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Devon is a wonderful area in South West England and is a popular location for anyone enjoying a staycation in the UK. Devon boasts some of the most incredible beaches and beautiful countryside which is why it is such a popular place to visit, especially during the school holidays.
Things to do in Devon in the Summer holidays with kids
So whether you are local to the area or planning a visit, you might be wondering where to go. With that in mind, here are 10 things to do in Devon in the Summer holidays with kids.
Exmoor Zoo
Many families love a trip to the Zoo and Exmoor Zoo is one that will deliver in Devon. The great thing about this zoo compared to others is that you can get a little closer to the action. There are a number of special animal experiences that the whole family will love. You will also find a few larger animals around the zoo including the star black leopard. This is a great place to visit with the family and a location where you can spend a good part of the day wandering around and enjoying the experience. There will also be feeding times to enjoy where zoo keepers will tell you all about the animals.
Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is another great location for children to visit especially if they love animals. During your visit, you will be able to stroke and give some affection to over 500 donkeys that are being cared for at the sanctuary. There are usually events taking place throughout the year so it is always worth checking the website ahead of your visit. You will also find family fun trails to enjoy to help you explore the area.
The Big Sheep
This might sound strange, but The Big Sheep in Bideford is a sheep-themed family amusement park. Not only are there rides to enjoy, but you can also experience sheep racing and try your hand at lamb feeding during lambing season. There are other things you can enjoy such as farm safaris and an epic indoor soft play centre if you need to shelter from the rain. A great day out that the whole family will enjoy.
Golden Hind
The Golden Hind in Brixham is a replica ship of the famous Golden Hind that Sir Francis Drake sailed many many years ago. You can enjoy an audio tour that will help you understand the history, and the children will not only love hearing about life on a ship but also scrambling around the ship and different rooms. It is an interesting attraction that the kids will love, especially if it happens to be a subject they are learning in school.
Buckland Abbey
Sticking with the theme of Sir Francis Drake another great attraction in Devon and something the kids will love is heading to his former home Buckland Abbey in Plymouth. It is a former monastery and there is plenty to explore and find including secret doorways and mysterious rooms. The kids will love experiencing this place; it would be a great way to spend some time and continue learning about UK history.
Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern in Torquay is a maze of caverns and caves that you can explore with the kids. This is a fascinating glimpse into how people used to live and how important the caves and caverns were. They date back more than 2.5 million years. While you are there the kids can also dig for fossils and do some chalk painting within the cave. A great day out for the whole family. This is one that would need to be booked in advance, so always check the website first.
Dartmouth Steam Train
Do you have any train enthusiasts in the family? Then this is a great place to visit. Dartmouth Steam Train in Dartmouth. They own vintage trains running between Paignton and Kingswear for a fun and unique way to get to the seaside. You will be ravelling along the English Riviera Geopark coastline, and stopping off in various different pretty locations. This can be a fun way to spend some time and a chance to experience something a little different.
Powderham Castle
You can’t beat a visit to a castle in the summer holidays and the kids absolutely love a chance to explore a unique and mysterious building. Powderham Castle in Exeter is a great place to visit with the family. This castle is very much in use, and you will get the opportunity for a guided tour as well as a chance to enjoy the castle grounds as well. There is a wooden fort play area and you could also jump on a tractor to go deer spotting. There are regular family activities and events taking place so it is always a good idea to check the website to see if anything is happening on the day you plan to visit.
RAMM
RAMM, which is a shortened name for The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a great place to visit if you were looking for something budget-friendly. It is free to enter and there is a treasure trove of things to look at and interactive exhibits to get involved in. Not only will you get to learn about the history of Devon from pre-historic days to the present but they also showcase other international histories such as the Egyptians. There is so much to see and do that the whole family will enjoy a visit here.
Berry Head Nature Reserve
This is a lovely location to visit if you want to get outside and up close with nature. The stunning headland has an iconic lighthouse with plenty of trails and walks you can do along the coastal area and within the parklands. It is surrounded by water on three sides. Not only can you enjoy the coastal walks but there is plenty of wildlife to look out for. A great way to spend a nice summer’s day with a picnic and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.
Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration for things to do in Devon in the Summer holidays with kids.
