Our top days out in North Devon with the kids!
Posted in Days out on Sat Aug 22 2020
I’m lucky enough to call this little corner of the world my home and visiting places in our local area with my young family is what I LOVE to do! So here are a few of our favourite places to visit for inspiration during the summer holidays - whether you live here or are planning to visit! Any questions please shout - I’d be happy to help! (Please note: many of the attractions listed below also have soft play areas which are getting ready to reopen following government advice. Please check their websites for the latest information.)
The Milky-way adventure park
This is one of our favourite places to go and the Milky Way adventure park has made a real effort to ensure that they still offer a great value day out while maintaining social distancing. The site is pretty much running as normal with the exception of the indoor soft play areas which are due to open shortly. Their rollercoasters, dodgems, bird of prey centre, railway, bouncy pillows, gravity rider, mini golf, maze and paint a pot (additional charge) are all still in action. Face coverings are required for some areas of the park so make sure you take one. The Milky Way adventure park has also signed up to the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme and so if you visit Monday - Wednesday during August you can also benefit from this scheme! Tickets must be booked in advance online - check out the link below...
https://www.themilkyway.co.uk/online-booking-links
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Where the zoo meets Jurassic park! Probably the only place that you’ll ever get to see a T- Rex and a Red necked wallaby in the same day! The Combe Martin wildlife and dinosaur park is a great day out with lots to see and do. The animal encounters and talks are not currently on due to social distancing measures however you can still enjoy looking at all of the animals including lions, leopards, monkeys, penguins and sea lions.
The park is running a one way system to help with social distancing and it is working really well however it is important to point out that this site is hilly and there are steps and steep slopes on this one way route and so I wouldn’t recommend it for those with disabilities.
See link below to book tickets!
https://cmwdp.co.uk/book-your-tickets/
The Big Sheep
One of my favourite places - the big sheep is a lovely farm park which has gone above and beyond when it comes to adapting their offering following lockdown. At the moment, the indoor play is still closed (with plans to reopen ASAP - visit their Facebook page for the latest info) but their animal barn with piglets, lambs, kids, puppies and little calf’s is open along with the rollercoaster, a farm safari track walk, a scavenger hunt for young children, a daily show, and the Barn Cafe serving delicious cakes. The big sheep now has a brand new outdoor safe social space where you can enjoy a picnic with the family/watch shows. Click here for more info! https://thebigsheep.co.uk
Fremington Quay
A place of natural beauty which is situated on the Tarka trail (a 180 mile, figure of eight walking and cycling trail that follows the route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the famous novel by Henry Williamson). It’s the perfect place to go for a walk or a bike ride. There is a cafe in the old railway station so if you’re not feeling overly energetic you can grab a coffee and a cake and sit on the grass admiring the view of the river Taw! There are lots of places for the kids to run around including a play area with a park which is now open. It’s free to visit, and a lovely spot to enjoy some summer sunshine.
Exmoor Zoo
The zoo is home to 175 species including the only pair of black leopards on exhibit in the UK! It is a fab day out for all the family.
Open everyday from 9am and as with all the others you must secure your tickets in advance online. A face covering must be worn on arrival and while in the toilet and gift shop. The zoo is operating a one way system and there are many of the animal talks still going ahead which you can find more information on here https://www.exmoorzoo.co.uk/plan-your-visit/whats-on
And some ideas if it rains!
Scott Cinemas Barnstaple
Alovely quirky 1930s cinema operating a one way system and managing social distancing by limiting capacity. The perfect place to hide away on a rainy day! https://www.scottcinemas.co.uk/findme?redirect=/
Air extreme
A trampoline park in Barnstaple with a great cafe which overlooks the trampolines.
World of Wonder
A great indoor soft play area suitable for kids 0-11. Check in to the ‘WOW’ Airport and take off down the runway slide to discover a world full of wonders. Explore and play in some of the Globe’s most famous places and landmarks. It’ll be sure to make you go ‘WOW!’ (Due to reopen soon - see latest info on Facebook page/website)
https://www.worldofwonderdevon.co.uk
Let’s go! Bowling centre
Currently running an offer of 2 games for £12.00 deal, saving up to £3 per person. Let’s go will also be participating in the governments EAT OUT TO HELP OUT scheme with up to £10 per person discount on food and soft drinks Monday - Wednesdays in August.