Last updated: March 2026
Planning things to do in North Devon with kids? You’re in for a treat. Having grown up here and now visiting with my own baby and two young nephews, I know exactly which beaches are safest, which attractions are worth the entry fee, and where you’ll actually want to eat with tired children.
North Devon offers some of the UK’s best family-friendly beaches – think miles of golden sand at Woolacombe, dramatic dunes at Saunton, and hidden coves perfect for rock pooling. Add in farm parks, dinosaur attractions, and some genuinely excellent food spots, and you have the perfect family holiday destination.
This local’s guide covers 15+ things to do in North Devon with kids, from beaches and days out to where to stay and eat. The area is packed with child-friendly activities, safe beaches, and gentle adventures perfect for little legs and big imaginations. To help you plan, I’ve rounded up the best toddler-friendly beaches, top family attractions, and practical tips for visiting Devon with kids.
👉 Don’t have time to read the whole article? Find best-rated accommodation in North Devon.
Things to do in North Devon with kids: quick overview
- Best for beaches: Woolacombe (3 miles of sand), Saunton Sands (vast beach + dunes), Croyde (surf culture)
- Best for toddlers: The Big Sheep farm park, soft play at Quay Cafe, Combe Martin Dinosaur Park
- Best for older kids: Exmoor Zoo, Tarka Trail cycling, Valley of the Rocks walk
- Best base: Braunton (central, all amenities), Woolacombe (beachfront), Instow (quieter, local vibe)
- Hidden gems: Crow Point beach, Barricane Beach curry nights, Lynton cliff railway
Yes – it’s one of the best UK family destinations. Safe beaches with lifeguards, plenty of accommodation options, attractions for all ages, and genuinely family-friendly restaurants. I grew up here and it’s perfect for babies through to teenagers.
Things to do in North Devon with kids: beaches
Now visiting this stunning part of the UK with a baby of my own, I’ve come to appreciate Devon in a whole new way. Looking for safe, sandy beaches with easy access and space to play? Here are my top picks for family beach days:
- Woolacombe (leading to Puttsborough) – if you’re a National Trust member you can park for free at Marine Drive car park
- Croyde – again if you’re a National Trust member you can park for free at Baggy Point car park
- Saunton Sands – with a big car park that takes card (pay on exit)
- Westward Ho! – a more traditional British seaside town, where the beach is lined with amusements and restaurants
Visiting Devon with kids – my hidden beach gems:
- Barricane Beach in Woolacombe is small but has an excellent cafe which hosts curry nights.
- Crow Point (accessed via a £2.50 cash only toll road)
- Saunton Dunes (access via Sandy Lane car park)
Family days out in North Devon: things to do in Devon with kids
Whether you’re after fun-packed attractions or scenic spots that toddlers can enjoy too, these ideas balance entertainment for adults and children alike:
Days out for all ages
- I love taking a trip to Clovelly, the privately-owned harbour village with great views and delicious seafood. They even host an annual herring festival that’s worth checking out.
- Many of the UK’s National Trust have activities on for children and Arlington Court is no different. With beautiful woodland walks too, it can be a cheap day out if you’re a member and the type of place you can go in wellies if it’s raining.
- Lynton and Lynmouth is a lovely pair of small seaside towns, connected via a cliff railway funicular that is short and steep enough to captivate a toddler, while the fish and chips on the seafront will definitely captivate adults too. When visiting we like to stop at the Valley of the Rocks and do a walk, with fabulous views year-round.
- If you’re happy to put your children on the back of a bike, then cycling along the Tarka Trail is a lovely thing to do and there’s plenty of points you can hire bikes from, like Braunton, Instow and Bideford.
- I think the circular walk to Baggy Point is a lovely one – not really pram friendly but good for carriers, with a National Trust tea room and my favourite cafe both near the car park.
- Exmoor National Park is worth a trip for plenty of outdoorsy activities.
Toddler and child-focused fun
- Exmoor Zoo is a compact but nicely ran zoo on the edge of Exmoor, offering an easy pram walk and plenty for the little ones to look at – from mighty meercats to the famous ‘Exmoor Beast’ panthers!
- The Big Sheep – think farm animals, soft play, and gentle rides for little ones.
- Situated within the woodland of The Big Sheep is Barnwood Bears, a fun outdoor play centre with different nature-themed play stations.
- The Milky Way Adventure Park is a space themed family-owned attraction with rides galore. They also host babies and toddler classes, so you may luck out and be able to join one as a drop in if you have a baby in tow.
- Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is located near Ilfracombe and is always a fun day for toddlers and school children of all ages. With a mix of educational content on dinosaurs, a mini zoo of sorts (there’s sea lions, wolves and more) and a few rides, our family members love a visit to hunt out the life-size dinosaurs as they walk this park.
- If it’s soft play you’re looking for, we like The Quay Cafe in Braunton because it’s a decent size but always quiet and the food is pretty good, meaning you’ll likely get to actually eat while your children play in front of you.
Family holidays in Devon: where to stay
If you’re heading to North Devon, then you’re probably looking to base yourself in a surfer’s paradise coastal resort or in the middle of nowhere countryside. Both are stunning options but if I were you I’d be looking to stay in one of the following options:
- Braunton – a large village which is a solid base for visiting North Devon’s famed beaches of Saunton, Woolacombe, Croyde and Puttsborough. The village have many pubs of different quality, takeaways, shops and a central Co-op and larger Tesco on the outskirts. Why I like it: the best beaches are a short drive away (5-10 mins) but you’ve got all the amenities you need, plus the iconic Squires fish and chip restaurant and takeaway which is a must even if you don’t stay here! I include a recommended Airbnb on this article of top baby-friendly UK Airbnbs.
- Morthoe – a tiny village at the top of the cliffs above Woolacombe. I spent many a summer here and the views from the coastal path walk down is unrivalled. From Woolacombe you can also walk along the beach to Puttsborough, hitting two beaches in one. Woolacombe itself has lots to offer from amusements to food options, and if you’re looking for a nicer hotel then the Woolacombe Bay is a safe bet, Why I like it: with a couple of tea rooms, a pub and a fish and chip shop, Morthoe is small but mighty. It’s close enough to the many miles of Woolacombe beach but less crowded, and there’s plenty of campsites and countryside holiday parks to choose from.
- Saunton Sands – above Saunton beach is the white art deco Saunton Sands Hotel, with dramatic views for miles. While you need a car to get anywhere other than the beach, the hotel staff are always lovely and although I’ve never stayed here I’ve spent plenty of time enjoying lunch with a view. Why I like it: with a brilliant spa and a lovely view from the restaurant areas, it feels like you’re on top of the world and a little luxury never goes amiss!
- Ilfracombe – while a much more towny option, Ilfracombe has many reasonable townhouse style Airbnb’s on offer and has got a lot less shabby amusements and more of a destination in recent years. With Michelin recommended restaurants and Damien Hirst’s Verity statue at the edge of the harbour, Ilfracombe is a quintessential British seaside town with an up and coming twist. Why I like it: lots of food options and a good base for day trips into Exmoor, Combe Martin and still close to Woolacombe.
- Appledore – the other side of the estuary is the colourful town of Appledore, which will remind some of you of Balamory I’m sure! This small town is postcard pretty with cobbled lanes to wander and multiple places to enter the estuary water via a kayak on a warm day. Why I like it: less touristy than the other destinations I’ve mentioned, Appledore is where the locals go and that speaks volumes.
- Instow – with the likes of Jude Law supposedly having a house here, Instow is a lovely base on the southern side of the estuary and an all round favourite of mine. With some fantastic pubs and an easily accessible beach and small dunes, plus 2 minutes to a dual carriageway that goes towards Bideford and Bude or Barnstaple and the Braunton beaches I mentioned earlier, it’s very central.
- Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde – one of North Devon’s most iconic holiday parks, Ruda sits right on Croyde Bay with direct beach access which is a pretty rare and brilliant thing. The park has caravans, lodges, glamping and touring pitches, plus the Cascades Tropical Fun Pool with a 200-foot water slide, a lazy river and jacuzzi, a Showbar with evening entertainment, and multiple food and drink outlets on site. There’s also a children’s club, soft play, an adventure playground, and a surf hire shop right on the dunes. Why I like it: you don’t need to get in the car as the beach is part of the park. Great for families who want everything in one place without compromising on location.
- Bideford Bay Holiday Park, Bideford – situated on the north Devon coast near Bucks Cross, Bideford Bay is a good-sized holiday park with indoor and outdoor heated pools, over 30 activities for kids, a Showbar with live entertainment, and a bar and restaurant on site. It’s a short drive to Westward Ho!, Clovelly and the Tarka Trail, and well placed for day trips to Croyde and Woolacombe too. Why I like it: if you want a holiday park with built-in entertainment and activities so the whole family is occupied whatever the weather, this fits the bill – and the coastal setting is lovely.
If you happen to be travelling when the British summer decides to come out in force, then check out this article on tips to keep your baby cool.
Family-friendly restaurants in North Devon
North Devon has some really great food options for rain or shine. Here’s some of my favourites:
- Sri Lankan curry and Sunset Bar, Down End, Croyde
- Biffen’s surf-inspired street food, Croyde
- Squires fish and chip restaurant and takeaway, Braunton
- Antidote, Ilfracombe
- The Rock Inn, Georgeham
- The Boathouse, Instow
- The Royal George, Appledore
- Tea on the Green, Westward Ho!
- Pig on the Hill, Westward Ho!
- Cafe du Parc, Bideford
Whether you’re splashing and bodyboarding in the waves at Saunton, exploring dinosaur parks, or enjoying fish and chips by the sea, North Devon offers a magical mix of child-friendly adventures and peaceful coastal charm. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to find something every family member will love.
If UK beach destinations are your thing, read our full beach destinations guide next.
If you’ve visited any of these places in Devon with kids, or have your own hidden gems to share, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my other baby-friendly travel guides for more UK inspiration.
Things to do in North Devon with kids: FAQs
The Big Sheep farm park is brilliant for toddlers – gentle rides, farm animals, and Barnwood Bears woodland play. Quay Cafe in Braunton has excellent soft play where you can actually sit and eat while they play. For beaches, Westward Ho! is perfect for toddlers with its flat access, amusements, and rock pools. We’ve taken my nephews (ages 2 and 4) to all these spots and they’re toddler-proof tested!
Woolacombe: 3 miles of golden sand, lifeguards in summer, space for everyone
Saunton Sands: Vast beach with dramatic dunes, never feels crowded
Croyde: Smaller beach with surf culture, great cafes, National Trust parking
Westward Ho!: Traditional seaside town, amusements, flat access
All have good facilities, parking, and are safe for families. Woolacombe and Saunton are my top picks for babies and young children.
Braunton is the best all-round base – 5-10 minutes to Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton beaches, plus all amenities including Squires fish and chips (a must-visit). Woolacombe is perfect if you want beachfront but more touristy. Instow is quieter and more local.
The Milky Way Adventure Park (indoor rides + soft play)
The Big Sheep (mostly undercover)
Quay Cafe soft play in Braunton
Combe Martin Dinosaur Park (some indoor areas)
Arlington Court (National Trust house + walks)
Swimming pools in Bideford and Ilfracombe
North Devon gets rain (it’s the UK!) but there’s plenty to do indoors. Pack waterproofs and embrace it!
Both are brilliant but different. North Devon is quieter, less touristy, and easier to navigate with kids. Cornwall has more attractions but gets very busy in summer and parking is harder.
Having grown up in North Devon, I’m biased – but I think the beaches here (Woolacombe, Saunton) rival Cornwall’s best, without the crowds. Food quality in North Devon has improved massively too.
Yes! Croyde and Woolacombe both have surf schools offering kids’ lessons from age 6-7. The beaches have gentle waves perfect for beginners. Even if kids don’t surf, bodyboarding is huge fun from about age 4.
Yes – the main beaches (Woolacombe, Saunton, Croyde) all have RNLI lifeguards in summer. Woolacombe is particularly safe with shallow water for ages. Saunton can have stronger currents so stay between the flags.
Rockpools at Barricane Beach, Westward Ho!, and Lee Bay are perfect for little ones. Always supervise children near water obviously, but these beaches are very family-friendly.
Absolutely, it’s one of the best family holiday destinations in the UK. With miles of sandy beaches at Woolacombe and Saunton, surf lessons from age 6, toddler-friendly attractions like The Big Sheep and Combe Martin Dinosaur Park, and holiday parks like Ruda right on the beach at Croyde, North Devon has everything you need for a brilliant family holiday. Unlike Cornwall it’s less crowded in peak season, parking is easier, and the food scene has improved massively in recent years.
Keep on travelling!
Allie, Jack and R x
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