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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 many 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 study to surf, discover the nice outdoor, uncover a North Devon theme park or spend a day with the animals, you’ll discover one thing in my listing of North Devon points of interest to tempt each household.

And from extra widespread 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 a terrific household time out 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 for those who’re joyful to journey additional and in search of extra inspiration together with South Devon and East Devon, try my Final information to Devon with youngsters

The place to remain in North Devon with youngsters

Each time 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 cook dinner and someplace to sit back out after a busy day exploring or on the seashore.

So for those who’re in search of locations to say in North Devon with youngsters, I like a web site like Basic Cottages which helps you to filter by family-friendly properties in addition to totally 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 web site 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 for those who’re travelling with teenagers and tweens, there’s additionally an possibility to select properties with WiFi (and superfast WiFi particularly) in addition to a pool, a scorching tub, a video games room or barbecue – or an open fireplace, for those who’re planning an escape outdoors the summer season months.

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

Issues to do in North Devon with youngsters

Among 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

Among the best free issues to do in north Devon with youngsters (aside from 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 joyful all day.

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

Woolacombe Seashore

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

In the event you’re in search of surf you’ll discover it right here, together with a lifeguard station manned in the summertime, amenities 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 Seashore

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

You’ll discover necessities like bogs and cafe, plus you possibly can paddle within the shallows or clamber on among the rocks protruding from the sand. It’s additionally canine pleasant all 12 months.

Combe Martin seashore

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

Preserve an eye fixed out for the rock swimming pools right here at low tide, whereas you too can 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 for those who’re travelling with pets, and in addition has among the county’s finest surf, with lengthy gradual waves.

Westward Ho!

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

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 Seashore

Croyde Seashore is one other nice possibility for those who’re in search of sand and surf – rated top-of-the-line surf seashores on the planet.

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 Seashore, 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 teenagers, but it surely’s well worth the small price to discover this uncommon cove with a Victorian tidal pool.

You stroll by 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 received awards!

Broad Sands

In the event you’re prepared to place within the effort to have one nook of Devon’s coast virtually to your self, Broad Sands is value it – there are 200 steps right 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 reasonably 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, try 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 – very best if the climate isn’t as much as sunbathing.

In addition to among 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 – for those who’re fortunate, you may even see falcons nesting on the cliffs above this rocky seashore.

Or not removed from widespread Woolacombe seashore, Combesgate Seashore has a number of family-friendly rockpools – throughout the summer season months, they generally 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 in addition for the Seashore Cafe serving desserts 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 large expanses of sand right here too.

For tips about how one can get probably the most out of rockpooling with youngsters, staying secure and defending the creatures dwelling within the rockpools, try 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 College, which runs classes appropriate for full novices 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 for those who’d reasonably 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 colleges within the UK, there are additionally loads of amenities – not simply tools to rent, however heated altering rooms, safe storage, bogs and a pizza cafe to refuel after your lesson.

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

South West Coast Path

You’re not in need of 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 totally different ranges, together with some simple walks based mostly within the cities themselves, and more difficult choices; stroll to an Iron Age hill fort, spot a ‘sleeping elephant’ or wander by woodland alongside the way in which.

Exmoor Nationwide Parok

With Exmoor within the northern half of the county, you too can 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’ll find the whole lot 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 historic stone perched excessive above the Bristol Channel, the place you may spot among 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 totally different theories about how the valley fashioned, however the rocks are among the oldest on Exmoor, as much as 400 million years outdated – once they fashioned, the land was below 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 implausible 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 outdoor with youngsters

The Tarka Path

For some gentler out of doors 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 straightforward to adapt to totally different ages and a beautiful solution 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 received’t full the entire thing, you’ll have loads of alternative of locations to get outdoor.

The UK’s longest traffic-free cycle path hyperlinks Braunton with Meeth, close to Okehampton, whereas among 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 somewhat prepare line from Eggesford to Barnstaple, so you possibly can take the Tarka Line for this part and benefit from the views with out transferring 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 need to be a green-fingered aficionado to take pleasure in a time out at RHS Backyard Rosemoor, with loads to entertain households.

For starters, try 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 kids, includng a spiro-giro, in addition to related 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 – after all – an entire string of gardens to discover, and a few beautiful seasonal walks.

H2 Out of doors, close to Woolacombe

In the event you’re visiting North Devon with teenagers or adventurous older youngsters who need greater than a stroll from their vacation, H2 Out of doors in Bideford is ideal with a number of methods to get your coronary heart racing.

From coasteering and kayaking to different enjoyable water sports activities, it’s the last word out of doors journey play.

Final Journey Centre, Abbotsham

In the event you’re based mostly somewhat 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 time out at Exmoor Zoo, house to the UK’s solely black leopard.

And whilst you received’t discover any large wildlife parks in north Devon, this small zoo is a beautiful possibility for a time out with youngsters and toddlers, together with a concentrate on conservation of smaller animals.

Together with the ‘Exmoor Beast’, you possibly can see a clouded leopard, but in addition 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 totally different talks and animal encounters happening each half hour, with recurrently altering themes

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

You is likely to be pondering that dinosaurs don’t depend for an animal-themed time out, however because the title 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 nicely.

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 will probably be as a lot of a success on a household time out, with T-Rex and his pals waking up each hour, plus a Dino Categorical prepare, 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 facet of North Devon!’, there are over 7,500 sq. ft of slides, tubes, scramble nets, rope bridges & extra indoor mushy play enjoyable, plus an space for the below 2s.

Woolley Animals Farm Park, Winkleigh

A beautiful time out for younger kids, 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 bounce on a tractor trailer journey.

Entry to the farm park is barely £4, so it’s a terrific worth time out for those who’re in search of low cost issues to do in North Devon with youngsters.

Or you possibly can be part of an Alpaca Stroll (should be prebooked) – youngsters aged 10+ can lead their very own, or under-10s can share the accountability with an grownup. The stroll covers a one-mile route and lasts round an hour (alpacas should not identified for his or her velocity!), and the fee 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 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, but it surely’s simple to suit right into a time out (or for those who’re attempting to flee a passing bathe on a wet day in North Devon with youngsters).

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

The Massive Sheep theme park, Bideford

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

This working sheep farm has sheep racing in addition to rides and rollercoasters, with the whole lot from a delicate 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 fingers 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 without doubt one of the South West’s largest all-weather points of interest, with an opportunity for adults to take pleasure in among the enjoyable as nicely, together with large multi-lane slides, whereas there are large leaping pillows outdoor too. Throw in exhibits and particular actions throughout the college holidays and it’s enormous enjoyable for all ages.

Milky Manner 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 Massive Sheep – the Milky Manner Journey Park close to Clovelly has its personal points of interest in addition to a separate space for preschoolers.

It’s a terrific possibility for those who’re visiting North Devon within the rain with youngsters, with over 110,000 sq. ft of indoor enjoyable together with Little Stars mushy play, ninja stars and laser taking pictures.

However there’s additionally loads to entertain outdoor too. Together with the rides, you possibly can watch a birds of prey present, discover the maze, watch exhibits 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 Fortress, Ilfracombe

For a household time out with a distinction, Watermouth Fortress has its personal mixture of family-friendly points of interest – and this North Devon spot isn’t fairly like anyplace else!

Throughout a time out on the Victorian fortress and its grounds, you possibly can discover the dungeon labyrinths or benefit from the dancing fountains, burn off power within the journey playgrounds and toboggan runs, chill out on the Massive River journey, wander by the Gnome Village and the Mystical Water Gardens, pan for gold or hearken 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 mother and father).

Delicate play in North Devon

In the event you’re visiting North Devon with youthful youngsters and in search of concepts for a wet day, it’s laborious to beat an indoor mushy play to allow them to burn off some power.

And whilst you may additionally head to an indoor play space at one of many theme parks, reminiscent of Little Stars at The Milky Manner, there are additionally some extra budget-friendly choices for those who 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 most important indoor mushy play centre in North Devon, JunglaRoo (previously often known as FunderZone) has loads to maintain youngsters entertained.

Nicely 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 classes 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 among the world’s biggest landmarks as you play.

Add in a brand new traversing wall and an interactive flooring, plus a separate space for teenagers 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 mushy play.

There are climbing ropes and slides in addition to the standard mushy play enjoyable, together with a separate toddler and child mushy play, plus the Child Bee sensory space for teenagers below two. And if the solar does come out, there’s an out of doors 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 time on the UK’s solely steam railway the place passengers use Victorian railway carriages designed within the 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 prepare travels by the countryside.

Kids aged below 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 can assist you get round North Devon in type – save a while to take a journey on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway which first opened again in 1890.

The best and steepest completely water-powered railway on the planet, the funicular takes you 500ft up the cliff for wonderful views (and cream teas on the high for those who fancy).

In reality it’s one among solely three completely water-powered railways left on the planet in any respect (the others are in Portugal and Switzerland), so it’s distinctive within the UK – and because it travels by 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 Courtroom, Barnstaple

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

House to the Nationwide Carriage Museum, you too can discover the Regency Home, house to the Chichester household for over 500 years, with some enjoyable trails for teenagers – 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 the whole lot from elegant coaches used for state events to reasonably extra humble carts that will have carried servants.

Throw in 20 miles of walkways, bridleways and cycle routes by woodlands, in addition to wild play areas within the grounds, and additional household actions throughout college holidays, and it’s a terrific time out with youngsters – for those who’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 outdoor, plus an opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes photographs within the Movie Exhibition.

However even when your youngsters couldn’t care much less in regards to 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 outdoor. 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 may also meet the pleasant donkeys Becky and Snowdrop (though do remember they will kick and chunk 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 kids.

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 time out in Clovelly is without doubt 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 stunning 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 right down to the bottom.

It’s a style of some real dwelling historical past, in addition to being ridiculously fairly. You do need to 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 Courtroom 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 study extra about Devon’s seafaring historical past – together with pirates and smugglers, in addition to reasonably 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 find out about navigation, see weapons utilized by smugglers and discover out extra in regards to the half Devon performed within the Second World Battle 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 displays on the way in which browsing has developed over time – in actual fact, the museum has the biggest and most complete public assortment of surfboards and associated memorabilia in Europe.

Alongside the way in which, 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

In the event you’re in search of a terrific indoor exercise, the quirky Ilfracombe museum is house to each native shows and objects from all over the world.

Its eclectic assortment consists of pure historical past and archaeology, artwork and pictures, plus costume and home historical past – with objects starting from marriage 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 because the twelfth century, and whilst you’re extra prone to be heading out for pleasure as of late, 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 nicely, whereas a two-hour cruise takes you within the different route 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 individuals aboard the catamaran and three Ribs, and the excursions are appropriate for all ages (and canines!) 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 absorb the surroundings and see wildlife – very best for teenagers with brief consideration spans or for those who’re in need of 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 individuals 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 phenomenal 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 large, it’s simple to fill a day on the island – you’ll usually have between 4 and 6 hours to discover relying on crusing instances, for those who 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 too can spot puffins on the island, particularly for those who go to between April and July.

You too can uncover historic 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 fortress, a Georgian lighthouse and a Victorian church.

MS Oldenburg sails from Bideford or Ilfracombe (relying on the tides) and the journey takes below two hours every approach – it’s value being conscious that generally you’ll depart from one port and return to the opposite, though you possibly can guide a coach switch again. In the event you’re fortunate, pods of dolphins generally 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 accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

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

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