There’s one thing extremely stress-free about even the considered a household vacation in Devon. Which implies once I’m in search of the most effective locations to remain in Devon with children, my ideas immediately flip to chilled-out cottages and quirky self-catering slightly than the formality of resorts, nonetheless luxurious.
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After lengthy days on the seaside constructing limitless sandcastles, I would like house 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 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 just a few 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 simple to suppose it’s a must to avoid cities once you’re travelling with children – however not removed from Exeter, Kenniford Cider Steps (nice title!) 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 wood beams; exterior there’s a personal patio in addition to loads of house for youths 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.
When you don’t fancy going into the town itself, the gorgeous outdated port of Topsham is a beautiful spot to wander, in addition to Powderham Fort with its deer park and family-friendly actions and the golden sandy seaside at Exmouth.
Or head to Crealy Journey Park for rides, sights 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
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 helps 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. You can too go strolling on among the routes proper on the cottage’s doorstep, with the world 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 chill 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 residence 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 journey on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, together with a cease at England’s highest slim gauge railway station.
There’s historical past to find as effectively – Watermouth Fort is definitely a theme park, primarily based round a 19th century castle-style home. In addition to the rides and sights, 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 standard expansive grounds and actions for youths.
Scroll down for extra tips about issues to do in Woolacombe and Croyde too
Finest luxurious locations to remain in Devon
Not simply my dream place to stick with children, The Cliffs is probably my dream residence – a penthouse residence looking throughout the ocean, you’ll be able to take the cliff railway right down to the seaside. Now how cool is that?
In addition to the large home windows with an exquisite view, you can too 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 gained’t spend your evenings washing up.
For luxurious with a distinction, try my overview of a keep at Dittisham Hideaway simply exterior 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 tips about issues to do in Torquay with children, try my ideas
It’s additionally a brief drive from Paignton Zoo, one in all 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 way more uncommon than staying in a transformed chapel – and tempting although the thought of Shepherd’s huts at all times is, Lee Chapel additionally has much more room once you’re staying with children. When you’re in search of a multigenerational vacation in Devon, you’ll be able to e book the neighbouring property too, which supplies you house for seven.
There are nonetheless stained glass home windows within the open plan residing/eating room, plus bedrooms beneath 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 just quarter-hour away.
Issues to do in Woolacombe
The seaside 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. When you love theme parks, The Large Sheep and Milky Means 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, gentle 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 revealed 2018, final up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions on the most effective locations to remain in Devon with children are my very own
Brixham and Topsham pictures copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Adobe Inventory/Depositphotos
