Within the deep midwinter, it’s really easy to spend days indoors, sheltering from the climate, by no means going far – a 21st century hibernation. However for these quiet days between Christmas and New 12 months, or to cheer up a cold January, it’s an unexpectedly great time to discover the UK, together with a visit to Devon in winter with youngsters.
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Wrapped up heat, below pale gold and blue winter skies, it’s good to roam the coast and the countryside and uncover the much less well-known temptations. Final 12 months took us to the border of Essex and Suffolk, however Devon is all the time considered one of my favorite counties for a fast break – particularly with out the height season crowds in the event you go to Devon in winter.
I’ve already give you a listing of one of the best issues to do in Devon with youngsters together with sights which are perfect for winter, plus free days out in Devon and concepts of what to do in Devon when it rains. So to finish the set, listed here are my prime issues to do in Devon in winter.
Take a winter stroll
Whichever coast you’re staying on, whether or not you’re by the seaside or having fun with the countryside, there’ll be walks galore.
The stroll to Watersmeet on Exmoor has been known as considered one of Britain’s Nice Winter Walks, with the dramatic river valley and thick historical forest, and it’s family-friendly too. There’s a Nationwide Belief tea room or heat up within the distant 17th century Rockford Inn pub.
For one more simple wander that’s nice for households, you would spot seals on the Nationwide Belief’s Dishevelled Level quick access stroll and it’s an ideal place to gaze out to sea.
There’s loads of inspiration for locations to stroll alongside the South West Coast Path, together with these family-friendly stretches in North Devon, South Devon and East Devon.
Or you would discover the dramatic moorland surroundings with these beautiful Dartmoor walks with youngsters. It goes with out saying that you just do must be ready for the climate right here – Darmoor does get snow, and the situations can change in a short time, so all the time plan forward and don’t set off if it’s not protected.
Try these beautiful winter walks from Go to Devon for extra inspiration too.
See the festive illuminations
Plan forward for this as, unsurprisingly, most of Devon’s festive illuminations are all executed and packed away by New 12 months – however Devon has some spectacular ones.
Coleton Aglow at Coleton Fishacre has a 20s theme or take a look at the winter lights at Knightshayes.
Killerton usually has a Christmas path that’s lit after darkish, whereas RHS Rosemoor has its personal Glow backyard occasion till January.
Picturesque Clovelly is lit up for Christmas too, stretching by way of the village to the harbour, whereas Plymouth usually hosts the Illuminate competition at Royal William Yard.
For pure sparkle that’s arduous to beat, wrap up heat, embrace the darkish and head out to star-gaze at one of many UK’s finest darkish skies areas in Exmoor.
Take a festive prepare journey
From illuminated journeys to an opportunity to see Santa, there are many festive prepare rides to search out in Devon in winter with youngsters.
The station of Buckfastleigh will get a festive makeover because the departure level for an hour-long Polar Specific expertise in South Devon with South Devon Railway.
Or Dartmouth Steam Railway‘s Practice of Lights is well one of many perfect Christmas prepare rides within the UK – and one of many few choices which runs after Christmas Eve as effectively.
Ranging from the station at Paignton, the platform and carriages are adorned with 1000’s of lights. Then after a enjoyable 15-minute prepare journey alongside the beautiful coastal Devon path to Churston, you begin your journey to some enchanting woods adorned with a fantastically festive gentle present.
Ending with a view of the twinkling lights of Dartmouth itself, mirrored within the river, there’s likelihood to take photographs from Kingswear earlier than heading again to see if all once more from a distinct course.
And whereas the Seaton Tramway isn’t a conventional steam prepare (as its identify suggests, it’s a tram), it will possibly really feel an much more private expertise with area for simply 24 within the tram automotive.
It’s additionally an extended expertise, lasting round two hours half-hour together with a cease on the North Pole.
Head underground
Brisk blue winter days are one factor however it’s much less enjoyable exploring Devon within the rain… Luckily there are nonetheless some very enjoyable locations to discover underground in the event you’re visiting Devon in winter.
Kents Cavern
Kents Cavern is the UK’s oldest residence of people – to not point out fairly a couple of different creatures. Together with bears and hyenas, they’ve discovered woolly mammoth enamel and proof of big woolly rhinoceros and even a Roman shrine.
If the climate’s adequate, there are woodland walks to find as effectively, however regardless of the temperature outdoors, it’s a continuing 14C within the cavern year-round, with somewhat museum to discover and a few actions for teenagers too. You may even meet Santa there within the run-up to Christmas.
Right here’s what we considered Kents Cavern on a drizzly day
Exeter’s medieval tunnels
Uncover Exeter’s medieval tunnels, underground passages initially constructed as ingesting water pipes again in medieval instances – you may nonetheless enterprise down beneath the floor of town to find this uncommon slice of Exeter historical past.
The medieval tunnels are the one ones of their variety within the UK, and as a part of the tour for over-fives and up, you can too go to the interpretation centre with fashions, movies, artefacts from the dig and the speaking determine of a medieval man.
Go to an aquarium
In case your youngsters love animals, the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is fabulous, together with the deepest tank within the UK, trails for teenagers, plus round 400 totally different species of marine creatures to identify.
With quirky trivia concerning the sea creatures inside, an opportunity to look out into Plymouth Sound and many family-friendly actions, it’s an awesome possibility in the event you’re visiting Devon with toddlers in addition to older youngsters.
Try my 13 causes to go to the Nationwide Marine Aquarium with youngsters
Or Ilfracombe aquarium is ready within the previous Lifeboat Home, so that you’re proper on the harbourside – good in the event you’ve needed to abandon the thought of rockpooling and search for issues to do indoors in north Devon.
This little aquarium recreates a number of the native marine life so you may journey alongside an Exmoor stream right into a river, on to an estuary and out by way of a harbour to the coast and end with a glimpse into the marine reserve of Lundy.
It closes throughout December and January with restricted opening hours throughout winter – enable round 30-60 minutes to discover.
Go to a museum
There are many locations to get indoors in Devon in winter, particularly a number of the county’s nice family-friendly museums.
The Field, Plymouth
Plymouth is residence to The Field, a brand new multimillion opening a couple of years in the past. And with a museum and gallery, the humanities and heritage advanced is right in the event you’re visiting Devon with youngsters – there’s loads of interactive enjoyable, and who doesn’t love a mammoth?
RAMM, Exeter
RAMM, or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to present it its full identify, has shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current – plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb, to not point out a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
Torquay Museum, Torquay
The Torquay museum has an eclectic show, from a Neanderthal cranium to Egyptian statues and finds introduced again by explorers from around the globe, plus there’s a particular path developed by the BBC for teenagers primarily based on the discovering of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Bygones Torquay
Step again in time to find a snapshot of Victorian life, with 15 outlets and eight rooms alongside the recreated interval avenue, from an ironmonger’s and grocer to an apothecary and candy store. You’ll additionally discover classic arcade amusements, 50s memorabilia and a mannequin railway recreated to point out life across the World Wars at Bygones Torquay.Â
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
Who wants board video games when you may go to a video games museum? On the perimeters of Dartmoor, The Home of Marbles has a set of various video games relationship again so far as the 1600s, together with glassblowing and knowledge on the historical past of glass and a pottery museum.
Nevertheless it’s the marbles which get essentially the most consideration, with a set and 5 totally different marble runs, one which will be the largest within the UK. At all times considered one of my prime picks for a wet day in Devon – it’s free to go searching too.
You’ll discover a string of different Devon museums dotted throughout the county in the event you’re outdoors the principle cities as effectively.
Discover a historic home
Buckland Abbey, close to Plymouth
This former monastery might be finest often called the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer is barely a part of the eight centuries of historical past to find at Buckland Abbey because it was first inbuilt 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Transformed to a house after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you may nonetheless see proof of the previous church, together with secret doorways and stairs which now not lead anyplace, in addition to having the ability to stroll by way of time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian eating room.
Solely open at weekends throughout a lot of the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Arlington Courtroom, Barnstaple
Though the grounds are one of many large highlights at Arlington Courtroom, there’s nonetheless a lot extra in the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do in north Devon when it’s raining,
Dwelling to the Nationwide Carriage museum, there are some implausible automobiles on present, plus a quiz to take as you discover the home and occasional household actions and crafts.
However when it’s open, one of many greatest temptations for animal lovers is to move into the bat room and think about the colony which has made its residence its residence right here, by way of the bat cam. Home and carriage museum are open year-round however with decreased hours in winter.Â
Dartmouth Fort, Dartmouth
Relationship again to the 14th century, Dartmouth citadel noticed motion within the Civil Warfare and was nonetheless in use as a fortress in Victorian instances – if it’s raining arduous, you’ll in all probability wish to skip the choice of catching a ferry over from the city quay however attempt to discover a drier second to move as much as the roof for the views out throughout the river and the city.
Below cowl, you may discover the maze of passages, take a look at the huge chain which defended the harbour and check out on helmets within the gun tower.
Open 12 months spherical however weekends solely through the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
For extra of the finest issues to do in Dartmouth with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Getting into this artwork deco home (constructed by the D’Oyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is great at any time of 12 months, however in the event you’re visiting Devon through the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is much more particular.
The home is adorned for a Twenties Christmas, with conventional video games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations if the climate isn’t too dangerous: have to be booked prematurely) – there are spotter trails to observe inside the home year-round although.
Open 12 months spherical however weekends solely/decreased opening through the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Greenway, Galmpton
Agatha Christie’s vacation residence, Greenway, nonetheless appears a lot because it did when she stayed there – there’s a path for teenagers to observe round the home, which will get dressed up for Christmas, in addition to a altering show within the Cupboard of Curiosities.
Open year-round however weekends solely/decreased hours through the winter months. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets. Whereas there are numerous enjoyable methods to reach in summer season, some are much less tempting in winter so in the event you’re planning to drive, you’ll have to prebook a parking area.
Saltram Home, Plymouth
This elegant Georgian home was owned by the Parker household from 1712 for nearly 250 years, and you’ll nonetheless see a lot of the unique assortment.
Children are prone to be extra within the reality there’s a brand new path each season, plus alternatives to decorate up and check out actions inside, with additional season occasions aimed toward households.
Open a lot of the 12 months however with decreased hours through the winter months and the home is closed fully throughout a part of the winter. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Discover dinosaurs
Dino-mad youngsters will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to deliver the world of the dinosaurs to life – with the whole lot from fashions to fossils, a number of dino details to be taught and the possibility to sit down on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).
There’s an explorer quiz to strive as you discover and dinosaur crafts to strive – however the spotlight needs to be the possibility to the touch dinosaur poo.
The waterfront attraction is open year-round however with decreased days in winter. Click on right here for opening instances and tickets.
Hit the seashore
Sunbathing is likely to be off the playing cards, however the infinite lengthy stretches of sand are nonetheless good for constructing sandcastles, flying kites, rockpooling or just working at full pelt to blow away the cobwebs – and are normally dog-friendly in winter.
Woolacombe ticks all 4 packing containers properly, however you gained’t be wanting choices – and also you don’t want solar to take pleasure in a few of these nice seashore actions.
For the actually daring, the county’s wild swimmers head into the waves off Tinside Seaside, Plymouth year-round, whereas winter browsing has turn out to be one thing of a pattern on the seashores of North Devon.
It goes with out saying to verify the climate situations and ensure you’ve obtained the right gear. I feel I’ll persist with dry land till summer season…
For extra concepts of nice Devon seashores, take a look at my final information to Devon for households
Get energetic
In case your youngsters have to burn off some power however open air is just too dismal to ponder, there are many energetic choices indoors.
Go mountain climbing
Older youngsters can burn off some power and problem themselves at one of many indoor climbing centes in Devon.Â
Rock and Trip Journey Centre in South Molton is the most important indoor climbing wall in north Devon and is appropriate for full novices upwards, plus there are taster classes for age 6+ day by day.
Or for issues to do in east Devon within the rain, head to Clip’n’Climb Exeter which is open to youngsters aged 4 and above, together with whole novices, whereas town’s Quay Climbing Centre has household taster classes for age 7+.
Bounce it out
Head to a trampoline park to bounce out any grumbles concerning the dangerous climate. Head to Air Excessive Barnstaple in north Devon which has totally different age choices together with classes for toddlers, whereas Supertramp Plymouth has household bounce and a tots membership for toddlers in the event you’re in south Devon.
There are two iBounce trampoline parks, in Newton Abbot and Exeter with its foam pits, providing dad or mum and toddler classes.
Go swimming
For those who’re going to get moist anyway, you would possibly as effectively have enjoyable! Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay has a sloping flooring that’s ideally suited in the event you’ve obtained a mixture of swimmers and paddlers within the household – plus a wave machine which runs throughout weekend and college vacation classes.
There’s additionally a flume, open on the identical instances, plus a youngsters’s play space. Open all 12 months. Click on right here for particulars of opening instancesÂ
Add some spice
Nothing beats a warming drink after a cold day – so how about mulled chilli apple juice on the South Devon Chilli Farm in December, in addition to chilli scorching chocolate and chilli jam in your cream tea on the café?
There’s additionally a play space for teenagers, mini excursions in class holidays, and different choices to see and be taught extra concerning the chillis grown there at totally different factors of the 12 months. Plus a lot to style… relying how courageous you’re!
Or the Dartmoor Chilli Farm makes its personal chilli chocolate which you should buy at outlets throughout Devon (or on-line).
For those who want your scorching chocolate with none additional kick, award-winning Chococo in Exeter is the proper spot for a deal with.
Curl up by a log fireplace
The cosiest finish to a winter’s day exploring needs to be coming again to a roaring log fireplace or wooden burner – which implies one of many fabulous cosy cottages which Devon appears to specialize in.
Marsdens Devon Cottages has a complete luxurious assortment – in any case, that is speculated to be a deal with – together with a lot with an open fireplace to snuggle subsequent to. Or you would all the time go for one with a scorching tub… or each.Â
Holidaycottages additionally specialises in self-catering lodging in Devon (and the South West), with choices in Woolacombe and wonderful Brixham, the place we explored the Golden Hind once we visited.
Or Sykes Cottages has a complete set proper on the coast, so you may scamper from a bracing stroll again indoors to heat up. Excellent for Devon in winter.
And what higher method to brighten the 12 months’s darkest days?
For extra concepts, take a look at my final information to Devon for households
*first revealed 2017, up to date 2024*
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Disclosure: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
RAMM courtesy of RAMM, Kents Cavern/Buckland Abbey/Dartmouth Fort/Home of Marbles copyright MummyTravels, all different photographs courtesy of Depositphotos
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