Top 12 Devon attractions to visit

Devon is simply bursting with things to do for families. You can place a bet on a sheep race (really), ride a rollercoaster and just about everything in between.

With an abundance of award-winning Devon attractions, including zoos, theme parks, museums and boat trips, there is plenty of fun to be had for all ages. We’ve picked a selection of the best family days out in Devon to enjoy on your next staycation.

And if you need somewhere to base your adventures, click the button below to browse our full collection of holiday cottages in Devon.

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• Attractions in North Devon
• Attractions in South Devon

Attractions in North Devon 

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

Set within 28 acres of spectacular gardens, the Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is one of our favourite family days out in North Devon, home to a vast array of exotic birds and animals – as well as a ferocious collection of dinosaurs! Feed the lions, meet the sea lions and watch daily shows and displays.

Kids can burn off any remaining shreds of energy in the largest indoor play zone this side of North Devon or enjoy a wet and wild adventure on the Dino Express Train Ride.

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

Take a nostalgic journey onboard one of the most enchanting attractions in Devon. The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway offers a unique taste of a narrow-gauge rail experience, chugging through rolling Exmoor countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged coastline.

This is the only steam railway in the UK where passengers can step back in time and travel in Victorian railway carriages designed in the 1890s. Savour a Devon cream tea and soak in the scenery.

The BIG Sheep

Rides, animal encounters, all-weather activities; The BIG Sheep is one of the most exciting North Devon attractions. This thrilling theme park is bursting at the seams with things to do for families, and it’s also one of the more affordable days out in Devon.

Take on the challenging high ropes course, experience the twists, turns and drops of North Devon’s biggest, highest and fastest rollercoaster, or have a leisurely cruise around the lake in a swan pedalo. The hilarious live shows have to be the highlight of a visit, including duck trialling and sheep racing.

Ilfracombe Princess

Admire the beauty of the North Devon coastline from a different perspective on the Ilfracombe Princess. This fully licensed 100-passenger boat allows travellers to witness the wonders of the water up close, cruising alongside dramatic cliffs, secluded bays, lighthouses and historic gold mines.

From the top deck, you can relish panoramic views, with the chance of spotting seals, dolphins and porpoises.

The Milky Way Adventure Park

Regarded by many as one of the best days out for families in North Devon, The Milky Way Adventure Park has lots to do for all ages, both indoors and out.

Ride the Cosmic Typhoon rollercoaster, whizz down the Gravity Rider doughnut slide, bump around on the dodgems and shoot lasers on Ziggy's Blast Quest. You can also watch some fantastic displays at the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre.

Quince Honey Farm

Set amongst a verdant 40-acre sprawl, Quince Honey Farm is one of the more unusual North Devon tourist attractions on our list. Here, you can explore one of the largest honey farms in Britain, with a guided tour, honey tasting session and the chance to roll your own beeswax candle.

Kids can buzz around the Play Hive Adventure Park before heading over to the café for some tasty treats – the special honey cream tea is hard to resist! Bee-keeping experiences are on offer too, and there’s a gift shop where you can stock up on your favourite honey-based goodies.

Attractions in South Devon

Go Ape Haldon Forest

If you’ve got a head for heights, then you’ll love Go Ape Haldon Forest. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Dartmoor National Park, this ultimate treetop challenge will see you crossing wobbly bridges among the canopies of towering Scots pines, combating daring high-level obstacles and flying down zip wires at breakneck speed.

There are two courses to choose from of varying difficulty, and the 360-degree views from your treetop vantage point are simply mesmerising.

Babbacombe Model Village

Capturing the essence of England’s past, present and future, Babbacombe Model Village is one of South Devon’s top attractions.

This extraordinary miniature world - set within 4 acres of award-winning gardens - features thousands of tiny handcrafted buildings, people and vehicles, with hidden puns, fun scenes and lots of humour for all to enjoy. There’s also a 9-hole crazy golf course for added fun.

Paignton Zoo

From cheeky meerkats to colourful snakes, and playful monkeys to prowling cheetahs, Paignton Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals. It is one of the most exciting attractions in Devon and one of Britain’s top zoos.

All of the animals are housed in natural-themed exhibits as the zoo is passionate about conserving them and their wild habitats for the future. Come face to face with some of your favourite furry friends, discover exotic plants across the botanical gardens, and join the keepers for a fun talk or feeding display. Check out our guide on things to do in Paignton for more ideas if you are visiting the area.  

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Regularly voted as one of the best family attractions in Devon, Crealy Theme Park boasts over 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions, set within 100 acres of glorious countryside.

For thrillseekers, there’s the adrenaline-pumping Twister and Maximus rollercoasters and the Tidal Wave Log Flume, while those less brave can enjoy the fairground rides, animal barn and fun-filled daily shows.

Kents Cavern

Discover what lies beneath the surface at Kents Cavern in Torquay and tour a labyrinth of fascinating prehistoric caves. The human archaeology discovered here is the most ancient found in Britain, making it one of Europe’s premier Stone Age caves. The most significant artefact is a 41,000-year-old human jawbone, Europe’s oldest human fossil!

Follow an informative guide on an underground adventure to see spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, and explore the country’s oldest human dwelling.

Seaton Tramway

Travel back in time to the golden age of travel at Seaton Tramway, a perfect day out for those seeking historic South Devon attractions. Here, you can ride on a narrow-gauge heritage tram as it travels 3 miles from Seaton to the ancient town of Colyton.

Passing through unspoilt countryside beside the River Axe and two nature reserves, you’ll be able to appreciate unrivalled views of abundant wading birdlife. The open-top double-decker trams are perfect for sunny days, while the enclosed saloons still allow you to enjoy the scenery in wet weather. You can hop on and off at any of the stations along the journey and for a really memorable experience, you can try your hand at one of their tram driving sessions.

Find these top Devon attractions on a map

Use our handy map to plan your Devon holiday itinerary. 

Enjoy a fun-filled holiday in Devon

With so many thrilling Devon attractions to experience across the county, why not make a holiday of it and stay in one of our cosy cottages?

Our family-friendly holiday cottages in Devon are scattered throughout the coast and countryside, so you’ll never be far from one of these top things to do. Click the button below to browse our collection of self-catering accommodation and see how many you can tick off.