Top things to do in South Devon with kids

If you live in Devon and are looking for things to do in South Devon this weekend, or you are planning a seaside holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Sandy beaches, family attractions and days out abound between Exeter and Plymouth on the South coast.

Below are our tried and tested things to do in South Devon with kids including what to do with it rains, days out for history buffs, the best South Devon beaches and Devon theme parks.

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Farms, wildlife and zoos to visit in South Devon

A sure fire way to entertain out girls is with a trip to a zoo or farm. Here’s a selection that make for a fun few hours or a whole day out.

Pennywell Farm

Meet farm animals both large and small at Pennywell, including the ridiculously cute micro pigs. You simply must give them a cuddle if you visit. If you visit at Easter there’s hands-on lamb and kid goat feeding.

As well as the creatures you can go on a tractor ride through the fields, hop on the Red Rocket trailer in the show field and a take a train ride. Our girls loved riding ponies (for an additional fee), cheering on racing pigs and the indoor play areas.

Visit at Christmas and you can experience the wonderful Pennywell Farm nativity.

Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh. Open from April to October and other selected dates.

Paignton Zoo

We had annual passes to Paignton Zoo a few years ago and loved being able to pop in and look around at leisure. Our favourite places to go were the ape and elephant houses, the walk-through lemur enclosure and the tropical hot house.

The zoo is a full day out with 2,500 animals to meet in enclosures spread across 80 acres. Prepare yourselves for a lot of walking and hills.

Red about our visit to Paignton Zoo.

Paignton Zoo, Paignton. Open all year round.

Find more things to do in Paignton with kids.

Shaldon Zoo

This small coastal zoo is home to some of the rarest breeds of animals in the world. Expect beautiful semi-tropical gardens and small mammals, birds and reptiles.

Shaldon Zoo, near Teignmouth. Open all year round.

The Box Plymouth

The Box is an interactive arts and heritage museum in the heart of Plymouth. Far from being a stuffy museum, it is state of the art with interactive exhibits, digital displays and plenty to wow your kids.

It tells the story of the city’s natural history, culture and maritime heritage through a series of exhibitions including a life-sized recreation of a woolly mammoth, the UK’s largest media archive and exhibits that challenge the romantic legends behind some of history’s most historic voyages.

Find out more about the best bits at The Box for kids.

The Box, Plymouth, open all your round Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays. Free entry.

National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

Did you know Plymouth boasts the UK’s largest aquarium? The National Marine Aquarium is one of those places you could visit again and again. And with tickets being valid for 12 months from your first visit you can do just that.

The enormous tanks showcase species from UK waters, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and Great Barrier Reef. 

As well as wandering around the aquarium at your own pace you can also see several daily shows and talks at the different tanks. If you have older kids then I’d recommend trying to plan these into your day to get the most out of your experience.

The NMA is a great day out with kids of all ages and one of the top things to do in Plymouth on a rainy day. It’s also one of our top recommendations for things to do in Devon with toddlers as it’s accessible and easy for little ones to peer into the enormous tanks.

Read my full guide to visiting the National Marine Aquarium Plymouth.

National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth. Open all year round.

More things to do in Plymouth

You can find more things to do on a rainy day in Plymouth including The Box, the iconic Smeaton’s Tower and indoor activity centres.

Dartmouth Stream Railway Round Robin

Take a tour of South Devon’s incredible countryside, riverscape and coastline on the Round Robin tour with Dartmouth Steam Railway.

You can start the steam, river and bus trip in Paignton, Dartmouth or Totnes, and spend the whole day enjoying the views. This is a hop on hop off tour so you can also explore each destination for a short time.

It is a full day out and needs a bit of forward planning to make sure you meet all of your connections but the Round Robin booking office staff can advise you on this when you set off.

Good news for dog owners is that your four legged friends can come too. There is a small additional charge. Find more dog-friendly Devon attractions.

And if you are visiting South Devon at Christmas you must check out the Train of Lights – it’s magical!

Dartmouth Stream Railway, Dartmouth, Paignton and Totnes. Runs March to November, plus Christmas specials.

Find more things to do in Dartmouth with kids.

Woodlands Family Adventure Park

Our girls love a day out at Woodlands Family Adventure Park whatever the weather. But it’s my go to place to entertain them on a wet day.

There’s a couple of large indoor play areas that also house rides, slides, bouncy castles and adventure play grounds. When the weather is fine they love the large bouncy cushion, water coasters, bumper boats and tractor rides at the zoo farm.

Woodlands Family Adventure Park, Dartmouth. Open all year round on selected dates (weekends and school holidays between November and March).

Find more Devon theme parks.

MiGolf sport simulators in Dartington

MiGolf Dartington is a relaxed indoor family sports simulation venue located on Dartington’s estate next to Dartington Hall. And it’s not just golf simulators on offer.

Try bowling, foot golf, clay shooting, and baseball all in the comfort of an indoor entertainment space – perfect for dodging the sun and rain.

READER OFFER: Get 10% off your online booking by using the code MiGolfKids10. 

Find out more about booking sessions at MiGolf.

Waves Leisure Pool

This is one of our favourite things to do in South Devon on a wet and windy day.

Inside the Riviera Centre you’ll find a wave pool with splash area for kids and a flume. The waves come on every 30 minutes and we’re rarely able to drag the kids out before they’ve had three goes.

After our swim we often head to the cafe for lunch. There’s a Dip and Dine deal and soft play.

Riviera Centre, Torquay. Pool open for general swim sessions seven days a week from 9am to 4pm.

Find more things to do in Torquay.

South Devon Railway

If your kids (or even you) love vintage steam trains then a ride on the South Devon Railway between Totnes and Buckfastleigh is a fun day out. You can board the train at either end of the line, where you’ll also find other family attractions: Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterfies.

At Buckfastleigh Station you’ll find exhibitions about the South Devon line as well as a cafe and gift shop with a model train set.

South Devon Railway, Totnes and Buckfastleigh. Open from April to October and on selected dates between November and March, plus Christmas specials.

Kents Cavern

This naturally formed cave dating back 2.5 million years is an ideal place to visit on a wet day. It is Britain’s oldest ancient monument and evidence has been found that it was once home to Neanderthals, Homo Sapiens and pre-historic beasts.

You can only explore the cave on a guided tour which can be booked in advance or when you arrive.

Be aware that it might be a little spooky for very young children and the lights are turned out completely at one point during the tour.

Read the Devon with Kids guide to visiting Kents Cavern and find more things to do in Babbacombe on a wet day.

Kents Cavern website, Babbacombe. Open all year round.

China Blue, Totnes

Get creative with a pottery day in South Devon. China Blue has ceramics of all shapes and sizes for kids and adults to pain.

You can paint your pottery and take it away the same day or get it fired and pick it up another time. There’s also a great cafe and gift shop to explore. It’s easy to kill a few hours here.

Here’s a post about our visit to China Blue, Totnes.

China Blue, Totnes website, Totnes. Open all year round.

Torquay Dinosaur World

Do you have a dino fan in your house? Dinosaur World is small indoor attraction is bursting sign facts, models and interactive displays. It’s also a top destination for an hour or so of wet day fun.

Highlights for us are sitting on loads of the models, playing on the touch screen games and the 30 question (yep, 30!!) quiz. It was quite challenging and I wasn’t the only parent scouring displays. But the kids were pleased with their Dinosaur Expert Certificates at the end.

Find out more about our visit to Torquay Dinosaur World.

Open all year round. Check the website for open days and times as these vary.

Soft play in South Devon

Here’s where to find coffee, cake and loads of indoor fun for little ones:

• Bear Feet in Exeter and Newton Abbot, South Devon
• Whizz Kids in Brixham, South Devon
• Hyperspace in Paignton, South Devon – under fives only
• Drakes Den, Plymouth
• Plymouth Soft Play Cafe, Plymouth
• Jump in Plymouth

Find more information about these places in my guide to soft play in Devon.

Beach days in South Devon

South Devon has a glut of beaches to explore, whatever the weather. If you are looking for somewhere to swim in the summer then head for Blackpool Sands which is a Blue Flag beach with a fresh water stream and clear waters off a shingle beach.

If you prefer sand then Bantham Beach, Dawlish Warren and Paignton Sands are good choices. Dawlish Warren and Paignton are also a traditional seaside resorts. Bantham is surrounded by cliffs and dunes.

Be aware that the roads accessing the beach are very narrow (single track most of the way) and can get extremely congested during the summer months.

Pet owners will find dog-friendly beaches all year round at Goodrington Sands, Slapton Sands and Salcombe North Sands. Goodrington slopes gently into the sea and is sandy as the name suggests. Slapton is a long shingle beach stretching out to Torcross.

North Sands is one of our favourite beaches in Salcombe because it is shallow and sheltered. Find more things to do in Salcombe with kids.

Read more about our favourite South Devon beaches for families.

Things to do in South Devon: outdoor fun

With two National Parks, Devon is an ideal destination for outdoor activity lovers.

However, both are located north of South Devon. So how does the English Riviera compare to the likes of Dartmoor and Exmoor? I can tell you that you’ll not be disappointed.

Berry Head Nature Reserve

This is our go-to place for Sunday walks. Berry Head is a headland with two Napoleonic forts and staggering views of the English Channel.

The water at the bottom of the cliffs is a stunning turquoise, even on a blustery day. Wander around the ruined buildings that used to house soldiers and see what wildlife you can spot in this area that is now a nature reserve.

You might even see a flock of sheep grazing around the ramparts. Once you’ve built up an appetite stop by the award-winning Guardhouse Cafe for a snack, brunch or lunch.

Here’s my guide to visiting Berry Head Nature Reserve.

Berry Head, Brixham. Open all year round.

River Dart Country Park

This is an ideal day out for families who love outdoor activities, swimming and picnicking. River Dart Country Park has plenty of adventure playgrounds, cycle trails, a manmade lake complete with obstacles and pirate ship, as well as bookable activities like canoeing, high ropes and rock climbing.

On a sunny day we love hanging out by the lake with a picnic and letting the kids paddle. You can also try canoeing. If you visit in the winter months there’s a reduced entry fee.

Here’s our guide to visiting River Dart Country Park.

River Dart Country Park, Ashburton. Open daily from 10am until dusk. Check website for most up-to-date details as these can vary.

Haldon Forest Park

As well as miles of walks and cycle paths, there’s a pump track, segway tours and Go Ape at this Forestry Commission site. We recently took the girls around the new Junior Go Ape course and they loved it.

Another of our favourite things to do here is the Discovery Trail. There’s lots of activities to do along the way including the Room on the Broom trail.

Parking costs vary and are more at peak times (weekends, bank holidays and school holidays). Bring change for the machine or pay by card in the ranger hut.

Haldon Forest Park, Exeter. Open all year round from 8.30am until dusk. 

Decoy Country Park

Decoy Country Park near Newton Abbot is a free Devon day out with plenty to keep kids, adults and your four-legged friend happy too. It’s also one of our recommended accessible places to visit in Devon.

There’s sports fields, a lakeside walk, a great adventure playground and splash park.

Decoy Country Park, Newton Abbot. Open all year round (check website for splash park opening).

Places for walks in South Devon

Here are some of our go-to South Devon walks with kids:

• Little Dartmouth to Dartmouth Castle
• Brownstone Battery at Kingswear
• Gara Rock to Mill Bay
• Berry Head Nature Reserve
• Avon Dam in Dartmoor

Go crabbing

South Devon has some of the best spots to go crabbing. Here’s my full guide to where to go crabbing in Devon.

Visit a farm shop

South Devon has loads of farm shops with cafes serving delicious meals made with local produce so you can try before you buy. Lots also have family-friendly activities like playgrounds, animal petting areas and pick your own.

Here’s where to find farm shops in South Devon and around the county.

Go for a walk on Dartmoor

Dartmoor has 368 square miles of rugged moor and woodlands to explore. But which are the most family-friendly hikes? Check out our tried and tested Dartmoor walks with kids.

Find more outdoor activities in Devon.

Historic places to visit in South Devon

From the holiday home of Agatha Christie to the seat of the Earls of Devon, South Devon is awash with historic places to visit. Here’s the ones we’ve ventured to but there are many, many more!

Greenway

The holiday home of crime writer Agatha Christie makes for a great day out for fans young and old. Tour her house full of curiosities, explore the folly, boat house and walled gardens, and hit about some balls in her tennis court.

During summer visits our girls love riding round the grounds on hobby horses – it makes it much easier for us to appreciate the gardens.

You can also arrive at Greenway by boat, steam train or car, the first two of which make it a full day out from Dartmouth, Totnes or Paignton.

Read more about visiting Greenway.

Greenway is just one of a few homes of famous Devonians that you can visit.

Greenway, Galmpton. Open all year round.

Powderham Castle

This 600-year-old family home of the Earls of Devon commands stunning views of the Exe Estuary and has a rich history stretching back to the 1300s.

Today you can tour the castle with is still lived in by the young Earl and his family. There’s also a small animal farm, a play fort, a deer safari and plenty of seasonal entertainment. Visit during the school holidays for interactive shows and themed events.

Powderham Castle, Kenton. Open Sunday to Friday from late March to late October.

Find more things to do in Dawlish.

Cockington Village

Cockington Village is one of Devon’s hidden gems on the edge of busy seaside town of Torquay. To reach it you drive down narrow country lanes that transport you to another world of thatched cottages, a working forge and a vast country park. 

There’s been a settlement here since Domes Day and in the past 800 years the small estate was owned by just three families. It’s now looked after by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and is free to visit.

Cockington Village, Torquay. Open all year round.

Dartington Hall Estate

This community hub has more than one thousand years of history. It was once a private home but by the 1900s the Hall had fallen into ruin.

In 1925 it was bought by the Elmhirst family who restored it as place of creativity, learning and social enterprise. It now hosts a programme of events, festivals and courses as well as welcoming visitors to its hotel, cinema, restaurant and gardens.

The estate is great for scenic walks and it’s always worth checking Dartington Hall’s website to see if they have any events on.

Dartington Hall, Dartington. Open all year round.

Buckfast Abbey

This Benedictine Monastery was founded during the reign of King Cnut and has recently celebrated it’s 1,000th anniversary. The Abbey itself is much younger but is teeming with history none-the-less.

There are lawns and formal gardens including a plot dedicated to medicines and poisons. Bring a picnic or visit the lovely restaurant for a Devon cream tea.

Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh Open all year round.

Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle was built in the 14th Century to defend what was then a very significant port.

Today you can visit the ammunition stores, find out about the lifestyle of the small group of soldiers stationed here and climb up to the roof for fabulous views of the river, town and English Channel.

If you’re feeling peckish the tiny cafe does awesome milkshakes and cream teas. You can walk to Dartmouth Castle from the town or catch a ferry from the quayside.

Entry is free for English Heritage members.

Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth. Open all year round.

Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre was built by the D’Oyly Carte family which owned a theatre company of the same name in London. Their Devon retreat is now looked after by the National Trust and is very different to some of the much older estates and castles you might have visited.

It feels like the residents have gone away for the weekend and left their art deco home open for show. There are some lovely walks and sea views around the estate which is nestled in a valley. Make sure you have comfortable shoes on and have plenty of energy for getting back up the hill if you venture to the beach.

Find out more about visiting Coleton Fishacre with kids.

Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear. Open all year round.

Torre Abbey

This 12th Century Abbey turned family home has hosted the likes of Nelson and holds 600 works of art dating from the 18th Century. The museum tells the story of the abbey, its characters and the area. It is fascinating for children and adults with interactive displays, videos and talking portraits.

There’s also an extensive garden which is fabulous to walk around in all seasons. The Abbey hosts many family events over the year.

Torre Abbey Museum, Torquay. Open all year round. 

Sample a local ice cream

There are more dessert cafes and ice cream parlours in South Devon than anywhere else in the county. Pick from hundreds of locally produced flavours in a cone, on a waffle or even in a milk shake at one of the best places for ice cream in Devon.

What about other things to do in Devon?

If you’re looking for attractions to visit in other parts of the county here’s more posts about things to do in Devon:

• Check out our full guide to Devon days out
• Find things to do in North Devon
• Try these places to visit in East Devon
• Take a look at days out in Mid Devon
• Visit West Devon
• Explore things to do in Dartmoor with kids.
• Enjoy outdoor activities in Devon
• Visit a Devon theme park
• Have a South Devon beach day
• Have a North Devon beach day