Cool For Kids
There’s oodles on offer for families in North Devon
Westward Ho!
Park at the Northam Burrow Country Park and set up camp on the miles of never-packed sandy beach. Ideal for building sand castles, body boarding, surfing or just jumping waves. For rock pooling at low tide, park at the Westward Ho! end of the beach.
The Tarka Trail
Jump on a bike and discover some of the the world-famous 180 mile long Tarka Trail. Flat, safe, beautiful cycling for all. For a great day out (and reasonably sheltered so good if a bit windy!), start in Bideford (or Torrington, if you’ve got younger crew on board) and bike to the café at Yarde, grab a coffee and some homemade cake and freewheel back home! On sunnier days, head sea-wards out of Bideford towards the beach at Instow, or even further for a pit-stop at the lovely Fremington Quay café before heading home.
Appledore
Grab a line and some bait (available from John’s deli), and settle down for some crabbing off the quay, followed, of course, by a Hocking’s triple scoop 99 – probably the best ice-cream in the world! Visit: www.appledore.org
Clovelly
Park in the car park at the top of Clovelly and wander down the cobbles into another world. Or, if you’re feeling more energetic park further along the Southwest Coastal Path at Brownsham and undertake the stunning 5.5mile round walk taking in the village. Grab a fresh crab sandwich to eat on the quay overlooking the harbour and boats, or try the pub menu in the Red Lion itself.
The Big Sheep
Come rain or shine, a great day out… duck racing, sheep displays, rides, huge soft play area and much more! www.thebigsheep.co.uk
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Again, a great day out whatever the weather! Shows, slides, roller coasters and more… guaranteed to exhaust almost anyone! www.themilkyway.co.uk
Lundy Island
For anyone who has read and loved the Famous Five! Board the Oldenburg and set off to explore the unspoilt delights of this beautiful island. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and seabirds along the way. www.lundyisland.co.uk
Braunton Burrows
Sky high sand dunes, rare species of flora and fauna and acres of space – a fantastic place for letting the kids let off steam! www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
National Parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor
Dartmoor: discover the wide expanses of one of Britain’s most stunning moors. Too many walks and gems to mention (although we love Bellever!) – ask us for our top tips when you arrive! A slightly gentler version of Dartmoor is beautiful Exmoor; hidden valleys and undulating hills – endless opportunities to explore and enjoy. www.exmoorzoo.co.uk is also a hit with animal lovers!
Hartland Lighthouse and the Hartland Peninsula
For a taste of the power of the sea, visit this stunning section of the coastline… coves, lighthouses, views and pubs! For a café with a difference, try the cliff-top café at Hartland Point, or for an impressive lunch-time location try Hartland Quay Hotel
Bideford
On a sunny day, take the little ones to Bideford’s Victoria park. Two fun-filled parks for younger and slightly bigger kids, a splash pool to cool off in if it all gets too hot, and the Café du Parc for a scrumptious lunch or ‘proper’ French coffee and cake located at fabulous Burton Art Gallery.
River Torridge boat trip
Hop aboard ‘The Cheeky Monkey’ – a 20ft locally built wooden boat (carrying up to 10 passengers) for a magical ‘Swallows and Amazons’ trip up the Estuary. See if you can spot swans, herons and Hallsannery! Also offers sea fishing. www.appledorefishing.co.uk
Telephone 01237 422307 to book in advance.
North Devon Wakepark and Aquapark
For an unforgettable experience, head out towards the Milky Way for one of North Devon’s newest attractions. Try your hand at wakeboarding or get rid of excess energy on the giant obstacles at the aquapark – fantastic fun from personal experience. The aquapark can be hired exclusively for larger groups, and the funky onsite café is great for a warm up hot chocolate and chilli nachos… think Total Wipeout with a view! www.northdevonwakepark.co.uk/aquapark
Survival paintball
Guaranteed to exhaust and entertain, this is ‘the biggest and best paintball site in the Southwest’. Set in acres of forest, you can try paintball, laser tag and airsoft – all equipment is provided and no experience is necessary! A 20 minute drive from Hallsannery. www.survivalpaintball.com
Air Extreme
Bounce the kids’ energy away with a great indoor trampoline park. Huge trampolines for fun and fitness – there are even disco options available! www.air-extreme.co.uk