Barnstaple is a great place to have a
day out with the kids. Below we've tried to list as many attractions as we can to make it easy for you to find fun places to visit - we hope you find our website useful - and easy to use. Do you know of any other great
places to go that we may have missed? If so, it would be really nice if you could you get in touch, so that other kids can enjoy the day out as well - thanks a lot - have fun!
Family Days Out near to Barnstaple
North Devon Leisure Centre
(< 1 mile)
Barnstaple
North Devon Leisure Centre Standard swimming facilities with 1m and 3m Springboards. Creche and indoor soft play area also on site.
Funderzone Indoor Soft Play Centre
(2 miles)
Barnstaple
Funderzone Indoor Soft Play Centre Indoor soft play centre for children from toddlers to 12 year olds. Activities for all ages, babies and toddlers have their very own play area. There are ball ponds, astro slides, cargo nets, spooky maze + Great kids day out in Devon.
North Devon Falconry
(3 miles)
Newton Tracey
North Devon Falconry Enjoy a day hunting with our trained Harris' hawks in some of the UK's most beautifull countryside.
Devon Farm Park
(4 miles)
Barnstaple
Devon Farm Park 'Join us for a fantastic day out at a great family attraction - discovering a real working farm in the beautiful Devonshire countryside, plus so much more: children's play areas, animal encounters, nature trails, tranquil tearooms and even angling!'
Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool
(6 miles)
Braunton
Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool Experience the thrill of Cascades 84-degree tropical adventure pool with its giant 230ft flume and rapids ride. Safe pools and mini-waterfalls for younger children, Jacuzzi and bubble lounger. Award-winning spectacular sandy beach which is patrolled by lifeguards in season.
Arlington Court
(6 miles)
Arlington
Arlington Court An attraction with many things to offer. The National Trust of Carriages, a bat cave and an intriguing house full of items and souvenirs amassed by a famous bunch of travellers!
Exmoor Zoo
(8 miles)
Barnstaple
Exmoor Zoo There is only one place you are guaranteed to see the elusive Exmoor Beast and that is in the grounds of Exmoor Zoo. The beast is one of the zoos many highlights. It is a rather large black leopard that is likely to spot you before you see her! Discover whether wild beasts really do roam the moors and decide for yourself whether the stories are fact or legend!
Exmoor Zoo is an award winning zoo set in a delightful location. It is nestled in rolling valleys in the heart of North Devon. The zoo has retained much of the beauty of the surrounding countryside and homes over 200 different species of animals and birds that you can discover round its winding paths.
If you want to get up close to animals, then this is the place to come. Every day is packed with a choice of activities. These include keeper talks, animal feeding sessions and animal encounter sessions where you can get up close to animals and even feed some of them yourself. All year round you can stroke and feed our wallabies, hold a snake or big hairy spider (if you dare) and see Otters, Penguins, Cheetahs and the Exmoor beast being fed. Meet the friendly keepers who will give you an interesting and entertaining insight into these animals whilst they feed them.
Spring and summer brings many baby animals and the chance to meet and stroke some of these new arrivals. During summer you also have the chance to hear about our Lemurs, Gibbons and ever popular Meerkats who are always on the lookout for new visitors! Come along to these activities and you will be amazed how quickly the day zooms by.
There really is something for all ages at the zoo. Young ones enjoy filling in our fun trails and we have a variety of animals and activities to capture everyone's attention. The zoo homes many unusual creatures not often seen at other zoos and we even have some free range animals which you are likely to encounter along your way. Exmoor Zoo and its range of animals are always changing. New arrivals for 2010 include a Puma, Spider Monkeys and a curious looking Tapir.
Cobbaton Combat Collection
(8 miles)
Umberleigh
Cobbaton Combat Collection 'Military museum and tourist attraction, this North Devon collection covers mostly World War Two and the years 1939 - 1945, but with exhibits from the Boer War right up to the First Gulf War. Ranging from military surplus British Army - plus Canadian and Russian Forces - tanks, guns, helmets, artillery, grenades, and bombs to Home Front ration books, gas masks, ARP and Home Guard uniforms and blackout lamps.'
Keypitts Quads
(9 miles)
Ilfracombe
Keypitts Quads offer four types of ride and they start with the badger ride which has been tailored for the 6 year olds and over using our all terrain adventure track.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
(9 miles)
Combe Martin
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park - the land that time forgot. A sub tropical paradise with exotic birds and animals and the most realistic Dinosaurs on the Planet! Daily Sea lion Shows, Falconry Displays, Lemur Encounters and magnificent Lions. Spectacular lightshow, Earthquake Canyon Train Ride, Tropical Butterfly House and 'Tomb of the Pharaohs'.
Bideford Railway Museum
(9 miles)
Bideford
Bideford Railway Museum Bideford Railway Museum - Although regular passenger trains ceased in 1965 with the notorious 'Beaching Act', the line from Barnstaple - Torrington - Meeth remained open for milk and clay traffic until 1982.
Discovery Island
(10 miles)
Bideford
Discovery Island or a real adventure pick your way through the Mystery Maze or hop aboard the Pirate Galleon. Who knows, you may even find lost treasures whilst panning for gold.. Good idea if you're after fun things to do in Devon with kids.
Watermouth Castle and Theme Park
(10 miles)
Ilfracombe
Watermouth Castle and Theme Park Mechanical music demonstrations, model railway, domestic dairy, cider-making exhibits, cycle museum, smugglers' dungeon, maze, water show, rides, gnome village, large slide, water play, antique arcade, crazy mirrors, gardens, children's animations, 'Merrygoland' and much more.
Ilfracombe Aquarium
(10 miles)
Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe Aquarium 'Experience the fascinating journey from an Exmoor stream to the Atlantic Ocean'.
Dartington Crystal Glass
(10 miles)
Great Torrington
Dartington Crystal Glass 'Around 200,000 people visit Dartington each year - A Great Day Out for all the family. Whilst here you will learn about the 40 years of history with Dartington Crystal at the Audio Visual Theatre, follow the Dartington Timeline from 1967 to present day, then watch the expert Master Engraving demonstration; even buy that special piece and have it personalised. You can then watch the live demonstration of Studio Glassmaking and try the many hands on activities we have to offer.'
RHS Garden Rosemoor
(10 miles)
Great Torrington
RHS Garden Rosemoor Here at Rosemoor we pride ourselves on offering something for everyone to enjoy, whatever your age or interest! Our enchanting 65 acres of garden is constantly changing with each season bringing new delights in scents and colours. Follow the children's trails and discover a whole new world in the garden.
Quince Honey Farm
(11 miles)
South Molton
Quince Honey Farm 'Here in our world famous Honey Farm you can stand and watch these wild and wonderful creatures from the distant past. The unique design of the indoor apiary allows close up viewing in complete safety. The glass booths expose the working colonies of honeybees without interfering with their natural lifestyle.
Rock and Rapid Adventure Centre
(11 miles)
South Molton
Rock and Rapid Adventure Centre Indoor climbing centre and Outdoor Activity Centre catering for children to the young at heart. Why not try some new exciting activities?
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
(12 miles)
Parracombe
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Once one of the world's most famous and picturesque narrow gauge railways. An initial mile has recently been reopened within Exmoor at Woody Bay Station.
The railway has fast become one of the top must-see attractions of North Devon and Exmoor, and definitely has something to offer for all the family!
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
(15 miles)
Lynmouth
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway No family trip to the picturesque towns of Lynton and Lynmouth would be complete without a trip on the world famous Cliff Railway it's the best and most exciting way to travel between these two historic towns. It will be one of the highlights of the day for Mums, Dads and the Kids!
Watersmeet
(16 miles)
Lynmouth
Watersmeet A Fishing lodge completed in c1832 surrounded by 'varied Exmoor landscapes of rocky coastline, heather moorland, wooded valleys and fast-flowing rivers.'
Milky Way Adventure Park
(16 miles)
Bideford
Milky Way Adventure Park One of Devon's biggest and best. It's a great day out what ever the weather. With 4 major rides and 6 live shows every day, there really is something for the whole family! (New roller coaster this year). All the rides, shows and vast indoor play areas are included in the price! A really great day out with the kids.
Clovelly Village
(17 miles)
Bideford
Clovelly Village A magnificent and unique location in the West Country, not to be missed!
Exmoor Driving Spy Mission Trail
(23 miles)
Dulverton
Exmoor Driving Spy Mission Trail Looking for a fun and interesting way to explore Exmoor? Don't just wander around aimlessly, do a Treasure Trail! These fun treasure hunts will teach you fascinating facts about the area and show you some beautiful scenery. Enjoy a fun family walk in the fresh air and solve an intriguing mystery at the same time.
Exmoor Falconry and Animal Park
(24 miles)
Porlock
Exmoor Falconry and Animal Park Parrot handling; Dog training; Natural Herbal Remedies; Care of your pets; Alpaca Walks and Animal Handling Sessions. Hawk walks, Falconry Days, Courses, Half days, Owl Hour.......
Atlantic Pursuits
(24 miles)
Bude
Atlantic Pursuits Atlantic Pursuits offer an action-packed programme of outdoor activities for anyone, of any age and no previous experience is needed!
Okehampton Castle
(24 miles)
Okehampton
Okehampton Castle The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in an outstandingly picturesque setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon,much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin. Riverside picnic area and woodland walks nearby.
Museum of Dartmoor Life
(24 miles)
Oakhampton
Museum of Dartmoor Life Dartmoor Life is a bright, novel, attractive place to visit. There you can discover what has happened to the Dartmoor environment over time and see how Dartmoor people have made a living and changed Dartmoor in doing so. See also how they have lived at home. You may even recognise your grandparents' kitchen and living room, but not necessarily the prices they had to pay for things in their time.
Barle Valley Safaris
(26 miles)
Minehead
Barle Valley Safaris The Perfect Way to Explore Exmoor, one of England's most beautiful National Parks, featured as one of Britain's 50 best days out.
The Splash
(28 miles)
Bude
The Splash -is a fun leisure pool with tropical temperatures. It is ideal for the whole family, with a gently sloping beach area suitable for young children. There is also a jacuzzi, wave machine and a 33 meter flume. Great idea if you're looking for fun things to do in Cornwall with children.
Lundy Island
(28 miles)
Bideford
Lundy Island Why not take a trip out to Lundy Island - there are many guided rambles and walks and snorkelling safaris in the summer. Pub on island serving hot food.
Queen's Hall
(28 miles)
Minehead
Queen's Hall Queen's Hall - With the free indoor soft play area, the kids will be amused for hours. There is also games machines, a pool table and football game.
West Somerset Railway
(28 miles)
Minehead
West Somerset Railway Great steam railway running 10 stations and 20 miles through the Somerset countryside, always a great family day out with the kids.
West Somerset Sports & Leisure Centre
(28 miles)
Minehead
West Somerset Sports & Leisure Centre The West Somerset Sports & Leisure Centre is a dual based sports centre within the West Somerset Community College. The Centre Offer's a wide range of Activities.
Butlins - Minehead
(28 miles)
Minehead
Butlins - Minehead Over 50 FREE things to do and see including: Sub-tropical Splash Waterworld - Children's Play Areas - Great Shows - Funfair - with rides for all Sports Facilities PLUS so much more.Great idea if you are looking for family days out in Somerset.
Dunster Water Mill
(28 miles)
Dunster
Dunster Water Mill The West Country's finest working water mill, built in 1680, the mill is set in magnificent surroundings alongside the River Avill overlooking Exmoor National Park, only minutes from Dunster Castle and High Street.
Dunster Castle
(28 miles)
Minehead
Dunster Castle The site of the castle, which dates back to Norman times, the house and gardens provide a great space to explore with the whole family! Come along and discover the diversity of the wildlife in the gardens, find out about bats and find the secret passage way in the house!
Tiverton Castle
(28 miles)
Tiverton
Tiverton Castle 'Few buildings evoke such a feeling of history as venerable Tiverton Castle, which celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2006.'
Tiverton Museum
(28 miles)
Tiverton
Tiverton Museum 'Come along and explore some of our outstanding collections and trace the fascinating history of Mid Devon, its environment and the people who have lived and worked here.'
Castle Drogo
(29 miles)
Exeter
Devon Railway Centre
(29 miles)
Tiverton
Devon Railway Centre - a popular Devon tourist attraction which offers a unique railway experience and boasts a host of attractions in one location. We offer an interactive fun filled day out. Our railways give unlimited train rides around the centre and opportunities for you to become involved! Children can clip the tickets and wave the flag to start our trains.
Monsters Mansion
(29 miles)
Tiverton
Monsters Mansion We are a children's indoor soft play centre in Tiverton, Mid-Devon, so come along and join in the FUN! Good idea if you're after places to go in Devon with kids.
Blue Anchor Railway Museum
(30 miles)
Minehead
Home Farm
(31 miles)
Minehead
Home Farm A small farm right near the beach, with campsite if you'd like to stay! Plenty of animals to see, a wonderful experience.
Chagford Swimming Pool
(31 miles)
Chagford
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre
(31 miles)
Lifton
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre 'The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is proud to present the National Fairground Collection. It is a facility unique in the UK, designed to capture the magic of a bygone age through exhibits, vintage engineering and stunning artwork displays.
The Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre is a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction that provides a unique opportunity to view our Fairground Heritage in a beautiful rural location.'
Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust
(31 miles)
Watchet
Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust The Museum Contains relics from the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway which ran from Bath to Bournemouth with branchlines to Highbridge, Burnham on Sea, Wells and Bridgwater. All finally closing in 1966.
Tropiquaria Animal and Adventure Park
(32 miles)
Watchet
Tropiquaria Animal and Adventure Park Hold snakes and spiders in the Tropical Hall, visit the Aquarium, Radio Museum and Puppet Theatre.
There are pirate ships to play on, animals and an Indoor Playcastle with café.
Miniature Pony Centre
(32 miles)
Newton Abbot
Miniature Pony Centre Visitors to the Miniature Pony Centre can experience animals, activities and discovery, all set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland within Dartmoor National Park.
Combe Sydenham Country Park
(33 miles)
Taunton
Thanks for all the great places to go when visiting Devon you keep sending in.
Now the summer holidays are upon us, we're trying to find as many things to do with kids as possible, especially cheap and free family friendly places to visit this year - theme parks, waterparks and swimming pools, museums, indoor soft playcentres, petting farms, wildlife parks and zoos, castles, railways, pottery making and ceramic cafes, roller and ice skating rinks, dry and indoor ski slopes, climbing walls, ten pin bowling alleys, steam railways and other tourist attractions.
Also teachers may find the site useful for ideas for the best places to take their classes on school journeys.
So, if you've been for great days out with the kids, or a school trip, which isn't listed above, just send in an email and we'll add it on so people on holidays and all the other children in Devon can enjoy the great day out as well.
If you're looking for fun places for kids when visiting america on vacation, go to our new site familydaysoutusa.com
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