5 fantastic days out for the whole family to enjoy in Devon
Ever since the rise of seaside resorts and the arrival of the railways in the late 1900s, Devon has been
one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. Famed for its fantastic beaches, landscape
World Heritage Sites and quaint villages and towns, Devon is a great holiday destination for the
whole family.
I have teamed up with holiday cottage specialists Blue Chip Holidays to compile a list of our top days out for the whole family to enjoy in Devon.
The English Riviera – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
Probably the most famous destination in Devon, is steeped in maritime history and surrounded by stunning coastlines and countryside, the English Riviera’s main hubs of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are the perfect starting points to explore the area.
Our favourite family days out in the area include The Golden Hind, the replica of the English galleon best known for her privateering circumnavigation of the world and is permanently moored in the harbour of the sea port of Brixham and the kids love burning off steam at Splashdown Quay West, the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark which is situated on Goodrington Sands which boasts spectacular views over Torbay.
There are many more top quality attractions including underground caverns, the stunning Paignton
zoo, unique marine aviaries. Whether you want to discover the history and heritage of the area, relax on the beach or try your hand at water sports, the English Riviera has it all.
Dartmoor National Park
Situated in the heart of Devon, Dartmoor National Park is home to ancient landscapes, stunning
views, wooded valleys and rugged open spaces ideal for those who like the great outdoors.
Spanning 368 square miles, Dartmoor is an ideal location for walkers and cyclists looking for wide
open spaces to explore, while those who want something a bit different can learn about the art of
sculpting at the Sculpture School in North Tawton, explore vintage fairground rides at the Dingles
Fairground Heritage Centre, take a trip on a historic steam train or walk around the medieval monastery Buckfast Abbey.
Lundy Island
Situated 12 miles off the west coast of Devon, Lundy Island is a 400 foot granite outcrop in the Bristol Channel with tremendous views of sea and mainland. It is a totally unique experience and is perfect for those who like wildlife. Due to its unique combination of environmental conditions with rugged cliffs on the west and a sheltered and calm east coast, Lundy Island provides shelter and sanctuary to migrating birds including Puffins, Skylarks and Pied wagtails.
With some 140 different bird species recorded each year, Lundy Island is a great destination for birdwatchers, while the sea is home to an array of marine wildlife such as Grey seals, Dolphins, whales and jellyfish. Tourists can visit the island via ferry which runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from March through to October.
Watermouth Castle
Built in 1825, Watermouth Castle is now one of the top attractions in Devon and houses an array of
underground tunnels and fortifications to explore, relics from Victorian times to discover and a
variety of amusements and rides to enjoy.
See what life was like in Victorian times as you walk through various exhibits with artefacts from the
past, or explore the castle dungeon featuring craft shops from a bygone age, the Hall of Mirror, a model railway and vintage arcade machines.
Once you make it out of the dungeon labyrinth you will find a wonderful theme park set in a beautiful natural valley with breathtaking views of the North Devon coastline.
The North Devon Surf School
A holiday in Devon would not be complete without experiencing some of the great water sports
available on the coastline. Sailing, wind surfing and swimming are some of the more popular beach
activities, but surfing what Devon is known for.
Awarded a Centre of Excellence by Surfing England, the North Devon Surf School has a purpose-built
facility located on Westward Ho! Beach on the west coast of Devon and specialises in surfing and
paddleboard lessons. Whatever your skill level, the dedicated staff provide training for those who
are looking to learn to surfers who want to improve their technique.
The facilities include heated changing rooms, hot showers, a surf shop and café, as well as a large
collection of boards and wetsuits for hire. Whether you want to learn, practise or improve your
surfing technique, the North Devon Surf School is well worth checking out.
Have you visited Devon – what are your favourite places to explore?
Gemma
I love Brixham, so much character and I’ve enjoyed some lovely strolls along the waterfront. Lots of tasty, traditional seaside and British food to enjoy too!
Rebecca | AAUBlog
I have never been to Devon which is so bad, I know! There looks like there are so many lovely things to do though
Clare
We love Devon – such a beautiful part of the country. We’ve never been to Lundy Island – looks like somewhere we need to visit!
Fashion and Style Police
I have never been to Devon. It would be great to visit it one day. I like the sound of the water park.
Jon
Looks like there is so much do in Devon. I’d love to go to the National Park!!
emma
I really want to explore Devon more over the next few years. Lundy Island sounds right up our street too.
Anosa
I have not yet been to Devon but we are heading there over the summer and very much excited about it.
Dean of Little Steps
I love Devon. We live in Cornwall and love visiting Devon, especially the beautiful English Riviera, it does feel like you’re abroad especially when the weather is lovely 🙂 Also love Dartmoor. Can’t wait for our next visit 🙂
Nadia
I really want to visit Devon! It’s on my list of UK destinations I hope to go as a family soon. Looks stunning.
Alex
I’ve never been to Devon but would really love to explore. Lundy looks wonderful – we’ve got an animal mad family who would love to see all the birds!
Yeah Lifestyle
I have always loved Devon but we have not been there since we had kids. Looking at your suggestions, its making me want to plan a trip there in Summer, so much to see and do.
Pinkoddy
We absolutely love Devon and it is ace it is just down the m5 for us. There is also a great karting place too. Our favourite place is Splashdown though and we really ought to visit again soon
Laura - Dear Bear and Beany
My husband loves Devon and used to spend every year in Croyde with his friends. We would love to go and take the girls, maybe next year x
Laura Dove
We are going to Devon next week to stay at Paignton so this was really helpful! I can’t wait!
Newcastle Family Life
I have never visited Devon, it sounds like there is lots to do x
Melanie
Wow so many lovely ideas. Dartford national park would make a great adventure x
Kira
Some really great ideas . We are all big fans of water sports so would definately enjoy them !
Lindsay Troncone
That water park looks so much fun! I actually really am freaked out by waterslides but that one looks like a lot of fun!
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog
We’ve stayed in Shaldon before and loved visiting Dawlish Warren and Torquay. It really is a nice area to visit and holiday in x
Lynne Harper
I have never been to Devon before. What a fabulous area that’s rammed packed full of amazing places to visit
Rachel
So glad I read this post as I live in Devon and always like recommendations on places to visit! I soooo want to go to Lundy Island! So much wildlife to see!
Stephanie
Watermouth Castle is a childhood memory place of mine, I spent some very lovely days there when I was young
Scott
I’ve never been there, however I found a great site to get cheap prices on flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, and travel insurances. You can also hire your own private sailing yacht, or buy extras before your travel.
Sophie
Devon is absolutely gorgeous! I think you’ve nailed all the key highlights here. Dartmoor is beautiful and definitely worth a visit.