Mid Devon for the Family

Come rain or shine Mid Devon is the place to come for any family holiday. There is so much to enjoy, discover and explore. We have put together some ideas to help you plan your next family adventure.

Take the stress out of planning and pick and choose from our suggested family itinerary list. Planning ahead means less time spent rustling together last-minute plans and more time experiencing what Mid Devon has to offer and making family memories.

Feel free to print off our logo for children to colour while asking them what they would like to do in Mid Devon. Having input from everyone can lead to new adventures and fun for all!

Day 1:

Cullompton and the Culm Valley 

Let the holiday commence! There’s no better way to spend your first morning than at The Bear Trail and Bear Town. Appropriate for all ages and abilities, no one can resist the muddiest family assault course and indoor imaginative play. #lovemudlife.

After spending the morning trekking in the mud, why not wind down with lunch in Cullompton. The town has a number of eateries including The Bakehouse and Roberto’s. Porters is a new restaurant and sets the perfect evening mood for a family gathering. For younger families, the Weary Traveller is a popular eatery with an outdoor play area for the children.

While you are in town, pop into the Walrond’s Walled Garden and take part in the willow sculpture trail. Children will be excited to find a number of animals hidden in the garden waiting to be found! How many can you spot?

Tip: Adapt your holiday to your own family’s needs and interests. If your family are nature lovers why not take an evening stroll through the CCA fields (including a play area), catching the sunset over the silhouette of beautiful trees and the St. Andrews church which can be seen in almost all parts of the town.

Day 2

Crediton and the Creedy Valley

Start your adventure at The Waie Inn. A family friendly centre packed full with activities for the whole family. Put your feet up and enjoy some delicious home cooked meals. With an indoor swimming pool, soft play and skittles you won’t be out of things to do!

Stop off in Crediton town centre – it’s full of character with quaint shops and delicious bakeries. One of which is Oliver’s Bakery, just pop in for a treat.

Need more ideas to let young children let off some steam? Take your holiday to another world at Planet Play, an indoor play area built for fun, excitement and adventure. Become the astronauts you’ve all dreamed of being!

Don’t forget to take in the stunning views when travelling to and from Crediton.

Tip: Search for a restaurant online and follow their social media feeds in the area you’re visiting, so you can check out signature dishes or even deals of the day! Try liking and following pages to keep up to date in real time on your holidays.

Day 3

Tiverton and the Exe Valley

Resting is just as much a holiday essential as exploring so for the morning take it easy. Enjoy an ice cream at the Canal Tea Rooms. Grab your camera and get down to the Grand Western Canal Country Park where one of the country’s last working horse drawn barges awaits. Fancy a family challenge? Grab your bikes and ride the full 11 miles or stop off in Sampford Peverell for refreshments at The Globe (also has bike hire) for a bite to eat. This is a popular beauty spot so don’t forget to give a smile and a wave to the locals. For a short walk you can enjoy the Swan’s Neck circular at Halberton.

Continuing your day of nature, visit Devon Badger Watch which offers a great family experience seeing badgers up close in their habitat. These evenings can ensure you are left in awe of Mother Nature.

Tip: Remember to take time out to keep your camera ready to capture your holiday. Mid Devon can help you slow down and enjoy each day with your family, discover what the countryside has to offer you and create memories you will share forever, and explore Mid Devon’s adventurous side.

Day 4

Bampton and the Exmoor Fringe

Discover the unique story of a town steeped in history with a visit to the Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre. Peruse genuine artefacts and information boards all located in the pituresque St Michael’s & All Angels Church in the heart of this scenic rural town. The family friendly centre offers town trails, quizzes and other children’s activities. After your visit to the church take a wander round the historic charter town having a mooch in its quirky independent retailers before heading in to Spelt to sample their delectable sharing menu. Grab a table in the window where you can watch the world go by in this busy little place. Don’t miss a walk up the Motte, the site of a Norman ‘Bailey’ castle, for wonderful views over the pretty town and a brilliant playground to scramble around.

From Bampton it’s only a short journey to the wilderness of Exmoor. Take a drive over rugged moorland looking out for the famous Exmoor ponies and stop for a stroll (and a photo op!). If you want to get even closer to the ponies head to the Exmoor Pony Centre for a ride. Stop in at The Red Lion Hotel at Oakford to enjoy a lovely meal while you share your favourite moments of your holiday so far.

Tip: New experiences can be a great way of bringing the family closer – learning together can mean the family can discover, and grow, shared interests lasting for years to come.

Day 5

Tiverton and the Exe Valley

Want to experience history in real time? Or discover the treasured secrets of a town? Or even experience the sound of a steam locomotive? Then Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life is the place for you! An award winning museum with fun activities and dressing up for children, and a visitor centre with a great gift shop for holiday keepsakes. It’s definitely worth a visit! Feel free to stay and  explore for longer if the weather is looking grey.

In the afternoon, after spending time learning about the history within Mid Devon take your education to the next level by following the Merchants’ Trail. Tiverton has lots of independent and chain shops to let you take some much needed retail therapy. When heading out see if you can spot Tiverton Castle, the historic building is a beauty to be seen.

TIP: For nature lovers & historians, Knightshayes is the perfect combination for every member of the family. A National Trust property with the highest quality of local produce, beautiful views and plenty of acres for the children to spread their wings for the whole afternoon. A perfect way to have sleeping children in the car after the day is done!

Day 6

Mid Devon experiences

Whilst in Mid Devon, there are plenty of quirky little villages to explore.

Pick your own strawberries at Halberton Court Farm Shop in Halberton or Thornes Farm Shop at Stockleigh Pomeroy. Fresh from the ground, nothing is more refreshing than sweet strawberries on a sunny morning.

In Mid Devon we’re lucky to have lots of picturesque villages, such as Bickleigh. Home to the Devon Railway Centre and Bickleigh Mill, for something to eat or shopping. You can play a game of ‘Find the Peacock’ at the Mill, or enjoy an evening meal at the Fisherman’s Cot next to the River Exe.

Discover a new talent! Visit The Globe at Sampford Peverell, which has a wonderful outdoor play area in the beer garden with the option to hire tennis courts!

Tip: Come rain or shine wellies are a must! Puddle splashing or taking those unforgettable family walks, wellies (even thrown) are an essential in Devon.

Lastly, swimming pools at Mid Devon Leisure Centres in Tiverton and Crediton are open throughout the summer for that much needed cool off from the heat.

Accommodation

Check out our accommodation page for all the best places to stay in our area.

Travel links

Good public transport links, including buses and trains, are available around our three towns.