Don't miss out on visiting Devon, as it has so much to offer. With beautiful coastline and two great National Parks - What's not to love? Take a trip to Paignton seaside town, along the Devon coast and explore the wonderful coastal town Torquay.
Topsham Pool is a hidden gem, in the town centre and was a result of a large fundraising effort, by a group of determined and focused people and then the whole of the community followed. In the 1970s, waste paper was stockpiled and sold, including many glass bottles were collected and returned. There were also many jumble sales, carnival floats and generous donations received.
Famous Olympic gold medallist David Wilkie officially opened the pool and even swam in the pool. The pool has always been run by a committee of volunteers and in 1979, when it was finally finished, the committee had already begun to worry about funds to keep it open.
There are a couple of clubs, including the Swimming Club and Nutters Club. The pool also caters for large groups and parties – Who wouldn’t want an inflatable swimming party!
The pool has had many refurbishments and replacements in need of modernisation and to keep up with the modern world. Although there is a lot of history to the pool, it is a great place to take the kids – especially if the sun is shining! It is open to everyone in the community and visitors, where people can enjoy swimming outdoors like they use to in 1979!
Opening times
Visit website for seasonal opening times
Prices
Adults (16 and over): £4.00
Seniors: £3.00
Children: £3.00
Under 2’s free
Address
Topsham
Exeter
Devon
EX3 0HF
Contact details
01392 874477
www.topshampool.com
2. Paignton
Paignton is a popular seaside town along the Devon coast. It forms the borough of Torbay with Torquay and Brixham, which was created in 1988. Paignton is a popular tourist and holiday destination, known as the English Riviera.
If you’re fed up with the weather and fancy some sun, visit Paignton in the summer for everything you need! There is something for everyone, whether you are going on a family holiday, activity holiday or Romantic break away.
It offers award-winning accommodation and attractions, so if plan on a trip to Paignton, you won’t be disappointed! Whether you are looking for a hotel, caravan park or holiday cottage, Paignton has it all.
If you fancy an active holiday, why not try water skiing, paddle boarding or hire a boat? There are many things to do and see in the beautiful coastal town of Paignton. There are also amusement arcades and crazy golf at Paignton Pier, which the kids will love!
After a long day at the beach, why not relax in one of the many award winning restaurants. Some have beautiful sea side views – What more could you ask for? There is always something to do in Paignton in the evening, including events and entertainment.
Address
Paignton
TQ4 6BJ
Visit website for travel information
Contact details
01803 555720
www.englishriviera.co.uk/paignton
3. Torquay
Torquay is a seaside resort town situated on the English Channel in Devon, south west England. The town is known for its beaches such as Babbacombe and Cliffside Oddicombe. Its coastline is well known as the English Rivera. There are many things to do and see in Torquay, including various shops and restaurants.
It’s a great place to visit for the weekend, with friends or family. Why not visit Paignton Zoo, the railway or take part in some watersports? There is so much to do at Torquay.
Torre Abbey is Torquay’s main beach for visitors, which is situated just west of the Torquay harbour. There are shallow and safe waters for young children and is a very popular beach in the summer, with locals and tourists from afar. The beach is backed by a promenade and grass area, which is known as Torre Abbey Meadows.
If you plan to make a weekend of it, there are many places to stay, as well as popular restaurants to eat at in the evening.
Address
Torquay beach
TQ2 5DG
www.torquay.com
4. Exeter
Exeter in Devon, is a small city that has a lot to offer. It is one of the most vibrant and historically attractive cities in England, which also dates back to the arrival of the Romans in AD 50. There are many guided tours and underground passages in the city, making it popular destination for tourists.
As well as its history, Exeter is also known for its art and culture and hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year. After a tour around the city, why not discover a great range of independent shops and boutiques? There are many places for food and drink too, so if you plan to stay longer, Exeter has so much to offer!
As Devon is surrounded by miles of countryside and close to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, it means there are many outdoor adventures to experience. Devon is the perfect place to try out new activities, or relax and enjoy the countryside and coastal views!
5. Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is formally known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter and is an Anglican cathedral. It is also the seat for the Bishop of Exeter, in Devon.
It is one of the greatest cathedrals of England and holds the finest gothic architecture, making it popular with visitors and tourists. If you’re visiting Exeter, why not pop into the cathedral and take in its beautiful scenery and architecture.
The cathedral is the spiritual home for a range of people and offers a warm welcome to everyone who takes a visit to the cathedral.
Opening times
Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 11.30 – 5pm
Visit website shop and café opening times
Prices
Adults: £7.50
Seniors: £5
Students: £5
Children under 18: FREE (within a family group)
Address
Exeter Cathedral
1 The Cloisters
Exeter EX1 1HS
Contact details
01392 255573
www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Top 5 kid’s activities
From Leisure Parks to the coast, there is so much to do and see in Devon!
1. Woodlands Leisure Park
Woodlands Leisure Park offers 125,000 sq. ft. of indoor fun and is the largest theme park in Devon – Kids will love it!
There are 10 fun play zones offering a range of rides, slides and other amazing attractions, suitable for all ages. At the park, there is also a smaller activity centre for smaller children.
After all of the excitement, why not get close to the animals at the zoo-farm on site, where you will discover the sika deer and reptile house – Let’s hope the kids aren’t scared of snakes!
There is so much to do at Woodlands Leisure Park, which will keep the kids entertained till home time! It would make the perfect weekend trip or a holiday trip in Devon, they won’t want to go home.
Opening hours
Summer 09:30 - 18:00
Winter 09:30 - 17:00
Pricing
Summer
110cms and over: £18.25
Child (92cms-110cms): £13.30
Concession: £9.80
Under 92cms: Free
Address
Blackawton
Dartmouth
Devon
TQ9 7DQ
England
Contact details
01803 712598
www.woodlandspark.com
2. Crealy Great Adventure Park
Crealy Great Adventure Park has been voted for ‘Family Attraction of the Year’ for five years running and is sure to be one of the best adventure parks! The kids will love Crealy Great Adventure Park, where they can go on jaw-dropping rides and attractions. There is also a soft play area for younger children.
At Crealy, there are many places to see such as Bugz Unlimited, the Jurassic jungle of Dino Jeeps and the family favourite, Meerkat Manor! Everyone loves Meerkats, so don’t forget to take lots of pictures.
There are also many fun and exciting events and activities throughout the year, so make sure to check what’s on before you go! Children will love Crealy Great Adventure Park, no matter what age they are.
Opening hours
Not all the rides are open every day. Please call before travelling.
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday, Sunday 10:00 0 17:00
Pricing
100cm and over: £19.95
92cm to 100cm: £14.95
Senior (65+): £13.95
Under 92cm: Free
Family: from £56.85
Address
Sidmouth Road
Exeter
Devon
EX5 1DR
England
Contact details
01395 233200
www.crealy.co.uk
3. National Marine Aquarium
Experience the sea life at National Marine Aquarium, with thousands of amazing sea creatures to discover and learn about. If you’re visiting Devon, the aquarium is a must see for children and adults alike! Why not take a tour around the coastal towns and then take the kids to the aquarium? There is plenty to keep the kids entertained in Devon.
The National Marine Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the UK and is popular with visitors and tourists. There are so many animals to see such as sharks, rays and countless other species.
Why don’t you take a look at The Great Barrier Reef and watch the Lost at Sea exhibition? There is so much on at the aquarium, including Toddler Tuesdays for younger children.
Also, the aquarium is a conservation charity, so each visit you make helps all of the sea life at the aquarium. It’s an amazing place to take the kids!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Pricing
Adult: £15.95
Child (3-15): £11.95
Senior: £13.95
Student: £13.50
Family (2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children): £49.50
Address
Rope Walk
Coxside
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 0LF
England
Contact details
0844 893 7938
www.national-aquarium.co.uk
4. Living Coasts
Living Coasts is an aquarium and Coastal Zoo, where you can get close to penguins, otters, octopus and seals– There’s nowhere else your children would rather be!
Experience the Penguin Beach and watch the animals feeding times and talks. There is so much to do at Living Coasts, where children will get to learn all about the animals and their habitats.
After a tour around the zoo, why not relax in the café with some food and refreshment?
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
Closed 25th December
Pricing
Adults (16+): £11.80
Kids (3-15): £8.90
Toddlers (0 - 2): Free
Seniors/Student (with valid student card): £10.05
Family: (2 Adults + 2 Kids): £37.20
Address
Torquay Harbourside
Beacon Quay
Torquay
Devon
TQ1 2BG
England
Contact details
01803 202470
www.livingcoasts.org.uk
5. Bicton Park Gardens
Bicton Park Gardens is full of horticultural history, with beautiful gardens in East Devon’s picturesque Otter Valley.
You can visit the park throughout the year and is great fun for all ages, adults and children alike. Why not visit the historic glasshouse, countryside museum or Bicton Woodland Railway? There are many things to do and see in Devon’s Bicton Park Gardens.
The children will love the outdoor activities such as nature trails, mazes, mini gold, activity centres and more! After an active day around the gardens, why not sit back and relax for dinner in the restaurant?
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
Closed on Christmas Day
Pricing
Family: £32.95
Adults: £9.95
Children (2 to 16): £7.95
Under 2 years: Free
Address
East Budleigh
Budleigh Salterton
Devon
EX9 7BJ
England
Contact details
01395 568465
www.bictongardens.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Devon
On your visit to devon, why not try out one of these popular restaurants in Devon?
1. Thomas Carr at The Olive Room
www.thomascarrchef.co.uk
01271 867831
56 Fore Street
Ilfracombe
EX34 9DJ
2. The Orange Tree Restaurant
www.orangetreerestaurant.com
01803 213936
14-16 Parkhill Road
Torquay
TQ1 2AL
3. The Masons Arms Restaurant
www.masonsarmsdevon.co.uk
01398 341231
The Masons Arms Knowstone
Knowstone
EX36 4RY
England
4. The Restaurant at The Salution Inn
www.salutationtopsham.co.uk
01392 873060
68 Fore Street
The Salutation Inn
Topsham
Exeter
EX3 0HL
England
5. The Galley Restaurant
www.galleyrestaurant.co.uk
01392 876078
41 Fore Street
Topsham
Exeter
EX3 0HU
England