What to do in Devon

Hey foxy friends! It's not hard to see why people come back time and time again to our Devon holiday parks. The mild weather, the beautiful Devon coast, small harbour towns and the extensive range of family attractions are just some of the reasons why people return for Devon holidays. 

Devon is a county of huge contrast with two stunning coastlines, five official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two National Parks, two stunning cities and great mixture of family attractions.

Here's my guide of what to do in Devon! 

Beaches 

Whether you fancy a stroll on the white sand or a dip in the clear blue sea, with two coastlines and 16 Blue Flag Beaches you will be spoilt for choice in Devon.

Here are our top 5 beaches in North Devon where you will find Sandaway Beach & Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park and in South Devon where you will find South Bay Holiday Park.

Dawlish Warren- This Blue Flag beach in South Devon is 1.5 miles long and is the perfect place for family seaside fun with golden sands and clean bathing waters. During the summer Dawlish Warren hosts many free open-air events, children's entertainers and spectacular firework displays.

Woolacombe Beach- Woolacombe is a golden sandy beach, several miles long in the heart of North Devon. This beach is a huge favourite for families and surfers and has won numerous awards.

Croyde Bay- Sitting between two headlands, surrounded by sand dunes and Devon countryside, Croyde is one of North Devon's most popular beaches. With fine golden sand and amazing waves for surfing Croyde appeals to everyone.

Breakwater Beach - Close to the mouth of Brixham harbour is Breakwater Beach, one of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera. Breakwater Beach is Blue Flag beach along with a Seaside Award and is particularly popular for scuba diving.

Westward Ho! – Westward Ho! is made up of golden sand and surrounded by a pebble ridge, with access to Northam Burrows Country Park. This North Devon beach has everything for every tourist's needs, seaside shops, toilets and food outlets, Westward Ho! is a popular family beach.

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National Parks

Dartmoor

We are extremely lucky to have two of the country's most beautiful National Parks on the doorstep of our Devon holiday parks.

Dartmoor National Park is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK and was designated as a National Park in 1951, stretching across 368 square miles. The unique area is populated by ancient woodlands, running streams, Dartmoor ponies and secluded villages.

The distinctive spot has so much to do and see and so many layers to discover. You can walk, drive, cycle or even canoe once you are on Dartmoor to soak up every kind of atmosphere. Dartmoor has two major walking routes with breathtaking scenery that circles many pretty towns and villages, however you don't need to stick to a planned route as Dartmoor is full of unexpected surprises.

Exmoor

Exmoor National Park has a unique landscape of moorland, valleys and woodland shaped over thousands of years in west Somerset and North Devon. The dramatic beauty of Exmoor is simply stunning and perfect for hiking, riding, climbing and cycling, while the rocky coastline has become increasingly popular for coasteering.

Wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to Exmoor with the great variety of habitats which provide homes for an array of species including majestic red deer, seals, otters and some of the UK's rarest bats and butterflies. Almost a third of the National Park is protected under UK and European law to protect the wildlife.

Attractions 

Devon is home to some of the best attractions in the UK perfect for families, adrenaline junkies and those looking for a bit of culture. Here are just some of the most popular attractions around our Devon caravan parks.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

The action packed park is the base for all Super Heroes seeking a trail blazing day of fun. Tackle a world of adventure on the largest watercoasters in Devon and beat the wet weather with the biggest indoor play centre in the South West.

South West Coastal Path 

Come to the beach anywhere in the South West of England, turn left or right and you'll be on the South West Coast Path and on the edge of an amazing experience. The entire South West Coastal Path is 630 miles long going from Somerset to Dorset where you can walk point to point or enjoy an array of different walks. The heritage, wildlife, geology and scenery along the way are truly breathtaking.

Paignton Zoo

With over 2,500 animals across 80 acres of beautiful, spacious grounds – you are in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo! Located in South Devon, Paignton Zoo is one of the South West's most exciting visitor attractions and one of Britain's top zoos.

Quince Honey Farm 

Quince Honey Farm is a family-run working honey farm and tourist attraction, which has been producing quality honey since 1949 and has over 1000 hives deep in the North Devon countryside.

Lundy Island 

As the largest island in the Bristol Channel, Lundy Island lies 12 miles off the North Devon coast standing at 3 miles long and half a mile wide. This unspoilt island is home to a fascinating array of wildlife and dramatic scenery. Lundy is never crowded, even in the height of summer when up to five times a week, MS Oldenburg brings day-visitors who stay for a few hours. 

The Big Sheep 

The BIG Sheep – world famous for the hilarious Sheep Racing! North Devon's most popular family attraction - Terrific for Tots, Toddlers & Teens – Awesome for Adults and Fantastic for Families! Guaranteed fun! – Whatever the Weather!

The Milkyway Adventure Park

This all-weather family adventure park in North Devon was named Large Attraction of the Year 2016 by Visit Devon, and was the only attraction in Devon to win TripAdvisor's highest accolade, a Travellers' Choice Award, in 2016, 2017 AND 2018.

Torquay's Dinosaur World 

A fun interactive indoor exhibition that brings the world of dinosaurs to life, with amazing full-size and scale dinosaurs, incredible fossils and over 70 full size and scaled dinosaurs to sit on!

Crealy Adventure Park

Crealy Great Adventure Park & Resort is a multi award-winning theme park featuring over 60 rides and attractions. The number one day out in Devon, Crealy caters for the whole family and offers a great day out whatever the weather.

Pennywell Farm

Treat your family to a full day of 'farmtastic' fun and animal action at Pennywell Farm, near Buckfastleigh in South Devon. With a huge variety of friendly farm animals, you can have a cuddle with the mighty or the miniature.

Powderham Castle

Powderham Castle is a fortified manor house situated within the parish and former manor of Powderham. With a choice of two tours, the Castle Tour and the State Room Tour you will be pushed to fit it all in to one day.

Clovelly 

The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly, North Devon, is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England.  From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. 

RHS Garden Rosemoor 

RHS Garden Rosemoor is an enchanting garden surrounded by woodland, nestled in the beautiful Torridge Valley and home the infamous Tarka the Otter.

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park 

This Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is not only home to some of the most endangered animals on earth, but it also houses many prehistoric dinosaurs!

Plymouth Gin 

The home of Plymouth Gin is the oldest working distillery in England and offers gin fans a chance to visit an English distillery at any time of year.

Dartington Crystal 

A fantastic visitor attraction, with something for all of the family, hear the fascinating story of 50 years of history with Dartington with plenty of creative Activities to take part in including; glass blowing and paint your own glass.

Living Coasts Torquay

Living Coasts, Torquay's award-winning coastal zoo and aquarium, is an all-weather attraction, located on Torquay seafront in South Devon.

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway 

The famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway opened in 1890 and is the highest and the steepest totally water powered railway in the world! This working heritage railway is grade II listed, perched on top of a cliff, offers one of the best locations for Cream Tea in the Westcountry.

Exmoor Zoo 

On the edge of Exmoor National Park, you can enjoy a day out at Exmoor Zoo where you can experience a truly unique rural zoo set into a valley in North Devon.

Tarka Trail

Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. Walking or cycling, you can experience the best this beautiful area has to offer.

Buckfast Abbey

Nestled in a wooded valley beside the river Dart, the Abbey is a working monastery where a community of Benedictine monks live self-sufficiently, welcoming visitors from all around the world.

 

Cities

Exeter

Exeter is one of the most vibrant, historical and attractive cities in England, its varied culture is embraced by tourists and proud locals. Dating back to the Roman era, the city walls enclose the centre and the gothic cathedral.

With many well known restaurants as well as lots of independent cafes and restaurants, a calendar of events all year round and a wealth of museums, galleries, attractions and activities to be enjoyed, Exeter has something for everyone.

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Plymouth

Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city packed full of attractions, activities, shopping, entertainment and sightseeing. It's known for its maritime heritage and historic Barbican district with narrow, cobbled streets. 

There are well-known landmarks, historical sites and natural assets to explore across Plymouth. Wander around the Barbican and enjoy a drink on the quayside, take a boat trip around the Sound, head down to the Hoe and climb the famous Smeaton's Tower lighthouse or shop til you drop around the small boutiques and high street shops.

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