We know it can be tricky to keep the whole family happy with things to do that appeal to everyone. That’s why we have jotted down the 9 best family holiday ideas in North Devon which are suitable for all ages.
There are a great (and unusual!) selection of ideal places to go in North Devon. Most importantly, there are many children-friendly activities and places to visit in North Devon, which you might not be aware of. Therefore, we’ve selected some of the best things to do and places to visit that the family can enjoy together to help you make this holiday a memorable one.
THINGS TO DO
Simple pleasures…
GO ROCK POOLING
Rock pooling is a fun and educational family holiday activity that kids and parents can enjoy together! Wildlife including crabs, jellyfish, anemones, limpets, sea snails and seaweed can all commonly be seen in rock pools around the North Devon coastline.
Lee Bay, between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe, is a sheltered cove with excellent rock pooling. Nearby Combe Martin you can find some really deep pools, affording you great views of marine life.
HIKE TO A WATERFALL
Hiking for the sake of hiking can become tiresome for kids. But if you have something to find then it turns it into a quest that is much more exciting than just taking in the nice views.
Speke’s Mill Mouth is home to one of the most famous waterfalls in Devon. It is easy to reach - just 20 minutes from Hartland Quay on the South West Coast Path.
HORSEBACK BEACH RIDE
You don’t need to have ridden so much as a pony before to get involved at Woolacombe Riding Stable, where beginners and all youngsters of seven or over are more than welcome.
Surely, the slightly more experienced riders can put their skills into practice with some lovely coastal trails, without a car in sight. We feel horseback beach riding can surely be a fun & memorable family holiday activity which kids & parents can enjoy together.
DAYS OUT
In North Devon
THE BIG SHEEP
There can’t be many kids who don’t enjoy playing in large playgrounds, rides, entertainment & animals to make friends with. The Big Sheep has a wide variety of holiday activities for kids along with entertainment & plenty more to enjoy for all ages.
Especially popular are the family activities and children’s sessions such as Toddler Take Over, which is loved by energetic tots and overworked parents alike.
THE WATERMOUTH CASTLE
Packing a serious amount of play into a single-family attraction, Watermouth Castle has a lot to entertain children and adults of most persuasions.
Grown-ups will probably enjoy the 2p retro slot machine as much as the kids. The family can also solve the labyrinth, enjoy the adventure playground & discover a whole raft of other fun things to do.
BOROUGH FARM
For families with youngsters who are animal crackers, Borough Farms makes for a lively detour right on the doorstep in Woolacombe.
The standout feature of this outdoor is the display of falconry and working sheepdogs, where the visitor of all ages can enjoy a fine display of old-world skill. Evening shows also make it possible to stop in later in the day during summer.
Sandy Adventures
Best family beaches in Devon
CROYDE BAY - Best for Rockpooling
A great mix of everything – the dunes backing the beach are a haven for happy kids, there are fabulous places to rock pool and clear water which kids love to play in. The Southern end of the beach is less busy - park at Down End Cark Park. It takes only one minute to reach the beach.
There are RNLI lifeguards here until October half-term, as well as a National Trust tea room, toilets, showers and playgrounds.
PUTSBOROUGH SANDS - Best for escaping the crowd!
Putsborough and Woolacombe merge into a 3-mile sweep of beautiful beaches between Morte Point and Baggy Point. With less swell than Croyde, this beach is more sheltered from southerly winds.
Putsborough is an easy walk from Woolacombe or Croyde and easy enough for young children as well. Alternatively, there is a car park, toilets and cafe which are available but there are no RNLI lifeguards so please keep an eye on your kids.
SAUNTON SANDS - Best for little surfers
With 3.5 miles of soft sand, Saunton Sands is one of the best beaches in North Devon for families. The surf is mellow, making it the perfect spot to get kids in surfing, boogie boarding or skimboarding.
This beach is not RNLI patrolled so whilst it is regarded as a relatively safe beach, do keep an eye on your children. There is a voluntary patrol by Saunton Sands Surf Life Saving during the Summer months. There’s a pay & display car park, toilets, showers and a choice of dining options available on the beach.
Our suggestions on some of the best things to do & places to visit concludes here. Now all you must do is decide upon all the things you can do over the holiday. We hope that’s become an easy task now!
If you have any favourite family holiday spots that you would like to share with us, please leave a message in the comments below so that others could enjoy them too. We hope you liked our recommendation and have a fantastic time with your family!
Don’t forget to tag us @thedevoncard or #thedevoncard, we would love to see how you enjoyed your holidays.
