The beaches of Torbay are wonderful, but part of the joy of holidaying here is how much else there is to do within easy reach. When the family fancies a change from sandcastles, South Devon offers an astonishing variety of days out — wildlife parks, historic houses, steam trains, caves, gardens and adventure attractions, all close enough to fit easily into a week’s holiday. Here is a roundup of the best family days out beyond the beach, from a base in Paignton.
Paignton Zoo
Top of the list for most families is Paignton Zoo, one of the country’s leading wildlife conservation parks. Set in 80 acres of botanical gardens right on the edge of town, it is home to lions, giraffes, rhinos, orang-utans, crocodiles and hundreds of other species, with a miniature railway, an adventure playground and indoor animal houses for when it rains. It easily fills a full day and is a guaranteed hit with children of all ages.
The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
A ride on a real steam train is pure magic for children. The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway runs along a gorgeous stretch of coast from Paignton to Kingswear, with wonderful sea views from the carriages. For a bigger adventure, combine it with a ferry and a river cruise on the famous Round Robin trip — a full day of steam, sea, river and bus that children remember long afterwards.
Greenway and the River Dart
For families with slightly older children, Greenway — Agatha Christie’s holiday home on the River Dart, cared for by the National Trust — makes a lovely day out, with woodland paths, a boathouse and beautiful riverside gardens. Arriving by boat adds a real sense of adventure. River cruises on the Dart are a treat in their own right, with wildlife to spot along the wooded banks.
Kents Cavern
Over in Torquay, Kents Cavern takes families deep underground into one of Britain’s most important prehistoric cave systems. Guided tours through the spectacular chambers, complete with stalactites and tales of Ice Age animals and early humans, are exciting, educational and completely weatherproof — ideal for a rainy day or simply a change of scene.
Splashdown Quaywest and Goodrington
For sheer fun on a warm day, Splashdown Quaywest at Goodrington is the largest outdoor waterpark in the South West, with a stack of flumes and slides for all ages. Goodrington Sands itself has pedaloes, a boating lake and miniature golf, so there is plenty to keep a family busy beyond the water slides.
Babbacombe Model Village and Cliff Railway
The Babbacombe Model Village is a beautifully detailed miniature world that delights all ages, with thousands of tiny figures, working models, award-winning gardens and an after-dark light show in season. Nearby, the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway carries you down to Oddicombe Beach with spectacular views — an adventure in itself.
Brixham and crabbing
A trip to the working fishing port of Brixham is great fun for families. Try crabbing off the harbour wall, climb aboard the replica of the Golden Hind, and enjoy fish and chips on the quay. Just beyond the town, the wild headland of Berry Head offers wildlife watching, old forts to explore and superb views.
Dartmoor adventures
For a complete change of scene, Dartmoor is less than an hour away. Climb a granite tor like Haytor, spot the wild ponies, explore wooded valleys and waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic on the open moor. It is a wonderful contrast to the seaside and gives children the thrill of real wide-open wilderness.
Gardens, golf and active fun
There is plenty more besides: sub-tropical gardens at Roundham Head, go-karting at Churston, crazy golf along the seafront, swimming pools, tennis courts and bowls greens, plus the coastal cycle path right behind Preston Sands for family bike rides. Whatever your children are into, you will find something to suit close at hand.
Days out by age group
Different ages enjoy different things, and Torbay caters for all of them. Toddlers and pre-schoolers love the gentle beaches, the miniature railway and playground at the zoo, and crabbing at Brixham. Primary-age children are in their element with the steam train, Splashdown’s water slides, Kents Cavern and Dartmoor adventures. Teenagers often prefer the independence of watersports, coast-path walks, the lively harbours and the option of a meal out in Torquay. And grandparents will enjoy the gentle pleasures of the seafront, the gardens, river cruises and scenic drives. The beauty of a Torbay holiday is that a multi-generational family can find something everyone enjoys, often on the same day.
Saving money on family days out
Family attractions add up, so a few savings go a long way. Book tickets online in advance where you can, as this often works out cheaper than paying at the gate, and ask about annual passes at attractions like the zoo if you are staying a while or visit often. Balance the paid days with the many free pleasures — beaches, rock pools, crabbing, coast-path walks, the playground and cycle path, and the free-to-watch summer events. And make the most of your self-catering kitchen by packing picnics for days out rather than buying lunch every time. A little planning lets you give the children a brilliant holiday without breaking the bank.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best family day out in Torbay? Paignton Zoo and the Round Robin steam-train trip are both outstanding, but the area is packed with options for every age.
What can we do for free with the children? Beaches, rock pooling, crabbing, the playground and cycle path opposite Preston Sands, coast-path walks and free summer events.
Are the attractions close together? Yes — almost everything is within a short drive, bus ride or boat trip from a central base in Paignton.
What is good for a rainy day? Kents Cavern, the zoo’s indoor houses, the Babbacombe Model Village, a swim, or games back at base.
So much within easy reach
The real advantage of a Torbay holiday is how close everything is. From a central base in Paignton you can reach all of these days out within a short drive, bus ride or boat trip, which means you can pack a remarkable variety into a single week — a zoo day, a steam-train adventure, a caves trip, a moorland picnic and still plenty of beach time. Cranmore Lodge, with its free off-road parking and position opposite Preston Sands, makes the ideal launchpad for it all. See our area guide for even more ideas.
Stay at Cranmore Lodge, Paignton
Pack a week full of family adventures from a base right beside the beach. View our family apartments or check availability and book online.
To plan your family holiday, call +44 (0)1803 556278 or email enquiries@cranmorelodge.co.uk. Cranmore Lodge Holiday Apartments, 45 Marine Drive, Paignton TQ3 2NS.