Planning a Family Vacation to South Devon: Tips, Insights, and More

Rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and quaint villages — Devon brings together everything that makes a family holiday memorable and calming. But before you hit the road, it’s crucial to plan ahead. 

Here’s a short guide unpacking tips and insights you can follow when planning a family vacation to Devon:

Choose the Right Time to Visit

Here’s a thing about Devon: it is stunning year-round. So the best time to visit South Devon very much depends on the kind of experience you’d like. 

If you have school-aged kids, there’s a great chance you’re restricted to the school summer holidays. Fortunately, the weather is at its best in July and August, as you can visit a variety of beaches, coves, and sheltered bays. In fact, the weather is more than perfect for sunbathing and swimming. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and watersports with the kids. 

You can also visit South Devon in September when Autumn is approaching. The climate will be mild with occasional rain and stunning fall foliage. Just make sure you pack your wellies and rain coats. And, of course, there will be plenty of Halloween fun, so kids will have the best time. 

Know Where You’re Going to Stay

South Devon offers practically endless options for families wanting to stay for a couple of days. For sea lovers, the resorts of Torquay, Paignton, Dawlish, and Dartmouth are excellent places. You can also explore the pretty harbour towns of Brixham, Salcombe, Paignton, Plymouth and Dartmouth.

But Devon isn’t just about the sea. The region is rich in history, with ancient ruins and medieval castles. Take, for instance, Greenway – the holiday home of the famous English detective novelist, Agatha Christie. The estate is filled with her personal collections.

You can also visit characterful county towns like Hartland, Barnstaple, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, and Tavistock. Those lush green gardens and a stunning coastline will make it difficult to come back home. 

Plan the Route Beforehand

Taking a road trip to South Devon is one of the best decisions you can make. But it’s so much more than turning on the navigational system and driving for several hours. A solid plan makes a road trip stress-free and memorable.

First off, look into scenic routes like the A379 coastal drive. Then, plan frequent stops. And don’t just stop for a bathroom break. Map out destinations that are on your own. This could be farms, wildlife parks, and historic castles. 

Insider tip? Bring a printed copy of the route you’re planning to take — Devon valleys and the GPS aren’t exactly best buddies.  

Double-Check Your Essentials 

No matter where you’re going, traveling with kids means packing a lot of stuff. Let’s start with clothing. Here’s what you need:

• A mix of lightweight shirts

• Warm sweater

• Light trousers or jeans for changing weather

• Waterproof jackets or coats

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots

• Swimwear for beach days

• Extra clothes or socks

Other essentials include:

• Sun protection essentials, including sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen

• Beach toys

• Water bottles

• Backpacks and bags

Always, always pack tech gadgets. This includes a multi-port charger and power bank. 

Pro tip? Install the best VPN for Chrome on all your devices. Many online services and websites are inaccessible in the UK. This is why you need a VPN. It will change your region virtually, so you stay connected to your home region.  

Explore Family-Friendly Holiday Parks

South Devon has hundreds of holiday parks and campsites especially designed for families with kids. You can also find theme parks for an unforgettable experience. Here are some options:

Lady's Mile Holiday Park: It is located less than a mile away from the breathtaking Blue Flag beaches of Dawlish Warren. The park offers on-site entertainment, perfect for families. 

Ladram Bay Holiday Park: It is situated on the Jurassic Coast and is ideal for camping, touring, and glamping.

Whitehill Country Park. It offers access to both the coast and the countryside. The country park also has a child-friendly farm nearby.

Yes, it’s important to have a detailed itinerary when you’re traveling with kids. But it doesn’t mean you have to mentally tally every second. Be spontaneous. Live a little. You will experience a different side of South Devon in these unscripted bits.

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