Fancy making this year’s holiday a family staycation in South West England? This is a part of the world made for slow mornings, muddy boots and sandy toes — rolling green countryside, wooded valleys, picturesque villages, wild moors and a coastline dotted with family-friendly beaches.
Escape the everyday and let the kids run wild for a week. Uncover an ancient fossil on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, explore the craggy wilderness of Dartmoor, wander around a pretty seaside village, try surfing, sailing or crabbing, or walk a stretch of the South West Coast Path. Then, when everyone’s pleasantly tired out, head back to a cosy holiday cottage to put your feet up.
Family Friendly Activities in the UK’s South West
There’s an amazing variety of family activities to suit all ages across the South West of England.
- Get close to the animals at Pennywell Farm, Paignton Zoo, or Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary
- Spend an unforgettable day at the Eden Project
- Ride a heritage steam train on the South Devon Railway
- Learn about sea life at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium
- Go wild at Crealy Great Adventure Park
- Try surfing at Bantham
- Lose yourself in the stunning gardens at Overbecks (National Trust)
- Hunt for fossils at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
- Or simply build sandcastles and watch the tide take them away at one of the countless family-friendly beaches dotted along the South West coast
Dorset
Dorset is renowned for its stunning Jurassic Coastline, a stretch of shoreline that tells the story of over 185 million years of history through its dramatic cliffs and sweeping barrier beaches.
Further inland, the scenic countryside is laced with winding lanes and footpaths, making it a haven for walkers and anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
For classic seaside fun, look no further than Lyme Regis — a stylish coastal resort with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, and a family-friendly sandy beach.
Devon
Devon has all the ingredients for a classic family holiday: turquoise seas, steep cliffs and sandy coves in abundance.
Bigbury-on-Sea is a popular choice, with its vast stretch of sandy beach and the iconic Burgh Island just offshore. Bantham is one of the South West’s best surfing beaches, while Salcombe is a favourite with sailors and shoppers alike.
Further inland, the countryside is magnificent, and Dartmoor National Park is one of the last remaining wildernesses in the South of England.
Cornwall
Cornwall may be a little further to travel, but its staggeringly beautiful coastline makes it well worth the extra effort.
Wherever you are in Cornwall, you’re never more than 20 minutes or so from the coast. Here you’ll find crystal-blue seas, sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and dramatic cliffs — it’s easy to see why it’s one of the UK’s most popular family holiday destinations.
Family Friendly Accommodation in the UK’s South West
A holiday cottage makes the perfect base for exploring this picturesque region, and there’s a huge range to choose from for families of all ages. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you started.
The Cider House, Honiton, Dorset Area
This stunning barn conversion is set in the glorious countryside on the border of Dorset and East Devon, within 17 acres of idyllic farmland, meadows and a small river, where guests can enjoy a riverside campfire and barbecue.
Children love collecting the hens’ eggs each morning and helping feed the resident pigs and other small farm animals. Equipment for babies and toddlers is provided.
The spacious, cosy accommodation is a great base for exploring the market town of Honiton, a short walk away, and the traditional seaside towns of Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, both under half an hour’s drive.
Swan Haven, Torcross, South Devon
Tucked away in the popular seaside village of Torcross on the Devon coast, this lovely holiday home enjoys wonderful sea views across Start Bay. It offers spacious accommodation including an indoor swimming pool, games room, large garden and sun terrace — plenty to keep children of all ages amused.
Slapton Sands shingle beach is a few minutes’ walk away, as is the Slapton Ley bird sanctuary, where you can feed the ducks, and the South West Coast Path for a bracing cliff-top walk. Nearby Dartmouth and Kingsbridge both have plenty of independent shops and restaurants, with sandy beaches and Dartmoor within easy reach by car.
Talland Bay, near Polperro, South Cornwall
This luxurious development of holiday homes enjoys magnificent uninterrupted sea views and excellent facilities, including private hot tubs and a communal indoor heated pool.
Set on the south Cornwall coastline within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s the perfect spot to relax, unwind and soak up the scenery.
When you finally drag yourself away, the popular seaside towns of Looe and Polperro are both nearby with plenty to keep the family entertained, along with the South West Coast Path, the famous Eden Project, and the award-winning Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Sea Campion, Thurlestone, South Devon
This charming, bright and airy cottage sits in an outstanding headland position between Hope Cove and Thurlestone Sands.
The property enjoys far-reaching sea views towards Burgh Island, and is well suited to families of all ages thanks to shared facilities with a small group of similar properties — including an indoor swimming pool, games room and large lawned garden — plus easy access to beaches, surfing, golf, Thurlestone village (with its post office and welcoming village inn), and the South West Coast Path, all just a few minutes’ walk away.
Getting to South West England
It’s easy to reach the South West of England. If you’re flying, there are airports at Exeter, Bristol and Newquay. Mainline rail links serve stations right along the South West Peninsula, and the M5 runs down to Exeter, after which the A38 serves South Devon and Cornwall.
For a holiday destination that appeals to the whole family, look no further than the South West of England — the only danger is that you might never want to leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year for a family staycation in South West England?
Late spring through early autumn tends to suit families best, when the weather is generally milder and there’s more daylight for beach days and coastal walks. Many attractions and activities are also easier to enjoy outside the depths of winter.
Is South West England easy to reach without a car?
You can fly into Exeter, Bristol or Newquay, or travel by mainline rail to towns across the South West Peninsula. That said, a car makes it much easier to explore smaller villages, beaches and countryside spots at your own pace.
Which is better for families — Devon or Cornwall?
Both are excellent choices. Devon offers a great mix of countryside (including Dartmoor) and coast, with well-known family beaches like Bigbury-on-Sea. Cornwall is never more than 20 minutes from the sea wherever you are, with dramatic cliffs and postcard-pretty fishing villages. Many families choose to split a trip between the two.
Are there good animal and nature attractions for younger children?
Yes — Pennywell Farm, Paignton Zoo, Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary and Crealy Great Adventure Park are all popular with younger children, alongside gentler options like Overbecks gardens and the Slapton Ley bird sanctuary.
Do I need to book a holiday cottage well in advance?
Family-friendly cottages in popular spots like Dartmouth, Salcombe and coastal Cornwall tend to get booked up quickly, especially during school holidays, so it’s worth planning and booking ahead where you can.
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Before You Go
Loved these ideas? Bookmark this guide or share it with another family who’s planning a South West adventure — it’s an easy one to come back to when you’re mapping out your itinerary.
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