Braunton Farmhouse’s central location in North Devon means it is never too far from one of the areas family friendly attractions. For those with young children there is Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park or the Big Sheep, whilst those without youngsters may prefer Broomhill Sculpture Gardens or Arlington Court.
See below for some of our favourite attractions in North Devon. Please note, that many of the attractions will offer discounts on tickets if purchased in advance, so it is well worth looking at their website before visiting.
NEW to Braunton, The Quay Centre is an indoor ‘beach shack’ soft play centre, where you can enjoy an organic coffee, grab some lunch whilst your little ones play.
Sitting on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, is a family friendly zoo, home to the Exmoor Beast and other animals from around the world. Wander around the zoo and see some of the wild animals, birds and invertebrates that reside here. You can also take part in handling and feeding session that are held all year round. Animals at Exmoor Zoo include cheetah, singing dogs, parrots, snakes and spiders.
On the outskirts of Barnstaple, more than 300 sculptures of varying sizes are beautifully incorporated into a stunning wooded valley and garden, which covers around 15 acres. From figurative to abstract there is a sculpture to suit everyone’s taste. Combine your visit with a meal in the award-winning Terra Madre, which prides itself on serving mouth-watering food before taking a look around the contemporary art gallery.
At the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, animals from past and present live side by side. The park, which is set in over 28 acres is home to a wide array of living animals, including meerkats, sea lions, wolves and lions, as well as a selection of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Throughout the day several shows and animal encounters are held to keep all the family entertained. The park is also home to an indoor soft play area.
Situated between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe is the family friendly Watermouth Castle. This picturesque attraction overlooking Watermouth Cove is ideal for youngsters of all ages with a selection of rides, such as a tube slide, crazy golf, a carousel, a maze and a water wars zone, plus so much more. Other entertainment includes the Water show Extravaganza and the castle’s dungeons!
The Big Sheep near Bideford is North Devon’s number one all-weather attraction with plenty to do rain or shine. For the little ones the animal barn and petting corner are always a big hit, especially at lamb feed time. For the adults visiting there is an on-site brewery and gin distillery. Other highlights include a roller-coaster, a large indoor soft play area and the world-famous sheep racing.
Just a few miles from Exmoor National Park sits Arlington Court, a large estate and Regency house that was once owned by the Chichester Family for more than 500 years. Today it is manged by the National Trust and holds a collection of artefacts, as well as being home to a large carriage museum. Around the house there are over 20 miles of footpaths for enjoying a walk, formal gardens and a lovely cosy tea room.