Who else cringes when the inevitable “are we nearly there yet?” is whined from the back seat 10 minutes (or less) into a family road trip? As a parent, I’ve learnt that breaking up car journeys is a sanity saver for us all and, if you’ve landed on this post about places to stop on the way to Cornwall, I know you feel the same.
Devon is the perfect spot to take a break wherever your trip begins. In this guide I’m sharing some of my top pit stop recommendations so you can turn your journey into an adventure rather than death by eye spy.
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Here’s a map of all the places included in this post to help you plan ahead:
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Knightshayes National Trust at Tiverton off the M5
Just 15 minutes off the M5, Knighthayes National Trust is a perfect place for a rest if you’re National Trust members.
There’s kids nature trails and plenty of open spaces for them to run around. You can stroll through the beautiful gardens, woodlands and explore the gothic revival house before getting a bite to eat and some treats at the cafe.
It’s got everything you need for a relaxing break from the road.
Fordmore Farm Shop off the M5 near Cullompton
Fordmore Farm Shop is just off the M5 near Cullompton and is free to visit.
There’s a cafe with farm-fresh food and drinks for everyone to enjoy, plus a small outdoor play area and farm animals, so the kids can happily stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
When you’re ready to move on, head to the farm shop to pick up some local produce to take on your way.
Find more family-friendly farm shops in Devon.
The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth off the A3052
If you’re travelling West along the A3052 near Sidmouth, you can’t miss as stop at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Here you and your family can meet and learn about the rescued donkeys. You’ll find some lovely walks around the paddocks. There’s always a seasonal children’s trail map, which you can buy to entertain the kids and support this charity. You can also get lost in the hedge maze.
Plan ahead and bring a picnic. Or even better, make use of the award-winning restaurant with homemade meals and refreshments. While entrance to the Sanctuary itself is free, it is always grateful for donations.
Greendale Farm shop off the A3052 near Exeter
If you’ve got animal-loving kids, I’d highly recommend Greendale Farm Shop as one of the free places you should visit on the way to Cornwall. Located off the A3052, near Exeter, it’s conveniently placed en-route from Dorset.
Alongside the fantastic farm shop, packed with local goodies, there’s also an animal area with pigs, goats and alpacas to meet. Let the kids make full use of the small outdoor play area while you enjoy a bite to eat and a well-earned cuppa in the cafe.
Haldon Forest Park off the A38 near Exeter
Just off the A38 near Exeter you’ll find Haldon Forest Park – a super family-friendly place to visit on the way to Cornwall.
With a mixture of paid and free activities, it makes for the perfect pit-stop where you don’t need to spend more than you parking fee if you want. There are miles of walking trails for all abilities including the Stickman Trail.
There’s also bike hire and a Go Ape treetop adventure for the thrill seeking big kids.
You can make sue of the picnic tables or top up tummies at the cafe by the car park before continuing on your way.
Brightside Cafe off the A303 and A38
There’s two Brightside Roadside Cafes in Devon, on the A303 at Honiton and A38 south of Exeter.
These nostalgic 1970’s style diners are a fun place to stop with colouring and activity packs to entertain the little ones, as well as burgers, all day breakfasts and kids meals to satiate hungry tums.
The Orange Elephant off the A38 near Exeter
Famous for its delicious homemade ice cream, The Orange Elephant is a firm favourite on our list of places to stop on the way to Cornwall.
Alongside delicious ice creams, there indoor and outdoor play areas and, in summertime, a maize maze for families to explore. Entrance fees apply.
Just off the A38 near Exeter, it’s conveniently placed along your travel route. There’s even a drive-thru ice cream parlour so that, if you’re keen to reach your destination, you can enjoy a delicious sweet treat to take with you.
Find more ice cream parlours and dessert cafes in Devon.
Wildwood Devon at Ottery St Mary off the A30
Stop off at the Wildwood Devon attraction to catch a rare glimpse of some of Britain’s native animals in their natural habitat.
As well as all creatures great and small, there’s plenty to keep kids of all ages occupied for a few hours: playgrounds, soft play barn and a maze.
Located just off the A30 in East Devon, there’s also a cafe so you can grab a bite to eat before getting back on the road to Cornwall. Entrance fees apply.
Stover Country Park of the A38 near Newton Abbot
This vast country park is another cheap place to stop on the way to Cornwall – simply pay for your car parking and you can explore to your heart’s content.
Situated just off the A38 near Newton Abbot, you can grab refreshments at the kiosk and take a wander around the lake and woodlands.
There’s also children’s nature trails and play area to tire out the little ones before hopping back in the car.
House of Marbles off the A38 at Bovey Tracey
If you’re looking something a bit different, the House of Marbles is a great find. With free entry you can watch a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration and the giant marble runs.
It also has a gift shop and cafe that serves meals, snacks and cakes. You’ll find the House of Marbles near the A38 at Bovey Tracey. It’s well worth a stop, especially on a rainy day.
River Dart Country Park off the A38 at Ashburton
As far as pit stops go when travelling South West, River Dart Country Park is a crowd pleaser. Between the adventure playgrounds, pirate ship and woodland trails, big and little kids will be in their element.
There’s even water-based activities like kayaking and zorbing for adults and kids.
Plus, if you wanted to make a night of it, pitch your tent or park your caravan on the campsite here.
There’s an entry fee for visiting River Dart Country Park. This varies throughout the year and you can get a discount for booking online in advance so a little forward planning can pay off. Find the park just off the A38 near Ashburton.
Saltram National Trust off the A38 at Plymouth
Our last suggested stop before you cross the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall is Saltram National Trust. This 18th century historic house is just off the A38 near Plymouth.
If you’re a National Trust member you can park and visit for free. If you just want to stretch your legs there’s no extra charge for take a walk or cycle around the parkland. There’s also a play park and picnic areas outside the formal grounds.
If you have longer to explore, step inside the house and gardens. And there’s always treats to be found in the National Trust cafe.
Roadside hotels for families
Need somewhere to rest during your journey to the South West? Here’s some Devon hotels offering family rooms that won’t take you too far of the road:
- voco Zeal Exeter Science Park – it’s on the A30 just before it joins the M5 at Exeter, so ideal whether you’re coming from the East or North. There are family rooms with a king-sized bed for adults and a sofa bed for the kids.
- Holiday Inn Express at Exeter – this hotel is off the Exeter side of the M5. Family rooms at the Holiday Inn Express come with a free breakfast for everyone. Standard double rooms have a sofa bed for children.
- Courtyard by Marriott Exeter – travelling with teens or want proper beds for everyone? Courtyard has inter-connecting family rooms. It’s close to the M5 at Exeter’s Sandy Park.
- Exeter Court Hotel – at the top of the A38 you’ll find this perfect road trip hotel offering family rooms with bunkbeds for the children. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate.
Wherever takes your fancy on your journey to Cornwall, I hope these ideas help to turn your road trip into a family adventure.
Got time to stop longer? Check out my Devon destination guides to inspire your next journey.
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