Whether you’re staycationing in the southwest or visiting from further afield you’ve landed in the right place for 50 bucket list experiences for your summer in Devon.
If you follow Devon with Kids on Instagram you’ll know I’ve been counting down to the school holidays with daily ideas for free things to do, brilliant places to visit and activities to entertain the kids whatever the weather.
I’m nearing the end of this 50 day Instagram series so I thought I’d bring together all of my bucket list ideas in one easy to scroll through guide.
And if you’re after even more inspiration here’s some more things you can do:
- Check out my August what’s on guide for family-friendly events
- Download my FREE 101 days out in Devon guide
- Join the Devon with Kids Facebook group to get tips from 8.6k other Devon-loving families
- Subscribe to the Devon with Kids newsletter and get a round up of ideas for summer and beyond delivered straight to your inbox each month.
What to get straight to the ideas? Here’s the best things to do in Devon this summer:
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Print-at-home Devon Activity Book
Let’s get the shameless self-promotion out of the way first. I’ve just published a Devon Activity Book that you can print at home to keep the kids entertained during dull days and downtime during the long summer holiday.
This digital download gives you immediate access to 30 puzzles, games and creative prompt sheets.
It’s a proper Devon product designed with a local illustrator and featuring the fourth in a series of characters you’ll recognise from the Devon colouring books.
Visit the Devon with Kids shop to find out more.
Visit a free adventure playground
If you’re looking for cheap ways to entertain your brood this summer adventure playgrounds are a great way to burn off energy in the fresh air.
And the good news is Devon has loads of them you can visit for free.
Find out where in my guide to free adventure playgrounds.
Brave a theme park
Visiting a theme park is a great treat during holidays in Devon, even if the most innocent looking rides now make my head spin.
Tips for visiting Devon theme parks:
- check for discounted tickets if you book online
- take a picnic and plenty of water to keep costs down on the day
- don’t forget a swim suit and towel for the kids if you visit Crealy or Woodlands as they have splash areas open in the summer.
Take a look at my full guide to Devon theme parks.
Go rockpooling
Did you know that Devon is the only English county with two coastlines? That makes for plenty of opportunity for rock pooling.
Some of our favourite places to explore with a bucket include: Castle Cove in Dartmouth, Hartland Quay (see below) and Wembury Beach near Plymouth.
Build a den
“It’s not a den – it’s a mansion.”
Does anyone else’s kids make woodland dens complete with kitchens and bathrooms?
Den building has to be on your summer bucket list. However, please respect woodland places and take advantage of dedicated den building areas.
You’ll find them at Devon’s National Trust properties which are running Summer of Play activities from July to September.
Check my July what’s on guide for dates.
Party at a Devon festival
Want to add some live music to your summer? There’s lots of family-friendly festivals happening around the county.
Here’s what’s on, where and when:
- Exmouth Festival around the town – 19 to 21 July 2024 – FREE!
- Fantasy Festival at Greendale Farm – 4 August 2024
- The Big Tribute Festival in Plymouth – 9 to 11 August 2024
- Gone Wild Festival at Powderham Castle – 22 to 25 August 2024
Check out my August what’s on guide to find more events happening over the holidays.
Ride a steam train
Calling all loco fans! Day six of my Devonly countdown to summer in Devon was all about trains.
Revisit the age of steam by stepping onboard a carriage at one of these Devon attractions:
- Dartmouth Steam Railway
- South Devon Railway
- Plym Valley Railway
- Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
- Devon Railway Centre
- Trago Mills Model Railway
Chuffing through the Devon countryside is also a fun way to fill a rainy day! We did exactly this last summer.
Find out more about days out for tram and loco fans in my full guide to steam trains in Devon.
Chase waterfalls
There’s something magical about waterfalls whether they cascade from a shear drop or weave their way through a rocky, woodland landscape.
As a family, we find dangling the carrot of finding one of these beautiful water features (and an ice cream) adds enthusiasm to outdoor adventures. But they’re not always easy to find.
Read my quick guide to some of the best waterfalls in Devon to seek out with kids.
Look up in Exeter Cathedral
Did you know Devon’s capital city is home to the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England?
Exeter Cathedral’s foundations were laid in the 12th Century but the Gothic-style building and the ceiling you see today was completed in about 1400.
The Cathedral is a fascinating place to visit. There’s a small entrance fee for adults and children can look around for free.
There’s also a series of candle light concerts and independent markets at the cathedral over the summer.
Read about more things to do in and around Exeter.
Go car free in Clovelly
Just don’t forget your strong legs for the walk back up the hill! On day nine of my 50 days to summer inspo series I shared one of our favourite Devon villages to visit.
Car-less Clovelly’s narrow cobble streets that are unsuitable for vehicles, so villagers and businesses use sledges to move things up and down the hill. Or you can always use your dad!
There’s lots of fun events happening at Clovelly over the summer months including its maritime festival, agricultural shows and live music days.
Check the Clovelly website for more information and admission charges.
You can also read our guide to visiting Clovelly.
Colour Devon
Here’s something else to have in your back pocket for rainy days: the Devon Colouring Book for Kids!
The books are designed and printed in Devon with bespoke illustrations of places to see and visit from the Jurassic Coast to Exmoor and Exeter to Plymouth Hoe.
They make a great companion to Devon holidays with facts for kids AND they raise money for Devon Air Ambulance Trust with a donation from every sale going to this important charity.
Order yours from my online shop where you’ll also find the Dartmouth and South Hams colouring books.
Go crabbing
This suggestion is a bit nippy! Crabbing is such a traditional activity for seaside holidays and there are plenty of spots to drop a line around Devon.
Take a look at my full guide to where to go crabbing in Devon.
Don’t forget your crabbing line made of natural materials (let’s face it, most end up in the water) and take your kids’ shoes off if they are going to dangle their feet!
Ride a sea tractor
While Burgh Island in South Devon is pretty unique in itself, the transport you can take to reach it is even more unusual.
The hydraulic tractor that you board to cross the 250m sand bank between the island and mainland is one of a kind.
If you are staying at the Burgh Island Hotel you can make the crossing for free. The fare for other visitors to the 26 acre island is £2 each way. At low tide you can also walk.
Read about more unusual things to do in Devon.
Ride North Devon’s funicular
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway isn’t just the steepest it’s also the tallest water-powered funicular in existence, which means the views of the Exmoor coast are amazing.
It was originally built by the Victorians following a boom in tourism which saw many more people visiting the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. So, it’s very much the product of a too posh to push themselves up the hill generation. Before the funicular the only way up was via the steep Westerway footpath.
Having walked up the path I can highly recommend the cliff railway as a fun alternative, especially if you’re visiting with kids!
Here’s some more about Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway if you fancy a visit.
Dive underwater at the National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is one of those places you can visit again and again. And with tickets being valid for 12 months from your first visit you can do just that.
It’s also brilliant for wet days. Although don’t forget to check the forecast and book in advance as visitor numbers are limited.
The enormous tanks showcase species from UK waters, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and Great Barrier Reef.
Allow yourselves between an hour and three hours to visit. There are expert talks throughout the day and extra activities during the school holidays.
Find out more about visiting the aquarium in Plymouth.
Say yes to a treat
Let’s face it. It doesn’t need to be summer to enjoy a Devonly ice cream, but when the sun is shining there’s really no excuse!
Especially when there’s so many artisan brands and independent ice cream parlours in the South West.
Read my full guide to what to sample delicious local desserts.
Conquer a castle
Devon’s castles and historic places are sure to get young imaginations racing with their ancient corridors, dramatic vistas and even the odd ghost story.
Here’s some of the best to visit with kids as they have holiday-time events or trials, space to play and cafes onsite or close by.
The good news for National Trust and English Heritage members is you can visit some for free!
- Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton – National Trust
- Compton Castle near Paignton – National Trust
- Powderham Castle in Kenton
- Berry Pomeroy Castle near Totnes – English Heritage
- Dartmouth Castle – English Heritage
- Okehampton Castle – English Heritage
- Tiverton Castle
- Totnes Castle – English Heritage
Wander the South West Coast Path
Did you know that 205 miles of the 630 mile long South West Coast Path run through Devon?
On day 19 of my 50 day account down to summer in Devon I shared a view from one of our favourite coast path walks between Dartmouth and Strete in South Devon.
There’s some incredible little coves that you can only access on foot. But we warned, it’s very hilly. Bring along plenty of water and bribes for the kids.
Read about more Devon walks to do with kids.
Marvel at Hartland Quay
Hartland Quay is well-worth seeking out if you fancy breathing in lungfuls of fresh air while basking in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
The cove’s folded cliffs are the result of tectonic plates colliding more than 320 million years ago. This along with the shattered remains of the old harbour make it a fun place for scrambling over boulders and rock pooling.
Check the tide times before you visit as the rocky beach is inaccessible at high tide but you can still swim from the slipway.
If it’s choppy the best place to appreciate the view is from the @HartlandQuay Hotel with a glass of something refreshing. Pop across to the shop opposite for a local ice cream.
Parking costs £3 if you arrive between 11am and 3pm in the summer season.
If you are in the area I have a guide all about the things to do in Hartland.
Have a chip dinner
Nothing says summer holidays more than a bag of chips with a view.
Devon with Kid’s go-to food expert Lauren Heath always knows the best ‘plaices’ to eat. Here’s her tried and tested takeaways:
- Bag harbourside chips from the Rockfish takeaways in Dartmouth, Brixham or Plymouth.
- Atlantic Bay fish and chips in Westward Ho! – you can sit in their little glass boxed front or grab and go to eat at the sea wall or on the grass area opposite.
- Sea Breeze, Dawlish – Lauren says the chips here are possibly the best she’s ever had! Grab some after walking around Dawlish or from the Warren and back.
- Pier Point, Torquay – this cafe is in a great position on Torquay seafront
Meet the Donkeys in Sidmouth
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary is a wonderful place to get acquainted with these beautiful creatures and support a brilliant charity.
Entry and parking are free. But there are plenty of ways to donate during your visit, from collection boxes to a trip to the lovely restaurant and the Golden Carrot Trail that is happening over the summer.
Use the trail map to search for orange carrots hidden across the sanctuary saying hello to donkeys and mules along the way. Then use the information you’ve discovered to find the treasure chest with a golden carrot to win a prize. Each trail sheet costs £5 and includes a gift on completion.
Don’t forget to explore the maze too!
Cycle the Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is super accessible and perfect for families who love to cycle. You don’t even need to bring our own bikes as Devon with Kids writer Lauren found out with her family over May half term.
The figure of eight trail covers 180 miles from Lynton on the coast to Okehampton on the edge of Dartmoor. But it’s easy to dip into sections for a day.
Find out more about Lauren’s experience.
Devour a cream tea
What better way to celebrate summer than with a Devon Cream Tea?
You’ll find no debate here about the ‘right way’ to adorn your scone. There is only one way!
Explore a museum
Visiting a museum is not only a great way to sneak in some summer learning, they’re also handy to have in your back pocket for rainy days.
I’ve added a long but not exhaustive list of the Devon museums that have family-friendly activities and events over on Instagram.
The one featured in my Reel is The Box in Plymouth, which is a great free place to explore.
Explore a national park
And there’s two!
Devon is lucky enough to have two stunning National Parks: Exmoor and Dartmoor making it the perfect destination for outdoor-loving families.
Both offer walks, cycling routes and family attractions spread over incredible landscapes.
For an easy ramble, Haytor in Dartmoor (the first clip) is one we’ve been doing with our girls since they were little.
Read about more things to do on Dartmoor.
One of my favourite places to for a walk in Exmoor is the Valley of Rocks (second clip) but it can be a bit of a challenge with young kids.
Be entertained at Exeter Quay
There’s always plenty of cheap fun to be had in Exeter from visiting the amazing exhibitions at RAMM to events on Cathedral Green and guided tours with the Exeter Red Coats.
This summer, add to that a colourful, diverse and FREE programme of family entertainment taking place at Exeter Quay every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of the school holidays.
Expect activities ranging from storytelling to magic and music as well as hands-on science and creative workshops and big art projects to get involved in.
The full programme is on the Exeter Custom House website and most events take place in the Transit Shed.
You don’t need to book, so if you find yourselves in Exeter this summer pop along and enjoy!
Summer at the Quayside takes place from 26 July to 30 August 2024.
Run wild at River Dart Country Park
A Devon day out that has entertained my kids since they were toddlers and continues to do so now they’re pre-teens is River Dart Country Park.
The adventure playgrounds, activity trails and pirate ship lake keep them going all day. If you want to add to the outdoor fun there’s high ropes, a zip wire, kayaks and canoes, and climbing activities for an additional cost.
Don’t forget to book online in advance for the best price.
Read the Devon with Kids overview of this Dartmoor attraction.
Ride South Devon’s funicular
I can’t give a shout out to North Devon’s funicular (see higher up) without also mentioning South Devon’s.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway takes you from Babbacombe Downs from where you can see all the way along the East Devon coast on a clear day down to the beautiful red sands of Oddicombe Beach.
Have a dip in the sea, grab a bite at the Three Degrees West cafe overlooking the bay or walk below the cliffs to the Cary Arms. You might even spot seals basking on the rocks along the way.
If you’re in the area and are hungry for more, you should also check out:
- Babbacombe Water Sports for kayak, pedalo and paddle board hire
- Babbacombe Theatre
- Babbacombe Model Village
- Kents Cavern
- Bygones
Climb Smeaton’s Tower
Smeaton’s Tower – an unmissable landmark on Plymouth’s seafront. But did you know it hasn’t always stood here?
When the Tower was completed in 1759 it was 14 miles away on Eddystone Rocks. The lighthouse you can climb today was moved brick by brick to Plymouth Hoe when it was replaced in the late 19th Century.
Climbing Smeaton’s Tower is not an activity to try with young kids or if you get wobbly about heights. But is it a fascinating to see how the old lighthouse keepers would have lived and there’s panoramic views from the top.
The tower is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the summer.
Read more about climbing Smeaton’s Tower with kids.
See a firework display
Whizz bang! Summer is one of the best times to see fireworks in Devon.
Here’s where to enjoy displays happening this month and throughout August:
- Kingsbridge Fair Week – 20 to 27 July
- During Beer Regatta – 10 and 16 August
- Firework Championships, Plymouth – 14 to 15 August 2024
- Sidmouth Regatta fireworks – 24 August 2024
- Dartmouth Royal Regatta fireworks – between 24 and 31 August 2024.
Read the full guide to firework displays in Devon for more information.
Get crafty with Pom Stitch Tassel
Calling parents of crafty kids! Pom Stitch Tassel in Bovey Tracey is running a series of workshops for families with children aged 4 and up throughout August. Read on to find out how you can win a £30 gift voucher to use against these events!
From macrame to pom poms and tie dye to sewing there’s crafts to get everyone’s creative juices flowing.
Here’s what’s on:
- Summer Sew Club – age 7+ – Tuesday 6, 13, 20 & 27 August
- Summer Craft Club – age 4+ – Wednesday 7, 14, 21 & 28 August
- Illustrate a watermelon desk buddy & notebook – age 5+ – Saturday 10 August
- Macrame Friendship Bracelets – age 6+ Thursday 15th August
- Knitted wire flamingo – age 7+ – Saturday 17 August
- Gingerbread flip flops – age 7+ – Saturday 24 August
- Macrame keyrings & bag charms – age 6+ – Saturday 31 August
Find out more and book this summer’s workshops on the Pom Stitch Tassel website.
Scavenger hunts
Have a list of things to spot in the notes on your phone or if you’re super prepared print off a list at home before you had out.
There’s also activity trails to be found at lots of places around Devon like Haldon Forest Park near Exeter, Royal William Yard in Plymouth, Heddon Valley in North Devon and Seaton Wetland in East Devon.
Creative fun for rest days
On day 38 of my summer countdown I launched the Devon activity book, so here’s another little plug for this creative resource to keep kids occupied on wet weather and days at home. After all, adults deserve a few hours of down time during the summer holidays too!
Buy yours to download from my online shop.
Sail past the red sea stacks of the Jurassic coast
One of the best ways to appreciate Devon’s coastline is from the sea and this is certainly the case when it comes to Devon’s Jurassic Coast.
Book a boat trip with Stuart Line Cruises from Exmouth or Sidmouth to sail past the red sea stacks at Ladram Bay. They are stunning.
Not a fan of boats? Another brand new way to learn about Devon’s pre-historic landscape is Jurassic Discovery in Seaton where a new immersive dinosaur exhibition opens on 27 July.
Roarsome!
Climb Devon’s highest waterfall
Canonteign Falls is a Devon attraction that combines a beautiful landscape with fairytale magic, adventure and activity trails.
The thigh-burning but rewarding waterfall walk takes you up 70m to Buzzard’s View to see the Teign Valley stretching out in front of you.
But a visit isn’t just about the hike.
There’s fairies to spot in the fern garden, willow dinosaurs, a maze, summer activity trail, playgrounds and even alpaca experiences on selected dates (book and pay separately).
Dogs are welcome too!
Find out more about visiting Canonteigh Falls which has plenty of extra activities on for families over the summer.
Enjoy some of best beaches in the UK…we’d argue there are many more!
Did you see the news? The Times and Sunday Times have recognised six Devon beaches in its Best UK Beaches of 2024.
Here’s where made their top 50:
- Woolacombe in North Devon
- Mothecombe near Plymouth
- Soar Mill Cove near Malborough in South Devon
- Mattiscombe Sands near Start Point in South Devon
- Budleigh Salterton in East Devon
- Branscombe in East Devon
The Times’ criteria for top spots to enjoy the summer included water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness.
Here’s some more beaches in South Devon and North Devon to add to your seaside adventure list.
Splashdown Quaywest
Did you know the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark is in Devon?
Splashdown Quaywest in Paignton is brilliant fun for teens and new for this season is an under 12s mini-waterpark, Shipwreck Island.
It has seven slides from the gentle slopes of the Jolly Roger Racer to a winding wilder ride of the Parrots’ Plunge.
Aside from this new are is the existing larger rides for those thrill seekers looking for fun with a good choice of easy rides, to the more severe Devil’s drop!
With a comfortable water temp, it’s the perfect place for outdoor fun in all temperatures this summer. However, if you’re prone to getting chilly when swimming outdoors, bring your wet suits!
Find out more about Splashdown Quaywest.
Days out for your fearsome animals
If your children love animals then there are some stonking farms, zoos, wildlife parks and sanctuaries around Devon.
Summer is a great time to visit as the animals enjoy the warmer weather as much as us!
Read my guide to where to find them including one of my kids’ favourites, Pennywell Farm, which is featured in my Reel.
Turn super sleuth and find Agatha
Did you know that the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, was born in Torquay?
She used this popular seaside town and the surrounding area to inspire several of her books.
You can follow in her footsteps to discover places referenced in her novels such as her holiday home Greenway on the River Dart, the Agatha Christie Mile seafront trail, and Churston Station, which is part of the train line travelled by Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Find out more about Devon’s most famous author at Torquay Museum which has the largest exhibition about her anywhere in the world.
The museum is really family friendly with kids trails, explorer packs to borrow and interactive galleries.
There’s a 20% discount for off people who live in a TQ postcode. Book online.
Get muddy at the Bear Trail
Here’s a day out for families who don’t fear a bit of dirt.
The Bear Trail in Cullompton is a family assault course where you should deliberately dress not to impress because you’re going to land yourself deep in the do do (mud) on purpose.
Swing across ditches, slip and slide down the mud shute and climb the mountain of tyres, all in the name of fun.
Sounds like your kids’ dream but not your cup of tea?
Well there’s good news for adults who don’t want to face the challenge. You can sit within the grassy grounds and watch your youngsters tackle this fun-filled course from a safe distance.
Dogs are welcome on a lead too.
Here’s where to book your mucky day out.
PYO at Devon’s farm shops
Devon with Kids writer Lauren Heath recently visited this top PYO spot in West Devon with her family and it reminded me of all the great family-friendly farm shops around Devon.
Strawberry Fields in Lifton is an award-winning farm shop with restaurant, cafe, some animals, PYO strawberries plus a kids play barn.
It holds quite a few events throughout the year and from July has a small lavender field where you can PYO lavender and pay per bunch. It is free to have a stroll around and use the props for photos.
Strawberry Fields has other events coming up over the summer. Keep an eyes peeled for its maize maze, sun flowers and sweetcorn.
Here’s some more Devon farm shops you check out.
Count butterflies
Have you heard about the Big Butterfly Count?
Every year researchers from Butterfly Conservation use butterfly sightings by people like you and me to check the health of the UK’s butterfly population and the wider environment.
The further north certain specialises are spotted the greater the impact of climate change as they find warmer habitats.
Last summer 90,348 butterflies were recorded in Devon as part the count.
If you want in on this free nature activity you have until 4 August.
Find out how to take part visit bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app. Take part in your garden, on your favourite walk or at a park.
Make the most of rainy days
I don’t want to put a dampener on the summer, but let’s get real. It’s going to rain at some point.
That’s why I want to share some secret weapons with you: ideas for wet days!
Devon has a bunch of family attractions that are indoors or mostly undercover including centres like Clip ’n Climb Plymouth (see my reel above) which is the UK’s second largest Clip ‘n Clip centre.
Here’s some more ideas for your dull day tool kit:
- Visit a museum
- Go under water at an aquarium
- See the latest flicks at a cinema
- Indoor play at a theme park
- Paint some pottery
- Ride a train
- Bounce at a trampoline centre
- Go bowling
- Hit soft play
- Download my Devon Activity Book
For more information about all of these wet day tips see my a guide to things to do on rainy days.
Looking for more summer inspiration? Here’s what to do:
- Follow @devonwithkids on Instagram.
- Check out my guides to places to visit in Devon
- Find out what’s on this weekend and throughout the summer holidays in August
- Join the Devon with Kids Facebook group
- Download my FREE 101 things to do in Devon guide below.
I’d also love to hear about your favourite Devon experiences. Let me know in the comments.
Download the 101 Days out in Devon with kids ebook
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