If you’re looking for affordable family days out in Devon this summer, you’ve come to the right place.
As a family of six, we’ve learned that the best adventures don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, some of our favourite days out have cost little more than a packed picnic, a flask of tea and a tank of fuel.
While many family day out guides focus on expensive attractions and tourist hotspots, we’ve always preferred somewhere a little quieter. Give us a beautiful beach, a woodland walk, an outdoor pool or somewhere the children can run free, and we’re all happy.
This guide is packed with the places we genuinely return to year after year. Some are completely free, others are fantastic value for money, and a few are perfect if you already have a National Trust membership.
Whether you’re entertaining toddlers, school aged children or teenagers, hopefully you’ll discover somewhere new to explore this summer.
Many attractions also run extra family activities during the school holidays, so it’s always worth checking their website before you visit to see what’s on during your trip.
Quick List: Budget Days Out in Devon
If you’re short on time, here are some of our favourite budget friendly family days out.
Free Days Out
- The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
- Seaton Wetlands
- RAMM, Exeter
- House of Marbles
- Hound Tor and Haytor
- Berry Head Nature Reserve
- Slapton Ley
- Beaches across Devon
Great Value Days Out
- Wildwood Devon
- Ilfracombe Aquarium
- Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
- Outdoor swimming pools
- Clovelly Village
- National Trust properties, especially if you’re already members
Perfect Picnic Spots
- Seaton Wetlands
- Hound Tor
- Salcombe
- Berry Head
- Bantham Beach
- Slapton Ley
- Cockington Country Park
- Donkey Sanctuary
Budget Friendly Days Out in Mid and East Devon
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
One of the very best free family days out in Devon.
The setting is lovely, with gentle walks through the valley, plenty of friendly donkeys to meet and lots of open space for children to explore.
One thing I particularly love is that there’s no pressure to rush around. You can wander between the donkey paddocks, stop for a drink in the café overlooking the valley and then let the children burn off some energy in the play area.
When we’ve forgotten to pack lunch, which definitely happens occasionally, the café is spacious, reasonably priced and has one of the nicest views around.
Throughout the summer holidays they often introduce seasonal family trails, activity sheets and keeper talks, so it’s worth checking what’s happening before you visit.
Why we love it
- Completely free entry
- Fantastic café
- Play area
- Plenty of walking
- Great for all ages
- Easy place to spend half a day
Budget tip: pack a picnic and enjoy lunch overlooking the paddocks before exploring the rest of the sanctuary.
Seaton Wetlands
This is one of those places that’s wonderfully simple but delivers.
The wetlands are completely free to visit and offer flat, accessible walking trails that are ideal for pushchairs, scooters and younger children.
Our children especially enjoyed the wildlife hides, where we’ve had a peaceful picnic spotting ducks, herons and whatever else happens to fly past. It’s surprisingly relaxing and a lovely change of pace from busier attractions.
There are lots of little activity prompts dotted around the reserve which help keep children engaged, and the café and toilets make it easy to stay for a few hours. If you fancy extending your day out, the Seaton Tramway stops nearby and pairs perfectly with a visit to the wetlands.
Why we love it
- Free
- Peaceful
- Wildlife spotting
- Pushchair friendly
- Café and toilets
- Ideal picnic spot
Wildwood Devon
When we’re looking for a paid attraction that’s still good value, Wildwood is one of our favourites.
Compared with many larger wildlife parks, we’ve always felt you get excellent value for money here, especially if you’re local enough to consider a membership.
Our children enjoy following the woodland paths to discover each enclosure, but it’s the animal talks that really make the visit. We still remember listening to the wolf keeper explaining how the pack communicates, it was fascinating and sparked so many questions on the journey home.
There are several play areas, a maze, woodland trails and usually seasonal family activities during the holidays, so it’s easy to spend most of the day here without anyone getting bored.
It’s also one of our favourite places when the weather can’t quite make up its mind. Even on cloudy days, wandering through the woods somehow feels like an adventure.
Why we love it
- Excellent value
- Fantastic animal talks
- Woodland setting
- Plenty of play areas, including a daring death slide
- Great for mixed age children
Our Favourite East Devon Beaches
One of the best things about living in Devon is that some of the county’s most beautiful beaches are completely free to enjoy.
We always pack a picnic, towels, paddleboards and plenty of snacks because once we’ve arrived, we rarely want to leave.
Beer Beach
Beer has such a lovely traditional fishing village feel.
Instead of long stretches of sand, you’ll find fishing boats pulled up onto the pebbles, cafés on the beach and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
It’s one of our favourite places for paddleboarding when the sea is calm, and there are some lovely cafés nearby if you fancy an ice cream or coffee after your swim.
Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton is another beach we return to again and again.
The long promenade is perfect for scooters and bikes, there’s a skatepark for older children, several cafés and plenty of room to spread out with a picnic.
We also love walking along the nearby nature reserve. If you’re lucky, and patient, don’t forget your binoculars, you may even spot wildlife along the River Otter.
Jacob’s Ladder, Sidmouth
If you can’t decide between sand and pebbles, Sidmouth is a brilliant compromise. Jacob’s Ladder combines a shingle and sand beach beneath the cliffs, with a café at the top of the steps and easy access into the town, so everyone in the family gets a bit of what they fancy.
Best Crabbing Spots in East Devon
Some of my favourite childhood memories involve balancing on harbour walls with a bucket, a crab line and far more excitement than success.
It’s something our own children now love doing too. Our favourite places include:
- Exmouth Harbour
- Seaton Hole rock pools
Outdoor Pools in Mid and East Devon
Clyst Hydon Pool
This little village pool is one of Devon’s hidden gems.
Run by volunteers, it has a wonderfully nostalgic feel that’s becoming increasingly rare.
The water certainly wakes you up on a hot day, but that’s all part of the charm. There’s also a small slide, a toddler pool and refreshments available.
Before travelling, it’s always worth checking opening times as they can vary throughout the season.
Pick Your Own Fruit
One of our favourite summer traditions is visiting a Pick Your Own farm.
There’s something really satisfying about coming home with strawberries or raspberries you’ve picked yourself, and children love getting involved.
Halberton Court Farm is a lovely option, but availability depends on the season, so it’s always worth checking before you travel.
Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast
I’m slightly cheating by including Dorset in a Devon guide, but it’s simply too good to leave out.
Charmouth and Lyme Regis are less than an hour from much of East Devon and make fantastic family days out.
We usually visit outside the busiest times of day, check the tide tables before setting off and combine fossil hunting with a visit to the museum or fossil shops.
Our children love bringing their finds home and researching them afterwards, turning a day at the beach into an unexpected science lesson.
Even if you don’t discover the next big dinosaur, it’s an adventure in itself.
Budget Friendly Days Out in Exeter and South Devon
Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter
One of the best free rainy day activities in Devon.
Not every summer day brings sunshine, and when the weather turns, RAMM is a great place to escape to.
Best of all, entry is completely free.
There’s so much more to this museum than you might expect. From ancient Egyptian artefacts and fascinating world cultures to Devon wildlife, dinosaurs and interactive exhibitions, there’s something to capture everyone’s imagination.
Our children particularly enjoy following the museum trails, and younger visitors can often borrow activity packs to make exploring even more engaging. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a couple of hours without anyone asking when it’s time to leave.
During the school holidays, RAMM often hosts family workshops, craft activities and themed trails, so it’s worth checking their website before your visit.
Why we love it
- Free admission
- Perfect for rainy days
- Interactive family activities
- Great for all ages
- Indoor picnic room
Haldon Forest Park
If your children have energy to burn, Haldon Forest rarely disappoints.
This has become one of our favourite places for family bike rides. The woodland trails cater for different abilities, so everyone can enjoy getting outdoors, whether they’re confident cyclists or just starting out.
There are several walking routes too, making it a brilliant option if you’re bringing the dog.
You’ll also find popular family trails that change throughout the year, plus adventure play areas hidden amongst the trees. For older children and teenagers, Go Ape offers an exciting extra challenge.
We always pack a picnic because there are plenty of beautiful spots to stop and enjoy lunch surrounded by the forest.
Top tip: parking charges apply, but once you’re there, there’s plenty to enjoy without spending anything else.
The Box, Plymouth
If you’re visiting Plymouth, The Box is well worth adding to your itinerary.
This modern museum and gallery manages to feel both educational and fun, with exhibitions covering everything from Plymouth’s maritime history to art, archaeology and natural history.
Throughout the summer holidays, they usually offer free or low cost family craft sessions and interactive activities, making it another excellent option if the weather isn’t playing ball.
It’s compact enough for younger children but still interesting enough to keep older ones engaged.
Exploring Dartmoor on a Budget
Dartmoor is one of those places that reminds us why we love living in Devon.
It doesn’t cost anything to enjoy its incredible landscapes, and every visit feels like a completely different adventure.
Whether we’re climbing granite tors, splashing in rivers or hunting for geocaches, it’s always one of our children’s favourite days out.
Hound Tor and Haytor
If you’ve never climbed a Dartmoor tor with children before, Hound Tor is a fantastic place to start.
The walk isn’t too long, but reaching the top still feels like a real achievement for little legs.
Our children absolutely love scrambling over the huge granite rocks, pretending they’re explorers discovering ancient castles.
Just below the tor are the remains of a medieval village, which always sparks plenty of questions about what life was like hundreds of years ago.
If you’re visiting nearby Haytor as well, you can easily combine both into a full day on Dartmoor.
Don’t forget to pack:
- Walking shoes
- A picnic
- Plenty of water
- Binoculars
- A sense of adventure
Read more on taking kids to Hound Tor and Haytor here.
Spitchwick
When temperatures soar, Spitchwick is one of our favourite places to cool off.
The shallow sections of the River Dart are perfect for paddling, building dams and simply relaxing beside the water.
We usually spend far longer here than we’d planned, because once everyone has settled in with a picnic, nobody wants to leave.
It can become busy during hot weather, so arriving early definitely helps.
Please remember that rivers can change quickly after heavy rain, so always supervise children closely.
House of Marbles
This is one of those hidden gems that surprises everyone.
Entry to the museum is free, making it ideal if you’re looking for something different without spending lots of money.
Children love watching the enormous marble runs, seeing traditional glass blowing demonstrations and choosing their own marbles from the gift shop.
It’s not somewhere we’d spend an entire day, but it’s brilliant combined with a Dartmoor walk or another nearby attraction.
South Devon Coast and Villages
Salcombe
There are some places in Devon that simply never lose their magic, and Salcombe is definitely one of them.
It’s actually one of the reasons we fell in love with Devon in the first place.
Yes, it gets busy during the summer holidays, but somehow that just adds to the atmosphere.
We love wandering around the harbour, watching the sailing boats drift across the estuary while the children browse the little gift shops and choose sweets. We don’t feel like we have to spend lots of money here, simply strolling around the harbour, watching the boats come and go, or catching the passenger ferry across to East Portlemouth for a walk to Mill Bay Beach.
It’s one of our favourite ways to see Salcombe from a different perspective.
Brixham Harbour and Berry Head
Brixham has a completely different feel from Salcombe.
The colourful harbour is always bustling, with fishing boats unloading their catch while families sit enjoying fish and chips along the waterfront.
On one memorable visit, we were even lucky enough to spot a bottlenose dolphin swimming close to the harbour wall and a seal sleeping on a jetty.
If you’re feeling energetic, continue along the coastal path to Berry Head National Nature Reserve.
The walk isn’t too challenging, and the views across Tor Bay are spectacular.
There are plenty of opportunities to spot seabirds, enjoy a picnic and simply appreciate the incredible coastline.
Cockington Village and Country Park
Cockington feels like stepping into another era.
Thatched cottages, peaceful lakes, woodland walks and craft studios make it one of the prettiest villages in Devon. Children can feed the ducks, wander through the gardens and peek into the independent workshops where local artists create everything from glassware to handmade chocolates.
It’s also a brilliant place for a gentle family walk if you don’t fancy tackling one of Dartmoor’s hills.
Parking is paid, but once you’ve arrived it’s a wonderfully inexpensive day out.
Slapton Ley, Torcross and Start Bay
This whole stretch of coastline is one of our favourite places in South Devon.
Rather than choosing just one destination, we often make a full day of exploring the area.
Start at Slapton Ley, where peaceful walking trails wind alongside the largest natural freshwater lake in south west England.
Keep an eye out for dragonflies, lizards, newts, birds and butterflies as you explore the nature reserve.
Afterwards, head across the road to Torcross Beach.
The children love skimming stones while we usually treat ourselves to an ice cream or fish and chips before wandering along the seafront.
If you’ve still got plenty of energy, continue to Beesands, Hallsands or even Start Point Lighthouse for one of the most spectacular coastal walks in Devon.
Every stop offers something slightly different, making this one of our favourite road trip days.
Hallsands
Hallsands is one of Devon’s hidden treasures.
The ruined fishing village tells a fascinating story of how the sea gradually claimed the community over a century ago.
There’s something wonderfully atmospheric about wandering around here before continuing along the South West Coast Path.
Start Point Lighthouse
If you enjoy coastal walks, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
The dramatic cliffs, crashing waves and panoramic sea views make every step worthwhile.
You can simply walk to the lighthouse and back, or continue along the South West Coast Path if you’re looking for a longer adventure.
It’s one of those places that reminds you just how wild and beautiful Devon’s coastline really is.
Bantham and Mill Bay Beaches
If you asked me to choose just one area for a family beach day in South Devon, I’d struggle to look beyond Bantham and nearby Mill Bay. Both are beautiful, family friendly and well worth the journey.
Mill Bay
Getting there takes a little more effort than some beaches, but that’s part of its charm. You can drive down the narrow lane, walk from East Portlemouth or catch the passenger ferry across from Salcombe before enjoying a scenic walk to the beach.
It’s a wonderfully sheltered spot that’s ideal for younger children. At low tide, there’s plenty of space to dig in the sand, paddle in the shallows and build little rivers running into the sea.
Our older children love taking their paddleboards here, while the younger ones are perfectly happy collecting shells and splashing along the shoreline. During the summer months, there’s usually a small café serving drinks and snacks, as well as toilets nearby, making it an easy place to spend most of the day.
Why we love it
- Sheltered bay
- Great for paddleboarding
- Ideal for younger children
- Less busy than many South Devon beaches
- Beautiful views across the estuary
Bantham Beach
Bantham is one of those beaches that never disappoints. The wide stretch of golden sand means there’s plenty of room for everyone, even during the summer holidays, and the backdrop of rolling green hills makes it feel incredibly scenic.
When our children were younger, they loved exploring the rock pools and building enormous sandcastles. As they’ve grown older, surfing has become the main attraction. If you’ve got children keen to try surfing for the first time, Bantham is a brilliant place to book a lesson.
At low tide, adventurous families can even walk across towards Bigbury on Sea, which always feels like a little expedition. There’s a large car park, toilets, cafés and lifeguards during the summer season, making it an easy choice for a full beach day.
Our Favourite Crabbing Spots in South Devon
Crabbing has become one of those simple family traditions we come back to every summer. All you really need is a bucket, a crabbing line, a little patience and perhaps a bit of friendly competition over who catches the biggest one.
Some of our favourite places include:
- Brixham Harbour
- Kingsbridge Estuary
- Salcombe Harbour
- Dartmouth Harbour
- Stoke Gabriel
Outdoor Pools in South Devon
One of the best things about Devon is the number of lidos dotted across the county. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to cool off after a walk or simply fancy an afternoon swimming outdoors, these are all excellent options.
Our favourites include:
- Topsham Pool, heated and fantastic for families, with inflatable sessions during the holidays
- Buckfastleigh Outdoor Pool, great if you’ve got older children who’ll also enjoy the adjoining skatepark
- Teignmouth Lido, a classic seaside pool
- Shoalstone Seawater Pool, Brixham, one of Devon’s most iconic swimming spots
- Salcombe Swimming Pool, perfect after a morning exploring the town
- Dartington Pool
- Kingsteignton Outdoor Pool
- Bovey Tracey Pool
- Ashburton Pool
- Chudleigh Pool
- Moretonhampstead Pool
Most outdoor pools operate seasonal timetables, so it’s always worth checking opening times before travelling.
Pick Your Own Farms in South Devon
A Pick Your Own visit has become one of our favourite summer traditions. Children love wandering through the fields searching for the biggest strawberries or juiciest raspberries, and there’s something really satisfying about bringing home fruit you’ve picked together.
Some lovely options include:
- Thornes Farm
- Pips Pick Your Own
- Strawberry Fields, Lifton
Many also have farm shops selling local produce, homemade cakes and ice cream, making them lovely places to stop even if you’re not planning to fill a basket.
National Trust Days Out
One of the best investments we’ve made as a family has been our National Trust membership.
Once you’ve paid for it, so many brilliant family days out become so affordable, which makes a huge difference over the long summer holidays.
The properties below are all favourites of ours, and many host additional family activities, trails and outdoor games during the school holidays.
Rather than listing specific events, which change every year, I’d always recommend checking each property’s website before visiting.
Killerton
Killerton is one of those places we never seem to tire of visiting.
The grounds are huge, giving children plenty of space to run, climb, explore and simply enjoy being outdoors.
Pack a picnic, bring a football or frisbee and it’s very easy to spend an entire day here.
Knightshayes
Knightshayes offers a lovely mix of formal gardens, woodland walks and one of the most impressive houses in Devon.
Our children especially enjoy exploring the gardens and discovering whichever family trail is running during the holidays.
Greenway
Holiday home of the late Agatha Christie, this is a fascinating property full of over 12,000 artefacts from Agatha’s life, perfect for little ones who love a good collection of treasures to look over.
Head down to the boathouse and learn all about the famous author, go for a cruise on the River Dart while you’re visiting, or add a trip on the Dart Valley Steam Railway.
Buckland Abbey
This fascinating historic property always feels a little different from other National Trust sites.
There’s usually plenty to keep children entertained, with outdoor activities, seasonal trails and opportunities to learn about the abbey’s fascinating history without it feeling like a history lesson.
Saltram
Saltram, with its beautiful parkland, is perfect for picnics, bike rides and long family walks.
During the summer holidays, they often transform parts of the estate with family games, creative play and themed activities, making every visit feel a little different.
North Devon and Exmoor
North Devon has a completely different feel from the south. The beaches feel wilder, the cliffs more dramatic and there’s a real sense of adventure wherever you go.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
The historic water powered cliff railway connects the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, offering spectacular views across the Bristol Channel as you travel.
It’s a lovely experience in itself, but it also saves little legs from tackling the steep climb between the two villages.
Once you’ve arrived, spend some time exploring the independent shops, harbour and riverside walks before enjoying an ice cream by the sea.
Ilfracombe Aquarium
If you’re looking for a smaller attraction that still offers great value, Ilfracombe Aquarium is well worth a visit.
Rather than focusing on tropical fish from around the world, it tells the story of local marine life, following the journey of water from an Exmoor stream all the way out to Lundy Island.
It’s interactive, informative and just the right size for younger children. We all came away having learnt something new.
Clovelly
Clovelly isn’t free, but it’s one of those places where we genuinely feel admission is worth paying.
Stepping through the gates feels like travelling back in time.
The cobbled streets tumble steeply down towards the harbour, there are donkeys carrying supplies, colourful cottages overflowing with flowers and breathtaking sea views around every corner.
We visited outside the busiest season and absolutely loved taking our time exploring.
If you’re staying nearby, it’s worth remembering that your ticket allows you to return within seven days, making it even better value.
Woolacombe and Saunton Sands
North Devon has no shortage of spectacular beaches, but these two remain our favourites.
Woolacombe
A huge stretch of golden sand, fantastic surf and plenty of space to spread out make Woolacombe perfect for traditional family beach days.
At low tide, the rock pools provide endless entertainment for curious children.
Saunton Sands
Saunton feels wonderfully wild.
The vast beach backed by dunes is perfect for long walks, beach games and watching surfers tackle the waves.
We find ourselves staying until sunset whenever we visit.
Combesgate Beach
If your children love rock pooling, Combesgate is well worth seeking out.
At low tide, the pools come alive with crabs, tiny fish, anemones and all sorts of fascinating marine creatures.
Many summers also include ranger led rock pooling sessions, which are a brilliant way for children to learn more about the wildlife they’re discovering.
Arlington Court
Arlington Court is another National Trust property that’s brilliant for families.
The extensive grounds, woodland walks and seasonal activities make it easy to spend a whole day here.
Our children especially enjoy following the trails, while we appreciate finding a quiet corner for a picnic before heading off to explore somewhere new.
Final Thoughts
One of the things we love most about living in Devon is that some of the very best family memories have cost the least.
Whether we’re climbing a Dartmoor tor, searching for fossils along the Jurassic Coast, paddling in the sea at Bantham or simply feeding the ducks at Cockington, it’s proof that a brilliant family day out doesn’t need a big budget, just a picnic, a full tank of petrol and a sense of adventure.
I hope this guide gives you a few new places to add to your list this summer. If you have a favourite budget friendly day out in Devon that we haven’t mentioned, I’d love to hear about it.
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