Family-friendly Fun in Devon

Family holidays remain in children's memories forever, but not always in a positive way. Being cooped up inside a hotel room while adults ‘go and have some fun’ is a memory that will stay with them and that they may well resent well into adulthood! It's not easy finding fun activities that every member of the family can engage in; it’s hard enough entertaining older kids, but finding an activity appropriate for younger ones can be even more challenging. Fortunately, if you're heading to the delightful region of Devon, cottages to rent will allow you plenty of freedom to design an appropriate itinerary. You’ll have plenty of entertaining activities in the area to choose from, all suitable for children from the oldest to the youngest. Listed below are two recommendations for fun activities for the whole family.

Walk the land

In Devon, cottages can be situated just outside towns or further into the countryside to give greater peace and privacy to enjoy a holiday, which means that right outside your door are some of the most diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes in the UK. In fact, the area is particularly blessed when it comes to natural treasures, boasting a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and two National Parks: Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Hiking allows you to set your own pace for sightseeing, which means even the littlest members of your family can keep up. The kids won’t just enjoy seeing the wild flora, but also the wild fauna—maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to see herds of pure-breed Dartmoor ponies that run wild.

If you’re more in the mood for seascapes, the area also has hundreds of miles of gorgeous coastline where your family can play in the sand and water, collect shells, and even picnic. Most Devon cottages come equipped with kitchens so you can prepare your own picnic treats or purchase them from nearby pubs, café or shops.

Ride the rails

Children young and old love trains, and this is the perfect place for train enthusiasts of all ages. Set amidst the peace and tranquillity of Devon, cottages in the countryside boast stunning coastal sights, green wooded valleys, exciting river crossings, and picturesque villages - the changing terrain will keep every member of the family fascinated during train rides across the county and through to Cornwall.

One of the most popular railway attractions is the South Devon Railway, a surviving seven-mile branch of the Great Western Railway built in 1872. For a more interactive and in-depth experience for the kids, head to the Railway Centre, where kids can ride two different railways as well as explore other train-related exhibits and attractions. The covered attractions of the centre also make it the perfect place to spend a rainy day – and that's definitely a much better option than being cooped up indoors, regardless of how beautiful and comfortable those Devon cottages are.

Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular Devon cottages as well as cottages in Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.