From sandy beaches to woodland walks, there are so many things to do in Devon it can be hard to decide which to include in your trip.

So we’ve done some research and found a range of different things to do in Devon that are suitable for couples, families, groups of friends etc. And if you are looking for a place to stay whilst you’re in the area our resorts in Devon will make the perfect choice for you.

Ilfracombe Harbour

10A The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ

Ilfracombe Harbour - things to do in Devon

The port that is at Ilfracombe Harbour has been there since the 12th Century and has been a huge part of Devon ever since. Even today it’s still a working harbour and is extremely popular for leisure and tourism. All along the harbour and the streets around it you will find amazing cafes, restaurants, pubs and small shops selling everything from gifts to quirky goods. It’s a great place to head if you want to enjoy a summers day near the sea.

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Quince Honey Farm

Aller Cross, South Molton, EX36 3RD

Quince Honey Farm - things to do in Devon

Located at the edge of Exmoor is Quince Honey Farm, a working honey farm that offers a full family day out that everyone will enjoy. The most impressive part of this farm is their unique hexagonal themed nectar garden which displays thousands of bee friendly plants. This is where you can see some bees up close. You can also visit the Honey Factory and see what happens behind the scenes! There is also a restaurant at the farm which offers a delicious range of food for all.

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The Box

Tavistock Pl, Plymouth, PL4 8AX

The Box - things to do in Devon

If you are wanting an experience that you can learn something from then The Box in Plymouth will be perfect. This new hub has everything from a gallery, archive, museum, café, shop and a bar! When it opened in 2020 it was one of the most significant cultural events in the UK. As well as the permanent galleries they also have various exhibitions that change throughout the year.

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Canonteign Falls

Exeter, EX6 7RH

Canonteign Falls - things to do in Devon

Most famous for being one of the highest waterfalls in England sitting at 220 feet high, Canonteign Falls was formed in 1890 by a stream diverting over the edge of a cliff. It’s an amazing natural attraction that is in the heart of Devon and it makes an incredible day out for families. During your day out at the falls you will also find Canonteign Kitchen where you can enjoy some delicious homemade food.

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Babbacombe Model Village

Hampton Ave, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3LA

Babbacombe Model Village - things to do in Devon

Since opening in 1963 by Tom & Ruth Dobbins, Babbacombe Model Village is a miniature railway and village that is open 7 days a week from 10am till 2.30pm. Inside this mini village you will find 426 miniature buildings and an estimated population of 13,178 people! It’s a great experience as you will feel like a giant in the 4 acres of award winning gardens that showcase amazing model scenes, vehicles and people!

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Plymouth Gin Distillery

60 Southside St, Plymouth, PL1 2LQ

Plymouth Gin Distillery - things to do in Devon

The Plymouth Gin Distillery has been in operation since 1793 and is the oldest working distillery in England. The tour options that you can do in Plymouth Gin Distillery are amazing, you can either do a classic tour where you learn about how the gin is distilled. Or you can do an enhanced Gin Connoisseur’s Tour with tasting or you can do the Master Distillers Tour where you have the opportunity to choose your own botanicals and distil a bottle that you can take home!

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Tree Surfers

Tavistock Woodland Sawmill Ltd, Gulworthy, Tavistock, PL19 8JE

Tree Surfers - things to do in Devon

If you are wanting to find something that is adrenaline pumping in Devon that will suit everyone in the family then Tree Surfers will be ideal. The main thing on offer is the activity tree surfers where you head up into the tree tops and go through a series of ladders, rope bridges, zip wires and walkways. The tree surfer’s activity is suitable for ages 4 years and up and you can also book into doing archery here too.

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Ilfracombe Sea Safari

11 The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ

Ilfracombe Sea Safari - things to do in Devon

Since you are going to be right on the coast you might as well make the most of it with the Ilfracombe Sea Safari. You can do everything from fishing trips, to sea safaris where you see dolphins or seals. Even trips that include caves and waterfalls! It’s a great experience that will make an incredible day out for everyone. Tours start from 1 hour long up to 2.5 hours.

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Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park Authority, Haytor Lower, B3387, Haytor, TQ13 9XT

Dartmoor National Park - things to do in Devon

Enjoy exploring the vast moorland that is Dartmoor National Park, you will find everything from forests, rivers, wetlands, rock formations and plenty of trails to use. There are also many villages around the area so you can incorporate a visit to one or two into your day of exploring. Also make sure you keep an eye out for the Dartmoor Pony that roams the national park.

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National Marine Aquarium

Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, PL4 0LF

National Marine Aquarium - things to do in Devon

For people who love sea life and want to see and learn all about them the National Marine Aquarium is the perfect place to go. With it being the largest aquarium in the UK and home to over 4,000 animals you will be able to immerse yourself into learning about the marine environment. There are a range of exhibits you can explore at the aquarium from the Great Barrier Reef, Eddystone Reed, Atlantic Ocean and more.

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Now you are ready to start planning your holiday in Devon, why not start by booking your accommodation.

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 3rd March 2022
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Each year it is becoming more and more important that we all do our bit for the environment.

Most people make choices to help care for the environment in their day to day lives but there are so many ways that you can continue to live a ‘greener’ life during your family holiday too. Not only is this amazing for the environment but finding ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly also gives you the chance to teach your kids about the importance of it. Have a read below of some of our suggestions on how you can make your family holiday as eco-friendly as possible.

1. keep it in the UK

The first and best way to make your holiday eco-friendly is by staying in the UK. We already know that staycations are here to stay and have just been getting more and more popular. But by staying in the UK you are reducing your carbon footprint with travel as you are more likely to use a car rather than a plane to get to where you are staying. And if you need some inspiration we have some amazing resorts in the UK to give you some ideas.

our top 6 resorts:

2. continue doing the basics

recycling - 7 ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly light switch - 7 ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly

Sometimes the simplest things we can do are the most effective, and most of the basic ways to help the environment you will still be able to do during your family holiday. These things can be anything from recycling all your rubbish, especially if you are planning a self-catering holiday. Splitting up your plastics, cardboard and general waste and putting them in the correct bins in the area will make a huge difference. Most of our resorts hand recycle waste externally so make sure you check the information guide at the resort you are staying in to make sure you are doing the correct thing|! Other things you can do is make sure you don’t litter when you are out and about and also making sure that lights and electrical items are switched off when you aren’t using them.

3. be smart with your packing

Most of the time when you are staying in the UK for your family holiday you will be driving to the location. But it’s still important that you are mindful of what you are packing. As tempting as it is to fill your car to the brim with everything and anything you may need for the trip, the extra weight in the car will mean you will use more fuel. By being smart with your packing you will be able to reduce the carbon emissions your car lets out.

4. invest in reusable bottles/cups etc.

reusable water bottle - 7 ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly reuse - 7 ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly

Although buying things like reusable water bottles and cups does come at a cost at the start they end up being extremely cost effective and save you spending money on single-use plastic. If you make sure everyone has their own reusable bottle and if you like hot drinks get some reusable cups then you are set for your day out. You can also take this one step further and buy reusable toiletry bottles so you can just take a smaller amount of the shampoo, conditioner and body wash you already have at home.

5. explore locally

Most of the time with a staycation you will have travelled somewhere in the UK that you want to explore. So use where you are staying as your base and stay local. Once your there try to travel by foot as much as you can or take bikes with you or you will probably be able to hire some not far away from where you are staying. If you need inspiration you will be able to search the internet and find so many amazing walks and things to see and do just a stone’s throw away from you.

6. plan an inspiring green day out

Eden Project - 7 ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly Greenwood Family Park - 7 ways to make your family holiday eco-friendly

Since you are trying to make your family holiday eco-friendly a great way to learn more about the environment would be by planning an inspiring green day out! For example if you are planning a holiday in Cornwall you could add a trip to the Eden Project to your stay. Or if you are having a holiday in North Wales take the family to GreenWood Family Park. There will be so much to learn and enjoy on a green day out.

7. think about where your food comes from

One thing you may not think about is the food you eat whilst you are away. You can make sure you eat local meat and produce if you are self-catering. If you are planning on eating out just do some research before you go to make sure the restaurant/café sources all their ingredients locally. By doing this you are not only more likely to eat the freshest and most tasty food but it will also cut down on food miles.

No matter how big or small the changes are that you make to your family holiday it all helps towards looking after the environment. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday today!

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 23rd February 2022
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Somerset has a lot to offer, from its stunning towns to amazing views.

So when you are planning to go there for a staycation you will want to make sure you make the most of exploring the area. We thought we would give you a helping hand and provide you with some inspiration from Instagram. And when it’s time to book where to stay we have our amazing resorts in Somerset that will make the perfect base.

Hopefully we have given you some inspiration and you are now ready to book your staycation in Somerset now!

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 21st February 2022
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Norfolk is a stunning area in England that’s full of amazing scenery and sites to see.

But before you head down you will want to make sure you have a list of the best places to see so that you make the most of your trip. And when it comes to where to stay, we have a stunning resort in Norfolk that will make the perfect base for you.

 

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So now you’re ready to start planning your trip to Norfolk, and the best place to start is booking where to stay.

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 18th February 2022
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The Isle of Wight makes a great staycation location in the UK and can provide you with plenty of things to see and do.

Start planning your trip away with the help of this blog where you can find a range of different things to do in the Isle of Wight. As well as helping you put together some ideas of how to stay busy in the area, we can also help you with deciding where you should stay. We have 2 amazing resorts on the Isle of Wight that are perfect for families, couples and friends.

The Isle of Wight Distillery

Pondwell Hill, Ryde, PO33 1PX

The Isle of Wight Distillery - things to do in the Isle of Wight

Founded by Xavier & Conrad, The Isle of Wight Distillery is the first and only distillery on the whole of the island. With a commitment to sustainability, conservation and a circular economy the distillery strives to minimise waste and use ethically-sourced and, most of the time, local ingredients to create their range of spirits. Although they don’t do distillery tours they do have a bar on site called The Mermaid Bar where you can go and try out their products and maybe take some home!

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The Needles Landmark Attraction

Alum Bay New Rd, Alum Bay, Totland Bay, PO39 0JD

The Needles Landmark Attraction - things to do in the Isle of Wight

Probably one of the most iconic landmarks in the Isle of Wight and one that you definitely need to visit if you are on the island is The Needles. You will be able to book a boat trip that will take you on a close up trip of the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. But there are also so many other attractions here that you can make a full day of it. From adventure golf to a carousel, dino jeep safaris and tea cups, there’s so much to do – you can even learn more about how sweets and glassware are made.

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Ventnor Botanic Garden

Undercliff Dr, Ventnor, PO38 1UL

Ventnor Botanic Garden - things to do in the Isle of Wight

If you love exploring botanical gardens and learning all about different plants and ecosystems, then Ventnor Botanic Garden will be the perfect place for you to go. There are so many areas of these gardens including a tropical house which houses a pool that contains 22 tonnes of heated water. As well as the gardens you will also find the Edulis Restaurant where you can enjoy a bite to eat for lunch, or The Plantation Room Café which is open from 10am until 4pm with plenty to offer. PUYA Boutique is also open daily and you can purchase a gift for someone or items for yourself before you leave.

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Tapnell Farm Park

Tapnell Farm House, Newport Rd, Yarmouth, PO41 0YJ

Tapnell Farm Park - things to do in the Isle of Wight

This award-winning farm park has everything you’d need to keep the whole family entertained for the day. There are jumping pillows, go karts, sledge slides and plenty of play park areas including one inside a straw barn. Along with the activities there is also an Animal Barn where you will find wallabies, meerkats, goats, highland cows, sheep, alpacas, pigs, donkeys and a pets corner with smaller animals. You can also get a bite to eat at The Cow, which is a family and dog-friendly bar and restaurant.

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Isle of Wight Aqua Park

Tapnell Farm House, Isle of Wight Aqua Park, Yarmouth, PO41 0YJ

Isle of Wight Aqua Park - things to do in the Isle of Wight

If you are looking for some outdoor fun to enjoy in the spring and summer months then the Isle of Wight Aqua Park will be perfect. It’s located around the corner from Tapnell Farm Park and is an attraction that is completely on water. With over 20 different obstacles to complete you will be able to enjoy a range of slides and climbing frames along the course. And like Tapnell Farm Park you will be able to use The Cow bar and restaurant if you are wanting to grab some food at the end of the day.

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Carisbrooke Castle

Castle Hill, Newport, PO30 1XY

Carisbrooke Castle - things to do in the Isle of Wight

You will find Carisbrooke Castle sitting high up at the heart of the Isle of Wight. During its time it has been an artillery fortress, a king’s prison and a royal summer residence. It’s the perfect place to go in the spring summer months if you want to enjoy the fresh air and take in the breathtaking panoramic views. As well as the castle, you can also enjoy the Princess Beatrice Garden, the Castle Tearoom, meeting the donkeys and more.

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Shanklin Beach

Esplanade, Shanklin, Isle Of Wight, PO37 6BS

Shanklin Beach - things to do in the Isle of Wight

Known for being one of the best stretches of golden sands, it’s a great place to head if you want to enjoy a traditional English seafront promenade. Shanklin Beach is the perfect place to go if you want a proper beach day, as Shanklin Esplanade has a large amusement arcade which has things like crazy golf, go karting and bowling! You will also find plenty of cafes and beach shops where you can buy supplies for your beach day fun.

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Red Squirrel Trail

265 Arctic Rd, Cowes, PO31 7XD

Red Squirrel Trail - things to do in the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight’s most iconic species is the native Red Squirrel and that’s who this trail has been named after. The trail itself is 32 miles long and goes along mostly traffic-free areas in the beautiful countryside. If you wanted to cycle the 32 mile route it would be a great 2 or 3 day tour but a lot of people also walk a smaller section of the route and make it a day or half day experience.

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Blackgang Chine

Ventnor, PO38 2HN

Restricted Area 5 at Blackgang Chine - things to do in the Isle of Wight

For a day out that the kids will love you will want to go to Blackgang Chine Land of Imagination, it’s an amusement park that has everything you can think of. From dinosaurs, fairies and cowboys to an underwater kingdom: each area has different rides and attractions that will suit children of all ages and there are plenty of places you can stop at for food and drink to keep you going all day.

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Now that you’ve got your ideas ready you can start organising your trip away to the Isle of Wight.

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 15th February 2022
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Enjoy exploring the area and visiting all the sites that Kent has to offer on your next trip away.

To help you put together the ultimate trip away we have searched through Instagram and found some amazing images of things and places in Kent that you will want to visit. We also have one of our stunning resorts in Kent which will make the perfect place to stay whilst you are exploring Kent!

 

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Start planning your trip to Kent today and look forward to creating unforgettable memories.

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 10th February 2022
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Being in Britain means we can never be guaranteed sunshine all year round.

And although staycations are still as popular in 2022 as they were in 2021 it may still rain during your caravan holiday. But we are here to tell you that you can’t let a bit of rain stop you from having fun and making memories! There are so many fun rainy day activities that you can do on your caravan holiday. To make things easier for you we’ve put all our amazing ideas into a list below so hopefully you find one that suits your family.

make use of the facilities on-site

If you are at one of our Darwin Escapes resorts you will find a range of different facilities available to use that will be perfect for all the family. From indoor swimming pools to restaurants, outdoor splash areas and bowling. You will be able to stay entertained no matter what the weather is at our resorts and make memories that will last forever.

Here is a list of facilities you may find at our Darwin Escapes resorts:

  • Indoor swimming pools
  • Play parks
  • Outdoor splash areas
  • Bowling
  • Restaurants
  • Gyms
  • Spas
  • Go Active activities

have a movie day

rainy day activities for your caravan holiday - have a movie day

If you do find it’s raining during your caravan holiday and you want to stay inside a great idea would be to have a movie day. Either make sure you have some snacks in or face the rain to stock up on some goodies then you’re good to go. Find all your favourite family films that will be perfect to watch during your movie day!

find some indoor attractions

No matter where in the UK you are for your caravan holiday you won’t be more than a short car journey away from some amazing indoor attractions. This could be anything from a trip to the cinema, an indoor play area, indoor shopping centre, museums etc. If you stay at one of our Darwin Escapes resorts you won’t be far from some fun indoor attractions for all the family.

play some games

rainy day activities for your caravan holiday - play some games

The main thing you want to do when you are looking for ideas for rainy day activities for your caravan holiday is ensure that you are doing things that keep everyone entertained. Make sure your prepared for your holiday and take some games with you that you can play together.

Top 6 games to play as a family:

  • Monopoly
  • Cluedo
  • Game of Life
  • Trivia Pursuit
  • Pack of cards
  • Guess Who?

get creative

If arts and crafts is your thing then it’s the perfect time to do so when it’s raining. Whether that’s with a drawing competition or you want to get even more creative and make something out of all the things you can find at the caravan park. It’s a great excuse to think a little differently and create some amazing things together.

bake some treats

rainy day activities for your caravan holiday - bake some treats

Why not pop to the local shops and get all the ingredients you need to make some baked goods. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a baker why not get the packet mixes of cookies and brownies etc. It doesn’t matter how you make them everyone will enjoy eating them at the end!

go out and explore in the rain

Sometimes when it is raining and you have the right clothing, there is nothing better than to go out and explore in the rain. Go on a countryside walk or find a viewpoint to walk to. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air, be at one with nature and get some good exercise in.

We have 24 different resorts across the UK which offer holidays and holiday home ownership options.

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 7th February 2022
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Known for its Yorkshire Dales, the York Minister and the famous Shambles, there are so many amazing things to see in Yorkshire it will be hard figuring out where to start.

So to help you out we’ve searched through Instagram and found some amazing images to give you the inspiration on where to go and what to see. Have a browse below and start making a list of what you want to do whilst you are in the area. Also if you are looking for a place to stay we have an amazing resort in Yorkshire perfect for everyone.

Now that you’ve had some inspiration and ideas of what to see and do whilst you are in Yorkshire it’s time to start planning the trip.

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 1st February 2022
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The Isle of Wight is a stunning island that will be the perfect place for a staycation this year.

But before you go why not get some inspiration of things to see and do whilst you are there. We have found some amazing photos on Instagram which will give you an idea of what to expect whilst you are there. And we have 2 amazing resorts on the Isle of Wight that would be perfect as your base whilst you are exploring the area.

 

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So now you’ve got an idea of what to expect it’s time to start planning your trip to the Isle of Wight.

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 25th January 2022
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Oxfordshire is known for many things, its universities, museums and libraries and being the inspiration for parts of Harry Potter!

So before you head down to Oxfordshire you will want to make sure you know of some amazing places to go and beautiful sights to see whilst you are there. Our beautiful The Springs Resort & Golf Club would make the perfect base for you during your stay.

Now that you’ve got some inspiration why not start planning your trip away to Oxfordshire?

Written by Katelyn Wynne-Evans • 24th January 2022
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