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
https://rammuseum.org.uk/
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
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/ludwell-valley-park
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
https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/burgh-island-p1541123
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
https://wildeastdevon.co.uk/nature-reserves/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
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.
House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
https://visit.houseofmarbles.com/
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
https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/walking-in-exeter/other-self-guided-walks/the-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
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.
Five spacious real log cabins, beautiful views across Exmoor, fully equipped kitchen, central heating with log burner, safe enclosed garden. Working dairy farm with sheep, pigs and poultry.
Self catering cottages in the heart of South Devon with lots of animals and excellent child friendly facilities including indoor pool, toddler soft play, walk-in rabbit area & tennis court.
A working farm bordered by the River Tale which captures the magic of the countryside - sheep, cattle, free range chickens and working sheep dogs. An idyllic setting with excellent facilities.
Close to Jurassic coast on a working farm. Orchard Meadow - an individual converted barn with a large open living space, 3 bedrooms (1 ground floor) 3 bathrooms and enclosed dog friendly garden.
Relax in our heated swimming pool and slip into the tranquillity of rural life. Spacious comfortable cottage with indoor and outdoor play areas. Quiet but accessible location for Exeter and the M5.
Idyllic setting in the Exmoor foothills. Traditional 300 acre family farm. Cottages furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering rural charm, cosy woodburners (free logs), enclosed gardens.
Peace, comfort and a warm welcome where we offer the little extras that attract guests back time and time again. 2 miles from Sidmouth seafront. Lovely coastal walks and views from the farm.
Escape to this beautiful, award winning Medieval Longhouse (beams & log fires) tucked away on a Jacob sheep farm on Tarka Trail near Exmoor, with walks from the doorstep, quality en-suite rooms & WiFi
Secluded 2 bedroom cottage surrounded by countryside with outstanding views over Exmoor. Abundant wildlife. Close to the coast. Garden, play area. Woodburner. Dogs & horses welcomed. Short breaks.
Traditional single storey cottage on a small farm with calves, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and ponies. The 2 bedroom cottage boasts a wonderful inglenook fireplace complete with logburner. A Gem!
A cream tea greets your arrival at Forda Farm B&B. Close to the Devon and Cornwall border, you are in the perfect place to explore both counties. Enjoy your stay on a family run working livestock farm
17th C converted Barn 2 ensuite bedrooms, & a traditional thatched 2 bedroom cottage sleeps 5 in heart of the beautiful Mid Devon countryside. Lots of walks, pubs, relax & unwind on this family farm
Stay in our granite cottages. Climb the hill, you'll love the view. Relax by our heated pool or cycle the beautiful Wray valley trail to Moretonhampstead. Great places to eat in town.
Modern spacious rooms with luxury bathrooms. All with direct access to our court yard, we have plenty of space for outdoor dining. All set in a secluded valley a short drive from the coast.
Stunning location on the North Devon Coast, escape to this beautiful award winning cottage, Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe on our doorstep! Games room, garden, Couples & families welcome.
Self catering comfortable accommodation in peaceful rural setting. 3 spacious barn conversions with unique charm. High standard & well equipped. On farm, large Oak trees. AONB. 15 mins Jurassic Coast.
Enjoy the peaceful Spreacombe Estate, 3.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach. 6 family run cottages and a converted barn meeting room. Dog friendly (except Clematis), Child friendly, Short Breaks or longer.
Four comfortable fully equipped cottages. Peaceful setting in beautiful South Hams valley on historic 80-acre working sheep farm. Ideal location for a relaxing holiday
This well equipped Camping Barn is completely self contained and has panoramic views across the farm to the sea. Bigbury on Sea is one mile away and a fantastic location for beach holidays.
Escape and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside. Delightful cottages nestled on a farm. Friendly animals, ride the pony. Watch the cows milked. Sandy beaches Woolacombe & Croyde. Walk to local pub.
A traditionally converted barn on working dairy farm,heart of the Blackdown Hills,peaceful setting, ideal walking, overlooking the Otter Valley,easy reach Sidmouth/ Lyme Regis,York Inn and shop 1 mile
4 newly renovated cottages & cabin sleeping 2-6 in beautiful East Devon hills. Heated outdoor pool, tennis court, games room. Dog friendly. Close to Jurassic Coast/Sidmouth/Lyme Regis.
Delightful cottages on working Dairy farm, explore the area for fantastic coastline, wonderful moorland, visitor attractions, local foods and many family events. Children love the calf feeding.
Camping - Escape, away from it all, to this beautiful farm, with woodland, pasture and a pond where you can camp exclusively on your own enjoying total solitude & escapism. Each pitch has own bathro
Stunning Manor & charming Country Cottages, on the edge of Dartmoor. Sleeps 2- 24 ideal for families of all ages/sizes. Play area/barn, wifi, woodfires, animal feeding, acres of space, farmshop+ pub.
Award winning cottages set in unspoilt countryside overlooking the sea - minutes from the golden sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Saunton & Croyde and a short walk from Lee Bay and the Grampus village pub
Smallicombe Farm is set in an idyllic location of 70 acres of pasture and ancient woodland and offers excellent self-catering holiday cottage accommodation on a real working farm in Devon
Ground floor apartment will own entry and parking. Superking/twin bed, cooking facilities, TV, settee and ensuite with shower and bath. Free Wi-Fi. Wheelchair accessible. Breakfast Platter available.
A spacious farmhouse and a cosy retreat for two. Set in peaceful surroundings with stunning views, lovely walks and lots of wildlife to see. Ideally situated for visiting the coast, Exmoor, Dartmoor