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27 of the most effective issues to do in North Devon with youngsters


It’s usually the south coast of Devon which will get all the eye, however with smaller crowds, fabulous shoreline and plenty of issues to do in North Devon with youngsters, you’ll discover loads of causes to tempt you to go to.

View of the coast path sign overlooking Woolacombe Beach in North Devon - a visit to the beach is just one of the great things to do in North Devon with kids

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Whether or not you’re planning to hit the seashore, wish to be taught to surf, discover the good open air, uncover a North Devon theme park or spend a day with the animals, you’ll discover one thing in my checklist of North Devon points of interest to tempt each household.

And from extra standard household vacation locations like Woolacombe and Combe Martin, to Ilfracombe, Exmoor, Clovelly, Bideford and Barnstaple (to call a number of), you’ll by no means be too removed from an awesome household day trip with my 27 high issues to do in North Devon with youngsters both.

This information concentrates totally on the North Devon coast, in addition to a number of concepts for days inland, however if you happen to’re glad to journey additional and searching for extra inspiration together with South Devon and East Devon, take a look at my Final information to Devon with youngsters

The place to remain in North Devon with youngsters

At any time when we’re visited Devon, we’ve at all times stayed in self-catering lodging – I like the flexibleness of getting house for all of the household, someplace to prepare dinner and someplace to sit back out after a busy day exploring or on the seashore.

So if you happen to’re searching for locations to say in North Devon with youngsters, I like a website like Basic Cottages which helps you to filter by family-friendly properties in addition to completely different areas of the county – both North Devon as an entire, or particular areas like Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Bideford and Barnstaple.

The colourful terraced houses of a street in Appledore - if you're looking for places to stay in North Devon with kids, you'll find some great cottages and self-catering apartments in the county

You’ll be able to even filter by how shut you wish to be to the ocean and the seashore, and even if you wish to be close to a sandy seashore – this being Devon, there are some attractive family-friendly locations to remain on the Basic Cottages website that are virtually a shell’s throw away from the sand. To not point out cottages the place you possibly can take your canine.

And if you happen to’re travelling with teenagers and tweens, there’s additionally an possibility to choose properties with WiFi (and superfast WiFi particularly) in addition to a pool, a scorching tub, a video games room or barbecue – or an open hearth, if you happen to’re planning an escape outdoors the summer season months.

Personally, a classy seaside house close to a sandy seashore, with a scorching tub and WiFi would go well with me all the way down to the bottom!

Issues to do in North Devon with youngsters

A few of the finest methods to spend a day in North Devon with youngsters are outdoors, from the fabulous coast to the equally memorable countryside.

But when the climate isn’t in your favour, you’ll discover loads of concepts for a wet day in North Devon with youngsters, concepts for adventurous teenagers and for toddlers, plus some free days out in North Devon for households.

Finest seashores in north Devon

The most effective free issues to do in north Devon with youngsters (other than the price of ice cream!) is a go to to one of many lovely seashores. You’ll discover dog-friendly seashores, surf seashores, secluded seashores, quirky coves and loads of stretches of golden sand to maintain youngsters glad all day.

Try my concepts for the most effective seashore actions with youngsters to maintain everybody entertained

Woolacombe Seaside

You’ll be able to’t discuss north Devon seashores with out mentioning Woolacombe seashore – commonly ranked among the many high seashores to go to within the UK and Europe, there are miles of sand stretching out to play on.

If you happen to’re searching for surf you’ll discover it right here, together with a lifeguard station manned in the summertime, services together with cafes and bogs close by, and it’s even canine pleasant (though there are restrictions in some areas throughout the summer season months).

View onto Woolacombe beach with a sign for the coast path in the foreground - one of the best beaches in North Devon with kids

Putsborough Seaside

Putsborough Seaside is much less well-known than close by Woolacombe however it’s bought the bonus of being quieter consequently, and is one other standard one for households.

You’ll discover necessities like bogs and cafe, plus you possibly can paddle within the shallows or clamber on a few of the rocks protruding from the sand. It’s additionally canine pleasant all yr.

Combe Martin seashore

Combe Martin seashore has gained a Seaside award, and has broad flat sands at low tide – there are additionally nature trails close by to find, and bogs, parking and cafes right here too.

Hold an eye fixed out for the rock swimming pools right here at low tide, whereas you may also rent kayaks and paddleboards within the village if you wish to get out on the waves.

Bright beach huts on the sand in Devon against dunes and a blue sky - Saunton Sands is one of my top beaches in North Devon with kids

Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands, with its traditional seashore huts and dunes, is a superb style of the seaside stretching for 3.5 miles.

It’s a dog-friendly seashore if you happen to’re travelling with pets, and likewise has a few of the county’s finest surf, with lengthy sluggish waves.

Westward Ho!

Not simply on the checklist as a result of I like the identify (though I actually do –  the one city within the UK to have an exclamation mark as a part of its identify, it was named after a e book).

A Blue Flag seashore, Westward Ho! has a tempting two miles of sand, in addition to being good whether or not you wish to swim, surf or search the rockpools. Canine are additionally welcome on the seashore year-round (with some restrictions in the summertime).

Croyde Seaside

Croyde Seaside is one other nice possibility if you happen to’re searching for sand and surf – rated top-of-the-line surf seashores on the earth.

The award-winning seashore additionally has its personal lifeguard station, in addition to bogs and locations to purchase meals. You’ll discover surfboard and canoe rent right here too, together with some nice rock pooling.

View across the dunes to the waves at Croyde Bay in Devon - one of the best beaches in Devon with kids

Tunnels Seaside, Ilfracombe

For some of the uncommon seashores, it’s laborious to beat Tunnels seashore at Ilfracombe – there’s a cost for this seashore, together with for youths, however it’s well worth the small payment to discover this uncommon cove with a Victorian tidal pool.

You stroll by means of hand carved tunnels within the rock to succeed in the seashore, with details about the historical past – it was opened in 1823 – plus smugglers’ caves, rock swimming pools and a household restaurant and play hut. Even the bogs have gained awards!

Broad Sands

If you happen to’re prepared to place within the effort to have one nook of Devon’s coast nearly to your self, Broad Sands is value it – there are 200 steps all the way down to this wild pebble seashore, with caves and an island to discover.

To not be confused with Broadsands seashore close to Torquay and Paignton on the south coast, it’s one to go to at low tide somewhat than excessive tide, however older youngsters will love exploring one of many high 10 wild swimming seashores within the UK.

For extra days on the sand, take a look at my decide of the finest seashores in Devon with youngsters

Rockpooling in North Devon

In case your youngsters need extra leisure than constructing sandcastles and paddling, there are some nice locations to go rockpooling – best if the climate isn’t as much as sunbathing.

In addition to a few of the nice seashores talked about above, there are a number of different unmissable spots to strive rockpooling in North Devon with youngsters.

People reflected in the shallow water of a rockpool in Devon - the North Devon coast has some great places for families to go rockpooling

On the north coast, Hartland Quay is a superb place to discover – if you happen to’re fortunate, you would possibly even see falcons nesting on the cliffs above this rocky seashore.

Or not removed from standard Woolacombe seashore, Combesgate Seaside has plenty of family-friendly rockpools – throughout the summer season months, they often have rockpool rambles with the seashore rangers too.

Close by Barricane seashore is legendary for unique seashells which get washed up from the Caribbean – and likewise for the Seaside Cafe serving muffins and sandwiches throughout the day, and genuine Sri Lankan curries within the night. However even with out these two points of interest, there are some beautiful rock swimming pools between the broad expanses of sand right here too.

For tips about the way to get probably the most out of rockpooling with youngsters, staying secure and defending the creatures residing within the rockpools, take a look at the recommendation from the Nationwide Historical past Museum

Study to surf

Westward Ho! is house to the UK’s highest rated surf college, the North Devon Surf Faculty, which runs classes appropriate for full learners together with youngsters.

You’ll be able to select from a half-day introduction, or blocks of classes between two and 10, in addition to non-public classes if you happen to’d somewhat hone your expertise away from a bunch.

View of the golden sand and surf at Saunton Sands beach seen from above - surfing lessons are one of the best things to do in North Devon with kids

Plus as one of many longest established surf faculties within the UK, there are additionally loads of services – not simply tools to rent, however heated altering rooms, safe storage, bogs and a pizza cafe to refuel after your lesson.

If you happen to’re visiting one other a part of the North Devon coast, you may also e book classes with Surf Saunton and Strolling on Waves at Saunton Sands (youthful youngsters should be accompanied by a father or mother) in addition to Browsing Croyde Bay which runs household surf classes.

South West Coast Path

You’re not wanting locations to go for a stroll in North Devon with youngsters – the South West coast path runs alongside each coasts, with 90 miles of path in north Devon alone.

There are concepts for household walks alongside the North Devon stretch of the South West Coast Path, with heaps to entertain past the views, together with geocaching and children’ actions.

Sign on the Southwest Coast footpath near Baggy Point headland, Croyde, against a blue sky - there are countless walking routes in North Devon with kids

You’ll be able to select from completely different ranges, together with some straightforward walks primarily based within the cities themselves, and tougher choices; stroll to an Iron Age hill fort, spot a ‘sleeping elephant’ or wander by means of woodland alongside the best way.

Exmoor Nationwide Parok

With Exmoor within the northern half of the county, you may also expertise a few of England’s wildest countryside throughout a vacation in North Devon with youngsters.

There’s some nice biking in addition to strolling right here, and with 1,000km of footpaths and bridlepaths, you will discover all the things from a brief stroll to an adventurous hike.

One of many highlights is a go to to the Valley of the Rocks; a pure amphitheatre of historical stone perched excessive above the Bristol Channel, the place you would possibly spot a few of the native feral goats in addition to having fun with the views.

View of the coastline and ocean at Valley of the Rocks in Exmoor National Park - one of the great places to visit in North Devon with kids

There are completely different theories about how the valley fashioned, however the rocks are a few of the oldest on Exmoor, as much as 400 million years previous – once they fashioned, the land was beneath a shallow sea. Regardless of the geological causes, they’ve been inspiring poets and writers (and different guests!) for years.

Exmoor was additionally Europe’s first designated Worldwide Darkish Skies Reserve, so it’s a unbelievable place to go stargazing – you possibly can even rent a telescope to get a greater view.

There are additionally nature reserves throughout North Devon (and the remainder of the county) for extra concepts of locations to get open air with youngsters

The Tarka Path

For some gentler outside actions, the Tarka Path is one other of the most effective issues to do in north Devon with youngsters: the strolling and biking route is simple to adapt to completely different ages and a stunning option to discover.

Impressed by the story of Tarka The Otter (although you’d be fortunate to see one your self), the path stretches for 180 miles in a determine of eight loop, so whereas most individuals gained’t full the entire thing, you’ll have loads of alternative of locations to get open air.

The UK’s longest traffic-free cycle path hyperlinks Braunton with Meeth, close to Okehampton, whereas a few of the strolling sections take you from Barnstaple to Lynton, crossing a part of Exmoor and becoming a member of the South West Coast path, in addition to one other part from Okehampton to Eggesford.

Need a style of the path with out an excessive amount of effort? There’s a bit practice line from Eggesford to Barnstaple, so you possibly can take the Tarka Line for this part and benefit from the views with out shifting a muscle.

Flat cycle track under the trees on a sunny day, part of the Tarka Trail and one of the best things to do in North Devon with kids

RHS Rosemoor, Nice Torrington

You don’t should be a green-fingered aficionado to take pleasure in a day trip at RHS Backyard Rosemoor, with loads to entertain households.

For starters, take a look at the play areas – there’s pure play space The Brash within the woodland, with sand pit, climbing frames and bug magnifiers, in addition to a ‘inexperienced ship’ in The Copse which has extra for older youngsters, includng a spiro-giro, in addition to comparable pure play for youthful youngsters.

Look out for youngsters’s trails and craft actions all through college holidays, in addition to particular sculpures which pop up every so often, plus – in fact – an entire string of gardens to discover, and a few beautiful seasonal walks.

H2 Outside, close to Woolacombe

If you happen to’re visiting North Devon with teenagers or adventurous older youngsters who need greater than a stroll from their vacation, H2 Outside in Bideford is ideal with plenty of methods to get your coronary heart racing.

From coasteering and kayaking to different enjoyable water sports activities, it’s the final word outside journey play.

Final Journey Centre, Abbotsham

If you happen to’re primarily based a bit additional south alongside the North Devon coast, there’s one other alternative to strive all issues adventurous on the well-named Final Journey Centre in Abbotsham close to Bideford.

You’ll be able to select coasteering and watersports like Stand Up Paddleboarding in addition to a water assault course, excessive ropes, archery and climbing wall. Even higher, if in case you have significantly adventurous youthful youngsters, loads of the actions are appropriate for age 5+.

A black leopard, also known as a black panther or jaguar - Exmoor Zoo is home to a black leopard and a great day out in North Devon for families

Exmoor Zoo

In case your youngsters love animals, you possibly can’t miss a day trip at Exmoor Zoo, house to the UK’s solely black leopard.

And whilst you gained’t discover any big wildlife parks in north Devon, this small zoo is a stunning possibility for a day trip with youngsters and toddlers, together with a give attention to conservation of smaller animals.

Together with the ‘Exmoor Beast’, you possibly can see a clouded leopard, but additionally varied monkeys, cats and different smaller mammals (not least guinea pigs!) plus birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods (that’s bugs, spiders and snails).

There are additionally completely different talks and animal encounters happening each half hour, with commonly altering themes

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

You is likely to be considering that dinosaurs don’t depend for an animal-themed day trip, however because the identify suggests, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur park has a small zoo in addition to its lifesized animatronic dinosaurs.

With lemurs, meerkats, sea lions, monkeys galore and wolves among the many inhabitants, together with capybara, raccoons, penguins and birds, you possibly can simply fill a day with common talks as properly.

Ring-tailed lemur - one of the animals you can spot at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park in North Devon with kids

For youthful youngsters, the animatronic fashions of dinosaurs can be as a lot of successful on a household day trip, with T-Rex and his associates waking up each hour, plus a Dino Categorical practice, botanical backyard and a fossil museum to find too.

And that’s earlier than you get to the Playzone. Billed as ‘the biggest indoor playzone this aspect of North Devon!’, there are over 7,500 sq. toes of slides, tubes, scramble nets, rope bridges & extra indoor tender play enjoyable, plus an space for the beneath 2s.

Woolley Animals Farm Park, Winkleigh

A stunning day trip for younger youngsters, you possibly can encounter a few of your favorite cattle at Woolley Animals.

Cuddle guinea pigs, watch a sheepdog at work, groom the ponies, assist milk the goats and even bottle feed the animals in Spring – you possibly can even watch an alpaca have a bathe or soar on a tractor trailer journey.

Entry to the farm park is simply £4, so it’s an awesome worth day trip if you happen to’re searching for low-cost issues to do in North Devon with youngsters.

Or you possibly can be a part of an Alpaca Stroll (should be prebooked) – youngsters aged 10+ can lead their very own, or under-10s can share the duty with an grownup. The stroll covers a one-mile route and lasts round an hour (alpacas will not be recognized for his or her velocity!), and the price consists of entry to the farm park.

Alpaca against a blurred green background - walking with alpacas is one of the fun things to do in North Devon with kids

Ilfracombe Aquarium

It’s laborious to beat a go to to an aquarium whilst you’re by the seaside, and the Ilfracombe aquarium focuses on the marine life to be discovered round north Devon.

There are over 75 native species and a go to to the aquarium takes you proper from the water supply by means of lakes, rivers and ponds out to rockpools, harbours and the coast, and even a have a look at close by Lundy Island.

It’s not an enormous aquarium, so most guests spend round 30-45 minutes, however it’s straightforward to suit right into a day trip (or if you happen to’re attempting to flee a passing bathe on a wet day in North Devon with youngsters).

There are additionally youngsters’s trails and fish feeds among the many household actions for youthful guests.

The Large Sheep theme park, Bideford

You’ll discover two theme parks in North Devon however the Large Sheep at Bideford is definitely probably the most uncommon.

This working sheep farm has sheep racing in addition to rides and rollercoasters, with all the things from a mild tractor safari to North Devon’s largest, highest and quickest curler coaster, Rampage.

Baby lamb sitting in a field - you can feed the lambs in spring time at The Big Sheep theme park in North Devon with kids

Youngsters can nonetheless get arms on with the animals on the little petting zoo, in addition to feeding the lambs in Spring, and there are play areas for each wet days and solar.

EWEtopia indoor play is likely one of the South West’s largest all-weather points of interest, with an opportunity for adults to take pleasure in a few of the enjoyable as properly, together with big multi-lane slides, whereas there are big leaping pillows open air too. Throw in reveals and particular actions throughout the college holidays and it’s enormous enjoyable for all ages.

Milky Means Journey Park, close to Clovelly

In case your youngsters love a number of rides, there’s one other North Devon theme park not removed from The Large Sheep – the Milky Means Journey Park close to Clovelly has its personal points of interest in addition to a separate space for preschoolers.

It’s an awesome possibility if you happen to’re visiting North Devon within the rain with youngsters, with over 110,000 sq. toes of indoor enjoyable together with Little Stars tender play, ninja stars and laser taking pictures.

However there’s additionally loads to entertain open air too. Together with the rides, you possibly can watch a birds of prey present, discover the maze, watch reveals and get your adrenaline thrills on the Gravity Rider 30ft tall donut slide.

View over Watermouth Castle and the countryside and coast around it - one of the most unusual days out in North Devon with kids

Watermouth Citadel, Ilfracombe

For a household day trip with a distinction, Watermouth Citadel has its personal mixture of family-friendly points of interest – and this North Devon spot isn’t fairly like wherever else!

Throughout a day trip on the Victorian fort and its grounds, you possibly can discover the dungeon labyrinths or benefit from the dancing fountains, burn off vitality within the journey playgrounds and toboggan runs, chill out on the Large River journey, wander by means of the Gnome Village and the Mystical Water Gardens, pan for gold or take heed to the mechanical robotic organ.

All in all, it’s nice for the entire household with loads for youthful youngsters in addition to older siblings (to not point out dad and mom).

Mushy play in North Devon

If you happen to’re visiting North Devon with youthful youngsters and searching for concepts for a wet day, it’s laborious to beat an indoor tender play to allow them to burn off some vitality.

And whilst you might additionally head to an indoor play space at one of many theme parks, comparable to Little Stars at The Milky Means, there are additionally some extra budget-friendly choices if you happen to want an hour of enjoyable for the household (and occasional for the adults).

Young girl in a ball pit at the bottom of a toy slide - you'll find similar fun at the various different soft play in North Devon with kids

JunglaRoo, Barnstaple

The biggest indoor tender play centre in North Devon, JunglaRoo (previously generally known as FunderZone) has loads to maintain youngsters entertained.

Effectively value prebooking because it’s highly regarded in holidays and at weekends (plus you get a reduction), there are two-hour timed slots to benefit from the slides, ball swimming pools, nets and extra. Socks should be worn (and there’s WiFi for grown-ups).

The Quay Centre, Braunton

In case your youngsters are lacking the seashore, head to The Quay Centre for its indoor seashore shack play space, with a nautical theme working all through.

There are timed periods lasting 90 minutes to profit from the slides, climbing space and different enjoyable.

World of Surprise, Bideford

Prepare for take-off at World of Surprise in Bideford, the place you possibly can verify in to the ‘Wow’ airport earlier than taking off down the runway slide, and uncover a few of the world’s biggest landmarks as you play.

Add in a brand new traversing wall and an interactive flooring, plus a separate space for youths aged as much as 4, and play for infants to age 11 too.

Play Hive at Quince Honey Farm, South Molton

This working honey farm has some added temptations together with its candy treats, together with the Play Hive the place youngsters can buzz across the indoor tender play.

There are climbing ropes and slides in addition to the same old tender play enjoyable, together with a separate toddler and child tender play, plus the Child Bee sensory space for youths beneath two. And if the solar does come out, there’s an outside play space with picnic tables too)

Steam train in the countryside pulling deep red Victorian railway carriages - the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is one of the many fun things to do in North Devon with kids

Lynton & Barnstaple railway

Journey again by means of time on the UK’s solely steam railway the place passengers use Victorian railway carriages designed within the Eighteen Nineties for each journey.

The Lynton and Barnstaple railway initially opened again in 1898 and the slim gauge railway takes you from Woody Bay Station in Barnstaple to Killington Lane Halt and again once more – the two-mile journey takes round 20 minutes however you’ll get views of moorland and coast as your stream practice travels by means of the countryside.

Kids aged beneath 14 journey free, though you possibly can’t take pushchairs on board – there’s buggy parking on the station although.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

There aren’t simply steam trains that will help you get round North Devon in model – save a while to take a journey on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway which first opened again in 1890.

The very best and steepest completely water-powered railway on the earth, the funicular takes you 500ft up the cliff for wonderful views (and cream teas on the high if you happen to fancy).

In truth it’s certainly one of solely three completely water-powered railways left on the earth in any respect (the others are in Portugal and Switzerland), so it’s distinctive within the UK – and because it travels by means of the guts of Exmoor Nationwide Park between Lynton and Lynmouth, you get some fabulous views out to the coast.

The water-powered funicular railway system, founded in the late 19th century, linking Lynton and Lynmouth - one of the many unusual things to do in North Devon with kids

Arlington Court docket, Barnstaple

There aren’t fairly as many stately properties in North Devon as in South Devon, however Arlington Court docket is certainly one of many extra uncommon Nationwide Belief websites to take pleasure in some household enjoyable.

Dwelling to the Nationwide Carriage Museum, you may also discover the Regency Home, house to the Chichester household for over 500 years, with some enjoyable trails for youths – one instance is the ‘path of issues that don’t belong’, from Pokémon playing cards to Lego minifigures dotted across the historic house.

The classic carriages on the Carriage Museum within the stables are equally fascinating, with all the things from elegant coaches used for state events to somewhat extra humble carts that might have carried servants.

Throw in 20 miles of walkways, bridleways and cycle routes by means of woodlands, in addition to wild play areas within the grounds, and additional household actions throughout college holidays, and it’s an awesome day trip with youngsters – if you happen to’re already a Nationwide Belief member, it’s additionally a free day out!

Hartland Abbey, Hartland

At Hartland Abbey, the emphasis is on old style enjoyable – applicable given it’s the filming location for CBBC’s Malory Towers!

Followers can see the place the traditional books’ characters went to high school, and there’s a Malory Towers path to the movie areas in the home and open air, plus an opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes photographs within the Movie Exhibition.

However even when your youngsters couldn’t care much less concerning the Enid Blyton books, there’s loads extra to find together with a quiz to strive inside the home, which is a former abbey, in addition to nature trails open air. Plus loads of house to play conceal and search and different video games within the gardens, in addition to woodland walks to the seashore.

Youngsters also can meet the pleasant donkeys Becky and Snowdrop (though do remember they’ll kick and chew in the event that they’re feeling in a much less pleasant temper), peacocks, guinea fowl, Black Welsh Mountain sheep and the bantams all fascinate youngsters.

Narrow cobbled streets lined with cottages on a steep hill at Clovelly on the Devon coast - a visit to the pretty fishing village is a fun day out in north Devon with kids

Go to Clovelly

A day trip in Clovelly is likely one of the finest locations to go to in North Devon with youngsters – not as a result of it’s full of household points of interest however as a result of the entire village is such a beautiful spot.

The working fishing village is about on a clifftop, and also you’ll discover no automobiles within the streets, solely donkeys, which can go well with youthful youngsters all the way down to the bottom.

It’s a style of some real residing historical past, in addition to being ridiculously fairly. You do should pay a cost to enter to assist with the maintenance of the village, however you possibly can meet the donkeys, take some walks alongside the coast, uncover Clovelly Court docket gardens and Clovelly’s little museum with its fisherman’s cottage, in addition to strolling the streets.

North Devon Maritime Museum, Appledore

If you wish to be taught extra about Devon’s seafaring historical past – together with pirates and smugglers, in addition to somewhat extra law-abiding ship-builders, the North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore is a superb place for a go to.

There are mannequin ships displaying how designs modified from early Viking longships to medieval crafts and extra trendy ships, together with shows on the final crusing ships, plus these constructed on the Applefore shipyard (together with elements of present plane carriers).

You too can study navigation, see weapons utilized by smugglers and discover out extra concerning the half Devon performed within the Second World Warfare D-Day landings, in addition to a number of interactive shows.

View of an anchor and boats by the waterfront at Appledore - home to the North Devon Maritime Museum, the area is famous for shipbuilding

Museum of British Browsing, Braunton

Some of the uncommon locations to go to in North Devon with youngsters, the award-winning Museum of British Browsing in Braunton is ideal if the surf bug has bitten your youngsters.

There are surfboards galore and reveals on the best way browsing has developed over time – in truth, the museum has the biggest and most complete public assortment of surfboards and associated memorabilia in Europe.

Alongside the best way, you possibly can uncover browsing details – do you know the earliest account of westerners browsing was in 1779 when Captain Prepare dinner’s crew had a go in Hawaii? – see historic surf manuals and decide up a surf memento or two.

Ilfracombe Museum

If you happen to’re searching for an awesome indoor exercise, the quirky Ilfracombe museum is house to each native shows and objects from world wide.

Its eclectic assortment consists of pure historical past and archaeology, artwork and images, plus costume and home historical past – with objects starting from wedding ceremony cake to a big python, a cabinet of British bats, plus an opportunity to strive brass rubbing and Morse code.

View down onto Ilfracombe including its harbour with boats and colourful houses - a boat trip from Ilfracombe is one of the best things to do with kids in North Devon

Take a ship journey from Ilfracombe

There’s been a port at Ilfracombe for the reason that twelfth century, and whilst you’re extra more likely to be heading out for pleasure nowadays, it’s nonetheless a working fishing port).

You’ll discover loads of boat journeys working from the harbour, together with to Lundy Island (learn on for extra about visiting the island) in addition to coastal cruises to find the coast and wildlife.

There are three journeys to select from aboard the Ilfracombe Princess – uncover the smugglers’ caves and historic silver mines on a one-hour cruise that’s nice for youthful youngsters, or strive the 90-minute tour which takes you on to Exmoor cliffs and waterfall as properly, whereas a two-hour cruise takes you within the different course to seek for seals, with nice views of Woolacombe Bay.

Or spot extra seals, plus porpoises, dolphins and nesting sea birds with one of many small boat excursions from Ilfracombe Sea Safari – there’s a most of 12 folks aboard the catamaran and three Ribs, and the excursions are appropriate for all ages (and canine!) with journeys from one hour as much as six hours. You’ll be able to even swim with the seals.

And the Hampshire Rose, a former lifeboat, runs half-hour journeys between Easter and the top of October half-term, with an opportunity to take in the surroundings and see wildlife – best for youths with quick consideration spans or if you happen to’re wanting time.

When you’re on the harbour, cease and take a look at Damien Hirst’s 66ft sculpture Verity, on the entrance to the harbour – weighing the identical as 4 elephants, some love her, some positively don’t, however she’s assured to get folks speaking

Boat journey to Lundy Island

Lundy Island is a very particular a part of the British Isles – simply 10 miles of the coast of Devon, it’s a haven for wildlife and a ravishing place to discover with youngsters.

Pink flowers frame the cliffs of Lundy Island off the coast of Devon - a day trip is one of the great things to do with kids in North Devon

Solely three miles lengthy and half a mile broad, it’s straightforward to fill a day on the island – you’ll usually have between 4 and 6 hours to discover relying on crusing occasions, if you happen to plan a day journey – with some beautiful walks and an opportunity to identify wildlife together with sheep, deer, goats, the pygmy shrew, birds galore and seals off the coast.

Famously, you may also spot puffins on the island, particularly if you happen to go to between April and July.

You too can uncover historical buildings from Lundy’s 4,000-year historical past of human habitation, from the stays of Bronze Age settlements to early Christian grave markers, a medieval fort, a Georgian lighthouse and a Victorian church.

MS Oldenburg sails from Bideford or Ilfracombe (relying on the tides) and the journey takes beneath two hours every manner – it’s value being conscious that typically you’ll depart from one port and return to the opposite, though you possibly can e book a coach switch again. If you happen to’re fortunate, pods of dolphins typically comply with the ship, constructed again in 1958, on her journey.

Disclosure: Contains paid promotion for Basic Cottages – all opinions about the most effective issues to do in North Devon with youngsters stay my very own. This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Rockpool picture copyright MummyTravels, Lynton and Barnstaple railway & Watermouth Citadel courtesy Picfair, all different photos courtesy of Depositphotos

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