Top Things to Do for Children

Woodlands Leisure Park

This is the largest family theme park in Devon. Rides and attractions, indoor and outdoor, complete with a zoo/farm and falconry displays.
Blackawton, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7DQ (30 minute drive)
Tel: 01803 712598, www.woodlandspark.com

Overbeck’s Subtropical Gardens

Palm trees, banana plants and citrus and olive trees make Overbeck’s Gardens a wonderland waiting to be explored. There’s also a interesting museum with lots of interesting artifacts on display. But children beware! There’s a ghost about, and his name is Fred – try and spot him in the secret room.
Sharpitor, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8LW (15 minute walk / 2 minute drive)
Tel: 01548 842893

Cranch’s Sweetshop

Sweet tooths will love this old-fashioned sweet shop down Fore Street. It has everything from traditional Victorian oddities to retro sweets like rhubarb and custard and sugar mice.
78 Fore Street, Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8BY (30 minute walk / 5 minute drive)

National Marine Aquarium

Marvel at the ocean’s most beautiful creatures in one of Europe’s largest aquarium. Sharks, sea turtles, clown fish, octopuses and jellyfish all take up residence here, so there is plenty to see and lots to learn.
Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF (50 minute drive)
Tel: 0844 8937938, www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Paignton Zoo

See them all – giraffes, lions, gorillas, cheetahs and crocodiles, plus cheeky meerkats, colourful snakes and amazing monkeys – there’s over two thousand creatures. There’s also indoor play areas, the Jungle Express train and six different habitats that mimic the animals’ natural environment.
Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU (50 minute drive)
Tel: 0844 4742222, www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Pennywell Farm

A lovely farm where you can pet rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, chicks and ducklings, and see alpacas reindeer, cows, ducks and lambs.
Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh, Devon TQ11 0LT (45 minute drive)
Tel: 01364 642023, www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

Top Places to Visit

Salcombe

Without doubt one of the most beautiful places in Devon. With its brightly coloured, flower-laden cottages climbing up from the idyllic waterfront and the feel of a subtropical island paradise, Salcombe is the perfect place to escape the throes of city life. If you’re not practising your breaststroke or perfecting your sandcastles, you might be enjoying lunch out at a waterside restaurant or relaxing on an open ferry ride. Blessed with one of the best natural harbours in the British Isles, it is well heeled and comfortable – a nautical love affair (both Crew Clothing and Jack Wills started out here). Fore Street is where all the best shops are, while North Sands and South Sands beaches offer stunning views of the turquoise estuary. Be sure to try some of Salcombe’s amazing award-winning ice cream from the Salcombe Dairy – especially the honeycomb flavour.

Salcombe Beaches

North Sands is located towards Bolt Head and next to the ruins of Salcombe Castle. A lovely beach with fine golden sands, a shop and the best beach café around – The Winking Prawn – that serves local seafood. At South Sands and Splat Cove there is a lovely sandy beach with fine sand, a shop, café, a beachside restaurant and every imaginable watersport for you to enjoy. You can also take the (seasonal) ferry into Salcombe.

Bantham Beach
Surfers know Bantham as the South Coast’s premier surfing beach, home to much wildlife with its rare sand dune habitat. Also well known is The Sloop Inn serving good pub food, including lots of local fresh fish right near the beach.

Hope Cove
The pretty and secluded fishing village of Hope Cove with its fine sandy beaches and calm waters is perfect for families. Sheltered by Bolt Tail, the Cove’s sandy beaches with small waves are excellent for small children.

Thurlestone
A pretty village with thatched old stone buildings and stunning views to the sea, dominated by Thurlestone Rock just off the coast and two big beaches including South Milton Sands.

Burgh Island
Take a sea tractor across to Bigbury-on-Sea and the famous Burgh island
www.kingsbridge.info/hhbigbury

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is similar to Salcombe in its relaxed and affluent atmosphere. The town is fast becoming a very fashionable holiday destination, with lots of boutique shops and quality eateries having popped up in the last few years. However glamorous Dartmouth is becoming, though, the fishing industry still beats on here, and you can sit idly by watching the boats come in and deliver fresh fish to the restaurants lining the water’s edge. Culinary highlights include Seahorse (Tel: 01803 835147) and Rockfish (Tel: 01803 832800). To burn off your fish lunch, be sure to walk up to the gigantic Britannia Naval College, a stunning building which overlooks the town.

Dartmouth Castle
Beautiful 15th century castle nestled in the cliffs around Dartmouth, complete with a huge gun tower and some labyrinthine passages. You can get to Dartmouth Castle via a small ferry which sets sail from the town quay.

Totnes

Totnes prides itself on being different. Since 2006, the town has made every effort to wean itself from a dependence of peak oil. As a result, it has its own local currency – the ‘Totnes Pound’ – and makes every attempt at creating a strong localised community. There are lots of lovely shops here, and almost all are independent; you will find antique books, bespoke furniture, fine art, handmade shoes and market goods. Eateries are excellent, too, with Riverford Field Kitchen (Tel: 01803 762074) coming up trumps.