This post is written in collaboration with Original Cottages

Devon ticks so many boxes for us as a family holiday destination, and it’s right up there on my list. We’re huge fans of Cornwall, with it’s beautiful coast, but for some reason we always sail through Devon without stopping, and I think it’s time we explored more of what this beautiful county has to offer. I’ve been planning a family trip to Devon for next year and the more I research, the more it appeals to me - there’s so much to do for families!

 

The Beach

You don’t go to Devon and not plan to enjoy the beautiful beaches it has to offer! We love the beach, so would plan to base ourselves on the North Coast, which would position us ideally to explore Woolacombe, Ilfracombe and Croyde beaches, as well as pretty coastal towns like Clovelly. Marsdens Holiday Cottages have a brilliant range of Woolacombe Cottages based on the North Devon coast. How about the beautiful Shoreline, which offers views right across Woolacombe Sands? Breathtaking!

National Marine Aquarium

We love an aquarium - I find it so relaxing watching the fish swim past, and I always think they’re particularly fascinating for younger children. The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth looks like a great spot to learn about different marine life, and afterwards a trip down the coast to Wembry Bay to do some rockpooling seems like the perfect way to round off the day.

 

RHS Garden Rosemoor

We’re lucky to live near RHS Wisley, and I have an annual RHS membership, so we visit regularly. But I’ve never managed to visit any of the other RHS gardens as they’re all located quite far away from us. RHS Rosemoor looks absolutely beautiful, and is a must visit for when we’re in Devon as it’s not too far from Woolacombe.

 

Castle Drogo

We always love a castle to explore, and I’ve often considered trying to stop at Castle Drogo on our way back from Cornwall, but never quite managed it. It’s a must for our visit to Devon! Located on the edge of Dartmoor, just past Exeter, it’s a National Trust property and has what looks to be a beautiful terraced garden, with stunning roses.

 

Dartmouth Steam Railway

I often feel like whenever we go away we end up doing a steam train ride, but they’re such a big hit with our boys that it always seems like a good option! The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs from Paignton to Kingswear, offering stunning views of the coastline. The Round Robin is their most popular tour, and includes not just a steam train ride, but also a boat trip and a bus, taking in the pretty towns of Paignton, Dartmouth, and Totnes.

Crealy Adventure Park

Crealy Adventure Park is located near Exeter. Max is 4 now, and the perfect age for a theme park, and having checked out the height limits, he could actually go on nearly all of the rides, which include log flumes, rollercoasters, a carousel, numerous driving rides, train rides, as well as different play areas. One to dedicate the whole day to!

 

Diggerland

Situated just off the M5, near Cullompton, Diggerland is the perfect day out for your vehicle obsessed little ones. I have absolutely no doubt that Max would love it, as diggers are definitely one of his favourite things! Where else can children get to drive and operate real life diggers? It’s not just diggers on offer though, if the appeal does wear out (which to be honest, I don’t see happening), there are go-karts and dodgems to have fun on too.

 

Have you been to Devon before? I’d love to hear your recommendations!