South Devon is the perfect spot for a memorable family holiday. There are hundreds of attractions to explore, activities for all the family to enjoy, beautiful beaches to relax on, and plenty of animal adventures to charm the kids.
With so much to explore, it can be overwhelming deciding how to spend your days. Here are a few suggestions for delightful days out in South Devon.
1. All Aboard the South Devon Railway
For a traditional family adventure, head to the South Devon Railway (SDR), which runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Spend your day chugging merrily along this seven-mile stretch of railway, with fantastic views over the magical River Dart Valley. Adults and children will love admiring the steam trains in the museum, while toddlers adore the special Thomas the Tank Engine days.
For an extra special treat, buy a joint ticket with other nearby attractions. Jump off at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm to see red squirrels, cuddle a guinea pig, coo over pigmy goats and marvel at owls. Wander through tropical butterfly enclosures and peek at underwater otter acrobatics at Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary.
2. Find Nemo at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth
The UK’s largest aquarium gives you a taste of life under the sea, with thousands of weird and wonderful sea creatures. There are six fabulous aquariums to explore, with marine life from the Plymouth Sound to the tropics. Get up close with sharks, rays, turtles, jellyfish, hermit crabs and more, and learn fun facts about the creatures that live under our seas.
There’s an impressive 3D movie to watch, and special events such as sleepovers and Toddler Tuesdays.
3. Rub Shoulders with Nobility at Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle is a fortified manor house on the banks of the River Exe. This family home dates from the 13th century, with later additions from the 18th and 19th centuries. Take one of their popular guided tours through the castle to impress adults with the majestic rooms and entertain kids with secret passageways and haunted paintings.
Hop on a tractor and trailer ride through the surrounding deer park, and meet pot-bellied pigs, goats, chickens and a donkey in pets’ corner. Little ones have the opportunity to let off steam in the play area, where they can clamber over a wooden fort and fly down the zipwire.
4. Explore Blackpool Sands
The fine shingle bay at Blackpool Sands is one of the UK’s most gorgeous beaches. This crescent-shaped sheltered bay backed by pines and evergreens has a stunning turquoise Blue Flag sea to swim in, along with paddleboards, windsurfs and kayaks for hire.
The grassy picnic area is a fine spot to lay out your blanket and enjoy a good old British picnic. Don’t despair if you forgot to pack one – The Venus Café is renowned for its local, organic food. They even sell picnic hampers! The fine shingle means you don’t have to worry about getting sand in your picnic, while there are sand pits around the bay so kids can get their sandcastle fix.
Devon Tourist Attractions
And there’s so much more – the list is endless! We’ve linked up with some of the very best Devon Tourist Attractions to enable our guests to get specially reduced entrance prices. Choose from zoos to adventure parks, unique steam railway journeys and boat trips. You really are spoilt for choice!
Our first-class holiday accommodation at Dawlish Warren is the ideal spot to base your family while exploring the many delights of the South Devon region. Simply book online or call us on 03451 656265 to discuss your holiday plans.
