5 of the best family friendly things to do in Devon

When it comes to Devon, this charming county in the South-West of England has the lot. Beautiful sandy beaches, quaint villages, medieval towns - and not to mention some of the most breath-taking scenery the UK has to offer, it’s no wonder families keep coming back to this popular seaside destination year after year. 

If you’re headed there on a family-friendly break or want to learn more about what it can offer, discover Holiday Cottage Compare’s top 5 things to do in Devon. 

1. Go back in time with a hike along the Jurassic Coast

Enjoy being in the great outdoors and breathe in the fresh coastal air with a trip to the Jurassic Coast. Exmouth marks the beginning of this 96-mile trek, and offers miles and miles of stunning cliff top views, amazing wildlife and beautiful plants for you to spot along the way.

If the kids aren’t so keen on walking, why not go hunting for fossils on the beach? And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Triassic Rock - the rich, red sandstone rocks that are over 200 million years old!

2. Surf’s up! Devon beaches perfect for surfing

Devon’s best known for its pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters; take advantage with a spot of surfing the whole family can enjoy.

There are plenty of beaches on offer, including Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton - all of which get amazing waves perfect for little beginners or seasoned experts.

Croyde is the most popular place for families, with plenty of surf hire shops and local surf schools to help you hone your skills.  

3. Enjoy big thrills at Milky Way Adventure Park 

Exhilarating rides, droid dodgems, blast quest and the Milky Way railway - no trip to Devon is complete without a day out at Bideford’s Milky Way Adventure Park. It’s perfect for kids big and small (and not forgetting the grown ups!), with endless activities to enjoy, whatever the weather. 

There’s also The North Devon WakePark and AquaPark located right next door, so if it’s really warm outside then why not give this water-based activity centre a try?

4. All aboard at Devon Railway Centre 

Love trains? Then be sure to give Devon Railway Centre a visit. Get ready to hop onto the Narrow Gauge Railway and take a trip in the O&K steam locomotive around the beautiful River Exe.

Afterwards, take a stroll around the model funfair, village and railways, before finishing up in one of the many play areas that the little ones will be sure to love. 

On the way round, refuel with a visit to Buffer’s Tea Rooms, serving a range of delicious hot meals, light lunches and scrumptious cakes to leave you feeling ready for the next adventure. 

5. Dartmoor National Park

Known as the heart of Devon, discover Dartmoor National Park; the place where you’ll find fast flowing rivers, rugged landscapes, rich history and wildlife in their natural habitat.

There are plenty of fun things to do while you’re there, from camping and canoeing, to climbing and horse riding.

There are also plenty of picnic spaces where you can stop for lunch too, as well as cycle trails where you can take a leisurely bike ride through this awe-inspiring landscape.

But be sure to leave plenty of time to explore, as a few hours can quickly turn into an entire day!

Where are the best holiday cottages in Devon?

If you are looking to come and stay in a holiday cottage in Devon, then give us a shout and we will help you find the perfect Devon holiday rental, best suited for your needs.

From single storey bungalows with downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms to huge holiday cottages sleeping 20 or more, we have something for everyone. Sea views? Or rural hideaways? You choose.

Our flexible search allows you to choose the budgets, locations and features that are most important to you.

Or if you would prefer us to do the hard work for you, then just fill in our holiday cottage concierge form telling us exactly what you are looking for and we will send you a link with everything that meets you requirements within 24 hours.