Top Things to do in Devon
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Water & Amusement Parks
From the wilds of Dartmoor to the wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley, Devon is undoubtedly one of England's most beautiful counties. Its overwhelmingly rural landscape means that catered accommodation is restricted to over-subscribed Bed and Breakfasts and hotels which are mostly concentrated in towns like Exeter and Barnstaple.
Devon is a great location for a family holiday in the great outdoors, with everything from beach resorts at Ilfracombe to rambling in the hills of Exmoor and tors of Dartmoor. It is a large county, but whether you want to follow the Tarka Trail, or walk down the Doone Valley, you can be sure there will be cottages open for holiday rentals nearby.
Most of Devon's holiday rental cottages started as farm buildings of some sort, and planning restrictions mean that many of them retain their rural charm on the outside. However, the cottages are generally renovated to 21st Century standards inside, with double glazing, TV, washing machines and fully-equipped kitchens. Families are well catered for in the higher end properties with games rooms, sometimes including full-size pool tables and large gardens for children to explore.
Despite the unpredictability of Devon's weather even during the summer months, the comfort of these properties gives great peace of mind. Moreover, a week's holiday rental of a cottage in Devon can cost as little as £300 - £400. During the peak season you can spend as much as £900 a month for one of the larger or more luxurious cottages, which still works out to be cheaper than a lot of hotels, especially if you have to book several rooms to accommodate a family of four or five.
To get the best of Devon's startling countryside and its friendly communities, renting a holiday cottage near Lynton and Lynmouth can be a good start. It is a useful base from which to explore North Devon, and is within walking distance of several beauty spots, such as Watersmeet (complete with a small but impressive waterfall) and the Valley of the Rocks. Separated by a steep cliff, you can travel up a funicular railway from coastal Lynmouth to clifftop Lynton, with plenty of stunning walks, shopping opportunities and several beaches and boat trips to nearby coastal attractions.
The twin villages also boast a concentration of well-equipped holiday cottages, from modest fisherman's cottages on the path to Watersmeet to grander hillside houses on the way to the Valley of the Rocks. Whatever your budget, Lynton and Lynmouth can provide some tempting accommodation options for your first Devon holiday.
Restaurants in Devon
1. South West’s Inflatable Theme Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
We are the largest inflatable theme park in the South West, spreading joy and fun to your towns. With 10 large bouncy castles and slides, free face painting, visits from Mickey and Minnie Mouse,and free entry for adults! We also have an under 5's area, filled with a soft play zone, inflatable play park and smaller castles. It’s a fun day out that will leave you all smiling.
2. Letterboxing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
3. Watermouth Family Theme Park & Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,360 reviews
With an enchanting mix of children's activities and nostalgic blasts from the past, Watermouth Castle appeals to kids from 1 to 100 years of age! Welcome to one of Devon's premier tourist attractions.
Reviewed By Vacation158158158
We just stayed for a week in July 2020 in Basset apartment and had a great time. We had access to the swimming pool by ourselves for an hour or two each day which was lovely, probably nicer than normal as had pool to ourselves. Theme park currently closed to general publuic due to covid but we had access to mini golf and crazy snooker which the boys played and had good fun as well as walking round gardens. Spacious apartments, very clean, TV, kitchen with cooker and fridge, dining table, sofas, bunk bed room and double bed room. Bathroom with bath and shower and good size. We booked last minute having had to cancel our holiday to Thailand / Borneo due to covid. Had a lovely week there - as well as swimming, crazy golf and snooker we went on a boat trip to Lundy where we swam with seals then walked round the island (Wild Frontier), a coastal boat trip with a beautiful sunset (Ilfracombe SeaSafari) and went gorging (Adventure Okehampton). Had lovely fish and chips in Ilfracombe and a couple of terrible Chinese meals from Coombe Martin and a meal at the restaurant by Watermouth Lodges where had fresh fish which was excellent. Coombe Martin is also very pretty.
4. Babbacombe Model Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,058 reviews
Babbacombe Model Village is Torquay's most popular and visited attraction. Representing British life and culture over the last five decades all in miniature. Animated scenes, along with touches of very English humour bring it all to life. Taking you on a fun, informative and nostalgic trip through the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s to present day, it has appeal for all ages. Famous for its lovely setting in 4 acres of award-winning gardens that are a delight to experience all year round. See website for opening times
Reviewed By M7385KMmichellep
What a gem just love it,displays were great love the humor in some of the display moving trains, fire from the dragon fish in water Gardens beautiful & dog friendly great place for all the family
5. The Milky Way Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,251 reviews
With acres of indoor fun and acres of outdoor activities, The Milky Way Adventure Park is a fantastic all-weather family experience! The park has a fantastic NEW 2020 addition – the Ninja Stars games arena with Tag Active scoring, designed to be fun for the whole family. Save Planet Earth on Ziggy's Blast Quest, an interactive ride that's a huge hit with all ages. Ride the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, whizz down the Gravity Rider donut slide, have a bumping good time on the Droid Destroyer dodgems, negotiate the maze and go wild in the Time Warp, North Devon’s biggest indoor adventure play area. Watch top live shows featuring Merlin from Britain’s Got Talent, as well as fantastic displays from the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre. Little ones will love the Little Stars play centre, huge bouncing pillows, Cosmic Caterpillar ride, pottery painting and the mini-train. All rides and shows are included in the entrance fee at The Milky Way but do book ahead as spaces are limited.
Reviewed By carliesalt - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Fab day out here, exceptional value for money and i love how it is equiped to be able to alot in doors if the weather isnt great, loads to do, great soft play, super slides, big bouncy cushions, mini golf, a maze, train ride, rollercoaster and optional extra for archery and pottery, fun filled day for most ages and only £13 each when booked online, cant go wrong. Burgers could be better but you can take a picnic to eat outdoors so i would do that next time.
6. The Big Sheep.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,813 reviews
Looking for a guaranteed day out that’s fun for all the family – then look no further than The BIG Sheep. No matter what the weather, this award-winning family attraction is guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday. Come rain or shine Devon’s friendliest attraction has an action-packed programme of rides, shows, animals, indoor play and events to keep everyone in the family entertained all day long. The attraction was set up to create great holiday memories and the BIG Sheep ‘flock’ look forward to giving visitors to the park a totally EWEnique day out. The BIG Sheep is home to Devon’s most popular and largest roller coaster, plus 12 hilarious, EWEnique shows, with undercover viewing area. Outdoor play includes giant jumping pillows, twister ride, splash zone and archery tag. Gentle rides for toddlers include Piggy Pull-Along, Tractor Safari, self-drive Tractor Track, Pony Rides, Vintage Carousel, Swan pedaloes. Fantastic events throughout the year -
Reviewed By sarahwraith1 - Southampton, United Kingdom
We went here with 3 adults and a 3 year old and had such an amazing day, the duck trials were superb and the sheep racing was excellent, great to have bids on your sheep to really get you involved with a prize at the end if you sheep wins. The food was very good and the service excellent. All of the rides were fantastic and very few queues given it was August. The staff were all friendly and nothing was too much hassle-would definitely recommend
7. Tinside Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Overlooking the sea in Plymouth harbour, Tinside Lido is consistently voted in the top 10 of Europe’s outdoor pools. Built in 1935, the lido is archetypal of the then popular art-deco style and is Grade II listed. Open only during the summer months, this beautiful salt water swimming pool is perfect for everyone and is fully accessible to people of all needs. As well as the pool itself, the facility also features a sun deck, which is generally considered to be one of the best places in Plymouth to soak up the sun, so remember to bring the sun cream.
Reviewed By Teejaydee - Plymouth, United Kingdom
This pool is fabulous whether you are on your own, with family or friends. Love the place. You can hire sun loungers or deckchairs or bring your own. You can buy snacks or again bring your own picnic. The pool has sea salt water and the pool is bright blue. Fountains go own at certain times which kids love (so do some of us oldies ;))
8. Devon Railway Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
Jump on Board for train loads of fun! Unlimited train rides, model railways, model village, indoor play coaches and outdoor play areas all set within a former railway station on the Exe Valley Line
Reviewed By edwina1981
I was very cynical arrival about how we’d spend 3 hours here as it looked very small but I was proved wrong! We spent a lovely afternoon enjoying train rides, gnome spotting, playing mini golf, exploring the play areas and enjoying the model village and play carriages. My 3 year old absolutely loved it, very pleased to have made the trip. Lovely pub called the Fisherman’s cot just over the river too which was nice for a quick drink after!
9. Mount Wise Swimming Pools
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By PennieB471 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
A select few staff from Plymouth Life Centre manned these wonderful outdoor pools during the Summer months, and it was a life saver for many of us when all the pools remained closed. A mix of saltwater and chlorine was lovely to swim in, and although we only had a loo and no changing rooms, there was a brilliant feeling of camerarderie amongst the swimmers. Spotlessly clean (until some locals smashed beer bottles one night), well marked out for lane swimming, and with stunning views across Plymouth Sound and to Cornwall. Thank you to the Life Guard/ cleaning team. Hugely appreciated.
