Devon for families: what to do and where to go with kids

Devon for families: what to do and where to go with kids

April 11, 2025

Devon, a picturesque county in southwest England, is a true paradise for families looking for an unforgettable vacation. It offers an unusual mix of attractions that will delight both little ones and their parents. From exciting amusement parks to a fascinating zoo to mysterious prehistoric caves, Devon has everything you need to create perfect family memories. In this article, we'll highlight the best places to visit with your kids while in Devon. Whether your kids love adventure, animals or history, you'll find something to make their eyes shine with delight. Get ready to discover places that not only entertain, but also educate, allowing the whole family to enjoy time together in one of the most beautiful parts of England.

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Entertainment parks in Devon - excitement for the whole family

Devon is famous for its fantastic theme parks that offer unforgettable experiences for the whole family. One of the best is Crealy Theme Park & Resort, located near Exeter. This park is a true paradise for children of all ages. It offers more than 60 attractions, including exciting roller coasters, carousels and water slides. According to visitor reviews, the park stands out for its affordable entry price and friendly atmosphere. However, it is worth remembering that some attractions may be closed seasonally, especially in case of inclement weather. The price of entry is about £20, making it a reasonable choice for families looking for a day's entertainment.

Another notable location is The Milky Way Adventure Park near Bideford. This adventure park offers a wide range of attractions for both younger and older children. Visitors especially praise the falconry demonstrations, which are considered one of the best attractions. The park also offers interactive science programs, which are a great opportunity to learn through play. The Milky Way Adventure Park also stands out for its cleanliness and friendly staff, which is often highlighted in visitor reviews.

For families looking for a slightly different experience, The BIG Sheep in Abbotsham is a great alternative. This old-style amusement park offers unique attractions such as duck shows, herding dogs and feeding baby sheep. Children can also enjoy traditional merry-go-rounds and other equipment that, although they may seem a bit outdated, have their own unique charm. The BIG Sheep is the perfect place for families who appreciate more traditional forms of entertainment and want to show their children what amusement parks were like in the past.

When comparing the three parks, you'll notice that each has its own unique offerings. Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the most modern and offers the most attractions typical of modern theme parks. The Milky Way Adventure Park stands out for its educational aspect and high quality live shows. The BIG Sheep, on the other hand, offers the most traditional and rustic experience, ideal for families looking for something different from typical amusement parks. Entry prices to all three parks are comparable, hovering around £20-25 per person, making them affordable for most families. However, it's worth noting the additional fees that may apply to some attractions, particularly at The BIG Sheep.

Animal adventures -. Zoo and nature parks

For families who love animals, Devon offers great opportunities for close contact with nature. One of the best places to visit is Paignton Zoo, which enjoys a high rating of 4.5 stars among visitors. It is one of the largest zoos in England, offering a home to more than 2,000 animals representing 250 species. Paignton Zoo stands out not only for its variety of animals, but also for its beautiful natural surroundings that make the animals feel like they are in their natural habitat.

According to visitor reviews, Paignton Zoo offers excellent conditions for both animals and visitors. The pathways are well-maintained, and the layout of the enclosures allows for easy viewing of the animals. The zoo is particularly praised for its commitment to endangered species conservation and environmental education. There are special playgrounds and interactive educational stations for children, making the visit not only fun, but also educational.

However, some visitors point out that the zoo is quite sprawling, which can be tiring for the youngest children. It is advisable to plan a full-day visit and take regular breaks. Ticket prices vary depending on the season, but are usually in the range of £15-20 for adults and slightly less for children, making them affordable for most families.

For families looking for a more intimate experience, The BIG Sheep, which we mentioned earlier in the context of an amusement park, also offers close contact with farm animals. This is a great opportunity for children to see and learn more about farm animals such as sheep, ducks and herding dogs. Demonstrations and the opportunity to feed the animals are additional attractions that are sure to appeal to the little ones.

When comparing Paignton Zoo with The BIG Sheep in terms of animal experiences, it is clear that they offer very different experiences. Paignton Zoo is a classic, large zoo with a wide variety of exotic animals and an emphasis on species conservation. The BIG Sheep, on the other hand, focuses on farm animals and offers a more interactive experience, such as shows and the opportunity to feed the animals. The choice between the two depends on the family's preference - whether they prefer to see a wide variety of exotic species, or whether they value close contact with more 'everyday' animals more.

Whatever the choice, both Paignton Zoo and The BIG Sheep offer excellent educational opportunities for children. They teach respect for animals and nature, while providing great fun for the whole family. It's worth remembering that both attractions are largely outdoors, so when planning your visit, be sure to consider the weather and prepare accordingly.

Time travel - prehistoric caves and castles

Devon is not only a theme park and zoo, but also a place where history comes alive. One of the most fascinating attractions for families is Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, located in Torquay. With a 4.7-star rating, these prehistoric caves offer an unforgettable journey back in time to the Ice Age.

Kents Cavern is not only a beautiful rock formations, but above all a place of great archaeological significance. It is here that the oldest traces of human presence in Britain have been discovered, dating back more than 400,000 years. During the tour, which is exclusively guided, families can see where the remains of prehistoric animals such as woolly mammoths have been found, as well as tools used by Neanderthals and early modern humans.

Visitors especially praise the interactive nature of the tour. The guides, often dressed in period costumes, are able to talk about the history of the cave in a fascinating way, tailoring the message to both children and adults. For the youngest, there is a special 'treasure hunt' in the cave, which further increases their involvement and interest.

The caves are well suited for exploring - the paths are illuminated and safe, although some passages can be narrow or low, which adds an element of adventure. It is worth remembering that the temperature in the caves is consistently around 14 degrees Celsius, so it is recommended to bring a warm sweater.

Ticket prices vary depending on the season, but are usually around £12-15 for adults and £10-12 for children. Given the uniqueness of the experience and the educational value of the visit, these prices are considered reasonable by most visitors.

For families who want to continue their journey back in time, but into a slightly later era, Devon also offers historic castles and mansions. While not as prehistoric as Kents Cavern, they offer a fascinating insight into life in medieval and modern England.

One such place is Powderham Castle, located near Exeter. This medieval castle, while offering fewer rooms to explore than some visitors would expect, is still an interesting attraction for families. Especially appreciated are the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle, which are ideal for family walks and picnics.

When comparing Kents Cavern with Powderham Castle, one can see that they offer quite different historical experiences. Kents Cavern takes us back to prehistory, offering a more 'raw' and adventurous experience. Powderham Castle, on the other hand, presents a more 'sophisticated' history, showing the life of the aristocracy through the ages. The choice between the two depends on your family's interests and the age of your children - younger children may be more fascinated by the 'adventure' in the caves, while older children may appreciate the more detailed history of the castle.

Both attractions offer an educational experience that can inspire children to explore history further. Kents Cavern can spark an interest in archaeology and prehistory, while Powderham Castle can encourage exploration of England's medieval and modern history.

It is worth noting that both Kents Cavern and Powderham Castle offer special events and workshops for children, especially during the school vacations. This can be an added consideration when planning a visit, as such events often provide an even more interactive and engaging experience for the whole family.

All in all, Devon offers families a remarkable journey through time - from prehistoric caves to medieval castles. Whether you choose Kents Cavern, Powderham Castle, or both, you can be sure that your children will have the opportunity to learn and play in a fascinating historical setting.

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