Zoos & Aquariums
Paignton Zoo
2,000 creatures, six animal habitats, a Jungle Express train, indoor play areas, good food and easy access. A great family day out.
Totnes Rd, Paignton TQ4 7EU (30 minute drive)
01803 697500 | www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
The Miniature Pony Centre
On the edge of wild and magical Dartmoor in Devon is a hidden gem of all things small, cute and cuddly. This gem is called The Miniature Pony Centre. Kids can go into a paddock and be surrounded by miniature ponies and tiny foals.
Wormhill Farm, Newton Abbot TQ13 8RG (30 minute drive)
01647 432400 | www.miniatureponycentre.com
The National Marine Aquarium
Discover an underwater world – starting with the largest native exhibition in the UK – that explores the fish you’ve heard of and the many more mysterious animals that live on our doorstep. As you dive deeper into the Aquarium, their Eddystone Reef tank will blow your mind with the UK’s largest single-tank viewing panel (it’s like a fishy cinema screen).
Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF (45 minute drive)
0844 893 7938 | www.national-aquarium.co.uk
Museums
Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
Explore the museum’s large, outstanding collections and trace the fascinating history of Mid Devon. The displays include the ‘Tivvy Bumper’ GWR steam engine, local industries (particularly lace making), farm waggons and the history of agriculture, and the every day home life of Mid Devon folk.
Beck’s Square, Tiverton EX16 6PJ (40 minute drive)
01884 256295 | www.tivertonmuseum.org.uk
House of Marbles
Kids will be entertained for hours by the wonderful array of marble runs, animated animals, fairground mirrors, penny press and the giant floating marble. You will also discover lots of interesting hidden amusements in almost every nook and cranny of the site. Their top tip is to look for the secret door in the garden area – and don’t forget to find their loveable snoring bear!
Pottery Rd, Newton Abbot TQ13 9DS (15 minute drive)
01626 835285 | www.houseofmarbles.com
Torre Abbey
Stunning heritage rooms, art exhibitions, interactive displays, videos and games to bring history to life.
The King’s Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE (30 minute drive)
01803 293593 | www.torre-abbey.org.uk
Railways
Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat
Steam trains and boat trips in South Devon. Dogs welcome.
Queens Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton, TQ4 6AF (30 minute drive)
01803 555872 | www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
South Devon Railway
The multi-award-winning South Devon Railway is one of Devon’s and the West Country’s best-loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the South West.
The Railway Station, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0DZ (20 minute drive)
01364 644370 | www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
Theme Parks
Crealy Great Adventure Park
South West’s number one family attraction, and one of the best days out with the kids in Devon. With over 100 acres of beautiful countryside to explore, and no fewer than 60 rides and attractions to get the heart pumping and the kids squealing with delight.
Sidmouth Road, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR (25 minute drive)
01395 233200 | www.crealy.co.uk
Farm Parks
Pennywell Farm
Four free rides, hundreds of friendly animals, play areas and games. Plus a different hands-on activity every half an hour, such as egg collecting, goat milking and bottle feeding.
Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0LT (20 minute drive)
01364 642023 | www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Totnes Rare Breeds Farm
Have you ever fed a red squirrel? Touched one? At Totnes Rare Breeds they will (literally) throw themselves at you for a peanut. What began as a collection of farmyard rare breeds has gradually extended. You won’t find smaller sheep than their Ouessants, or more fantastic chickens. Alongside these, you can also get close to the endangered wildlife of the English countryside, making this much more than just a petting farm. Touch a hedgehog’s prickly spines and learn how they use them, or admire the gripping pads on a red squirrel’s foot. Please see website for directions and other information.
01803 840387 | www.totnesrarebreeds.co.uk
Climbing & Caving
The Rock Centre
Rock climbing, caving and abseiling in Devon.
Chudleigh, South Devon, TQ13 0EJ (10 minute drive)
01626 852717 | www.users.globalnet.co.uk
Paint-it-yourself Pottery
ClayArt
Great for sunny or rainy days. It is great fun and brings out the creative side of all ages.
57 Southside St, Plymouth PL1 2LA (45 minute drive)
01752 665565 | www.clayart.co.uk