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South Devon Attractions_Feature

During the school summer holidays, lots of the biggest and best South Devon attractions put on special events to entertain kids and adults alike. With so much on, it’s hard to pick what to do and where to go! Here are 10 of our favourite South Devon attractions and activities for families that you can enjoy this summer 2019.


1.Woodlands Theme Park

South Devon Attractions_Woodlands

Woodlands Theme Park, on the A3122 just a few miles from Dartmouth, is Devon’s largest family theme park. There’s always a ton of things to do for active kids (and kid-ults) at this popular South Devon attraction. During the summer holidays there’s a super-charged programme of events and performances to make the day even more memorable. Best of all, it’s Woodlands 30th birthday, so they have an extra special action-packed line up of celebrations planned.

Roary the Dinosaur

Every Saturday and Sunday from 20th July – 1st September

Things to do in Summer_Roary

Roary the interactive dinosaur is the latest addition to the Woodlands family. Thanks to the magic of technology, you’ll be able to see, hear and even take a selfie with this life-like baby Velociraptor as he roams through the park.

Titan the Robot

Every Tuesday from 30th July – 20th August

South Devon Attractions_Titan

Titan the Robot is back at Woodlands to help celebrate their 30th birthday bash. Titan has taken time out of his busy schedule to entertain everyone with his fantastic shows. Join him and enjoy his unique blend of comedy, street theatre and musical entertainment – it’s definitely a day not to be missed.

Fizzpop science workshop and shows

Every Friday from 26th July – 30th August

Get busy and creative at the Fizzpot science workshop and show. Be sure to make it to their slime making workshop, an awesome, messy, interactive experience, where you get to make and take your own slime home!
The Woodlands Supastarz: Most weekdays
The Woodlands Supastarz will be entertaining the crowds with their ‘supa’ exciting live performances during the summer holidays.

There’s a load more to do and see at Woodlands this summer. Find out more on their website.


2. Pennywell Farm

South Devon Attractions_Pennywell

The folks at Pennywell Farm have promised an action, animal and activity packed summer in 2019. Pennywell is a much-loved local family attraction, especially for youngsters because of its cuddly creatures, interactive events and friendly atmosphere.

As well as all the animals, there are different hands-on activities every half an hour, every day.

Highlights include:

  • Free farm rides
  • Miniature pig racing
  • Crazy golf
  • Goat milking
  • Egg collecting

Award winning entertainer Magic Martin is once again joining Pennywell Farm with amusement and magic for the whole family.

Pennywell has loads more to do and see this summer. Find out more on their website.


3. Owls, otters, butterflies and a beautiful train ride

South Devon Attractions_Railway

Three of South Devon’s leading tourist attractions have joined forces to offer visitors a family-orientated and extremely varied day of activities. It is fantastic value for money and will have something to appeal to almost everyone, all on a single site linked by a steam railway!

The South Devon Railway at Totnes or Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh Butterfly Farm and Otter sanctuary

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm

Park for free at Buckfastleigh station, where you’ll find a gift shop, café and railway museum, as well as Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies. From there, take the steam train on a picturesque journey to Totnes (hopping off at the pretty riverside village of Staverton if you fancy). A short stroll from Totnes Littlehempston station, you’ll find Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, a little petting zoo with a famous collection of rare owls as well as lots of cuddly, pettable critters.

Learn more about the three-for-one ticket for a memorable day out with the family.


4. Beaches

South Devon Attractions_South Sands

Our beautiful South Devon beaches may be open all year round, but it’s during the summer that the sea warms up, many beachside cafés extend their opening hours and watersports equipment and lessons become are widely available.

No matter how you want to enjoy the beach, you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice in South Devon. On your summer holiday, you could be exploring the rockpools in Hope Cove with your little ones, trying your hand at stand up paddleboarding at Blackpool Sands, splashing about in the shallows at South Sands, or building Sandcastles at East Portlemouth – the list goes on.

Find out more about the best beaches in South Devon.


5. Get hands on with history at Dartmouth Castle

Daily from Saturday 20th July – Sunday 1st September

Get hands on with history at Dartmouth Castle this summer and discover what life was like on the high seas. Dartmouth Castle is situated in a stunning location on the edge of the Dart Estuary. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views as you explore the history of this fascinating castle, which has guarded Dartmouth for over 600 years. Budding young marauders will enjoy musket drills, a smugglers quest and tales of dastardly deeds from Dartmouth’s swashbuckling past.

Get more details on what’s happening at Dartmouth Castle.


6. Paignton Zoo

South Devon Attractions_Paignton Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side and go for a trip to Paignton Zoo. Enjoy a great family day out with over 2000 animals, 6 animal habitats, a Jungle Express train and an indoor play area. Why not join the baboons breakfast, take a walk with the lemurs or have a picnic with the pelicans?

Winged Wonders Bird Show

Daily (except Wednesdays)

This show you will have the chance to see incredible birds of prey from around the world as they fly close by and swoop around the Animal Encounters theatre.

Global Tiger Day

Monday 29th July

South Devon Attractions_Tiger

Global Tiger Day is celebrated on Monday 29th July 2019 – a perfect opportunity to join Paignton Zoo in helping raise awareness for the largest of all big cats and their beautiful Sumatran tigers at the Zoo.

World Lion Day

Saturday 10th August

Join in some ‘roarsome’ events and activities during World Lion Day in August to help celebrate Paignton Zoo’s endangered pride of Asiatic lions.

Find out more about what Paignton Zoo have on this summer.


7. River Dart Country Park

River Dart Country Park is the ideal destination for adventure seekers. Set in the gorgeous Dartmoor National Park, Dart Country Park is one of Devon’s best-loved family tourist attractions. With oodles of activities including the adventure playground, agility trail or obstacle course, you are sure to have an amazing day out.

Dartmoor Bike park

Daily in the summer holidays

River Dart Country Park have brought in the expertise of ex-pro BMXer Kye to design and build the new Dartmoor Bike Park. This boasts an impressive freeride area designed with sizeable ramps and a multi-trick jump.

Bounce Zone

Daily in the summer holidays

A brand-new summer attraction for 2019 is the new inflatable area at River Dart Country Park. Burn off energy and get fit at the Bounce Zone.  If bouncing is a bit tame, adrenalin junkies are in for an extra special treat with the Dare Devil Activities like indoor climbing, canoeing, zip wire, water zorbs and high ropes.

Silent Disco

Every Tuesday from 23rd July – 27th August

Get ready to boogie! The super popular Silent Disco returns to River Dart Country Park. With three channels of music to choose from, be sure to bring your dancing shoes as you party away the night.

Find out more about what River Dart Country Park have on this summer.


8. Soft play centres

How about those days when you want some shelter or shade? There are lots of indoor attractions to choose from, many of which put on extra activities throughout the summer.

Bumble in Kingsbridge is a play centre, café and kids hair salon, situated on Fore Street (Kingsbridge’s high street). Enjoy a snack with your tea, coffee or super-deluxe hot chocolate while the kids let off steam.


9. Arts and crafts attractions

South Devon Attractions_Paper bird island

How about something a little more sedate, such as a fun yet calming space where kids and adults can get creative?

China Blue’s Ceramic Studio in Totnes offers you the chance to paint some pottery or even throw it yourself. Why not pop into the café while you’re there?

The Art Café is another popular South Devon arts and crafts attraction. Conveniently located on Fore Street in Kingsbridge, the Art Café is great for children and adults alike. Enjoy getting creative with your friends or family while you enjoy a snack or a coffee.

Paper Bird Island on Salcombe’s Island Street is an inspiring art space where kids and adults can paint, découpage and glitter a range of papier mâché animal and box shapes. Calling ahead is recommended, particularly on rainy days during the summer holidays.


10. Events and festivals this summer

Summer in South Devon means it’s time for dozens of festivals and events! Showcasing the very best music, food, culture and seaside events, there is something to suit the whole family.

Glas-denbury

Friday 5th – Saturday 6th July

South Devon Attractions_Glas denbury

July kicks off with the popular, family-friendly music festival, Glas-denbury. Set in a spacious, lush green field backed by the majestic Dartmoor, you’ll be treated to an amazing collection of artists, entertainers and general family fun. It’s the perfect weekend out for the whole family

Salcombe Regatta

Saturday 3rd – Saturday 10th August

South Devon Attractions_Salcombe Regatta

Jam packed with activities on the land and sea, it’ easy to see why Salcombe Regatta is one of the most popular sailing events on the South Devon calendar. Coast & Country Cottages is proud to be one of the sponsors of this prominent event, with a week of celebrations, sailing races, fireworks, fabulous food and plenty of live music.

Find out more about the Salcombe Regatta.

Dartmouth Royal Regatta

Thursday 29th, Friday 30th and Saturday 31st August

South Devon Attractions_Dartmouth

Another of South Devon’s most popular events is the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. It’s arguably the biggest annual event in Dartmouth, with thousands of visitors descending on this beautiful waterside town each year to enjoy the fun, food and festivities.

Find out more about the Dartmouth Royal Regatta.

Hope Cove weekend

Friday 23rd – Monday 26th August 2019

South Devon Attractions_Hope Cove weekend

Hope Cove weekend is a fun-filled family bash, with a wonderful atmosphere and a great programme of things to do and see – and best thing of all…it’s free. Hosted on the bank holiday weekend in August there are plenty of kid’s activities, with children’s races to sandcastle competitions and for the adults, tuck some of the amazing local food and drink available, while enjoying a great line up of music.

Find out more about what’s on in South Devon this 2019.


South Devon summer facts

South Devon Facts
This is just a taster of all the family fun available to South Devon visitors this summer.

For more summer holiday inspiration read our blogs:

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