South Devon is one of the UK’s best destinations for family fun – and school holidays are the perfect time to explore all it has to offer. From seaside adventures and wildlife encounters to steam trains and castles, here’s a guide to keeping kids of all ages entertained during the school holidays in South Devon.
1. Hit the Beach
South Devon’s coastline is packed with family-friendly beaches. Build sandcastles at Bigbury Beach, paddle in the shallows at Goodrington, or paddle board at Blackpool Sands. Many beaches have cafés, loos, and water sports hire – ideal for a full day out.
2. Ride a Steam Train
Hop aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway for a nostalgic journey between Paignton and Kingswear. It’s a hit with children (and train-loving adults) and offers stunning views along the way. Combine it with a ferry crossing to Dartmouth for extra adventure. Or head to Buckfastleigh and take the steam train to Totnes through the countryside.
3. Visit a Family Attraction
South Devon is packed with places designed with kids in mind:
- Pennywell Farm – Meet miniature pigs, feed animals, and enjoy tractor rides
- Woodlands Theme Park – Indoor play zones, water slides, and roller coasters
- Paignton Zoo – Over 2,000 animals in beautifully landscaped grounds
- National Marine Aquarium – The UK’s largest, with sharks, turtles, and hands-on exhibits
4. Explore Castles and History
Let imaginations run wild at Dartmouth Castle or Totnes Castle – perfect for mini adventurers. Many sites have trails, dressing-up areas, or storytelling events during school holidays in South Devon.
5. Take a Boat Trip
Enjoy a family river cruise up the Dart, take the ferry to Salcombe, or try a wildlife-spotting tour along the coast. Dolphins, seals, and seabirds are often seen in summer.
6. Go Rockpooling or Fossil Hunting
Try Wembury or Hope Cove for low-tide exploring during the school holidays in South Devon. Pack a bucket and a guidebook, and see what you can find hiding in the pools.
7. Discover Coastal Walks
Short, manageable routes like the walk from Dartmouth to Sugary Cove or Start Point to Mattiscombe Beach offer sea views, wildlife, and the promise of ice cream at the end.
8. Try Something New
Looking to shake things up? South Devon has plenty of active, hands-on experiences to try during the holidays. Take surfing lessons at Bigbury-on-Sea, where qualified instructors offer beginner sessions for children and families alike. Other options include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even bushcraft sessions in the woods. Local activity providers often run special holiday courses – perfect for adventurous kids keen to learn a new skill.
9. Enjoy Local Festivals and Events
During school holidays, South Devon hosts a variety of events, from village fairs and regattas to open-air theatre, music festivals, and kids’ workshops. It’s always worth checking what’s on locally during your school holidays in South Devon.
10. Relax with Ice Cream and a View
Sometimes the best part of the day is the simplest. Grab an ice cream from a seafront kiosk, find a bench overlooking the water, and enjoy a peaceful moment together. Try Salcombe Dairy, Surfing Cow, or Dartmouth Ice Cream Company for a proper treat. It’s the perfect way to end a busy day – or start a lazy one.
Final Thoughts
South Devon makes it easy to fill your days with fun, fresh air, and a bit of learning along the way. Whether your kids love animals, adventures, or sandy picnics by the sea, this part of the country is made for memory-making.
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape. Tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.
