Call Us
Email Us
Not Just Cornwall – Things to See and Do in Devon on a Sunny Day
Devon is also a stunning part of the country, with much to offer when it comes to family summer days out. Many of Devon attractions are within an hour’s drive of Crylla Valley Cottages – perfect for a day out ‘across the border’!
Saltram House
One such place acclaimed to be “the most impressive country house in Devon” by Nikolaus Pevsner, an art historian and scholar of architecture, (so comes highly recommended!) is the National Trust owned Saltram House, found in Plympton, Plymouth. A Grade 1 listed mansion from the George 11 era, with remarkable gardens to explore, your family can relish some time together in blissful surroundings.
The house regularly holds art exhibitions, and if you’re green fingered, book yourselves in for a garden tour with the house gardener, and learn all those top secrets which keep the plants looking so beautiful.
Throughout the year Saltram House holds many events, activities and exhibitions, including fitness bootcamp in the gardens (what better place to work out!) and free 10k runs around the grounds every 4th Sunday of the month. However, if working out isn’t for your family, have a browse in the gift shop, or sit down in the sunshine and watch everyone else exercise, whilst you sample some of the delicious cakes on offer with a cup of tea.
The Barbican
More central to Plymouth you will find The Barbican, which is drenched in Maritime history. Not only does it offer a day out in Plymouth Aquarium, where you will find all sorts of species of sea life, and also a soft play area for younger children, the Barbican also has the renowned Plymouth Gin distillery, many quaint little gift shops and cafes. You will find some of the best fish and chips available, and the Robert Lenkiewicz studio where he created his famous works of art.
The Barbican is most known for the Mayflower Steps, where in 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers left England on the Mayflower ship, to sail across the Atlantic Ocean before finally settling in North America. There are frequent boat trips leaving from the Mayflower steps, which will take your family along the River Tamar and all around Plymouth Sound.
Bantham Beach
If it’s a beach day your family are looking for then why not head to Bantham Beach near Bigbury, where you will find golden sand, and if the conditions are right, some excellent surf. There’s even a friendly surf school on the beach if you fancy trying a spot of surfing yourself! Food and refreshments are available from the Gastrobus situated in the car park during the summer, and if you fancy some pub grub, the Sloop Inn is a short walk from the beach – although it’s best to book as it’s very popular. There are dog restrictions on the beach between May and September.
Woodlands Theme Park
Woodlands Theme Park is a fun filled day which has an activity on offer for everyone in the family, no matter the age. Located in Totnes, South Devon, this is the Daddy of amusement parks, being the biggest in Devon. Amongst the 100 acre woodland countryside, you’ll find 11 large play zones, a zoo/ farm and big bug show, water coasters, rides, parks and slides, and also a falconry display to name but a few activities your family can enjoy.
Dartmoor Zoo
For all you animal lovers, Dartmoor Zoo in Sparkwell just outside Plymouth is a perfect choice. The zoo which inspired the Hollywood movie featuring Matt Damon ‘We Bought a Zoo’ it classes itself as a ‘conservation and education charity’ and offers your family a day surrounded by wonderful creatures, including 72 types of mammals, 38 species of birds, 21 species of reptiles, and a variety of invertebrates. Other seasonal events at the zoo include outdoor cinema screenings, evening classes surrounding conservation and animal welfare, and ranger’s academy. There is also a shop located within the grounds, so that you are able to purchase something to remind you of your special family day.
All in all, Devon has a wide spectrum of activities to offer your family over the summer months, in an exquisite setting which will help your family create happy memories.
If you feel inspired to visit Devon then why not stay in one of our self catering holiday cottages, situated on the Devon and Cornwall border, just 10 minutes drive from Plymouth?
