My family loves to spend time in the great outdoors and one of our favourite places on Earth, is North Devon. If you’re in the area, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your trip!
Have a North Devon theme park day
In North Devon, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to them parks! The Big sheep is the place to go for animal encounters, it also has both indoor and outdoor play areas and rides. Outdoor activities include pedalos, jumping pillows and Devon’s biggest, highest and fastest coaster! There is a large, free car park and a café on site.
The Milky Way has plenty to do for all the family. Outdoors, you a find a rollercoaster, ferris wheel, train ride, maze and so much more. If the weather’s not great, there is a huge amount to do indoors here too. From soft play to bumper cars, falconry shows to a Star Wars exhibition, it’s easy to fill the whole day here! There are food outlets on site, plus plenty of indoor and outdoor space for you to eat your own picnics.
Watermouth Castle is a Victorian castle full of fabulous artefacts. The grounds hold a whole host of rides and play areas as well as some beautifully landscaped gardens. There are cafes and ice cream kiosks on site, as well as plenty of spots to eat your own picnic. The gorgeous Watermouth Harbor is across the road, there are some stunning coastal walks from there and a super cute café called Storm in a Tea Cup (they serve the best pasties ever by the way).
Walk up Little Hangman and Great Hangman
From Kiln car park in Combe Martin, North Devon, head up the hill past the Exmoor National Park and follow the South West Coast path route. There are lots of steep bits, but the views are incredible and you can treat yourself to an ice cream when you get back down to the bottom! Great Hangman summit is the highest point on the South West Coast Path.
We would also recommend a visit to the Combe Martin Museum while you’re here, be sure to take some cash though as they don’t take cards.
Visit Hartland Quay and Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall
Hartland is hands down the most dramatic stretch of coastline I’ve ever seen, even the drive down into the car park is spectacular! It’s not hard to see why it’s so popular as a film and TV location. The walk to Speke’s Mill Mouth isn’t long (approximately 1 mile from the quay car park), but it is definitely a must do. It’s really worth making the climb down to the beach, as you will get to see the different tiers of the waterfall, it’s stunning.
There are a few other bays and beaches along the way, should you wish to extend your walk. We can highly recommend a meal at The Wreckers Retreat Bar, large, tasty portions and reasonably priced.
Walk at Watersmeet
We stopped here on the way to our camp site back in May and it’s such a gorgeous valley. We visited at the start of the summer, when everything was luscious and green (and the ticks were rife), but I imagine it’s stunning during autumn too. There are some lovely walks at Watersmeet, ranging from approximately 2-7 miles.
There is a National Trust café on site and lots of space for picnics. Take cash for the car park, there is no facility for card or app payments.
A walk down to Heddon Mouth
Secret beach alert! Well, that’s what it feels like when you reach the end of the footpath at Heddon valley and the beach suddenly emerges in front of you! The walk to the beach is lovely, through a leafy woodland, alongside a babbling brook, really idyllic.
The Hunter’s Inn serves drinks, meals and afternoon tea and their customer service is wonderful. There is a small amount of free, on street parking and a large National Trust car park (fees apply).
Sunset on Barricane Beach
Just along the coastline from Woolacombe Bay, Barricane is famous for its Sri Lankan curry evenings. It’s also a super spot to watch the sun set. Be mindful of car park opening times if you plan to stay for sunset, use roadside parking so you don’t get locked in!
Cycle down to Fremington Quay
Set on the banks of the River Taw, there’s a cafe and an interactive visitor centre/museum here. There is also a pirate ship play area and small playing field at this location situated on The Tarka Trail. Bike hire is available too, it’s a great place to start a ride due to the free car park.
Take in The Valley of the Rocks
We parked by Lynton Town Hall and took the water powered railway down the hill. After a wander round Lynmouth and a spot of lunch, we set off back up the hill to Lynton, via the incredible Valley of the Rocks. The cliff path is narrow and completely open, so do bare that in mid if visiting with young children. There were wild goats everywhere, which was amazing, they are topiary experts and have shaped the bushes perfectly!
Visit Ilfracombe Aquarium
This lovely, little aquarium shows the journey from an Exmoor stream source, to the sea. You can get up close with many local species and the staff are really friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. It’s not huge, so you will probably be done within an hour, but there’s lots more to explore in Ilfracombe. You could head to the historic tunnels beaches (charges apply), paddle in the harbour, do some shopping in town or maybe even watch a show at the theatre.
Take a tractor ride to Bull Point
This is a seasonal activity (May to September) which is offered by The Mortehoe Museum. For a small fee, you will get a seat in the trailer and a super guided tour to Bull Point lighthouse. You get a short amount of time to explore the point and then you are taken back to the museum car park. The museum is really interesting, there is so much fascinating local history to learn about. The museum is free to enter and they have a great gift shop selling local arts and crafts.
I think we can agree that North Devon offers a wealth of opportunities for unforgettable family adventures. From exploring stunning coastlines to delving into rich cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline fuelled activities or peaceful moments surrounded by nature, this region caters to a wide range of interests. By following our guide of 10 things to do in North Devon with the family, you’re sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime in this captivating corner of England.
If you’re looking to travel to other areas the country, why not try these blogs: 10 Free Parks in London, Quirky Places to Stay in The Lake District
Leave a Reply