South Devon is one of the best places in the UK for a family holiday that’s big on memories but gentle on the wallet. With golden beaches, wildlife-rich countryside, characterful seaside towns and lots of family-friendly attractions, you can enjoy plenty of days out that are free or cost just a few pounds, whatever the weather.
Here’s our guide to budget-friendly family days out in South Devon.
Free Adventures Around Dawlish and Dawlish Warren
The region around Dawlish and Dawlish Warren makes a great base for a family holiday – and you don’t have to go far to have fun on a budget. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for sandcastles, paddling and games on the sand, with traditional amusements on hand if you fancy spending a little pocket money.
Right behind the sands, Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve offers way-marked trails through sand dunes, grassland and mudflats, where you can spot wading birds and other wildlife – perfect to get your little explorers interested in nature.
A short stroll or train hop away, Dawlish is famous for its black swans, which you’ll see gliding along the brook that runs through the romantic Victorian gardens in the centre of town. Children can let off steam in the play areas while grown-ups enjoy the flowers and sea views.
For more wide-open spaces, Dawlish Countryside Park is a free green haven that’s ideal for walks, wildlife spotting or settling down to enjoy a picnic amid wild countryside. Â
Great Value Adventures within 20 Miles of Dawlish Warren
If you’re happy to drive a little, you’ll find some brilliant days out where the only expense is to pay to park. Haldon Forest Park has miles of all-weather walking and cycling trails along with adventure play areas and picnic spots, so you can easily fill a day in the woods without forking out on admission tickets. Follow the Mamhead Trail to the Obelisk for panoramic views over the Exe Estuary and over to the Jurassic Coast.
Closer to the coast, Decoy Country Park near Newton Abbot combines lakeside paths, wildlife-spotting and a sandy play area. Active kids will love the BMX skatepark, while canoe hire is available for a small fee.
More green adventures can be found at Stover Country Park near Bovey Tracey, where you’ll find level trails around the lake, a Ted Hughes Poetry Trail and lots of birds and other wildlife, particularly dragonflies and damselflies.
Coastal Exploring on a Budget
Some of South Devon’s best days out are as simple as following the coast. Sections of the Exe Estuary Trail between Dawlish, Dawlish Warren and Starcross are ideal for walking or cycling with kids, with trains and boats to spot along the way. You can tackle a short stretch that suits your family, then hop on the train back if little legs get tired.
Teignmouth and Shaldon make an easy day trip too. Teignmouth’s wide sandy beach, pier and playparks are perfect for low-cost fun. A ferry carries you over the river to Shaldon for a few pounds, which has more of a traditional village feel. Kids can skim stones, go crabbing from the harbour wall or seek natural wonders in rock pools.
Fossil-hunting is a popular activity for kids of all ages and nearby Exmouth marks the start of the Jurassic Coast, where you can while away hours seeking treasures dating from when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Rainy Day Fun: Cheap Indoor Activities for All Ages
When the weather closes in, there’s still plenty to do without blowing the budget. If you’re staying with us here at Welcome Family Holiday Park, our indoor leisure pools and entertainment mean you can stay put and enjoy facilities included in the price of your stay.
Just down the road, The Paint Hub in Dawlish offers paint-your-own pottery with prices starting from just a few pounds per item, so you can set a clear budget per child and head home with a handmade souvenir.
Within a short drive, soft play centres in Newton Abbot and Exeter provide classic slides, climbing frames and ball pits, at a much lower cost than a full-scale theme park. Over in Exmouth, Ocean combines ten-pin bowling and indoor play under one roof – and you only pay for the activities you choose.
For something a little different, House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey is free to enter and packed with marble runs, museum-style displays, a shop and café, making it a great option for mixed-age groups and multigenerational days out.
Plan Your Budget-Friendly Family Holiday at Welcome Family
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly base for your family holiday in South Devon, check out the range of accommodation at Welcome Family, a family-run holiday pack in Dawlish Warren. A stay here puts you at the heart of South Devon’s beaches, countryside, nature and seaside towns, so you can pick and choose the days out that suit your family, the forecast and your wallet.
What’s more, we’ve actually reduced our prices for the 2026 season, giving you a bigger budget for family-friendly fun in the region. We look forward to welcoming you.