10 things to do in Bovey Tracey with kids
Tucked on the edge of Dartmoor National park, you’ll find the lovely little town that is Bovey Tracey. Whatever brings you to here, a family holiday or simply playing tourist in your own backyard, we’re going to help you discover even more than you anticipated in this guide to things to do in Bovey Tracey.
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Briefly, why visit Bovey?
- Bovey Tracey offers a happy selection of activities for families, including crafting at Pom Stitch Tassel and exploring the House of Marbles.
- Visit the Jolly Roger for free to see life-sized models or take a family bike ride to Stover Country Park.
- Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and climb Canonteign Falls for an exciting outdoor adventure.
- Explore Parke National Trust and Haytor for scenic walks.
- Take part in an escape room challenge with Escape the Game if it’s a rainy day.
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1. Get crafty at Pom Stitch Tassel

Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity or something crafty to entertain little ones or creative teens in the school holidays, Pom Stitch Tassel offers a vibrant sanctuary.
Borne from a love of pom-pom making, this dainty shop and studio on Fore Street hosts craft parties, workshops and events for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re crafting pom pom bouquets, trying your hand at sewing or want to sit back with a cuppa and watch the sessions from the sidelines, they’ve something for everyone in the family.
See their website to see what sessions they’ve got coming up.
2. Meet the Jolly Roger’s life sized models

The Jolly Roger is one of Devon’s most unique places to visit and it’s also free. It’s workshop where life-sized models are made for all kinds of businesses and projects.
One of the things that makes Jolly Roger’s a great place to browse is that there are models for everyone – animals, race cars, soldiers, dinosaurs, you name it. The kids will be in their element and you can even grab a refreshment from the on-site cafe.
Find out more about the Jolly Roger.
3. Visit the House of Marbles

Another free place to visit in Bovey Tracey is the House of Marbles. It is home to incredible marble runs that will amaze your children. Even the adults can’t help but be enthralled by the fascinating displays here.
There’s also a gift shop, glass blowing workshop, outdoor play area and The Old Pottery Restaurant.
Find out more about visiting The House of Marbles.
4. Cycle to Stover Country Park

For another of the cheap idea, you can’t beat a family bike ride. The trail from Newton Abbot to Stover Country Park is a family friendly, flat route that makes for a fun activity especially when the weather’s on our side!
Roughly six miles long, this route is ideal for all ages and abilities. Once you reach your destination, Stover Country Park has even more attractions to keep the kids happy – play areas, walking trails and picnic spots.
5. Explore Parke National Trust
Parke is one of Devon’s many National Trust places. With its walled garden, walks along River Bovey and wooded estate, there are plenty of outdoor activities to occupy little adventurers.
You can bring dogs along to join in the fun too, keeping them on-lead throughout the estate or even make use of their off-lead dog play area.
Find out more about visiting Parke at Bovey Tracey.
6. Have a dip at Bovey Tracey Swimming Pool
Need to burn off some energy? Pack your swimming costumes and head over to Bovey Tracey’s outdoor swimming pool where they offer loads of great swim sessions.
The general swim caters for the whole family, while the fun swim with floats lets the kids burn off their excess energy. The inflatable session is exclusive to kids under 15 who will get a real thrill out of the obstacles and inflatables.
Check the timetable to plan your visit.
7. Climb Canonteign Falls

Canonteign Falls is one of the things to do near Bovey Tracey with plenty to keep you busy all day. There’s plenty for the kids here too, with the children’s trail and fern garden where you can spot fairies along the route, as well as an adventure playground and model boating lakes.
Make sure to bring a toddler carrier if you want to take smaller kids to the top of the waterfall before finishing with a pit-stop at the cafe.
Find out more about visiting Canonteign Falls.
Find more waterfall walks in Devon.
8. Conquer Haytor

One of our favourite things to do in Bovey Tracey is take in the views from the top of Haytor Rocks, part of Dartmoor National Park.
There’s a few different trails to get you to the top, if you pop into the visitor centre in the village you can pick up a map to choose your route. Keep the kids entertained by looking out for wildlife en route to the top.
There’s also plenty of other things to do in the area too, like bouldering and rock climbing which is a great activity for teen explorers.
Find more family-friendly Dartmoor walks.
9. Explore Becky Falls

Another outdoor adventure near Bovey Tracey is Becky Falls where you’ll find three different trails to choose from.
Similar to Canonteign Falls, you’ll discover stunning waterfalls as you roam the woodlands. The children’s nature trail is also a real hit with families where you get to take part in animal encounters along the route.
Find out more about visiting this woodland park.
10. Escape the Game
Lastly on our tour of things to do in Bovey Tracey is the perfect rainy day activity with teens: Escape the Game. There are various puzzle rooms tailored to different ages and abilities. Escape the Game brings everyone together for a fun and challenging day out.
Find out more and book Escape the Game.
Family-friendly places to stay in Bovey Tracey

We can recommend glamping at Dartmoor Reach, which is near Bovey Tracey. It’s no normal stay with alpacas and retreat facilities for the whole family.
Find even more hotels, self-catering cottages and quaint country inns in and around Bovey Tracey on booking.com.
With a great mixture of indoor activities for those inevitable rainy days, alongside outdoor adventures that will guarantee they’ll sleep well tonight, you’re sure to find plenty of fun, family friendly days out in Bovey Tracey. Enjoy your visit!
Find more things to do in South Devon.

