Best Family Days Out in Devon
Planning the best days out in Devon doesn’t need to be a juggling act. If you're staying near Dawlish Warren, you’re already halfway there. With the beach on your doorstep and so many family attractions less than an hour away, you can mix sunshine, sea air, steam trains and rainy day escapes without the long drives or tantrums.
This guide offers ready to roll family itineraries, each packed with simple travel tips, snack stops, and energy saver tricks. Think of it like having a local friend in your pocket.
Beach and Nature Day near Dawlish Warren - One of Devon’s Best Family Days Out
Sometimes, the best days are the simplest. Dawlish Warren Beach is wide, flat, and perfect for little legs. Build sandcastles in the morning, paddle in the shallows, then grab lunch from a nearby café such as The Boathouse for fish and chips with loos and baby change facilities close by.
Just behind the dunes, you’ll find Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve - an easy loop for bird-spotting and a peaceful break from the crowds. Check tide times before heading out, and note the Blue Flag safety guidance posted by the lifeguards.
Bonus tip: if the kids still have energy after lunch, hop on the train one stop to Dawlish for arcade games, a seafront stroll, or ice cream by the red cliffs.
Big Animals, Bigger Smiles - Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo, one of Devon’s best known family attractions, makes for a full day out the kids will love. Arrive close to opening (10am) for the best parking spots. Younger children adore the giraffes and meerkats, while older ones usually sprint to the tigers or splash through the indoor play areas.
The zoo is pushchair friendly, with shaded picnic zones and cafes dotted along the paths. Pre book tickets online, it’s quicker and often cheaper. On the way home, reward everyone with a Torbay ice cream stop. Cockington’s tea rooms are a lovely option if you’ve got time to spare.
Drive time from Dawlish Warren: approximately 35 minutes.
Steam and Sea - Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
This South Devon classic combines heritage and adventure. Drive to Paignton, board the steam train, and let it puff you down the coast to Kingswear, where a short ferry hop takes you to Dartmouth. Children love the train ride; parents enjoy the stunning coastal views.
You can also take a River Cruise, looping past castles, seals and historic sights - perfect for a calm afternoon wind down. Boats and trains run on a seasonal timetable, so check online and pre-book.
Total outing: around five to six hours, with built in downtime on the return ride - perfect for a nap window.
Rainy Day Winner – National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
When the forecast looks unkind, head to Plymouth and let the National Marine Aquarium do the entertaining. Giant tanks, jellyfish tunnels and shark feeding demonstrations keep children of all ages captivated.
There’s an on-site café and a toddler-friendly soft zone too. Pre book tickets, especially in school holidays. If the clouds clear later, stretch your legs on Plymouth Hoe, an ideal picnic or kite flying spot just five minutes walk away.
From Dawlish Warren: approximately 50-minute drive.
Trams, Wetlands and Ice Cream - Seaton Tramway Adventure
Gentler pace, smaller crowds: that’s the charm of Seaton Tramway. Board a heritage electric tram and ride through the Axe Valley wetlands, with binocular stops for birdwatching (you can even borrow a pair at the station).
Disembark in Colyton for tea and cake, or loop back to Seaton for a pebble beach wander. It’s ideal for younger children or a relaxed midweek day.
Pro tip: bring juice boxes and spot-the-animal games to keep kids engaged between stops.
Approximate drive: one hour each way - best used as a quieter day after a big one.
Museum Magic - Exeter’s RAMM and Cathedral Green
For a shorter outing that avoids the car altogether, take the train from Dawlish Warren to Exeter Central (around 30 minutes) and walk 2 minutes to RAMM: the Royal Albert Memorial Museum.
Interactive exhibits, family trails and a quiet corner café make it a lovely half day trip. Afterwards, head to Cathedral Green for a picnic, or warm up with hot chocolate if it’s brisk out.
Trains run regularly, so there’s no need to drive or park. Just bring snacks for the journey.
Cuddles and Tractor Rides at Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is toddler heaven. Piglet cuddles, tractor rides, goat races and live shows run throughout the day. There’s also soft play and shaded picnic barns, making it easy to handle naps or snack breaks.
Book ahead because this spot is very popular in half term. Take spare clothes for muddy fun and hand gel for animal cuddles. Arrive early for better parking and shorter queues for rides.
Drive time: around 45 to 50 minutes from Dawlish Warren.
Build Your Own 2–3 Day Family Day Out Plan
Here’s how to plan the best family days out across South Devon without stress.
• Choose one big-ticket day such as the zoo, steam train or aquarium.
• Follow it with a lower-key day like a beach walk, museum visit or tram ride.
• Keep transfers short and use nap time for car rides or train hops.
• Pack layers – Devon’s weather changes quickly.
• Book attractions early during school holidays.
This rhythm keeps children from burnout and gives parents some breathing room.
Where to Stay - Make Hazelwood Your Base for the Best Family Days Out
Between all these days out, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to return to. Hazelwood Holiday Park in Dawlish Warren is a great base, offering roomy lodges, an on-site pool, play zones, and all within walking distance of the beach and train station.
No fighting for parking. No 90 minute drives. Just roll out of bed, grab your bag, and go.
Rainy? The pool’s open. Sunny? Sandcastle time. Tired? Stay in and enjoy fish and chips.