5 great days out for the whole family to enjoy in Devon
Devon has long been one of the most popular travel destinations in England due to its maritime climate and warmer summers. Renowned for its blue flag beaches, fascinating landscapes and picturesque towns and villages, Devon is the perfect tourist destination for the entire family.
Holiday specialists Blue Chip Holidays have put together a list of their top attractions in Devon, from exploring Dartmoor National Park, seeing the fascinating wildlife on Lundy Island and learning how to surf, there is fun to be had by the whole family.
The English Riviera
The English Riviera consists of the seaside resorts of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and are home to a variety of family friendly attractions and places to stay in Devon. Famed for its maritime history, The English Riviera is a great base for exploring the rest of Devon with good transport links and roads to Newton Abbot in the north and Dartmoor National park to the south.
There are also a variety of attraction to explore throughout the area including an array of award winning beaches, Babbacombe Cliff Railway and Brixham Harbour and Marina. Whether you’re interested in the maritime history of the coastline, test your skill at some water sports or just relax on the beach, the English Riviera is a great choice.
Dartmoor National Park
Situated in the heart of Devon, Dartmoor National Park has to be seen to be believed. Home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK, Dartmoor has an array of ancient landscapes to explore, wooded valley to walk and a range of activities to take part in.
Dartmoor is the perfect destination for those who love the great outdoors; take a walk or bike ride along some of the winding trails, climb the natural beauty spot of Haytor or try one of the horseback riding tours available in the area.
For those who want to try something a little different, Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a great day out for the whole family to enjoy some vintage fairground rides, while animal lovers will love Dartmoor Zoo.
Lundy Island
With its distinctive combination of rugged cliffs and sheltered coastline coupled with a maritime climate, Lundy Island provides breeding grounds and sanctuary to migrating birds making it a great place to visit for wildlife lovers.
With over 140 species of birds recorded each year including Puffins, Skylarks and Pied wagtails this unique island is perfect for bird watchers, while the ocean is also home to seals, whales and dolphins. Tourist wanting to visit Lundy Island can use the dedicated ferry sailing three times a week from Bideford or Ilfracombe.
Visitors to the island can take in the breath-taking views on one of the many hiking trails, see exotic birds and sea animals, or try their hand at climbing, as well as a range of family friendly activities for a great day out.
Watermouth Castle
Watermouth Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Devon and boasts underground tunnels and fortifications to explore, artefacts from the Victorian period to see and an assortment of games and arcades to enjoy.
As you stroll through the various exhibits you will discover what it was really like to live during Victorian times, explore the dungeon which now houses a range of craft shops and test your skill on vintage arcade machines.
For the more adventurous, Watermouth Castle also boasts an adventure playground, crazy golf course and a water show extravaganza featuring water fountains, music and lights in perfect harmonisation.
With plenty to see and do, Watermouth Castle is the perfect day out for the entire family.
The North Devon Surf School (Bideford)
Devon is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the UK, and no trip is complete without experiencing the array of water sports on offer. Sailing, swimming and kayaking are all popular pastimes in Devon, but surfing is really what it is known for.
Situated on Westward Ho! Beach in the town of Bideford, North Devon Surf School’s purpose made facility has been awarded a Centre of Excellence by Surfing England.
Whether you are new to surfing or want to improve your technique the highly trained staff can guide you with their expert tuition. Surf boards and wetsuits are also available for hire and the facility houses hots showers, heated changing rooms, a shop for all your surfing gear and a café for refreshments.
There are a range of courses available including private tuition and group courses, so if you want to learn or improve your technique then the North Devon Surf School is a great choice.
