See and Do Category: Family fun

Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat

The Dartmouth River Boat Company sails from Dartmouth to Totnes from April to October.  The timetable is dependent on the tides, so check and book first.  You can also enjoy the river boat trip as part of their famous 'Round Robin' excursion, exploring South Devon by steam train, bus and boat.   The river cruise between Totnes and Dartmouth is a relaxing 90-minute journey each way. 2024 sailings timetable

South Devon Railway

The South Devon Railway is one of Devon’s and the West Country’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the south west. There’s plenty of space to enjoy our large 12-acre grounds in the sunshine, a large free car park, plus drinks, snacks and ice creams are on sale in a nearby kiosk. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours on a nice day whilst avoiding the traffic jams and crowds at the beach and the Moors!

The South Devon Railway, or SDR, is a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. We run steam trains with heritage rolling stock and offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages.

Totnes (Riverside) station is c. 500 yards from the main line station. Footpaths link the station with the town. Or there is plenty of free car parking at Buckfastleigh station - TQ11 0DZ.

Look out for special events happening throughout the year or make your dream come true when you book a drive-a-train experience.

Totnes Castle

Hidden away in Totnes town, visit this classic Norman motte and bailey castle, managed by English Heritage.

Climb to the top of the keep to enjoy stunning views over the town of Totnes and across to the River Dart. Or enjoy a picnic in the peaceful grounds under the shelter of age old trees – there is plenty of space for families to relax on a summers day. Within easy walking distance of the town, the castle is an ideal addition to any day out in South Devon and you can combine the visit with one to nearby Dartmouth and Berry Pomeroy Castles which are just a short drive away.

For full opening times and prices, search ‘Totnes Castle’ or follow the website link above.

Sandridge Barton Wines

Sandridge Barton is the new home of Sharpham Wine and sits in a south-facing bowl on the edge of the River Dart, the perfect terroir for growing grapes and producing renowned English wines. They offer a range of experiences including guided and self-guided wine tours and tastings, and you can dine in their restaurant Circa or enjoy more casual bar snacks in the tasting barn, walk the woodland trail to visit their new vineyard or simply pop into the cellar door shop to purchase your favourite wines and other local produce. Their self-guided tastings are perfect for those wanting to select their own wines and taste casually with friends, with the help of the accompanying tasting notes leaflet, and you can even pair with some specially-selected bar snacks from Circa. The guided tastings offer more insight into the winemaking processes, where a guide will explain the techniques used from start to finish and take you on a tour around the winemaking facilities. There’s even an interactive nature trail through woodland to the new vineyard, which is a perfect activity for kids.

Totnes Elizabethan House Museum

*Totnes Elizabethan House Museum is currently closed for winter until March 2024* Totnes Museum is set in a beautifully restored Elizabethan merchant's house built in the 16th century. The Grade I listed Elizabethan building has many stories to tell.  The museum houses a wide range of treasures and includes a room a room dedicated to Charles Babbage 'father of the computer' who was a resident of Totnes. Hidden away behind the Museum is a lovely garden. Reminiscent for herb gardens of the Elizabethan period, this is a wonderful space to take a step away from the bustle of the busy town and smell the roses. Opening Hours:    Monday thru Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm (last entry at 3:30pm) Free entry (Suggested donation £2 per person) Our Archives are continuing to answer local and family history enquiries in addition to offering family history research for £7.50 an hour. If you have any enquiries for them please contact [email protected] or via the website.          

Pennywell Farm

* TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award – 2022 & 2023* Voted ‘Best Family Attraction’ in the Muddy Stiletto Awards – 2022 & 2023

Pennywell Farm - “By far the best farm park I have been to” Katherine. G, Pennywell Visitor

A visit to the multi award-winning Pennywell Farm is something you’ll never forget! Make memories that last a lifetime as you enjoy a fun-filled experience packed full of animals, hands-on activities, rides, play-time, shows and displays. It’s the biggest activity farm in the South West with a different activity happening every 30 minutes, just listen for the bell! Pennywell is home to over 150 animals and has something for everyone, from pig racing to tractor rides! “This was the best day EVER! The experience with the animals was amazing” - Erica.T, Pennywell Visitor “What a wonderful farm! The animals are so well looked after. Brilliant activities so well organized. All the staff were friendly and helpful. It was super clean too!” - Caroline.T, Pennywell Visitor “What a fantastic place. We have been coming here while on holiday in Devon for many years. Children have loved it and now grandchildren too. There's so much to do and once you pay to get in, everything is included” - Lynn. C, Pennywell Visitor “Best farm we’ve been to. So much to see and do and we got to cuddle a miniature baby pig. What more could you ask for?! Would certainly go back if we were in the area again!” - Caz. B, Pennywell Visitor

A Day Of Fun For All The Family

Your experience begins with a very warm welcome in the main farmyard where you will be guided through our activity board. We recommend you take a snap of the board on your phone so you know what is happening, wherever you are on the farm! Once the activities begin you can join in as much as you’d like! Get involved with milking and walking our goats, cheering on our racing ferrets, hand-feeding our herd of Red Deer, collecting eggs from our laying hens and so much more! We promise that you will have never experienced anything quite like the Pennywell Pig Racing phenomenon. This truly unique event is fantastic fun for all the family! Come and cheer on your favourite porker in this Snout to Snout race! Book Now: Tickets must be purchased in advance via the website

Enjoy Piggy Cuddles

[caption id="attachment_33014" align="alignnone" width="240"]12. Boy with pig pennywell Cuddle time[/caption] Pennywell Farm is the original breeder and home of the world-famous Pennywell Miniature pig. If you haven’t cuddled a pig before then Piggy Cuddles is for you! Available anytime throughout your entire visit, this is something you just have to experience! Our pet cuddles area will also give you a chance to meet and hold some of our other beautiful pets including rabbits, Guinea pigs, mice and more! Hundreds of friendly animals are waiting to meet you! From our magnificent and mighty heavy horses to the teeny-tiny mice, and everything in between! Explore the farm and meet our highland cattle, lambs and goat kids, Pennywell Miniature pigs, alpacas, tortoises, and the list goes on! Grab a net and dip at the Pennywell ponds to discover the wonderful wildlife that lives beneath the surface. Or, wander into some of our paddocks with our miniature ponies and family of miniature donkeys who just love attention from our visitors! Roam through the Goatarama and hand-feed the cheeky goats you might find there. Farmyard rides are brought to you, courtesy of tractor power. Enjoy a visit to Old MacDonald’s Farm on the Tractor and Trailer Ride, suitable for all the family - who will you spot en route? Anyone over the age of 4 will enjoy blasting off from the showfield on our Red Rocket ride, guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face. Or, why not take a more leisurely ride on the Rainbow Railway which all the family will enjoy!

"By far the best farm park I have been to"

Let the kids bounce out any excess energy on the trampolines dotted around the farm as well as the HUGE bouncy castles and inflatable slide inside Noah’s Barn. Shoot a winning score on our Crazy Golf course, see how low you can go! Let your budding young farmers test their driving skills in the Pennywell Tractor Village and, if you’re feeling energetic, have a go on our assault course (great for fun-loving adults) too! Around the farm, you will find sit-on diggers, sandpits, play equipment and slides as well as a dedicated play village for toddlers to explore. Don’t go hungry! We have plenty of coffee and takeaway food and drink stops spread out across the farm. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire cream tea, gorgeous local ice cream, as well as yummy pasties, sausage rolls and stone-baked pizzas from Noah’s Takeaway! The beautiful Devon countryside offers the perfect backdrop for your farm visit with views reaching out over the Dart Valley and up to Dartmoor. You won’t believe how stunning the Devon scenery is from 650 feet above sea level! Pennywell is just 3 miles off the A38, just 30 minutes from Exeter and Plymouth, and 12 miles from Torbay. We are easy to find! Just follow the brown tourist signs. We can’t wait to see you soon! Tickets must be purchased in advance via the website

Vineyard Nature Trail at Sandridge Barton

Some of the greatest childhood memories are made when exploring outside, which is why Sandridge Barton’s free Vineyard Nature Trail looks sure to be top of parents’ bucket lists.

The trail starts from Sandridge Barton’s Visitor Centre at Lower Well Farm and is great fun for kids, and informative for adults too. It's set in the countryside on the edge of the River Dart close to Stoke Gabriel in south Devon where an idyllic landscape of wildlife, trees, hedgerows, and woodland is also home to 32 acres of vineyards which produce grapes for Sandridge Barton Wines and the well-known Sharpham Wine.

As children scurry about searching for wildlife, parents can learn why this rolling countryside is perfect for growing grapes. Fascinating interpretation boards offer insightful information on grapevines, while children are encouraged to see if they can spot any creepy crawlies and to try the half dozen brass rubbings, including grapes, fossils and cows, which are set in the vineyard.

Stonyfield is a unique site as it boasts South Devon’s only raised limestone bed, a key feature in some of the world’s best wine regions such as Burgundy, St-Émilion and parts of the Southern Rhone. It was planted in May 2021 and the first harvest of grapes is expected to take place in 2024.

The trail is 1.3  miles long and takes about 40 minutes to complete, and after there are refreshments to be enjoyed at Sandridge Barton, where a gorgeous outdoor area has plenty of space to sit and soak up this beautiful place.

Created with funding from South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the  trail starts at Sandridge Barton (Lower Well Farm, Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Devon, TQ9 6RL) where parking is free. Well-behaved dogs are welcomed.

If you’d like to try the brass rubbings, head to the visitor centre before starting your walk to collect paper and crayons.

The Gardens at Dartington Trust

Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II* listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years. On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species. Our gardens team have been working hard to bring some of the hidden secrets of the gardens to life. On arrival, you’ll pick up a beautifully design gardens guide (included in the ticket price), and there’s also an activity trail for children to engage in with hidden paths to explore. Stay awhile and enjoy delicious food from The White Hart Restaurant or The Green Table café. Great for kids; Families can enjoy our all-new children’s nature trail within the gardens, with inspired nature activities including bug hotels, den building and more. Our gorgeous new trail map included in your ticket price – make sure you pick one upon arrival!  Open Year round 9am - 5pm. GARDEN TOURS Join one of our highly popular, volunteer-led Garden Tours (duration: 90 minutes) to learn more about the heritage, beauty and historical features of the Gardens. See our dedicated garden web page here We are hugely grateful to our wonderful volunteers for offering these tours.  (free for Dartington Members).    

Sea Kayak Devon

Guided trips...  Skills courses... Kayak expeditions! Individuals, groups and families are all welcome and no experience is required. There is no better way to explore Devon's stunning coastline than by kayak! Based in Dartmouth, let Sea Kayak Devon’s highly qualified guides take you on an unforgettable journey: •    Explore spectacular rocky islands and secret coves •    Get up close to amazing wildlife •    Discover incredible sea caves from your kayak! •    Relax on a secluded sandy beach and roast marshmallows on a driftwood fire Sea Kayak Devon use the very latest equipment to ensure that you are comfortable and their kayaks are stable and glide easily through the water. Big double kayaks are available so that parents with children as young as 5 can join in the fun! Try a half day trip or a full day adventure and picnic in a beautiful spot away from the crowds. Sea Kayak Devon also offer fully catered overnight trips where you can relax by a campfire and learn bush craft skills from your guide. For those looking to take their kayaking to the next level Sea Kayak Devon has several of the UK’s most experienced coaches, who offer a large selection of skills courses. Check the website for more details. A sea kayak is the ultimate way to explore the unique environment where the sea meets the cliffs and rocks of Devon’s coast. You will be amazed by what you discover! Exciting news – they've just introduced paddleboard hire and their very own beach sauna at Blackpool Sands Beach. The sauna is the perfect place to relax and unwind or if you're keen on some fun on the water they have a selection of top brand Red Paddleboards for hire. All of these fantastic activities are easily bookable through their website. If you have any questions or need more information please do get in touch with them. Your adventure awaits!

Paddle Devon

We at Paddle Devon are a small family run business based in Totnes & Teignmouth. Join us for guided trips and kayak hire on the stunning River Dart from Totnes, Long Marsh Car Park. We offer Sea kayak trips along the coast, overnight camping trips , Paddleboarding and lessons. Beginners, Families and Dogs welcome!  All of our friendly instructors are highly British Canoeing qualified, DBS checked and insured. We are open every day from 9 until 6pm (pre book only)
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