From cream teas to paddling, to not point out my favorite issues to do in Devon with youngsters, the county is one in all my favorite locations for a UK household vacation. However whilst you may simply fill a month with out repeating the identical time out, my financial institution stability gained’t stand for that (alas) – which began me in search of free days out in Devon with youngsters.
It goes with out saying that you may 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 effectively.
However in case you’re in search of free issues to do in Devon with youngsters, there’s lots past the sand and surroundings as effectively, 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 youngsters than seashores – however who doesn’t fancy a little bit of time on a few of the county’s fantastic coast. As a result of You’re spoiled for alternative in the case 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 prefer it’s been plucked from the Mediterranean because of the pines and deep turquoise blue of the water.
Take a look at my decide of the greatest seashores in Devon with youngsters
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’ll’t speak about north Devon seashores with out mentioning Woolacombe Seashore – often ranked among the many high 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 along with your canine, try this publish from Devon With Youngsters.
There’s additionally fossil searching, particularly in east Devon in the direction of the Jurassic Coast, in addition to crabbing and much extra enjoyable by the coast.
For extra concepts of nice seashores in Devon, check out my final information to Devon
Letterboxing & geocaching on Dartmoor
The unique geo-caching, letterboxing mixes treasure searching and puzzle fixing with orienteering as you observe down over 100 ‘letterboxes’ – small pots or containers containing a stamp.
If you’ve discovered them, use the stamp to mark a pocket book or postcard, then signal your identify 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 in case you’re in search of a household problem…
For extra concepts of issues to do on and round Dartmoor with youngsters, try this publish
You possibly can go geocaching too – try Go to Devon’s information to geocaching in Devon as one other nice thought of one thing to do in Devon totally free.
The wild landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor are excellent for a household journey so this can be a nice option to encourage youngsters out to discover, whether or not you’re discovering the legends related to the moors, or stargazing with older youngsters at Exmoor, one in all just a few 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 world geopark.
Even higher, you’ll be able to spot dolphins, seals and basking sharks from right here, in addition to some unbelievable views, or stroll the ramparts of the not too long ago restored fortifications from the Napoleonic Battle. For one thing extra adventurous, there’s mountain climbing and kayaking right here too.
Take a look at our time out exploring Berry Head reserve, plus a spot of rockpooling on the facet
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 in case you’re trying to get outside 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 in case you’re in search of low-cost days out in Devon with youngsters however proud of one thing that’s not 100% free, there’s at present the Zog Exercise path for youths as effectively – plus a restaurant in case you fancy a drink and slice of cake after your stroll.
For extra out of doors enjoyable, Stover Nation Park is just a brief drive away from Haldon Forest Park and in addition has no entry charge
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 completely 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 fairly much less geological trampoline and seesaw).
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 wanting on the surroundings or an extended hike alongside the coast.
In actual fact, in case 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 youngsters, you shouldn’t be too removed from the prospect to walk, together with routes via the South Devon and East Devon AONB (Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence).
The web site additionally enables you to seek for walks of various issue (together with ones appropriate for a mobility scooter, and due to this fact 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 via the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
You possibly can observe it from the coast, or via 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 take pleasure in, utilizing the realm’s outdated railway strains – attempt one of many picturesque sections between Braunton and Meeth. As for Tarka, it’s price holding your eyes open however you’ll must be very fortunate to identify an otter.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Hug, stroke and pet the five hundred residents of the stunning Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth totally free, with mules in addition to donkeys taken care of by the charity in cost.
There are additionally nature trails via the fields to wander, and common household actions – comparable to a High Trumps path dotted across the sanctuary or a spring path highlighting a few of the nature to identify.
There’s no must prebook, and there’s an important cafe on web site with a kids’s menu, in addition to some tempting meals for adults. Youthful youngsters will love this in case you’re in search of 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 cattle to identify, together with the wildlife you’ll be able to see on the path – and there’s free parking as effectively.
There are a string of different household sights at Occombe Farm, together with indoor and out of doors play areas, and animal encounters to take pleasure in, however all these are paid actions – price realizing earlier than you arrive, in case your youngsters have their hearts set on the play areas impressed by native surroundings and historical past.
Should 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 sizzling pulled pork in brioche or crab desserts on the menu.
RAMM, Exeter
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, or RAMM, is one other nice thought for a free time out in Devon when it’s raining – and there’s lots to entertain youngsters.
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 occasions with a miniature longhouse, to not point out exercise baggage for various ages, quizzes and interactive displays.
The Field, Plymouth
This arts and cultural hub, which opened in 2020, has an important mixture of everlasting galleries and short-term exhibitions – and even higher, there’s no entry cost to The Field so it’s one other implausible free time out in Devon with youngsters.
The shows have hyperlinks to Plymouth’s previous – every thing 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 screen and pictures displaying a few 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 completely different subjects, or step in entrance of a inexperienced display screen to attempt their hand as a TV presenter – there’s a lot to do at this free attraction, you’ll be able to simply spend hours.
For extra issues to do in Plymouth with youngsters, try my high picks
Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
Even the identify is intriguing – and also you don’t have to like marbles, though you’ll be in marble heaven in case you do with one of many extra uncommon free days out in Devon with youngsters.
The attraction close to Bovey Tracey additionally has glass making to look at, a museum protecting the 4,000-year historical past of glass and a group boasting one in all each marble made through the years, together with video games from the early seventeenth century.
There are some implausible and big marble runs too – and it’s an important choice for wet days in Devon as you’ll be able to shelter indoors too.
Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh
The primary abbey at Buckfast was based again in 1018, going on to change into more and more vital 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 – as we speak it’s nonetheless dwelling to a working group of Benedictine monks.
It’s not simply an choice for a free time out in Devon with youngsters who love historical past both, though there’s an interactive exhibition to provide some extra background. You possibly can discover the gardens and grounds, together with the beautiful lavender backyard through the summer season, with its 50 completely different varieties.
There’s additionally a sensory backyard and a physic backyard with its medicinal vegetation, whereas the Millennium Gardens have gained awards. Half-way between Plymouth and Exeter, it’s simple to achieve from Devon’s cities – and do save a bit of money to get a few of Buckfast Abbey’s hand-made fudge.
Comply with a path
In addition to trails that can assist you discover the good outside, at locations like Haldon Forest Park, you too can discover loads of enjoyable trails to find Devon’s cities with youngsters totally free.
Should you’re visiting Exeter, benefit from 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. Should you’re visiting Plymouth Hoe, there’s a separate Hoe Path stroll to attempt right here as effectively.
Should you’re exploring Royal William Yard with youngsters, 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 gained’t be wanting nice views wherever you’re in Devon, whether or not that’s a reasonably harbour like Topsham, wanting down from a Tor on Dartmoor, or gazing out to see.
However a few 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 taking part in bowls when information of the advancing Spanish Armada was obtained – confidently ending his recreation earlier than heading out to defeat the invading fleet. His statue stands just some metres from the bowling inexperienced to at the present time.
The general public park is the right spot to take pleasure in some downtime with the household and let little ones stretch their legs. You possibly can take a stroll alongside the promenade, hunt for the park’s many statues and monuments, take pleasure in 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 photographs courtesy of Depositphotos
