Known for its model village, cliff railway and host of indoor attractions, Babbacombe is an all-year-round destination with plenty to offer families. Read on for our hot tips on the best things to do in Babbacombe with kids, including recommendations on places to eat while you’re exploring.
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1. Admire the view from Babbacombe Downs
The cliff top walk at Babbacombe Downs gives you panoramic views from the South Devon coast right along to East Devon and Dorset on a clear day.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the green space or visit one of the cafes the line the other side of the road. One of our favourite is Babbacombe Bay Cafe where portions are generous at breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
2. Ride Babbacombe Cliff Railway
From the Downs, take a ride 300ft down to Oddicombe Beach using Babbacombe Cliff Railway. This vintage attraction has been saving little (and larger legs) from the steep hike up Babbacombe Beach Hill since 1926.
There’s a cafe at the top serving light bites and ice creams, which always go down well as we walk our kids back to our car at the end of a day out in Babbacombe.
Find out more about the history and opening hours of Babbacombe Cliff Railway.
3. Play on Oddicombe Beach
We love a trip to a beach! Oddicombe Beach is a sheltered, shingle-clad and red sand beach with rock pools and shallow water that’s perfect for children.
Pack up a beach bag, bring lunch or grab a bite from Three Degrees West, with Al Fresco dining for warmer Devon days and a menu to suit the whole family.
You can also hire pedalos and other water sports equipment in here in the summer.
4. Feel like a giant at Babbacombe Model Village
Little kids become big kids at the Babbacombe Model Village, where you’ll find tonnes of scaled down settings varying from English life through to miniature TV reproductions and famous landmarks.
Small but mighty, Bababcombe is the UK’s largest model village, and is award-winning to boot.
Keep an eye out for West County local discounts as well as the summer and winter illuminations.
Find out more about visiting Babbacombe Model Village.
5. Take a trip back in time at Bygones Museum
Travel back in time to the Victorian era at Bygones Museum, where you’ll find a fascinating treasure-trove of curiosities. It’s particularly fascinating for parents and grandparents who might recognise some of the vintage, everyday items on display.
Bygones is also a great place to head on a wet day as it’s all indoors. Dogs on leads are welcome too.
Find out more about visiting Bygones in Babbacombe.
6. See a show at Babbacombe Theatre
On damper days, one of the best things to do in Babbacombe with kids is to check out what’s on at the theatre.
Take a look at the Babbacombe Theatre box office.
7. Go underground at Kents Cavern
Here’s another one of our favourite things to do on a rainy day, Kents Cavern.
This is a naturally formed cave took shape more than 2.5 million years ago and was one home to saber tooth tigers and bears.
As well as exploring the impressive caves, you can also make use of the woodland trail where you’ll find outdoor sculptures. Keep an eye out for school holiday events and even Santa at Christmas.
The cafe here is also really good. There’s lots of kid-friendly options on the menu as well as a Devon cider for thirsty adults.
Find out more about visiting Kents Cavern.
Things to do near Babbacombe
If you’re looking to explore further afield than Babbacombe itself, there are plenty of options of things to do in the local area. Take a quick drive or hop on a bus to nearby Torquay, a real gem on the English Riviera.
A bit further south in Paignton you can play on the slot machines at the traditional seaside pier or pay a visit to Paignton Zoo.
And there’s so much more, from piratical adventures in Brixham to market town treats in Newton Abbot. Find more things to do in South Devon.
Bored kids? Rainy day? Download the Devon Activity Book!
