Top activities to do with children in Devon
Monday, 26 March 2012 12:55 PM
For a fun-filled break, there truly is nowhere like Devon. The south-western county is an exciting destination for all kinds of holidaymaker, but perhaps even more so for families. With plenty of things to do in Devon that are suitable for children, you needn't fear about boredom setting in at any point during your getaway.
No matter where you decide to book holiday cottages in Devon you will be in a convenient position to take part in a range of child-friendly activities and see wonderful attractions.
One that could prove to be an entertaining, yet also educational, day out is a trip to Morwellham Quay. Situated just to the west of Tavistock, this fascinating open-air museum and visitor centre takes you back to the Victorian age and provides an insight into the mining, farming and shipping industries of yesteryear.
You can wander around a carefully restored shipyard before speaking to staff dressed in traditional attire to find out more about what life during the era was like. Morwellham Quay is set on a complex spanning more than 200 acres, so there is plenty of space for kids to explore.
Any animal lovers in your family will love a day spent at the Shaldon Wildlife Trust. Set in a quiet woodland garden, the centre is home to numerous endangered creatures – including lemurs, pygmy marmosets and tree shrews.
Kids who are really eager to get up close and personal with the wildlife on display can join the Keeper for a Day programme. This allows anyone over the age of 14 to experience life as a zookeeper, where you'll get to feed the animals and clean their enclosures.
If you'd rather interact with less exotic – yet no less fascinating – creatures, head to Pennywell Farm. Situated in Buckfastleigh, this farm allows you and the children to bottlefeed lambs and goats, pet miniature pigs and watch fantastic falconry displays. There are also puppet shows, rides and sing-a-long sessions taking place throughout the day, meaning there's always a lot going on and something exciting to see.
Whether you're seeking last-minute cottages in Devon or have been planning a getaway to the county for many months, it's worth spending some time at the Dartmoor National Park. This is a fantastic place for you and your kids to experience the great outdoors and stretch your legs, and although there are many wonderful attractions to be explored here, there are perhaps none that are as fascinating as the Canonteign Falls.
Set in the heart of the Teign Valley, this is England's highest waterfall and you'll see water cascade 220 ft down ancient rocks into the lake below. Surrounded by tranquil woodland, the falls offer a perfect place for you to take a quiet moment and reflect.
Of course, energetic children rarely want to stay still for long and at the nearby assault course they can negotiate swinging log steps and clatter bridges before whizzing down a thrilling 30 m zip wire. Kids can also let off some steam by jumping on the trampolines at the play area, while mums and dads relax and take in wonderful views of the region's lakes.
Round off your time in the park by going on the Lakeland Wildlife Walk. This gentle trail takes you around the local lakes and wetlands and provides you with the chance to spot creatures such as bats, dragonflies and kingfishers. You'll also see exotic water plants and ancient oak trees, as well as an Elizabethan-era walled garden, making it the perfect way to connect with nature.