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.
Tiverton Canal
https://www.tivertoncanal.co.uk/
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.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery – RAMM
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.
The Donkey Sanctuary
https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/sidmouth
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!
Ludwell Valley Park Trail
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
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
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
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.
House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
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.
Exeter Medieval Trail
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
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.