Family-Friendly Holidays in South Devon | Devon Coastal Cottages

Family-friendly holidays in South Devon

Our family-friendly cottages in South Devon are well placed for beach days, coast path walks, easy local outings and bigger family adventures. Whether you are travelling with toddlers, school-age children or teens, there is plenty nearby to keep everyone happy without needing to spend every day in the car.

To help make packing a little easier, travel cots and highchairs are available for younger guests (please request when booking), and stair gates can be available on request. Please bring your own cot bedding. We also have books, puzzles and games in the properties, which are perfect for slower mornings, cosy evenings or a quieter hour after a day on the beach. (we also have Netflix available on all our TVs for those evenings when a film night is required! Plus superfast broadband for the properties.

Free family things to do in South Devon

There are lots of easy, low-cost family activities to enjoy nearby, especially if your ideal holiday includes beaches, walking and being outdoors.

Ideas for free family days out nearby:

• Crabbing on the quays in Kingsbridge and Salcombe
• Swimming in the sea on calm summer days and looking for sea glass
• Sandcastle building at East Portlemouth, Mill Bay, Bigbury-on-Sea, Bantham, South Milton Sands and Thurlestone
• Walking around Slapton Ley, including the woodland paths and boardwalks
• Spotting birds and other wildlife at Slapton Ley, feeding the ducks at Torcross
• Exploring the South West Coast Path and looking out for wildlife along the way
• Walking out towards Start Point Lighthouse
• Looking for seals from the cliffs and rocky viewpoints around the coast
• Trying geocaching around places such as Start Point and Torcross
• A day in Dartmouth and watching the boats and shopping
• Catching the ferry from East Portlemouth to Salcombe and then walk through Salcombe to North Sands
• Visiting Cookworthy Museum in Kingsbridge
• A trip to Totnes and look around the very popular market
• A visit to the beautiful coastal town of Dittisham
• Velarde Gallery in Kingsbridge
• Stand-up paddleboarding in East Portlemouth Port Waterhouse or Kingsbridge
• Rock pooling at low tide
• Family picnics on the beach or along the estuary
• A day trip to Bantham, one of South Devon’s best-loved sandy beaches, great for paddling, sandcastles and a proper beach day
• Watching the sea tractor at Burgh Island, which is always a novelty for children and makes a trip there feel like a bit of an adventure

Paid family days out in South Devon

If you are planning a bigger day out, there are plenty of family attractions within easy reach, from animal parks and zoos to steam railways and boat trips.

Tried-and-tested family days out nearby:

• Pennywell Farm for animal encounters, piglet cuddles, tractor rides and family activities throughout the day
• Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth for rides, indoor play and all-weather fun
• Paignton Zoo or Dartmoor Zoo
• South Devon Railway for a heritage steam train trip through the Devon countryside
• Agatha Christies home at Greenways - National Trust
• National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
• Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company for steam trains, cruises and family day trips on the water
• A trip to Burgh Island using the famous sea tractor, followed by lunch, a walk or time on the beach

Why families like staying here

A family holiday in this part of South Devon can be as full or as relaxed as you want it to be. One day might be all about the beach, crabbing and ice creams, and the next could be a boat trip, a farm park or a steam train. Staying near Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Start Bay gives families that lovely mix of coast, countryside and classic Devon days out.