Whether you and your family are after adventure, culture or simply want to meet a few of the animals that live in this magnificent county; there are plenty of fantastic free days out for kids in Devon, as well as other fun family attractions if you have a little holiday fund to spend.
Discover a whole range of fantastic free days out in Devon for families where you can explore natural spaces, uncover ancient objects and enjoy thrilling adventures across the Devon countryside and along the breathtaking coastline.
When you have chosen all the places you want to visit during your holiday to Devon, you’ll need to find the perfect place to stay! Browse through our collection of cottages in Devon and find a holiday escape that everyone will love!
Cottages in Devon
Read on to discover a fantastic choice of free family days out in Devon, allowing you an insight into the many weird and wonderful ways that both big and little kids can enjoy this excellent county.
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Free days out in North Devon
Beaches in North Devon
When the sun is shining, what better way to make the most of it than heading to North Devon's stunning coast? Family-friendly Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton all offer delicious stretches of golden sand, while at Westward Ho! you can enjoy a traditional seaside experience, with free play areas, a free sea pool, scenic seafront and fish and chip shops in town. Tiny coves such as Barricane Beach, Lee Bay and Broadsands make a lovely change if you're looking for epic scenery during your day at the beach. The beaches of North Devon definitely offer one of the best free things to do in Devon when the sun is shining!
Cycling on the Tarka Trail and walking the Coleridge Way
You can enjoy a walk or cycle ride on the 180 miles of Tarka Trail, which runs in a figure-of-eight route centred on Barnstaple – a great free thing to do in Devon if you bring your bikes along on your travels. It passes a multitude of pretty coastal villages and you’ll find yourself cycling through forests and past rivers too. The Instow to Barnstaple section of the trail is always a favourite!
If you'd rather stay on your own two feet, follow the winding footpath of Coleridge Way which traces its way through the childhood homeland of famous Lakes poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It showcases the glorious scenery which connects a number of sites related to the English poet. Choose a stretch of the 51-mile long walk to conquer during your trip and get the kids out into nature.
Wildlife watching in North Devon
For a free day out in North Devon, the coastline is always an excellent place to start! Depending on the time of year, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seals or even basking sharks off the Devon coast. Marine life is often spotted around Bideford Bay and Baggy Point in North Devon.
Another animal you can hope to see during your trip in North Devon is the humble goat. There have been goats living in the Valley of the Rocks for some 6,000 years that you can meet while exploring this magnificent section of coastline. Take the coastal path from Lynton around the magnificent rocks for incredible coastal views, a mix of wildlife and to see the local herd of goats who live here.
If you're out rambling on Exmoor, it's likely that you'll come across some of the resident ponies - a peaceful sight grazing against the rugged backdrop of the moors. Iconic Exmoor natural spots of Porlock Hill, Winsford Hill or Molland Moor are all areas where you’re likely to see an Exmoor pony.
Barnstaple Museum - a free rainy day attraction in North Devon
Open all-year-round, this museum is a great free day out in Devon offering exhibitions and informative displays on a range of subjects. The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon also runs activities for children during the holidays, with a ‘Victorian Christmas’ held for the last 2 years. It's a great idea if you're looking for things to do on a rainy day in Devon!
Feed the ducks at Bicclescombe Park
Enjoy a fun day out at scenic Bicclescombe Park, 1 mile from Ilfracombe, which boasts a children’s play area and a sensory garden which are both open all the time, as well as a Boat Lake, Duck Pond and Mill Leat which powers the on-site mill wheel. Let the kids burn off steam on the play equipment and feed the ducks before popping into the Old Mill House and Tea Rooms for cake and a coffee. It's a pleasant free thing to do in North Devon if you've got a dry morning to spare.
Reminisce with childhood games
Remember playing pooh sticks as a child? One of the best places in North Devon to play this charming game has to be Tarr Steps. An ancient clapper bridge is set in the scenic wooded valley of the River Barle, it’s an easy free thing to do in Devon and a delightful spot for a picnic on the grassy riverbank - you also can enjoy a short walk by following the orange waymarks. Another place to enjoy wild swimming in North Devon is Watersmeet, with the promise of a thawing hot drink afterwards in the teashop!
Watch the sunset
One of the best things about the North Devon coast is that many of its beaches face west, meaning spectacular sunsets are all but guaranteed. Whether you huddle amongst the dunes for an evening picnic as the sun goes down, or find a beachside restaurant from which to admire the sunset in style, you're sure to be treated to a dazzling end to your day.
And when night falls and you're ready to retire for the day, head back to one of our cosy North Devon cottages for a family evening in and a restful night's sleep.
Cottages in North Devon
Free days out in Mid Devon and Dartmoor
Best walks on Dartmoor with views
Meldon Reservoir in the north of Dartmoor National Park is a wonderful choice for a free day out in Devon and a fantastic area to enjoy walking, cycling, picnicking or wildlife spotting with local residents including adders, grass snakes, herons and natural brown trout. The Granite Way cycling trail passes the impressive Meldon Viaduct, certainly worth a look while you’re there, and if you’re up for a long walk, you could head over to Black-a-Tor Copse or Wistman’s Wood.
Another lovely spot to admire the rugged moorland scener is Brentor. The small 13th-century church that is perched on this tor is what makes this place so iconic, with people often stopping by to take pictures of this photogenic spot. As it’s steep but a relatively short climb up to the church, this Dartmoor walk is a great choice for young walkers who might not want to venture too far but can still enjoy the fantastic views and you could roam further with a walk around Brentor village.
If you're feeling really energetic, how about taking on the highest tor on Dartmoor? High Willhays, otherwise known as ‘High Willies’, offers up a wonderful walking route with spectacular views when you reach the top. The whole family can feel like hiking champions – you could even make reward badges for the kids when they reach the top! – and enjoy the challenge of tackling this impressive Dartmoor tor.
Play games at the House of Marbles
A great free place to visit in Devon is the House of Marbles where children can have a go with the marble runs in the interactive museum and discover the animated animals, fairground mirrors, penny press and giant floating marble. Check out the vintage and traditional toys in the shop, enjoy lunch in the restaurant and don’t forget to search for the secret door in the garden area. It’s a wonderful place for children especially toddlers who’ll love the magic of this extensive toy shop. As free days out in Devon go, the House of Marbles has to be the most unique!
Wild swimming at Spitchwick Common
A fantastically fun activity for kids, perfect on a warm sunny day! A wild swim is an exciting way to get children interested in the natural world and spending time outdoors, and Spitchwick Common is a wonderful spot for youngsters or older kids.
There is a shallow end and a deep end (so do keep an eye on children) and there’s a lovely picnic or BBQ spot where you can unwind after expelling all that energy.
Spot deer at Rackenford and Knowstone Moors
Children will love looking out for the animals that roam the Rackenford and Knowstone Moors – the magnificent red deer is the animal you are most likely to spot during your adventure. In the springtime, the wildflowers attract butterflies and moths to this reserve. Other animals that live here include the roe deer, otter, harvest mice, barn owl, as well as the common frog and toads too, so keep an eye out!
Geocaching and stone circles - make discoveries on Dartmoor
For a fun and free day out in Devon, you could go letterboxing or geocaching! There are lots of great sites across this beautiful moorland for you to seek out. Letterboxing originated in Dartmoor in 1854 with James Perrott who left a postcard in a glass jar for the next walker to find, while geocaching only began in 2000 but is popular all across the world – both activities are great ways to get to know the hidden places of Dartmoor with the kids.
Discoveries of a different and much more ancient kind can be found by heading out on a historic walk. A good walk to start your journey into the past is around Scorhill Stone Circle, one of Devon’s biggest and most intact stone circles dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s an impressive sight and a great bucket list item to tick off while you’re on holiday.
Go mountain biking at Tamar Trails
Bring your bike along on holiday and follow the free mountain biking trails at Tamar Park. Most of the trails offer gentle stone tracks, perfect for mixed ability groups - but there are steeper tracks to seek out as well, perfect for anyone looking for a challenge.
If cycling isn’t your thing, you could go walking and there are Woodland Adventure Club worksheets and treasure maps for youngsters and buggy-friendly trails for you to traverse. You could also go geocaching and if you decide to spend a bit of money on the day, there are horse riding and canoeing opportunities too.
Take a picnic to the Grand Western Canal Country Park
Enjoy a free day out in Devon at the Grand Western Canal Country Park. A beautiful place with plenty of picnic benches to sit at beside the water and a children’s canal-themed play park, it’s a great place for a morning out with the kids. You can hire a boat or simply relax on the banks – take a net and the kids could try catching small fish in the shallows.
When it's time to turn in, the welcoming warmth of one of our holiday cottages in Mid or East Devon promises a delightful evening and some rest and relaxation to prepare you for the next day's adventures!
Cottages in Mid and East Devon
Free days out in South Devon
Beaches in South Devon
South Devon's beaches offer something for everyone, so whether you're intent on unearthing an exciting fossil, or more tempted by sandcastle building and sea dips, you'll find plenty of coves and bays which will float your boat. Head for Seaton and Beer for fossil hunting, Exmouth, Bantham, Bigbury or Hope Cove (among others) for golden sand and sandcastle building, or escape to idyllic Blackpool Sands for a swim surrounded by glorious scenery. Wembury's a top spot for rockpooling, while Teignmouth, Torquay, Sidmouth and Seaton are all backed by towns packed with cafes and traditional seaside treats.
What’s even better is that a lot of Devon beaches allow dogs; although some do have restrictions in the busier months, so make sure you check in advance. Take a look through our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Devon for more ideas on where to go for a free day out with the kids.
Walk along the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path stretches along both the north and south coasts of Devon, and on into Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset. There are lots of lovely coastal routes to follow with children in South Devon; one of our favourite family-friendly sections is from Dawlish to Dawlish Warren, an easy route that’s perfect for little legs.
Meet some friendly donkeys
For a free day out in South Devon, one of the best places to visit has got to be the Donkey Sanctuary. A great chance to get up close to these magnificent creatures, The Donkey Sanctuary is a great free activity and only asks for a small donation should you visit. The working farm attraction is home to more than 500 donkeys, mules and hinnies, and visitors can go along and say hello to the lovely animals.
Solve puzzles at Haldon Forest Park
Haldon Forest Park is an expansive, beautiful Forestry England landscape which covers over 3,500 acres of woodland. It offers three walking trails, five cycling trails and play equipment for children young and old. Best of all, there are changing trails for children which feature favourite characters such as the Gruffalo and Shaun the Sheep, along with puzzles to solve and activities to complete. We've included this amongst our list of free things to do in South Devon because the routes themselves are free to roam, but there is a charge for parking, and a small charge if you'd like to purchase an activity pack.
Follow the Agatha Christie Literary Trail
If it’s literary history you crave, you can take the Agatha Christie Literary Trail, which flows through Torquay and Torbay, allowing an insight into the famous author’s life. It passes by local landmarks including Beacon Cove, Kent’s Cavern and the St. Marychurch Clifftops.
Uncover ancient civilisations at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
There are plenty of free-to-enter museums throughout Devon, but the Royal Albert Memorial Museum is one of the biggest and best, and is actually one of the top things to do in Devon! It holds a whole range of artefacts not only from the local area but from all around the globe. From Mesopotamian to Egypt and Greece, there are some impressive artefacts for you to uncover. There are also regular events on throughout the year for kids so check ahead when planning your holiday, and a café is on-site for when you’re ready for a snack.
Introduce the kids to bird watching
South Devon’s Berry Head National Nature Reserve is an exquisite stretch of coast, surrounded on three sides by water with plenty of scenery and wildlife to discover. Dogs are welcome too, so you can bring the entire family for a day out at this coastal destination. Guillemots are the most famous species in this reserve and are protected, see if you can spot a few as you explore.
Enjoy fossil hunting and rock pooling along this unique coastline, solve puzzles along Haldon’s ‘glow trail’ and discover the historic objects in Exeter in beautiful South Devon. This scenic coastline offers plenty for family days out so browse through our holiday cottages in South Devon and find your ideal retreat.
Cottages in South Devon
Plan your family getaway in Devon
With so many free activities and days out, a holiday in Devon needn't break the bank. There's plenty to keep the kids occupied come rain or shine, and no end of exciting places to explore and beautiful scenery to admire. The only thing left to decide is where you're going to stay!
Cottages in Devon