Aside from its beaches and moors, Devon’s allure also resides in its abundance of coastal attractions. Come rain or shine, summer or winter, here are some of our top places to visit in Devon that will keep the whole family entertained.
Visit Clovelly Village
Best for: Cream tea and history
Nestled in steep, greenery-clad cliffs that cascade down towards the sea, the ancient fishing village of Clovelly has been owned by William the Conqueror, the King of England and the Queen – and was unknown to the outside world until the middle of the 19th century. Step foot on the steep cobbled streets that wend past traditional fishermen’s cottages, listen to stories about smugglers that frequented the picturesque cove, and admire the views while tucking into locally sourced seafood or a Cornish cream tea. Popular places to stay nearby include Westward Ho!.
Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford
Best for: All-weather family fun
Devon’s home to an array of theme parks where families can enjoy all levels of rides from white-knuckle rollercoasters to twirling teacups. Head to the Milky Way Adventure Park near the coastal town of Bideford for all-weather family fun, from indoor play zones, laser quest and dodgems, to a Milky Way railway, bird displays and a Cosmic Typhoon coaster which takes in views of the North Devon coast if you can bear to open your eyes.
Meet The Animals At Paignton Zoo
Best for: Animal lovers
Part of the Wild Planet Trust, Paignton Zoo displays the beauty of our natural world whilst raising awareness about conservation and sustainability. Roam 80 acres of grounds and discover over 2,000 animals from lions and orangutans to red pandas and rhinos. Along the way listen to keeper talks, enjoy nature trails and soft play, and even sponsor an animal to contribute to its well-being and other conservation work. There are plenty of wonderful places to stay in Paignton and neighbouring Torquay.
Step Back In Time At Powderham Castle, Exeter
Best for: Culture vultures
If you fancy a day out without getting sandy toes, head to the historic Powderham Castle, nestled on the banks of the River Exe in an ancient deer park. Discover over 600 years of history within the walls of one of Devon’s oldest family homes, whilst dipping into fun family activities including a ‘Hide and Sheep AR Trail’, the Secret Garden and Pets Corner. Stay close by in delightful Dawlish.
Take A Sea Tractor To Burgh Island
Best for: Agatha Christie fans
Hop aboard a sea tractor from Bigbury beach to Burgh Island – the former home of Agatha Christie and the inspiration for two of her books. Famous for its art deco hotel, the island is easily accessible on foot at low tide, but the high tide ride aboard the 1930s sea tractor makes the destination even more thrilling. Non-residents are welcome to stop for a sophisticated afternoon tea in the iconic art deco setting, or hunker in the 700-year-old Pilchard Inn like the fisher-folk of days gone by. Even if you don’t cross to the island, you can admire it from the blue-flag beauty of Bigbury-on-Sea, where the gently shelving sands and rock pools are worth a day out in their own right.
Find Nemo at the Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium
Best for: Exploring marine life undercover
Being the UK’s largest aquarium and part of the Ocean Conservation Trust, Plymouth National Marine Aquarium really packs in the underwater wow factor and introduces you to all sorts of species that inhabit the oceans from Devon to the tropics. Anemones, hermit crabs, sharks, turtles and jellyfish take children deep into the world of Nemo, while a range of activities fosters deeper connections with the ocean environment. Being located in Britain’s Ocean City, save some time for a stroll along the Plymouth Waterfront Walkway – an easygoing section of the South West Coast Path where you can gawp at Smeaton’s Tower, iconic naval buildings and stunning coastal views.
Hop Aboard The South Devon Railway
Best for: Rainy days out
Take a 14-mile round trip aboard a steam train, chugging through the verdant and magical River Dart Valley between Totnes and Buckfastleigh. A trip on this award-winning railway – and one of the West Country’s best-loved tourist attractions, no less – also includes admission into two attractions at each end of the line. Hop off at Totnes Rare Breeds farm to see hedgehogs, pygmy goats and squirrels, and at Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies to spot otters underwater and walk through sub-tropical butterfly enclosures.
Ride The Lynton And Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Best for: Letting the train take the strain
Sitting on the lip of Exmoor, the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are torn between the wild beauty of the moors and the towering sea cliffs of North Devon. You can take in the scenery on a coast path stroll, or a more exciting way to see the sights is on the cliff railway. Let the Victorian water-powered lift take the strain of the 500ft cliffs between the two towns, leaving you to take in views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. There’s the Cliff Top restaurant and plenty of souvenir shops to squander pocket money in, but you’re better off lapping up the British seaside from Lynmouth’s picture-perfect shingle cove, which is a fine spot for rock-pooling, crabbing and eating fish and chips on the seafront.
Book a seaside holiday cottage and enjoy the coolest coastal attractions in Devon
Why not visit Devon and sample some of the West Country’s coastal attractions? Check out our collection of stunning seaside cottages in Devon and arrange an exciting holiday to explore these attractions and more in this fantastic coastal destination.
