Family Days out in Devon

The Dartmoor National Park lies wholly in Devon, and the Exmoor National Park lies in both Devon and Somerset. In addition, Devon is the only county in England to have two completely separate coastlines.

Both the north and south coasts offer dramatic views: much of both coastlines is named as Heritage Coast, and the South West Coast Path runs along the entire length of both. Inland, the county has attractive rolling rural scenery, and villages with thatched cob cottages. All these features make Devon a popular holiday destination.

The variety of habitats means that there is a wide range of wildlife (see Dartmoor wildlife). A popular challenge among birders is to find over 100 species in the county in a day. The county's wildlife is protected by the Devon Wildlife Trust, a charity which looks after 40 nature reserves.

Below are just some of the attractions that are a must for your holiday itinerary.

• Paignton Zoo. Home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world. B&B search>>

• Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary. Walk among the beautiful butterflies flying free in a tropical garden. See the playful otters up close fromabove and below the water. B&B search>>

• Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent gardens are set in East Devon's picturesque Otter Valley. B&B search>>

• Exmouth Model Railway. Probably the largest '00' guage model railway in the World! It took over 14 years to build and is constantly updated. Whether super enthusiast or casual observer you cannot fail to be fascinated. B&B search>>

• Living Coasts. Living Coasts, Torquay's Coastal Zoo, is a unique, world class aquatic visitor attraction, focusing on the conservation of coastal and marine life around the globe. B&B search>>

• Knightshayes Court. A Victorian country house close to Tiverton, with richly decorated interiors and garden with outstanding plant collection. B&B search>>

• Morwellham Quay . An award-winning, evocative museum and visitor centre based around the historic copper port and mine workings on the River Tamar. B&B search>>

• The Donkey Sanctuary. Home to 400 rescued donkeys set in the beautiful surroundings. Walks and quizes for children. B&B search>>

• Crownhill Fort. Plymouth's Best Kept Secret - most people hardly notice Crownhill Fort as they go past, it is so well hidden from the outside world, and that was exactly the intention when it was built in the 1860s. Explore the tunnels! B&B search>>

• Tuckers Maltings. Tuckers Maltings is one of only a handful of floor Maltings that produces malt in the traditional way and is the only traditional Maltings in England that is open to the public for guided tours. B&B search>>
  

• Wild Badger magic. Watch these secretive and fascinating animals at very close quarters, from the comfort of our purpose built hide. Photography evenings also available. B&B search >>

• Diggerland. Diggerland is a unique adventure park where children and adults can drive real diggers and so much more. Attractions include rides, drives and static displays, along with play areas and competitions for young children and infants, in fact Diggerland is ideal for all the family. B&B search>>

• Lundy Island. People return time and again to the simple pleasures that Lundy affords; the sea is clear, the landscape spectacular and at night, without competition from street lights, it is truly dark and the stars shine with an unfamiliar brilliance. B&B search>>

• North Devon Farm Park. 60 Acres of beautiful river walks, ponds, lakes ...all spring-fed - never dry out with abundant wild-life.  The site is one of the oldest farms in North Devon and dates back to before the Fifteenth Century. B&B search>>