Days out in Devon don’t need to cost a fortune. Read through our list of our favourite free days out in Devon and find some of the best places to be that don’t cost the earth.
When you are looking for things to do in Devon, you could easily spend a day making memories here at Tiverton Canal Co. As winners of Devon’s Best Small Attraction of the Year Awards, there is something here for all the family. The canal is open all year with free access to a children’s play area with a canal theme and an excellent educational visitor centre with the history of this waterway and its working horses.
RAMM’s world-class collections and ambitious programming ensure that the museum is a place of discovery which encourages everyone to be curious, and inspires us to shape a better future. Discover Devon’s rich history and global connections, be delighted by colourful animals, birds and insects, step into a world of innovative contemporary art, and travel the globe in the World Cultures galleries.
This free-to-visit, award-winning attraction has something special to offer, whether you’re looking for quality time with the kids, or somewhere calming to kick back with a coffee and cake.
Explore everything the sanctuary has to offer, from award-winning gardens and scenic coastal path walks to engaging exhibits – there’s so much to explore with your own herd whatever the weather, most importantly, plenty of donkeys!
Leave the city centre of Exeter to explore the fields, cherry orchards and wooded lanes of Ludwell Valley Park. Follow trails along the Northbrook stream or climb to the top of Pynes Hill for stunning views.
Burgh Island is an iconic South Devon landmark, located directly opposite Bigbury on Sea beach. The island is accessible at low tide by a strip of sand which at high tide is completely covered, leaving a ride on the unique sea tractor as the only means of access. As well as the sea tractor the island is famed for its links to Agatha Christie, the art-deco inspired hotel and as well as a one time haunt for pirates and smugglers. The tidal passageway that separates the mainland from Burgh Island is a beautiful sandy beach which is ideal for lazy beach days and sand castle building whilst you admire views of the island. A walk around the island will let you explore the remains of the chapel or discover an abundance of wildlife that lives on its shores.
Exmouth Local Nature Reserve is a massive area of tidal sand and mud at the southern end of the Exe Estuary. It is a globally important area of overwintering waders and waterfowl. In the autumn thousands of birds fly from the freezing Arctic to spend the winter months on the estuary, one of Devon’s most impressive natural spectacles. Dark-bellied brent geese make their way to this place every year in September. During the winter months, other wildfowl crowd into the estuary to feed – look out for huge flocks of wigeon and graceful pintail ducks. Walking out over the sandbanks at low water offers you the chance to get away from the bustle of the town and explore a wilderness in the middle of the estuary.
The Box, Plymouth
https://www.theboxplymouth.com/
Plymouth’s award-winning museum, art gallery and archive with a 2022 European Museum of the Year Special Commendation. They’ve also just been voted Best Family Attraction in the 2024 Devon ‘Muddy Awards! The Box is a social space for people, art, ideas and experiences. They preserve the city of Plymouth’s cultural collections and share extraordinary stories to explore the pressing issues of our age. From their home in Plymouth, they nurture and support individuals to be creative and curious about the world around them, exploring the past in order to imagine new futures.
There is so much to see at House of Marbles – marble runs, museums, live glassworks with Teign Valley Glass Studio, The Old Pottery Restaurant with unique evening events, relaxed shopping at The Emporium. With free entry and free parking this is not a place to miss.
The Middle Ages were a period of rapid growth for Exeter. It became the religious, commercial, and administrative centre for the region. Throughout the period following the Norman Conquest in 1066 until the reign of Henry Tudor in 1485 (Henry VII), a complex relationship between the Crown, Cathedral and City developed. On this trail, guide yourself to 8 information panels. At each site find out about the buildings of medieval Exeter and key events that affected the people during this time. For children there are quizzes and puzzles to solve along the way so bring paper and a pencil with you.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery
https://www.thelmahulbert.com/
Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) hosts an award-winning exhibition programme of contemporary art & craft, alongside a permanent collection of artist Thelma Hulbert’s work. THG is a public art gallery in Honiton and is run by East Devon District Council and supported by Arts Council England. THG has been recognised by The Marsh Award for Gallery Education for its exceptional learning programme and community activities. In addition to the galleries are a Learning Room, Project Space, shop and creative garden space with sensory and biodiverse planting.
Many visiting Devon are keen to head to Dartmoor, and its easy to see why. Wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys, with a rich history and rare wildlife, Dartmoor is a unique place.
So, how is it best to get around Dartmoor and find out all about what it has to offer? Here is a list of our favourite Dartmoor Tours…
Devon & Moor offer a guided tour of Dartmoor using their own vehicle to transport you around. Visit local pubs, climb tours, and be captivated by the most breathtaking views. A fun and memorable day.
Dartmoor’s Daughter creates walks and immersive, nature-connection experiences to improve physical health and emotional wellbeing, and to inspire greater care for our natural world. They work with a range of experts to offer guided walks and activities for adults, families, and children that include Navigation Training; Nature Trails; Farming; Letterboxing; Art; Dowsing; Wild Foods; Wild Swimming; Mindfulness; Animal Tracking; Astronomy; Folklore; History & Archaeology; Sacred Sites; and more.
From package tours to customised tours, whatever parts of Dartmoor you are looking to see, Titch Scott, in his beautiful traditional Land Rover can take you there. Titch is known in the local area for his love and knowledge of Dartmoor and cannot wait to share this with you and he takes you to all his favourite spots, and a few local pubs along the way too!
Enjoy a nostalgic trip across Dartmoor on our fabulous Shire horse and carriage ride. Meet Rockie, Duke and Ben, the teams working Shire horses who will take you and your family to see the beautiful Dartmoor countryside on their traditional carriage!
Dartmoor Llama walks offer a range of walks suitable for all abilities and varying in length. They are open all year round as long as the weather allows and can tailor their walks to meet your requirements. No need to worry about carrying your picnic lunch as the experienced trekking llamas will carry this for you.
David offers two basic tours each covering different areas of Dartmoor which can be tailored to your needs making them completely bespoke especially if there is a place you’ve always wanted to visit but didn’t know how to get to. Maybe you would like to end the day with a glorious sunset or watch a full moon rise over distant hills? For lovers of spooky attractions we can even offer a trip to a local haunted castle.
Heading to Devon this October? There is lots of great events on for all ages. Here are our top-picks of where we will be getting spooky this Half Term
Crealy Spook-Fest
Enjoy a spooky Halloween at Crealy. With new attractions for 2024 and a FREE Pumpkin for every child, there is plenty going on to get in the spooky spirit.
There are spooky goings on at the park! This all-weather family day out attraction has an eclectic mix of museums, animals, play areas and entertainment, both outdoors and undercover, making it an excellent day out for the whole family, whatever the age, whatever the weather!
Come to the deep dark wood to help the Gruffalo celebrate his 25th birthday this year! Use your Gruffalo map to find your way round the themed route, find giant sculptures and have fun completing your activity sheet.
Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle – Descend Into Darkness
This October, be first to experience Watermouth Castle’s first-ever immersive scare attraction: ‘Descent into Darkness’…
Do you dare to come face-to-face with terror…?
With bone-chilling attractions, live scare actors, and heart-pounding themed areas, this event is not for the faint of heart. Join us if you dare for a night of spine-tingling fun, and unforgettable scares.
Halloween comes to the Model Village as ghouls, ghosts and spooky scenes create havoc for our miniature residents. Kids can also enjoy our Miniature Pumpkin Hunt – All successful young explorers will take home their very own Halloween TREAT
Plus, Spooky Illuminations on Oct 29th, 30th & 31st from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.
Join in with all your favourite activities PLUS the Pennywell Pumpkin Festival included in your ticket price. This event is a must-see for you and your family!
What is it about the cinema? Come rain or shine, it always feels such a treat! Comfy chairs, the smell of fresh popcorn, and a viewing experience you can never recreate at home.
Devon is home to some of the most breathtaking cinemas – from one held on deckchairs, to another crafted from a converted 14th century barn. Whatever the weather, when you stay in Devon, we can guarantee a magical time in one of our local cinemas.
Picturehouse, Exeter
Exeter Picturehouse provides an eclectic mix of arthouse, world cinema, family, indie and mainstream. Exeter Picturehouse sits within the city walls on the site of a 1930s bus garage. During exploration prior to redevelopment, the ground was found to contain Roman artefacts. Architects Burrell Foley Fischer designed a stylish, modern cinema in sympathy with its historic location, and which had to take into account its position on a steep hill. The light and airy first-floor café-bar offers sweeping views over the Devonshire countryside.
Croyde Deckchair Cinema
A quirky and fun way to spend and afternoon or evening in Croyde. This unique hidden gem offers everything a seaside cinema should – homemade popcorn, family-friendly films and, if you get there early enough, you can even bag yourself a double deckchairs – bliss!
Plymouth Arts Cinema
This independent cinema is passionate about films and want as many people as possible to experience cinema and feel inspired, challenged and thrilled by what they watch. Screen the best in new independent films from around the world, you can expect a warm welcome at their brand new, custom built 118 seat cinema.
Barn Cinema, Totnes
An independent cinema with community at its heart. A converted 14th century barn set in a medieval courtyard gives this cinema a stunning space to share their passion for film. The team believe in film’s ability to move us; comfort us; energise and provoke us; and they believe that this is an experience at its best when it’s shared.
The Blue Walnut Cafe & Cinema, Churston
The Blue Walnut is a relaxing, fully licensed Café Bar & Cinema with a dog friendly suntrap courtyard garden at the rear. They host regular film screenings, live music, performance poetry, comedy, craft and community groups, and they feature selected art by local artists on their walls. Bookings are advised as we have limited space.
Kings Cinema, Kingsbridge
Located in Kingsbridge’s former town hall, this fully covered space offers three screens and shows everything from new releases to live streams from stage to screen in their Event Cinema.The bar offers a wide range of drinks and snacks.
Palace Theatre, Paignton
A friendly and fun community theatre in the heart of Torbay: drama, live music, comedy and so much more is on offer. This place is so much more than just a theatre, they host workshops classes, private parties, conferences and exhibitions in the Theatre and in Stage Left, it is always worth checking in to see what they have on offer.
Lynton Cinema
There has been cinematograph entertainment in Lynton and Lynmouth since the time of the great war. The grade II listed former Methodist Chapel makes for an intimate modern picture palace, seating only 68 persons, comfortable seats with plenty of leg room are provided, Dolby SR sound, full air conditioning in the summer months and full central heating in the winter, running as near release films as possible and special presentations throughout the year. Full disabled access and toilet is provided. Lynton with its population of 2,000 people is as far as they know, the smallest town in the country to have a full time cinema.
Summer feels like it is finally here and this weather has us keen for days outside enjoying the beautiful Devon scenery. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or someone keen to sit back and relax in gorgeous surroundings, we have complied a list of our favourite outdoor activities from across Devon for you to make the most of these summery months.
Skern Lodge, Bideford
Skern Lodge has been delivering outdoor activities since 1976. They give guests ample opportunity to explore the outdoors through a diverse range of activities, they set challenges and instil learning every step of the way. Skern Lodge offers abseiling, archery, assault courses, body boarding, climbing, coastal traversing, high ropes, kayaking, power boating, and surfing – plenty to keep the whole family happy.
Keypitts Offroad Adventures, Ilfracombe
This excellent activity centre near Ilfracombe offers Quad Biking, Axe Throwing, Mini Land Rovers and 4×4 Land Rover Experiences. If you’re looking for things to do in North Devon, they’ve got you covered for a fun-filled day no matter the weather. Keypitts has been running for over 20 years as an experienced off-road centre, offering unique experiences to get you outdoors.
Go Ape Haldon, Exeter
Go Ape Haldon Forest is set is a wonderful location. Scale the heights of the treetops, hire bikes to explore the mountain bike trails, and let the kids blow off steam in the children’s play area. A great place for thrill seekers and family adventurers with hilltop to hilltop zip wires and daring high level crossings. You may be deep in the forest but the 360-degree views from your treetop vantage point are spectacular.
Crag2Mountain, Dartmoor
Crag 2 Mountain are a family run Adventure Activities Company based in South Devon. Their aim is to make adventure activities accessible and hope to inspire children, families and adults to explore outdoors adventures. They provide instruction, coaching and guiding in climbing, mountaineering, navigation skills, with activities that can be accessed by families, children, adults, couples, or groups. Whether you’re 3 or 83 they will find an activity to suit your adventure levels.
Canoe Tamar, Tavistock
If you are looking for a truly relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife that the Tamar Valley has to offer, then there is simply no better way to do it than with a Canoe Tamar safari. Their daily canoe trips all start and finish from Cotehele Quay and because the river Tamar is the boundary between two counties you will be canoeing in Devon and canoeing in Cornwall!
Moors & More Tours, Dartmoor
Do you have a love for the spectacular landscape of Dartmoor and its history, myths and legends? Why not enjoy a journey of discovery with Moors & More Tours? Be whisked away by your very own chauffeur and guide for a day of magical sightseeing and storytelling, experiencing everything the moors has to offer.
Dartmoor E biking, Okehampton
Let Aaron take you on a guided adventure with a fantastic electric mountain bike (ebike), you can have a fun and enjoyable ride without the hard work. Trips are tailored to your needs and Aaron offers short 15-20 km trips or a longer 25-30 km trips, either using tarmac and gravel tracks, or for those comfortable standing up on pedals, some more exhilarating off road tracks.
Devon Activity Centre, Ottery St Mary
From pedal to the metal go karting, adrenaline pumping quad experiences, scenic segway trails, fun and challenging target activities, and a wonderful assault course, Devon Activity Centre offers a whole list of outdoor activities. Their enthusiasm, dedication and over 25 years experience makes for an experience to remember and their personal and friendly approach enables them to work closely with our customers to offer the perfect activity package.
Sea Kayak, Exmouth
Explore the Exe Estuary, with golden sands and beautiful sea from Sea Kayak Exmouth’s base. You’ll complete a picturesque journey, including whichever activities you would enjoy – whether that be wildlife watching, a bit of bushcraft or just relaxing on an otherwise inaccessible beach. If you are new to kayaking then they will show you all you need to know. Sign up as a family, individual or group.
The first swallows of the season are being spotted across Devon, as spring migration brings the return of a variety of bird species to our rolling Devon hills.
Did you know that around half of the UK’s bird species migrate each year? Some take short journeys, and others travel thousands of miles. Birds use a wide range of techniques to navigate their way. They can use visual landmarks like rivers or the stars; the Earth’s magnetic field; smell; or even just follow other birds. However they do it, migration is a truly incredible feat.
So what is flying through the skies across Devon at spring time? We want to celebrate with a guide to who you may be lucky enough to spot on your visit to Devon.
Swallows
Swallows are small birds with dark, glossy-blue backs, red throats, pale underparts and long tail streamers. They are extremely agile in flight and spend most of their time on the wing.
Swifts
The swift is a medium-sized aerial bird, which is a superb flyer. Sleeping, eating, bathing and even mating on the wing, swifts rarely touch the ground. They are also the fastest birds in level flight, with an impressive top speed of 69mph. Swifts are plain sooty brown, with a white throat, but in flight against the sky they appear black.
Cuckoos
The cuckoo is a dove-sized bird with a blue-grey back, head and chest, and dark barred and white under parts. With their sleek body, long tail and pointed wings, they are not unlike kestrels or sparrowhawks. Their distinctive call is normally the first sign that you are in their company.
Redstart
Redstarts are immediately identifiable by their bright orange-red tails, which they often quiver. Breeding males look smart, with slate grey upper parts, black faces and wings and an orange rump and chest. Females and young are duller. Redstarts ‘bob’ in a very robin-like manner, but spend little time at ground level.
Wood Warbler
The attractive but unobtrusive wood warbler is one of the largest Phylloscopus warblers in Europe. It has bright yellow upper parts, throat and upper chest and white under parts. The species is widespread and numerous in deciduous forest in Europe and reaches its highest densities in the UK.
Hobby
About the size of a kestrel with long pointed wings, reminiscent of a giant swift. It has a dashing flight and will chase large insects and small birds like swallows and martins. Prey is often caught in its talons and transferred to its beak in flight. Can accelerate rapidly in flight and is capable of high-speed aerial manoeuvres. Hobbies are listed as a Schedule 1 bird on The Wildlife and Countryside Act.
We would love to know if you spot any interesting birds whilst in Devon. Be sure to tag us in your posts so we can enjoy your wonderful finds.
This week we celebrate World Book Day, a much loved annual event with a mission to bring people together to celebrate the joys of reading.
Devon is lucky enough to boast a whole host of wonderful independent book shops and we are celebrating today by rounding up some of our favourites to shout about…
Liznojan Books, Tiverton
Liznojan is a small bookshop located on the highstreet of Tiverton. Owned by mother and daughter, Liznojan, has now been growing for 5 years and become a hub for the community. They employ 4 members of staff from within their town and work with several local schools. Liznojan is adorned with beautiful murals by a talented artist and they stock gifts and products from local makers and crafters.
Dogberry and Finch, Okehampton
Okehampton’s Independent Bookshop, opened August 2019, making it the first independent, locally-owned bookshop in the town for 30 years. They offer a wide selection of beautiful, carefully-curated new books for adults and children, and also showcase local artists, displaying regular art exhibitions. They have held numerous sell-out community & author events so it is worth keeping an eye on their up-coming events.
Archway Bookshop, Axminster
The Archway Bookshop started its life in 1966 and is located in Trinity House, a building that is home to a range of independent businesses. The shop offers a variety of beautiful books and the team love to chat about all things book related and offer great advice and ideas for your next favourite read.
Harbour Bookshop, Kingsbridge
This beautiful and well-stocked, independent bookshop in the heart of the South Hams boats a gorgeous location. It’s friendly and knowledgeable team make you feel very welcome and it is so easy to get lost in browsing it’s thoughtfully stocked shelves.
Paragon Books, Sidmouth
Paragon Books was founded over 20 years ago and is still going strong as Sidmouth’s only independent bookshop. They are well known throughout the town for their wide range of books to appeal to all ages and interests. We particularly love their range of excellent greetings cards created by local artists.
Westcountry Books, Newton Abbot
Westcountry Books is an independent bookshop in Queen Street, Newton Abbot. Their prime focus is on books about the West Country, both new and second-hand. This means they have books published roughly during the last 100 years ago on Devon and Cornwall, all in one place. They source much of this stock from auctions but are always pleased to buy West Country titles privately.
Dartmouth Community Bookshop, Dartmouth
Dartmouth Community Bookshop is run as a not-for-profit community co-operative, staffed by an experienced manager, with volunteer help. They work hard to be a focus for booklovers in the area and to help promote reading and literacy in all age groups. They are also keeping alive the connection with Christopher Robin Milne (who founded the Harbour Bookshop in the 1950s) by selling Winnie-the-Pooh books and cards, and some collector’s items.
Walter Henrys, Bideford
Walter Henrys thrive on good customer service and a love of good books. They stock all categories of books and have a huge range of local interest books too. They are known locally for their friendly and helpful staff and the wonderful homely feel to the shop.
The Bookery, Crediton
Any book lover will tell you that independent bookshops strive to be at the foundation of our communities. And within the category of indie bookshops there’s another very special category: those that are nonprofit and collectively-owned. The Bookery’smission is to create an environment for enterprising, resilient and creative communities inspired by books and stories. Theyprovide pioneering projects supporting literacy, community well-being and access to cultural opportunities for all, funded by sales from their bookshop and website. It’s a win-win: ‘buy books, grow community’.
Arcturus Books, Totnes
Nicknamed ‘Self-Help Central’, Arcturus Books are an independent bookshop, which is deliberately different, specialising in books that support the soul. Their range includes books on psychology, self-development, spiritual growth, health, nutrition and the environment. A consistent and inspiring presence in Totnes, the magical town that is twinned with Narnia, for over 30 years.
Book Stop, Tavistock
The Book Stop are a general book shop and stock all categories of books and audiobooks on two floors. They also stock a wide range of music on vinyl and CD in their dedicated Music Room. Their amazing Tudor building adds to the wonderful character of this place and seems to hide books and records in every nook.
Beavers are the most amazing animals, capable of transforming our rivers and wetlands for the better. They are known as a keystone species – a species that plays a critical role in creating thriving ecosystems from which a wealth of wildlife benefits.
The Devon Wildlife Trust’s work on the River Otter Beaver Trial, and the work of The Wildlife Trusts elsewhere, has shown that these natural engineers can provide an impressive range of services from storing climate-changing carbon to flood alleviation. The DWT believe a top priority for nature’s recovery is to see the beaver’s return to rivers across the UK. After an absence of about 400 years, we are delighted to hear that beavers are back!
Keen to spot Beavers on your trip to Devon?
Beaver’s are now confirmed on three river systems in Devon – the Otter, the Tamar and the Taw.
Beavers are charismatic animals and are not that difficult to see, if you spend enough time by the river in the right areas. They are nocturnal for much of the year, but during the lighter evenings they can be seen during daylight hours, especially from late afternoon to early evening, and – for early risers – soon after dawn.
Top tip: We would recommend taking a pair of binoculars with you if possible – as well as beavers, you might spot an otter or some of the resident birds on the rivers: kingfishers, dippers and grey wagtails.
Did you know? Beavers can swim at speeds of up to five miles per hour and hold their breath for up to 15 minutes. They even have a pair of swimming goggles – extra eyelids (called nictitating membranes) that are transparent, which they can close when they’re underwater!
For more information use The Devon Wildlife Trust’s website – https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/
Whether you are new to single parenthood or it is a journey that you have been on for sometime, it is likely that at some point the time will feel right to embark on an adventure with your little people and book a holiday for you all. The thought can be daunting but spending some quality time away with your kids without the distraction of home life builds strong bonds and memories that last a lifetime.
Here are some of our top tips for holidaying as a single parent to ensure you get the most out of your time away:
Before you head off make a list of the absolute essentials you need to make sure you have. Medication? First Aid kit? Wet wipes? Favourite bed time toys? If really needed, all other things can be purchased when you arrive if they are forgotten but knowing you have packed all the key items will help ease your mind of any packing woes.
When you arrive, take advantage of the open space. Let your kids run free and take the edge off that holiday excitement whilst you unpack and make yourself that first holiday brew (or G&T!) It’s what Devon is wonderful for and what we love seeing our guests do.
Befriend other families or single parents on your holiday. Kids are great at making new friends and whilst they play it is lovely having someone to chat to. You and other parents can help give each other ideas for favourite places where you are staying and some great ways each of you have spent your time on holiday so far.
So many of our locations offer excellent play areas both inside and outside. Many offer experience time too where you can meet animals, look around working farms or go on guided tours of the local area. So many of these offerings come at no extra charge and are great for those watching their budget.
Make sure you have a simple meal at home for your return so there is no need to rush to the shops as soon as you get back. Microwave Mac and cheese? Frozen pizza? No judgement here! Knowing you have something at the ready for when you and the kids get in offers great peace of mind.
Take advantage of our hosts – they are there to help. Ideas for local days out? An activity that entertains a wide range of ages? Information about something you spotted on a walk? We would love to chat to you and help in any way we can.
And breathe! Remember to relax yourself – it’s your holiday too and we are certain you deserve the rest.
