If you’re holidaying in Devon then expect to be spoiled for choice or attractions, both natural and manmade. Surrounded by beautiful coastline, steeped in history, and with plenty of places to visit, Devon is the perfect destination whatever your interests and requirements.
Watermouth Castle
Overlooking the beautiful coastline between Ilfracombe and Coombe Martin in Watermouth Castle, a feature of the area with a family theme park and castle! Just a stones throw from Coombe Martin, it’s easily accessible for those holidaying in the Devon area and is the perfect day out for all the family.
Explore the castle and the educational displays, harking back to the Victorian Era with a model railway and antique pier machines for an authentic experience. Then travel to the dungeons if you dare, in the depths of the castle, where you can watch magical fairtytales come to life. It’s not just a castle though, there’s a maze, a fair with merry-go-rounds, a water show and much more, offering perfect family fun and well catered.
Watermouth Castle is open with full facilities throughout the holiday season and a wristband system gains you entry to the whole estate. Opening times do vary, and the castle does close for private events, so it’s always best to check the details online before you travel or include it in your holiday itinerary. www.watermouthcastle.com
Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo lays claim to be the biggest zoo in the South-West, making it a must visit attraction for any caravan holiday in the Devon area. Situated just a couple of miles inland from Paignton the zoo is easily accessible and offers plenty of family fun.
A day out at Paignton Zoo means over 200 animals to see, and that includes everything from roaring lions, to little terrapins in the reptile house. There are tours and selected feeding times, a restaurant and café to feed your own little monkeys, and children’s areas and displays.
The zoo is open every single day except for Christmas Day, so whatever time of year you are planning your holiday this is an ideal destination. Opening times change throughout the season so it’s best to check on the website and before you plan your holiday adventures . www.paigntonzoo.org.uk
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth is hugely popular with young children and adults alike. Totally voluntary and set up by a single person in 1969, the Sanctuary is now an international charity existing solely on charitable donations.
You’ll come to visit the rescue donkeys, and the little ones will fall in love, but there’s much more to do here too. Set in stunning landscapes there are rural walks and plenty of wildlife, while you can stop and do a little grazing yourself in the onsite restaurant.
Set close to Sidmouth, the Donkey Sanctuary is easily accessible if you’re holidaying in the area, just check with the calendar of events on the official website to see what’s on during your visit. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Clovelly Village
When you think of Devon, the chances are you’ll conjure up steep hills, sweeping seaside views and cobbled streets, and while this Devon of old may not exist in many towns, in Clovelly Village you can experience the traditional Devon experience for a lovely day out.
This isn’t so much an attraction as a whole village, a tiny harbour town retaining all the beautiful character and architecture of days gone by. Stroll along the harbour wall and climb the cobbled streets before stopping for a cream tea as you watch the majestic seaside view.
Clovelly Village is a real place with its own residents and hustle bustle of seaside life, and as such it’s open right around the year. However the village holds seasonal events and many places to visit, and these may be only available during high season so it’s best to check the website so you can plan around your holiday. www.clovelly.co.uk