Finding the right family day out for you in Bigbury is easy. Wake up in one of our properties and choose from one of the various activities below to enjoy. Whether there are blue skies, or it is a rainy day, there always lots to do in and around this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This is an easy one to start with. This award-winning beach is a popular destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. It is perfect for exploring paddling pools, a relaxing picnic, or a refreshing dip in the sea. Enjoyed by locals all year round, you will always spot a few in the sea on Christmas Day! If you fancy trying a new water sport, Discovery Surf School is located above the beach where you can hire equipment, have private lessons, or join in on a ‘school’ session. Whether its kitesurfing, paddling boarding, or surfing, they are the guys to talk to.
A stone’s row away in nearby city Plymouth, this pottery painting studio is a perfect activity for a rainy day. A friendly hub to explore creativity for all the family. Handprints to paw prints, to intricate designs, everyone can get involved. Create a nice momentum to take home and remember your fabulous trip to South Devon.
COASTEERING (with Adventure South)
If you are looking for an adventure, this is an activity for you. Jumping from cliffs and ledges, wild swimming through swells and channels, this is a unique way to explore the South Devon coastline. Adventure South provides amazing experiences for anyone age six and up. They run experiences in two locations – Gara Rock and Salcombe – depending on the level of adrenaline you are looking for. All equipment is provided, with their days out running from March to November. Book online today to explore glorious sandy coves and rocky cliffs in an unforgettable way.
This zoo is like no other. It has its own unique history and story. One that has even been made into a film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johannson. Falling into disrepair with threat of closure, this park was bought by Benjamin Mee who has turned it into the zoo it is today. It has since become a charity and launched an education and research department. Benjamin’s family are responsible not only for the care of the animal collection but for a range of conservation, breeding and research projects.
This detective mystery themed walking treasure trail is one that can be enjoyed by the whole family. A 2.5-mile circular walk ideal for exploring the surrounding area by foot. To be completed at your own pace, it is estimated to take two hours. We recommend one trail book being enough for the whole family – unless you want to make it a competition! It can be downloaded to a phone or sent in the post.
This is the UK’s largest aquarium. It is part of the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the ocean. It hosts a range of exciting exhibits and activities. Stroke a sting ray or sit and simply just sit back and watch the fish. They hold events throughout the year including beach explores or clean ups, and marine snorkelling. Check out their website to get involved. To complete the day out, venture across to Rockfish, located a two-minute walk away, to try some locally sourced, sustainable fish and chips.
Tucked away on the cliffs above Salcombe, you will find a sub-tropical garden filled with exotic and rare plants. The garden surrounds the seaside home of scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck. Whilst walking around, you can look out at stunning views across the estuary and coast. It is a National Trust site, that is open from April throughout summer. Buy tickets online or use your membership card. Sadly, it is not easily accessible by wheelchair users as there are steep and loose gravel paths.
Hosting live events and being home of an ice-skating rink, these pavilions can provide a whole host of fun activities. Check out their concert line up for an evening out or book to use the ice-skating rink. A classic skating experience, with good quality skating hire. A day out of fun and laughs for all the family.
Whether you fancy skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, this dry ski slope offers an exhilarating day out for all everyone. It is definitely a unique holiday experience, a contrast to sunny, sandy Devon. This venue is open all year round (only on weekends in the winter months). Pre-booking is essential.
A trampoline park located in nearby Plymouth. Free jump, wall running, volleyball and more. Bounce around in the park with friends and family for hours of fun! There is a café located onsite for those needed rests. Open all year round, it is recommended to book online.
With golden sand and rockpools, this is one of the many delightful beaches along this stretch of coastline. Featuring an iconic archway, this beach is perfect for watching sunsets. With a gradual slope out to sea, this is a prime spot for those young paddlers. Sit at the Beachhouse Café and watch the birds and wildlife over the wetlands and sand. Also known as South Milton Sands.
Open spring and summer, this lido overlooks the sea in Plymouth Harbour. It has repeatedly been voted in the top ten of Europe’s best outdoor pools. Built in 1935 and Grade II listed, this venue has lots of history and iconic views. It is a saltwater swimming pool, perfect for all the family and fully accessible to people of all needs. If taking a dip isn’t for everyone, there is a sun deck for those that want to soak up the sun.
For those wanting to venture further afield, pay a visit to our pages on things for kids to do in Totnes and Dartmouth.
Written and reviewed by Abi