Are you planning a family break in South Devon for half-term? With its golden beaches, rolling countryside and the wild beauty of Dartmoor, this part of the country is full of brilliant options for keeping children entertained. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, animal encounters or just some space to breathe in the fresh air, here are some of the best places to explore on your next trip with the kids.
Get Outdoors in Dartmoor National Park
If your family loves fresh air and wide-open spaces, a trip into Dartmoor National Park is a must. There are plenty of child-friendly walks and gentle climbs to explore. Haytor is a fantastic introduction to Dartmoor’s rocky tors, with views that reward even the smallest climbers. River Dart Country Park is another favourite, offering adventure playgrounds, tree-top trails, a lake for paddling and acres of woodland to explore. It’s the perfect place for children to burn off energy while connecting with nature.
Visit Dartmoor Zoo
For an unforgettable family day out, Dartmoor Zoo is hard to beat. Set in 33 acres of woodland, it’s home to over 200 animals including lions, tigers, jaguars, meerkats and otters. Daily keeper talks bring the experience to life, and children can learn more in the hands-on education centre. If you fancy meeting a meerkat or three, or even being a junior keeper for the day, you could book an incredible animal experience online before you arrive. What a fantastic experience that would be! With play areas dotted around the site and plenty of space for walks, it’s a full day out that combines fun, learning and adventure. If you plan to visit more than a couple of times a year, the annual pass quickly pays for itself. Instead of buying day tickets each time, you’ll have unlimited access to the zoo, making it an affordable way to enjoy repeat visits.
Hit the Beaches
South Devon has some of the most family-friendly beaches in the UK. Blackpool Sands is a sheltered Blue Flag beach surrounded by pine trees. Its calm waters are ideal for paddling and safe swimming, making it a great option for families with younger children. Bigbury-on-Sea offers sandy fun and the chance to walk across the tidal causeway to Burgh Island at low tide. Kids love the sense of adventure, while parents can enjoy the wide open beach for sandcastles and picnics.
Explore Family Attractions Nearby
If the weather turns, or you’d like to mix things up, South Devon has lots of family-friendly attractions beyond the beaches and moors. Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is a small but charming spot where children can meet guinea pigs, owls and goats up close and South Devon Railway is always a great day out. Running between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, this heritage steam train ride is a magical experience for families. Kids love the excitement of travelling by steam, it’s novelty and something you don’t get to do everyday!
Why Choose South Devon for a Family Break?
South Devon offers something for every family: sandy beaches for castle building, countryside for adventure walks, and wildlife parks that bring learning to life. You can spend the morning climbing a tor, the afternoon spotting meerkats at Dartmoor Zoo, and the next day paddling at the beach. It’s a region that makes family travel feel easy – plenty of open space, attractions designed with children in mind, and endless opportunities for creating new memories.
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