With holiday accommodation now open and many of us keen to get a holiday booked in it can be hard to know what is actually open now lockdown restrictions have eased. Today we wanted to help with that by bringing to you the attractions that are open in North Devon. Plus keep your eyes peeled as we will also release blogs on attractions in other areas of Devon over the next couple of weeks.
Attractions for the Children
Exmoor Zoo
One place that all children love to visit is the Zoo and Exmoor is the perfect place to go. Now open from 9am for visitors the only thing you have to do is book a ticket slot on the day of your choice online before attending, which you can do here. Exmoor Zoo has an abundance of animals from African wild dogs to Cheetahs and of course the Exmoor Beast! You can also take part in activities at the Zoo including watching feeding times, meet the reindeers and more.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Another great attraction for animal lovers is Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Again this is now open but you have to book your tickets/slot online here. Combe Martin Wildlife Park has a great collection of animals including African Lions, Wolves, Seas Lions and Meerkats, to name just a few! Plus they also have some animals which you cannot see anywhere else…. Dinosaurs! The park has over 19 animatronic and static dinosaur models dotted around the park and they bring great joy to children.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
A fun-filled day is to be experienced when going to the adventure park called The Milky Way. Children can jump on the dodgems, run around the maze, become a pro at minigolf or meet the birds of prey at the North Devon Birds of Prey Centre or their outdoor show. There is also a selection of other rides to be enjoyed. Again, you must book online in advance and ticket spaces are going fast so make sure to book in advance. Click here to book online and to read their further COVID-19 information.,
The Big Sheep
Our final children attraction site we have for you today is the famous Big Sheep. The attraction is so pleased to be back open and offering safari walks, scavenger hunts for the young children, their animal barn with baby animals, daily shows and have their cafe open serving delicious cakes. Some of their roller coasters are now also open again. Please click here to book your slot in advance.
Gardens
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
If you want to explore beautiful gardens and grounds then look no further then Hartland Abbey and Gardens. Currently, the grounds and gardens are now open along with the display of filming memorabilia, gift shop and tea rooms. However, they regret to inform that their wheelchair access to the toilet and exhibitions, shop ect remains closed as it is through the main house which is also closed for now. They recommend that visitors bring their own gloves and hand sanitiser for peace of mind while enjoying the walks where a gate may need to be opened and shut. To read more about what’s on offer and their COVID-19 information click here.
RHS Rosemoor
RHS Rosemoor is one of North Devon’s garden gems. It is filled with a variety of gardens to suit all tastes and to be admired by all. They have amazing fruit and vegetable gardens to the famous Rose Gardens plus the new Cool Garden with its amazing sloping paths, stonework and running water. That is not all, there are another 21 other garden areas to explore of different styles! To attend these gardens you need to book a slot in advance and these are selling out quick so book online now.
Arlington Court
A place that the whole family will enjoy due to is fantastic gardens and grounds which are now open but only by pre-booking online which you can do here. Within the gardens, there is the stunning Victoria Garden which is a formal garden that includes herbaceous borders, colour annuals and a beautiful water fountain. The grounds and parks surround the house and include clever planting designed to frame views of the great house. The parkland also includes a wilderness pond which is a beautiful spot for a picnic with the family. You then also have the extended grounds of Arlington Court including the woodlands. You can enjoy a range of walks through these grounds and can bring a dog on a lead. Plus you might get a chance to spot the red deer who live on the grounds.
Marwood Gardens
Another beautiful garden that needs to be on your list to visit is Marwood Gardens which is located near to Barnstaple and is now open. The garden was started by Dr Smart in 1949 where it was simply a house and grounds. It was heavily neglected at the time with no mains water, drainage and electricity. However, over the years that Dr Smart lived and worked there, with the help of some gardeners, they created the beautiful gardens we have today. They include several ponds, an impressive display of champion trees and a wonderful display of camellias and rhododendrons. The gardens are open along with outside seating areas for the tearoom but to read their full information around COVID-19 click here.
Attractions for the Whole Family
Dartington Crystal
Famous for its high-quality glass items, Dartington Crystal’s factory is an amazing place to visit to see how the experts make such amazing products. The visitor centre is now open where you can learn about the story of Dartington Crystal, see the experts at work and even give some craft activities a go yourself. The site also has a shop where you can purchase Dartington glass along with some other great baking/cooking items. Although they are open they do have restricted opening times and some activities are not available so please check their website here for more information.
Quince Honey Farm
Although the main attraction at Quince Honey Farm is not open the gardens, restaurant and shop are, so if you would like a good place for a cup of coffee, a stroll around some pretty gardens and a good look through a well-stocked gift shop head to Quince Honey Farm. To read more about them click here.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
If you are looking for something a little different to do with the family then head to the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. It is the world’s highest and steepest railway which is completely water-powered. The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and as you head up or down you get to witness stunning coastal views. There is a Cliff Top Cafe which offers delicious cream teas to be enjoyed before heading back down. For more information click here.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog, if however it wasn’t quite what you were looking for give the reads of our blogs a read here.