Fun Days Out in South Devon: Best Family-Friendly Spots to Explore

Whether your kids enjoy searching for beaches, discovering wildlife, or getting involved in outdoor pursuits, there is something for every family in South Devon. There's something to see and do in every corner of South Devon from Torquay to Salcombe that guarantees fun, learning, and memories to last a lifetime.

Visit the Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Sea Fun

No South Devon family holiday would be complete without a trip to the beach. South Devon has some of England's cleanest and most beautiful beaches, with several Blue Flag-winning beaches.

Best Family Beaches in South Devon

• Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth: A golden beach sheltered from open water and perfect for paddleboarding and swimming. Supremely popular with kids, the calm waters are perfect for family use, with summer lifeguards patrolling.

• Bantham Beach: Surf and rock pools make this one a favourite with families. The beach is also perfect for picnics and beach games.

• Goodrington Sands (Paignton): Under-fives adore them because of their proximity to cafes, play zones, and boat trips on pedalo boats. The nearby park and Splashdown Quaywest water park make it a worthwhile outing.

Tip: Arrive early in summer to gain a bargain car park, and take a windbreak — sea winds get very strong in the afternoons.

Animal Encounters: Discover and Play with Animals

South Devon has a range of wildlife attractions where children learn about animals up close in secure, interactive settings.

Best Family Attractions

• Paignton Zoo: More than 2,500 animals such as giraffes, rhinos, and gorillas. Informative and entertaining with daily feeding and talks.

• Pennywell Farm (Buckfastleigh): A 'hands-on' one where children are able to feed the lambs, snuggle up to the guinea pigs, and even see miniature pigs. Twice-daily performances and tractor rides make the farm a day out.

• Living Coasts (Torquay): Although shut today, its heritage continues in the nearby coastal conservation parks, where children are given an opportunity to explore the world of the sea on guided coastal walks and coastal walks. 

They are structured to provoke awe and curiosity over nature, and children thus learn about the need for conservation. 

Outdoor Fun: Trails, Castles, and River Adventures

If your group is in the mood for a more energetic day out, South Devon has limitless outdoor fun — from woodland rambles to medieval castles.

Best Outdoor Activities

• Dartmoor National Park: adventure and backpackers' paradise. Easy family walks like Becky Falls Woodland Park or Haytor Trail are popular with families. Binoculars poised — there's the occasional Dartmoor pony creeping round the corner!

• River Dart Country Park: Cafe, toilets, picnic site, and car park on 90 acres of woodland with adventure play, zip wires, rope swings, canoeing, and much more. One of South Devon's top destinations for wearing out the children while mum and dad unwind and enjoy the river views.

• Berry Pomeroy Castle: Explore one of England's most romantic ruined castles. Children love ghost tales and hidden passages, but adults appreciate the idyllic countryside setting.

Seaside Towns and Local Attractions

There is more than beaches and parks in seaside towns of South Devon. Seaside towns of South Devon have family-friendly attractions galore. There is culture, shopping, and beach activity in a nice package from Dartmouth, Totnes, and Brixham towns.

• Dartmouth: Enjoy a leisurely river boat trip or off to Dartmouth Castle. Relaxing town cafes and cobbled streets provide a relaxing family afternoon outing.

• Totnes: Famous for its alternative sub-culture and local market stalls, Totnes has family restaurants and alternative shops brimming with crafts produced on the premises.

• Brixham: Bustling fishing harbour with lively harbour. Kids enjoy seeing the boats arrive or browsing the replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind ship.

For those exploring beyond Devon, check out this guide on cities to visit in the UK — perfect for planning multi-destination trips or future family getaways.

Rainy Day Adventure: Indoor Family Attractions

Weather in South Devon is unpredictable, but pleasure should not be delayed by the chance of rain.

• Bygones Museum (Torquay): Travel back in time with a Victorian street, shops of the period, and demonstrations of activities which are fun for children.

• Woodlands Family Theme Park (Totnes): South West's largest indoor play centre, with slides, rides, and soft play.

• The Box (Plymouth): Museum, art gallery, and interactive screens — ideal for older kids who love history and art.

Family Travel Tips to Visit South Devon

How to Get There: Cars are the fastest means of traversing the area, but local train and bus connections connect main towns well.

• When to Visit: Visit in May and September for best weather and open venues.

• Where to Stay: Beach cottages and sea lodges with a family atmosphere are common — many offer a week stay discount.

• Safety: Always plan ahead of time when going out to head to the beach and research tide times beforehand and bring loads of sun cream with you, even on cloudy days.

Conclusion

South Devon is the kind of place that makes family holidays a breeze — each town, stroll, and beach appears to have been created for children and to ensure mums and dads are less stressed. From countryside rambles to finding sea creatures, to actually having go at classic seaside treats, each day in South Devon is a holiday. With its mix of outdoors and fun activities for kids, South Devon actually boasts some of the UK's best days out.

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