Where to stay for half term

South Devon is a hugely popular area with families, thanks to the English Riviera, the beautiful South Hams area with places like Salcombe and Dartmouth and Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth. With a host of attractions and plenty of options for places to stay, South Devon is a great place for families this half term.

For those of you visiting the Plymouth area, make sure to visit the Box. Not only is there a regular series of exhibitions, but during the holidays you’ll also find events and workshops for the whole family. The National Marine Aquarium is another great place to visit over half term, with plenty of experiences to enjoy alongside the aquatic displays.

Image: National Marine Aquarium

If you want to enjoy a city break this half term, there are plenty of hotels and apartments in the centre. The New Continental Hotel, offer family rooms and facilities for children, while Strathmore House Apartments is a great choice for anyone who wants their own space.

If you fancy visiting the English Riviera, you’re really spoiled for choice.  With incredible places like Paignton Zoo and Babbacombe Model Village both within easy reach, there is never a dull moment. Over October half term, Babbacombe Model Village is hosting several spooktacular Halloween events, so you can really get into the spirit!

Most of the towns in this popular area of Devon are connected by rail, so you can leave the car behind and enjoy a scenic journey around the region. Why not stop off at one of the many beaches? With Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth, Torquay and the beaches of Paignton to choose from you’re never too far away from the sea. Or you could go crabbing in Brixham Harbour or visit the black swans in Dawlish Warren?

For a fun stay, pick somewhere like TLH Leisure – a complex of hotels and apartments with a spa, kid’s clubs, swimming pools, gyms and evening entertainment – there’s so much to do you might not even need to leave the site! Or how about Beverley Holidays? With a range of accommodation from caravans, lodges and more, you can find somewhere that suits your needs and budget.

Elsewhere in South Devon, there is Morwellham Quay, where you can step back in time and learn more about the region’s copper mines – a great way to keep the kids’ learning even when school is out. Other historic attractions in the region include South Devon Railway, where you can enjoy a steam train ride through some of the most picturesque places in the county and a day out at Pennywell Farm – home to some adorable mini pigs! During October half term, you can also join in with their Pumpkin Festival – ideal for getting into the seasonal spirit.

Image: Pennywell Farm 

There are lots of great places to stay and use as a base for exploring, here.
The Dartmoor Lodge has a selection of family rooms available and has a very popular carvery on a Sunday, while Compton Pool, which is conveniently located for exploring the English Riviera and South Hams is a haven for guests of all ages. FABStays are also a good option, they have a range of properties across the region, giving you plenty of choice.

As we mentioned the Dartmoor Lodge, we should also talk about what’s on offer on Dartmoor National Park over the half term break. Dartmoor is a great place to visit if you want a compromise between being active and relaxed this half term.

Everywhere you look there are adventure activities, from walking to climbing and even more traditional activities like letterboxing.

A good place to visit with kids of all ages is Dartmoor Zoo, where you can meet a host of exciting animals and reptiles. Or for a day out somewhere picturesque, Becky Falls has been wowing visitors since the 1900s, while House of Marbles has lots of fun activities to keep you entertained after exploring the shop and museum. Your dogs are even welcome here too!

If you want to stay in the Dartmoor area, Langstone Manor Park is a good option – with everything from camping and glamping pods, to holiday cottages, apartments and caravans, you can find somewhere that suits your family perfectly. Or why not enjoy the countryside with a stay in a country house hotel like the Horn of Plenty? With facilities for children and being dog friendly, it’s a great base for exploring Dartmoor.

We’ve already gone over some of the things on offer in Plymouth, so it is only fair to talk about Devon’s other city, Exeter. Did you know that trips to Exeter also puts you within easy reach of East Devon and the beautiful Jurassic Coast? You can easily combine a stay in the city with a trip to the coast or vice versa.

For a budget day out, Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) and Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary are both free to visit. RAMM has an ever changing series of exhibitions, as well as additional activities during half term, while the Donkey Sanctuary often has fun trails to explore during the school holidays, giving you even more chance to meet the donkeys.

Image: Exeter Cathedral 

For a historic day out, why not spend some time searching for fossils along the Jurassic Coast and then visit Exeter Cathedral, where you can explore thousands of years of history. Or visit Bicton Park, with its array of attractions and activities or National Trust’s Killerton estate. For some adventure, there is Crealy theme park, which is just off the motorway or the Devon Activity Centre in Ottery St Mary, where you can challenge yourself to quad biking or axe throwing.

Make sure to visit the Jurassic Coast while you’re in the area, you can see it from a whole new angle by booking a trip with Stuart Line Cruises – they have a whole programme of cruises, allowing you to visit the English Riviera, as well as around East Devon.

Staying in this area means a choice of incredible cottages and beach front hotels, families will love staying at Crealy Resort – it’s right next to the theme park and you have exclusive access to facilities and a calendar of entertainment. For your own space and to have a real home from home, Alpine Park Cottages gives you easy access to both the East Devon coast and the city centre. For a site with plenty of activities to keep you entertained, Ladram Bay Holiday Park offers the perfect combination for anyone wanting to relax and have a bit of fun.

If you want to explore, Mid Devon is the place to go – from here you can easily visit the South and North coasts, the Jurassic Coast, the two cities and the two National Parks. It’s the ideal destination for everyone!

While you’re here, the kids will love visiting the Bear Trail – Devon’s muddiest family assault course! There are 30 obstacles to navigate and unlimited mud! It’s not hard to see why it’s so popular! It is open daily during the school holidays, so you can plan your days around your visit. The younger members of the family will love Bear Town, located nearby, Bear Town is a unique role play experience and is a good option for rainy days.

The active among you might want to spend some time at the Grand Canal in Tiverton where the Tiverton Canal Co host boat hire and horse drawn barge trips, as well as plenty of picnic and walking areas to explore. Or for something historical, Coldharbour Mill can be found here and is one of the UK’s oldest running woollen mills having been in continuous production since the 1790s!

There are loads of great places to stay here, including several farm stays – perfect for watching the seasons changed and enjoying plenty of space. Billingsmoor Farm is on the outskirts of Tiverton and features luxurious canvas lodges in a cosy setting. Or for a hotel stay, check out Tiverton Hotel – within easy access of Exeter and the Mid Devon area, the hotel has everything you need for a family stay.

The North Devon and Exmoor beaches form part of the UK’s first surf reserve and though you might think summer is the best time for surfing, actually the weather conditions are better for catching big waves in the autumn. Because of this, you might be tempted to get out on your boards and choose to stay in this part of Devon.

During the school holidays, the North Devon Wake Park is open all week, if you want to practice your watersports somewhere more enclosed before getting out on the waves. Adventure can also be had at the Milky Way Adventure Park and Watermouth Castle, where there are a host of rides for the whole family to enjoy. There are always activities going on at RHS Rosemoor throughout the school holidays and there are pumpkins to pick or the apple and honey harvest to experience at Quince Honey Farm.

Image: North Devon Wake Park 

If you want to keep busy, stay at the Mole Resort – over 25 acres of land with rooms available in the Manor House or lodges in the grounds and a host of events and activities, 30 to be exact! From thrill seekers to nature experiences, there are activities for everyone to explore. For a camping and caravanning experience, look at Riverside Caravan and Camping Park, a five star family, pet friendly holiday park on the edge of Exmoor.

If you do want to do some surfing while you’re here, Saunton Sands Hotel and Croyde Bay Resort both back right onto the beach, while those planning a trip to Watermouth Castle might want to stay at Watermouth Castle Apartments, which are on the same site and give you unlimited entry onto the theme park!