroundings and historical past.
In case you’re saving your pennies, it’s nonetheless price trying out the deli and the café which is stocked up with native meals, together with produce grown on the positioning. In addition to cream teas (clearly), you could possibly discover scorching pulled pork in brioche or crab muffins on the menu.
RAMM, Exeter
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, or RAMM, is one other nice concept for a free day trip in Devon when it’s raining – and there’s lots to entertain children at this Exeter museum.
In addition to 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.
Youngsters can get fingers on too, whether or not that’s dressing up as a Roman to make a mosaic or discovering life in medieval instances with a miniature longhouse, to not point out exercise luggage for various ages, quizzes and interactive displays.
The Field, Plymouth
This arts and cultural hub, which opened in Plymouth in 2020, has an awesome mixture of everlasting galleries and momentary exhibitions – and even higher, there’s no entry cost to The Field so it’s one other incredible free day trip in Devon with children.
The shows have hyperlinks to Plymouth’s previous – every part from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads from ships, together with a complete host of details about town’s seafaring previous, together with interactive display and pictures displaying a number of the most well-known journeys which began in Plymouth.
Youngsters can decide up free trails to observe as they discover, designed for all ages, with half a dozen totally different subjects, or step in entrance of a inexperienced display to attempt their hand as a TV presenter – there’s a lot to do at this free attraction, you may simply spend hours.
For extra issues to do in Plymouth with children, try my prime picks
Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
Even the title is intriguing – and also you don’t have to like marbles, though you’ll be in marble heaven should you do with one of many extra uncommon free days out in Devon with children.
The Home of Marbles close to Bovey Tracey additionally has glass making to observe, a museum protecting the 4,000-year historical past of glass and a set boasting certainly one of each marble made through the years, together with video games from the early seventeenth century.
There are some incredible and big marble runs too – and it’s an awesome choice for wet days in Devon as you may shelter indoors too.
Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh
The primary abbey at Buckfast was based again in 1018, going on to grow to be more and more necessary and highly effective till Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries within the sixteenth century.
However the ruined web site was introduced again to life within the early twentieth century by a gaggle of exiled French monks who rebuilt the church on the medieval foundations and re-established the monastery – at this time Buckfast Abbey nonetheless dwelling to a working group of Benedictine monks.
It’s not simply an choice for a free day trip in Devon with children who love historical past both, though there’s an interactive exhibition to present some extra background. You’ll be able to discover the gardens and grounds, together with the beautiful lavender backyard in the course of the summer time, with its 50 totally different varieties.
There’s additionally a sensory backyard and a physic backyard with its medicinal crops, whereas the Millennium Gardens have received awards. Half-way between Plymouth and Exeter, it’s simple to succeed in from Devon’s cities – and do save a bit of money to get a few of Buckfast Abbey’s hand-made fudge.
Observe a path
In addition to trails that can assist you discover the nice outdoor, at locations like Haldon Forest Park, you can too discover loads of enjoyable trails to find Devon’s cities with children without spending a dime.
In case you’re visiting Exeter, take advantage of being within the metropolis by following the free medieval path or woollen path across the metropolis too for some bonus free actions in Devon.
Or in Plymouth, head to The Barbican, to identify the Mayflower Steps Memorial and the beginning level for the Mayflower Path, to find life within the metropolis in 1620. In case you’re visiting Plymouth Hoe, there’s a separate Hoe Path stroll to attempt right here as nicely.
In case you’re exploring Royal William Yard with children, there’s a Geo Path winding across the web site – as soon as a victualling yard for the Royal Navy, the place ships would tackle provides – and alongside the South West Coast Path to uncover 380 million years of geological historical past.
Benefit from the views
You received’t be in need of nice views wherever you’re in Devon, whether or not that’s a fairly harbour like Topsham, trying down from a Tor on Dartmoor, or gazing out to see.
However a number of the most memorable are from Plymouth Hoe, the massive inexperienced area overlooking Plymouth Sound (town’s pure harbour, additionally identified merely as The Sound).
It’s right here that Sir Francis Drake was enjoying bowls when information of the advancing Spanish Armada was acquired – confidently ending his sport earlier than heading out to defeat the invading fleet. His statue stands just some metres from the bowling inexperienced to today.
The general public park is the proper spot to get pleasure from some downtime with the household and let little ones stretch their legs. You’ll be able to take a stroll alongside the promenade, hunt for the park’s many statues and monuments, get pleasure from a picnic within the solar, and discover the peaceable sensory backyard.
For extra concepts, try my final information to Devon for households
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST FREE DAYS OUT IN DEVON WITH KIDS
**First revealed 2014, final up to date 2023**
Blackpool Sands/Berry Head copyright MummyTravels, RAMM courtesy Go to Exeter, all different pictures courtesy of Depositphotos