Waking up at Welcome Family Holiday Park means you have the beautiful beaches of Dawlish Warren right on your doorstep. But if you are looking to mix things up, or need a brilliant backup plan for a rainy Devon day, the historic city of Exeter is just a stone’s throw away.
Many travel guides will just give you a generic list of historic buildings and chain restaurants. But navigating a historic city with kids, strollers, and changing weather takes real strategy.
This guide is your stress-free blueprint for the perfect family day out in Exeter, packed with insider logistics to keep both parents and kids happy.
Why Exeter is Perfect for a Family Day Out from South Devon
Unlike larger cities, Exeter is compact, walkable, and easy to explore in a day. Everything is close together, which makes it especially convenient for families with younger children or mixed-age groups.
A day trip to Exeter works well because you get:
- A mix of indoor and outdoor attractions.
- Plenty of free things to do.
- Short walking distances between sights.
- Good options for rainy or sunny weather.
- Easy travel from Dawlish Warren.
Whether you want history, shopping, food, or space to explore, Exeter offers a bit of everything in one simple day out.
1. Getting There: The Stress-Free Way
Before you pack the bags, you need to decide how you are getting there. While driving is an option, the absolute best way to start your day is by rail.
Option A: The Scenic Train Route (Highly Recommended)
Exeter’s city center can get incredibly busy during peak summer, and parking fees add up fast. Instead, take a short walk from the holiday park to the Dawlish Warren Train Station.
- The Route: Take the train directly to Exeter Central. Do not book your tickets to Exeter St Davids! While St Davids is the city’s main transport hub, it sits at the bottom of a notoriously steep hill. Booking to St Davids leaves families facing a tiring 20-minute uphill walk or an annoying bus transfer before you even start your day. Booking to Exeter Central gives you direct, instant access to the High Street and Cathedral. The train journey takes just under 30 minutes.
- Insider Tip: Sit on the right-hand side of the train on the way into Exeter. The line runs right along the edge of the Exe Estuary, offering world-class views of the water, boats, and wildlife that will keep the kids glued to the window.
- Money Saver: Ask for a family ticket or look into a Devon Day Ranger if you plan to explore further; it is significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Option B: Driving and Parking
If you must drive, the journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes via the A379.
- Where to Park: Avoid the tight, multi-storey central car parks. Head straight for the Cathedral and Quay Car Park (EX1 1DE). It has slightly wider bays which make unloading strollers and bags much easier, and it gives you immediate, flat access to the historic Quayside.
2. Plan Your Day by Your Family’s Vibe
Rather than a strict morning-to-night timeline that can get derailed by a single toddler tantrum, use these three flexible “blueprints” to match your family’s needs for the day.
Blueprint 1: The “It’s Pouring Rain” Emergency Plan
Devon weather can be unpredictable, but Exeter has one of the best free indoor rainy-day spots in the southwest.
Morning: The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)
This wonderful treasure trove of exhibits covers local history and artefacts from across the world. The collections include antiquities, costumes, fine art, natural sciences and world cultures. They’ve even got dinosaurs!
Interactive displays are great for curious kids and adults alike, and there are art, music, dance and crafting workshops to help you get creative.
- The Vibe: Completely free entry, beautifully spacious, and incredibly welcoming to families.
- Insider Secret: Head straight up to the first floor to find Gerald the Giraffe, a massive, century-old taxidermy giraffe who has become the museum’s unofficial mascot. Don’t miss the interactive digital fish tank nearby, where kids can color in a paper fish, scan it, and watch it instantly swim onto a giant projected wall display.
- Stroller Access: Excellent. There are wide ramps, spacious lifts, and plenty of clean baby-changing facilities.
- Location: The RAMM is near the Guildhall car park and is well signposted from Exeter Quay, Cathedral Green, and the city’s main shopping areas.
Lunch & Sweet Treats: Jar Bakery & Café or Chococo
- The Indie Vibe: Skip the generic high street chains. For a fantastic independent lunch and artisan bake, head to Jar Bakery & Café on Catherine Street, located just moments from the historic cathedral green. If your kids are craving something cold and decadent, make your way to Chococo on Gandy Street. Just a short 5-minute walk from the cathedral, they serve up award-winning handcrafted gelato, vegan chocolates, freshly baked cakes, and gooey brownies that make for the ultimate mid-day energy boost.
Afternoon: Exeter’s Underground Passages
- The Vibe: A truly unique adventure under the high street. Built in the 1300s, this amazing network of tunnels carried fresh water into the city – an extraordinary achievement for the time. And the medieval stonework is still standing today.
- Crucial Warning: Do not just turn up at the medieval tunnels! They are not open every day and require a pre-booked, guided tour. It is best for kids aged 5 and up, as it requires wearing hard hats and can feel a bit cramped for tiny toddlers. Older kids, however, will absolutely love the “dungeon explorer” atmosphere.
- Location: The Passages are in central Exeter near Princesshay Shopping Centre.
Blueprint 2: The “High Energy & Sun” Plan
If the sun is shining and the kids need to burn off some serious physical energy, skip the shops and head straight down to the water.
Morning: The Historic Quayside & Cable Ferry
This bustling waterfront features tasty cafes and bars, tempting galleries, antique shops, independent craft shops and jewellers. You’ll find no chain stores in this area.
Explore lovely waterside walks or hire a bike if you’re feeling fit. You can even get out on the water in a canoe. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery (plus a wee bit of shopping).
- The Vibe: A beautiful, bustling waterfront area that is completely flat and pedestrian-friendly.
- The Hidden Gem Activity: Don’t just walk along the path. Look out for the tiny, hand-powered Quay Cable Ferry. For a tiny fee (usually around £1 per person), a local ferryman pulls your family across the canal using a wire rope. It only takes two minutes, but toddlers find it absolutely thrilling. Operated by Exeter Cruises primarily during the summer, on weekends, and on bank holidays (with extended daily service during peak periods like August).
- For older kids and teenagers: Rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards from local outfitters right on the quay to explore the calm waters.
- Location: The Quayside is a 10–15-minute walk from central Exeter.
Lunch: Custom House Cellars or Quayside Picnics
- Grab some artisan wood-fired pizza or gourmet burgers from the independent spots built into the old stone cellars, or grab a grassy spot by the water to watch the swans.
Afternoon: The Canal Path Bike Ride
- You can rent kids’ bikes and trailers directly on the Quay. The path heading out toward the Double Locks is entirely flat, traffic-free, and ideal for little legs that are still learning to cycle safely.
Blueprint 3: The “Toddler-Paced” Gentle Stroll
If you have very young children or a stroller, you want a day with minimal hills, open spaces to run around safely, and easy access to changing tables.
Morning: The Cathedral Green
- The Vibe: While the inside of Exeter Cathedral is magnificent, the real prize for parents with toddlers is the massive, pedestrianised grass lawn surrounding it. It is completely safe from cars, making it the perfect spot to let toddlers out of the stroller to run around on the grass and burn off energy while you admire the stunning architecture.
- The History: Exeter Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in England and a must-see if you enjoy history and architecture. This spectacular building dates from 1350. Its stunning features include the 18-metre high Bishop’s Throne made in the 1400s, the Great East Window with its impressive stained glass, and the unique Astronomical Clock, which still works today.
- Cathedral café: If you need a rest, you’ll find some delicious treats in the cathedral café, located in the ancient Chapter House.
- Location: The cathedral is easy to reach in the city centre. It has a car park, and there are others nearby.
Afternoon: Play Area and Gardens
- The Princesshay Play Area: Head into the modern Princesshay shopping area. While it is a shopping district, it features a beautifully maintained, flat open square that frequently hosts free family pop-up events, giant deckchairs, or interactive art installations during the summer months
- Northernhay Gardens: If you fancy a bit of greenery, take a break in Northernhay Gardens, a lovely oasis in the city centre, just behind Boots. It’s one of England’s oldest parks and is perfect for strolling around tree-lined paths and admiring the flowerbeds brimming with colour. The gardens are set in an historic area which was once part of the castle defences. There’s a large section of Roman wall and the only surviving Saxon town wall.
Seasonal Summer Highlights You Can’t Miss
If you are staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park during the school holidays, try to time your Exeter day trip with one of these fantastic local events:
- Summer Craft Sessions: Every Monday afternoon during the School Holidays.
What Makes it Special: Held by Exeter Cathedral, these free family-friendly workshops let kids try their hand at making medieval tiles and handmade paper. - Exeter Craft Festival in July
What Makes it Special: An annual outdoor tradition running for over 40 years. The Cathedral Green transforms into a unique tented village showcasing handmade art, crafts, and interactive entertainment. - Dragon Boat Festival August
What Makes it Special: Head down to the River Exe to cheer on fast-paced, colourful dragon boats racing down the water—a highly vibrant, high-energy spectator event for the whole family
4. Summary Checklist for Parents
- Book train tickets to Exeter Central, not Exeter St Davids.
- Pre-book the Underground Passages online before you leave the holiday park.
- Pack a light jacket for the tunnels (they get chilly!) and sunscreen for the open spaces at the Quay and Cathedral Green.
- Take a 10-minute walk away from the High Street to discover the gorgeous Quayside.
By swapping out the predictable chain restaurants for local hidden gems like Chococo and Jar
Bakery, and avoiding the common transport traps, your family day trip to Exeter will be smooth,
unique, and unforgettable. Best of all, you’ll be back at Welcome Family Holiday Park in time for
a relaxing evening swim or a trip to the evening entertainment venue!
Why Exeter Works So Well from South Devon
Exeter is one of the best family day trips from the South Devon coast because it’s so flexible.
In a single day you can walk by the river, explore a museum or cathedral, enjoy good food and fit everything into a compact, easy-to-navigate city.
And best of all, you can return to the coast in time for an evening swim, entertainment, or a relaxed night back at the park.
The Perfect Base for Exploring Exeter and South Devon
Staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park gives you the ideal base to explore both coast and city.
You’re perfectly placed for:
- Beach days at Dawlish Warren
- Easy day trips
- Exploring wider South Devon attractions
- Returning to comfort and entertainment in the evening
It’s the perfect combination of seaside relaxation and city adventure.
Final Thoughts
Exeter is one of the easiest and most rewarding family day trips from South Devon. Whether you’re exploring riverside paths, discovering history underground, or enjoying a relaxed lunch in the city centre, it’s a destination that works for all ages and all weather.
And when you’re staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park, it’s right on your doorstep.