When you’re looking to spend some quality time with the family, there’s nothing quite like a good old fashioned picnic. Here we introduce you to some fantastic picnic spots to enjoy in beautiful South Devon.
Decoy Country Park
Situated on the outskirts of Newton Abbot, Decoy Country Park is a wonderful destination for a family day out with a picnic. With its huge playing fields, which are great for a family game of rounder’s or a kick about with the football, lovely lakeside walk and fantastic children’s adventure playground, there is something for everyone. Also on Decoy Lake you can enjoy kayaking and there is a sailing club. For the best views there are a few picnic benches available overlooking the lake, although these do get busy in summer. There is ample parking on site (chargable) and refreshments are available.
Babbacombe Downs
Fantastic views of the South Devon coastline is the main attraction at Babbacombe Downs which boasts the accolade of having the highest cliff top promenade in England. On a good day you’ll be able to see Teignmouth, Exmouth and even as far as Portland Bill in Dorset! There are plenty of benches to sit on among the lawns off the Downs, which are graced with wonderful flower beds. Babbacombe Downs is also where you can ride the Babbacombe Cliff Railway down to Oddicombe Beach. Babbacombe Model Village and Bygones attractions are close by too, so why not make a day of it. Babbacombe is easily reached from Dawlish Warren by catching the Hop 22 bus.
Daddy Hole Plain
Another cliff top location with stunning views is Daddy Hole Plain, a limestone plateau 75 metres above the sea in Torquay. From here you can also enjoy a wonderful walk along part of the South West Coast Path to Torquay Harbour. Along the way you’ll pass a coastguard station and London Bridge, a natural arch formed within the cliff. The route is quite hilly and there are steps in places, but there is so much to see along route, the whole family will love it. Perhaps you could combine your walk with a visit to Living Coasts attraction? Here, as well as seeing all kinds of marine wildlife including penguins you can also stop for more refreshments in their cafe before walking back up the hill to your car.
Spitchwick
Families can combine a picnic with wild swimming at this popular Dartmoor beauty spot. Located near Ashburton, Spitchwick , also known as Deeper Marsh, has a common beside the River Dart and plenty of parking nearby (chargable). At the height of the season it can get very busy though, so we suggest you get there early and there aren’t many picnic benches so you’ll need a rug. The river is shallow on the common side and deep on the other which makes it a popular spot for jumping in.
Dawlish Warren Beach and Nature Reserve
Of course we can’t forget to mention our very own Dawlish Warren Beach and Nature Reserve. Here you’ll find lots of benches and open green spaces, perfect for a family get together. If you’re interested in nature pop into the visitors centre, stroll along the dunes and beach or perhaps go and observe the wading birds from the bird hide. Those looking for action are also catered for with the mini fairground, go-karts, adventure golf and of course there’s the beach which is attended by lifeguards in the summer. Dawlish Warren really does have it all, including shops and pubs that allow dogs in, plenty of parking (chargeable) and a train station right on the doorstep.
Welcome Family Holiday Park is the ideal base for enjoying these picnic spots in South Devon. Call us today on 03451 656265 or simply book online.
