Within the deep midwinter, it’s really easy to spend days indoors, sheltering from the climate, by no means going far – a 21st century hibernation. However for these quiet days between Christmas and New 12 months, or to cheer up a cold January, it’s an unexpectedly fantastic time to discover the UK, together with a visit to Devon in winter with children.
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Wrapped up heat, beneath pale gold and blue winter skies, it’s good to roam the coast and the countryside and uncover the much less well-known temptations. Final yr took us to the border of Essex and Suffolk, however Devon is all the time one among my favorite counties for a fast break – particularly with out the height season crowds should you go to Devon in winter.
I’ve already give you an inventory of one of the best issues to do in Devon with children together with sights which are perfect for winter, plus free days out in Devon and concepts of what to do in Devon when it rains. So to finish the set, listed below are my prime issues to do in Devon in winter.
Take a winter stroll
Whichever coast you’re staying on, whether or not you’re by the seaside or having fun with the countryside, there’ll be walks galore.
The stroll to Watersmeet on Exmoor has been known as one among Britain’s Nice Winter Walks, with the dramatic river valley and thick historic forest, and it’s family-friendly too. There’s a Nationwide Belief tea room or heat up within the distant 17th century Rockford Inn pub.
For one more simple wander that’s nice for households, you could possibly spot seals on the Nationwide Belief’s Saggy Level quick access stroll and it’s an ideal place to gaze out to sea.
There’s loads of inspiration for locations to stroll alongside the South West Coast Path, together with these family-friendly stretches in North Devon, South Devon and East Devon.
Or you could possibly discover the dramatic moorland surroundings with these beautiful Dartmoor walks with children. It goes with out saying that you just do need to be ready for the climate right here – Darmoor does get snow, and the circumstances can change in a short time, so all the time plan forward and don’t set off if it’s not secure.
Take a look at these beautiful winter walks from Go to Devon for extra inspiration too.
See the festive illuminations
Plan forward for this as, unsurprisingly, most of Devon’s festive illuminations are all completed and packed away by New 12 months – however Devon has some spectacular ones.
Coleton Aglow at Coleton Fishacre has a 20s theme or take a look at the winter lights at Knightshayes.
Killerton typically has a Christmas path that’s lit after darkish, whereas RHS Rosemoor has its personal Glow backyard occasion till January.
Picturesque Clovelly is lit up for Christmas too, stretching by the village to the harbour, whereas Plymouth typically hosts the Illuminate pageant at Royal William Yard.
For pure sparkle that’s onerous to beat, wrap up heat, embrace the darkish and head out to star-gaze at one of many UK’s greatest darkish skies places in Exmoor.
Take a festive prepare trip
From illuminated journeys to an opportunity to see Santa, there are many festive prepare rides to seek out in Devon in winter with children.
The station of Buckfastleigh will get a festive makeover because the departure level for an hour-long Polar Categorical expertise in South Devon with South Devon Railway.
Or Dartmouth Steam Railway‘s Prepare of Lights is well one of many best possible Christmas prepare rides within the UK – and one of many few choices which runs after Christmas Eve as properly.
Ranging from the station at Paignton, the platform and carriages are embellished with hundreds of lights. Then after a enjoyable 15-minute prepare trip alongside the stunning coastal Devon path to Churston, you begin your journey to some enchanting woods embellished with a fantastically festive mild present.
Ending with a view of the twinkling lights of Dartmouth itself, mirrored within the river, there’s likelihood to take pictures from Kingswear earlier than heading again to see if all once more from a unique route.
And whereas the Seaton Tramway isn’t a standard steam prepare (as its title suggests, it’s a tram), it could possibly really feel an much more private expertise with area for simply 24 within the tram automotive.
It’s additionally an extended expertise, lasting round two hours half-hour together with a cease on the North Pole.
Head underground
Brisk blue winter days are one factor however it’s much less enjoyable exploring Devon within the rain… Luckily there are nonetheless some very enjoyable locations to discover underground should you’re visiting Devon in winter.
Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern is the UK’s oldest residence of people – to not point out fairly a couple of different creatures. Together with bears and hyenas, they’ve discovered woolly mammoth enamel and proof of big woolly rhinoceros and even a Roman shrine.
If the climate’s ok, there are woodland walks to find as properly, however regardless of the temperature outdoors, it’s a relentless 14C within the cavern year-round, with a little bit museum to discover and a few actions for youths too. You possibly can even meet Santa there within the run-up to Christmas.
Right here’s what we considered Kents Cavern on a drizzly day
Exeter’s medieval tunnels
Uncover Exeter’s medieval tunnels, underground passages initially constructed as ingesting water pipes again in medieval occasions – you’ll be able to nonetheless enterprise down beneath the floor of the town to find this uncommon slice of Exeter historical past.
The medieval tunnels are the one ones of their variety within the UK, and as a part of the tour for over-fives and up, you may also go to the interpretation centre with fashions, movies, artefacts from the dig and the speaking determine of a medieval man.
Go to an aquarium
In case your children love animals, the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is fabulous, together with the deepest tank within the UK, trails for youths, plus round 400 completely different species of marine creatures to identify.
With quirky trivia concerning the sea creatures inside, an opportunity to look out into Plymouth Sound and plenty of family-friendly actions, it’s an ideal choice should you’re visiting Devon with toddlers in addition to older children.
Take a look at my 13 causes to go to the Nationwide Marine Aquarium with children
Or Ilfracombe aquarium is about within the previous Lifeboat Home, so that you’re proper on the harbourside – good should you’ve needed to abandon the concept of rockpooling and search for issues to do indoors in north Devon.
This little aquarium recreates a few of the native marine life so you’ll be able to journey alongside an Exmoor stream right into a river, on to an estuary and out by a harbour to the coast and end with a glimpse into the marine reserve of Lundy.
It closes throughout December and January with restricted opening hours throughout winter – permit round 30-60 minutes to discover.
Go to a museum
There are many locations to get indoors in Devon in winter, particularly a few of the county’s nice family-friendly museums.
The Field, Plymouth
Plymouth is residence to The Field, a brand new multimillion opening a couple of years in the past. And with a museum and gallery, the humanities and heritage complicated is right should you’re visiting Devon with children – there’s loads of interactive enjoyable, and who doesn’t love a mammoth?
RAMM, Exeter
RAMM, or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to present it its full title, has shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current – plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb, to not point out a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
Torquay Museum, Torquay
The Torquay museum has an eclectic show, from a Neanderthal cranium to Egyptian statues and finds introduced again by explorers from around the globe, plus there’s a particular path developed by the BBC for youths based mostly on the discovering of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Bygones Torquay
Step again in time to find a snapshot of Victorian life, with 15 retailers and eight rooms alongside the recreated interval road, from an ironmonger’s and grocer to an apothecary and candy store. You’ll additionally discover classic arcade amusements, 50s memorabilia and a mannequin railway recreated to indicate life across the World Wars at Bygones Torquay.
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
Who wants board video games when you’ll be able to go to a video games museum? On the sides of Dartmoor, The Home of Marbles has a group of various video games relationship again so far as the 1600s, together with glassblowing and knowledge on the historical past of glass and a pottery museum.
Nevertheless it’s the marbles which get essentially the most consideration, with a group and 5 completely different marble runs, one which stands out as the largest within the UK. At all times one among my prime picks for a wet day in Devon – it’s free to go searching too.
You’ll discover a string of different Devon museums dotted throughout the county should you’re outdoors the principle cities as properly.
Discover a historic home
Buckland Abbey, close to Plymouth
This former monastery might be greatest referred to as the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer is just a part of the eight centuries of historical past to find at Buckland Abbey because it was first in-built 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Transformed to a house after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you’ll be able to nonetheless see proof of the previous church, together with secret doorways and stairs which not lead wherever, in addition to having the ability to stroll by time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian eating room.
Solely open at weekends throughout a lot of the winter months. Click on right here for opening occasions and tickets.
Arlington Courtroom, Barnstaple
Though the grounds are one of many large highlights at Arlington Courtroom, there’s nonetheless a lot extra should you’re on the lookout for issues to do in north Devon when it’s raining,
Dwelling to the Nationwide Carriage museum, there are some implausible autos on present, plus a quiz to take as you discover the home and occasional household actions and crafts.
However when it’s open, one of many greatest temptations for animal lovers is to go into the bat room and examine the colony which has made its residence its residence right here, by the bat cam. Home and carriage museum are open year-round however with lowered hours in winter.
Dartmouth Fort, Dartmouth
Relationship again to the 14th century, Dartmouth fortress noticed motion within the Civil Warfare and was nonetheless in use as a fortress in Victorian occasions – if it’s raining onerous, you’ll in all probability need to skip the choice of catching a ferry over from the city quay however attempt to discover a drier second to go as much as the roof for the views out throughout the river and the city.
Below cowl, you’ll be able to discover the maze of passages, take a look at the huge chain which defended the harbour and take a look at on helmets within the gun tower.
Open yr spherical however weekends solely through the winter months. Click on right here for opening occasions and tickets.
For extra of the greatest issues to do in Dartmouth with children, take a look at my prime picks
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Moving into this artwork deco home (constructed by the D’Oyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is fantastic at any time of yr, however should you’re visiting Devon through the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is much more particular.
The home is embellished for a Twenties Christmas, with conventional video games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations if the climate isn’t too unhealthy: have to be booked upfront) – there are spotter trails to comply with inside the home year-round although.
Open yr spherical however weekends solely/lowered opening through the winter months. Click on right here for opening occasions and tickets.
Greenway, Galmpton
Agatha Christie’s vacation residence, Greenway, nonetheless seems to be a lot because it did when she stayed there – there’s a path for youths to comply with round the home, which will get dressed up for Christmas, in addition to a altering show within the Cupboard of Curiosities.
Open year-round however weekends solely/lowered hours through the winter months. Click on right here for opening occasions and tickets. Whereas there are numerous enjoyable methods to reach in summer season, some are much less tempting in winter so should you’re planning to drive, you’ll must prebook a parking area.
Saltram Home, Plymouth
This elegant Georgian home was owned by the Parker household from 1712 for nearly 250 years, and you may nonetheless see a lot of the unique assortment.
Children are more likely to be extra within the reality there’s a brand new path each season, plus alternatives to decorate up and take a look at actions inside, with additional season occasions aimed toward households.
Open many of the yr however with lowered hours through the winter months and the home is closed fully throughout a part of the winter. Click on right here for opening occasions and tickets.
Discover dinosaurs
Dino-mad children will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to carry the world of the dinosaurs to life – with all the pieces from fashions to fossils, numerous dino info to be taught and the prospect to sit down on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).
There’s an explorer quiz to attempt as you discover and dinosaur crafts to attempt – however the spotlight needs to be the prospect to the touch dinosaur poo.
The waterfront attraction is open year-round however with lowered days in winter. Click on right here for opening occasions and tickets.
Hit the seashore
Sunbathing could be off the playing cards, however the limitless lengthy stretches of sand are nonetheless good for constructing sandcastles, flying kites, rockpooling or just operating at full pelt to blow away the cobwebs – and are normally dog-friendly in winter.
Woolacombe ticks all 4 packing containers properly, however you gained’t be wanting choices – and also you don’t want solar to take pleasure in a few of these nice seashore actions.
For the actually daring, the county’s wild swimmers head into the waves off Tinside Seashore, Plymouth year-round, whereas winter browsing has change into one thing of a development on the seashores of North Devon.
It goes with out saying to examine the climate circumstances and be sure to’ve bought the correct gear. I believe I’ll follow dry land till summer season…
For extra concepts of nice Devon seashores, take a look at my final information to Devon for households
Get energetic
In case your children must burn off some power however outdoor is just too dismal to ponder, there are many energetic choices indoors.
Go mountaineering
Older children can burn off some power and problem themselves at one of many indoor climbing centes in Devon.
Rock and Experience Journey Centre in South Molton is the biggest indoor climbing wall in north Devon and is appropriate for full novices upwards, plus there are taster periods for age 6+ each day.
Or for issues to do in east Devon within the rain, head to Clip’n’Climb Exeter which is open to children aged 4 and above, together with whole rookies, whereas the town’s Quay Climbing Centre has household taster periods for age 7+.
Bounce it out
Head to a trampoline park to bounce out any grumbles concerning the unhealthy climate. Head to Air Excessive Barnstaple in north Devon which has completely different age choices together with periods for toddlers, whereas Supertramp Plymouth has household bounce and a tots membership for toddlers should you’re in south Devon.
There are two iBounce trampoline parks, in Newton Abbot and Exeter with its foam pits, providing father or mother and toddler periods.
Go swimming
Should you’re going to get moist anyway, you may as properly have enjoyable! Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay has a sloping ground that’s ultimate should you’ve bought a mixture of swimmers and paddlers within the household – plus a wave machine which runs throughout weekend and faculty vacation periods.
There’s additionally a flume, open on the similar occasions, plus a kids’s play space. Open all yr. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions
Add some spice
Nothing beats a warming drink after a cold day – so how about mulled chilli apple juice on the South Devon Chilli Farm in December, in addition to chilli sizzling chocolate and chilli jam in your cream tea on the café?
There’s additionally a play space for youths, mini excursions at school holidays, and different choices to see and be taught extra concerning the chillis grown there at completely different factors of the yr. Plus a lot to style… relying how courageous you’re!
Or the Dartmoor Chilli Farm makes its personal chilli chocolate which you should purchase at retailers throughout Devon (or on-line).
Should you desire your sizzling chocolate with none additional kick, award-winning Chococo in Exeter is the right spot for a deal with.
Curl up by a log fireplace
The cosiest finish to a winter’s day exploring needs to be coming again to a roaring log fireplace or wooden burner – which suggests one of many fabulous cosy cottages which Devon appears to concentrate on.
Marsdens Devon Cottages has an entire luxurious assortment – in any case, that is purported to be a deal with – together with a lot with an open fireplace to snuggle subsequent to. Or you could possibly all the time go for one with a sizzling tub… or each.
Holidaycottages additionally specialises in self-catering lodging in Devon (and the South West), with choices in Woolacombe and beautiful Brixham, the place we explored the Golden Hind after we visited.
Or Sykes Cottages has an entire set proper on the coast, so you’ll be able to scamper from a bracing stroll again indoors to heat up. Good for Devon in winter.
And what higher solution to brighten the yr’s darkest days?
For extra concepts, take a look at my final information to Devon for households
*first revealed 2017, up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
RAMM courtesy of RAMM, Kents Cavern/Buckland Abbey/Dartmouth Fort/Home of Marbles copyright MummyTravels, all different photographs courtesy of Depositphotos
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