North Devon is packed with fun for all ages, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From sandy adventures to countryside escapes, there’s plenty to do that keeps kids entertained and parents smiling (wallets included).

Here are ten budget-friendly family activities in North Devon that are big on fun and low on cost.

1. Build Castles at Woolacombe Beach

It’s regularly ranked among the best beaches in the UK for a reason. Clean, wide, and great for sandcastle architects, Woolacombe is the ultimate free day out. Pack a picnic and settle in for hours.

2. Explore the Rock Pools at Combe Martin

This little seaside village is a gem for rock pooling. When the tide goes out, it reveals a natural playground filled with crabs, starfish and sea creatures waiting to be discovered.

3. Walk the Tarka Trail

Flat, scenic and traffic-free, the Tarka Trail is perfect for family walks or bike rides. You’ll find plenty of picnic spots and cafés along the way, with miles of riverside and countryside views.

4. Visit Clovelly

Clovelly’s famous cobbled streets and old-world charm make it feel like a storybook village. Admission applies for adults, but under 7s go free — and it’s a fascinating place to explore as a family.

5. Discover Exmoor’s Wild Side

Take the kids pony spotting or follow one of the family-friendly walking trails through Exmoor National Park. It's all free, and the scenery is hard to beat.

6. Splash Around at Westward Ho!

With shallow waters, rock pools and loads of space to run wild, Westward Ho! is perfect for younger families. It also has a large green for games and scooters right next to the beach.

7. Take a Stroll Through RHS Garden Rosemoor

Located near Great Torrington, Rosemoor is a beautifully kept garden with space for kids to roam and seasonal trails to explore. There’s plenty of room for picnics, bug spotting, and letting off steam.

8. Hunt for Fairies in Braunton Burrows

This giant dune system is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s also a great place to turn a walk into a fairy hunt, bug safari or wild treasure trail — ideal for imaginative kids.

9. Try Crabbing in Appledore

Grab a bucket, line and some bacon from the local shop, then head to the quay and see what you can catch. Crabbing is classic coastal fun and costs next to nothing.

10. Watch the Sunset at Saunton Sands

Finish your day with one of North Devon’s greatest free gifts — the sunset. Saunton Sands offers a wide-open view where the sky goes full technicolour, and it’s a memory-maker for all ages.

North Devon on a budget? Absolutely

With the right mix of nature, adventure and creativity, you don’t have to spend big to make big memories. Just bring the bucket, the boots and your sense of fun.