Let me help you banish those winter blues with this list of things to do in Devon in January 2021.

When we moved to Devon at the bitter end of December 2015 I felt thoroughly unprepared for starting our West Country life in the ‘off season’. Our previous visits to the area where in summer when Devon buzzes with activity. 

January in Devon felt like a very different beast. 

Since then we’ve learnt a lot more about what to do in Devon in the winter. This post brings together my top tips for things to do in January – the quietest month in Devon’s events calendar.

Lockdown update: Please follow the latest Government guidance and stay local for your once daily exercise. This can be taken in parks, beaches, in the countryside, in forests, public gardens, the grounds of heritage sites and at playgrounds. Always keep two meters away from people not in your household or bubble.

Here is my guide to the outdoor places in Devon where you can exercise in lockdown.

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Banish those winter blues with this list of things to do in Devon in January 2021 including family shows, attractions and outdoor fun #Devon #England #UK #winter #thingstodo #whatson #events #daysout #family #kids #attractions #Devonwithkids

Planning a visit to Devon? Check out my big guide to family holidays in Devon.

Which Devon attractions are open in January?

Opening times for Devon attractions tend to vary in the off season but you can still find some that will welcome you all week through, even in 2021!

Here’s the options:

Visit a Devon Zoo in January

As long as Devon is not in lockdown its zoos will be open and welcoming visitors. Check with each zoo for their latest arrangements for visiting. Expect indoor spaces to be closed under Tier 3 and advance booking systems to be in place.

Here’s the Devon zoos open in January 2021:

  • Paignton Zoo in Paignton, South Devon – open daily all year round. Book in advance.
  • Dartmoor Zoo in Sparkwell, South Devon – open daily all year round. Book in advance.
  • Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple, North Devon – open daily all year round. Book in advance.
  • Wildwood Escot in Ottery St Mary, East Devon – open daily all year round. No need to book in advance.

Outdoor attractions to visit in January

Get some fresh air at these outdoor attractions in Devon throughout January:

  • RHS Rosemoor in Great Torrington, North Devon – open daily all year round. Book in advance.
  • Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay, South Devon – open weekends in January. Booking is recommended.
  • Quince Honey Farm in South Molton, Mid-Devon – open daily from 2 January 2021. No need to book in advance.
  • Bicton Park Gardens, East Devon – open daily. Book in advance.
  • Dartington Estate, Dartington, South Devon – open daily. No need to book.
  • National Trust grounds and gardens at Saltram, Killerton and Knightshayes – book your visit in advance for Killerton and Knightshayes.
  • Plymouth Snowsports Centre, South Devon – open Thursday to Sunday. Book in advance.

Outdoor places to go in January

Of course there are lots more outdoor places in Devon that you can visit over the winter months. These will be as popular as they have been throughout the past 12 months so my best advice is to visit early or later in the day.

Devon beaches

Here’s some of our favourite beaches on the south coast of Devon and the best beaches in North Devon.

Adventure playgrounds

There are lots of adventure playgrounds around Devon that you can visit for free.

Devon cycle trails

Make the most of those new bikes your kids got at Christmas and visit a Devon cycle trail.

Here’s where you’ll find them:

South West Coast Path

There’s so many coast walks to enjoy in Devon. Check out the Flip Flops or Wellies blog for plenty of walks in East Devon.

We have recently done the following walks in South Devon:

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is always open for walks across the moors and around the tors. You might even spot some snow!

Here are some easy Dartmoor walks to do with kids. Please be aware that Becky Falls and Canonteign Falls are closed over the winter.

For the latest information about what’s open check the Dartmoor National Park website.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor car parks are open in January. For the latest updates, including what facilities are open check the Exmoor National Park website.

Haldon Forest Park

Haldon Forest’s walking and cycle trails are always open. You can also book Go Ape on the weekends in January.

Find out more about the facilities available at Haldon Forest near Exeter.

Stover Country Park

The walking and cycle trails at Stover Country Park at Newton Abbot are open but the visitors centre is closed. Find out more on the Devon County Council website.

Thinking ahead to February? Here’s some suggestions for things to do in Devon in February half term and places to visit in the Spring.

What’s your favourite things to do in Devon in January? Do you know of an activity or attraction not on this list? Drop me a line or comment below.

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