Updated April 2026
Staying at Devon Cliffs and wondering what’s nearby? These are the best beaches, family days out, and hidden gems all within easy driving distance.
We recently spent a rather wet and windy May Bank Holiday weekend at Haven Devon Cliffs.
We spent some time exploring the local area so I thought it was about time I put together a list of things to do near Devon Cliffs.
Devon Cliffs is Havens flagship site. The caravan park is huge and offers plenty of amenities.
However, if you’re staying for more than a few days it’s likely you’ll want to get out and about and explore everything there is to do nearby.
There are plenty of fantastic attractions near Devon Cliffs, in fact, one the best ones is within easy walking distance so you won’t even need to get in the car!
All of the suggestions in this post are under 30 minutes away, however, if you’re happy to head a little further afield I’ve listed some options that are up to one hour away at the bottom of the post.
All prices mentioned in this post are a guide and are subject to change by the attraction
Best Things to Do Near Devon Cliffs (Quick Picks)
Best for a full day out: World of Country Life
Best theme park: Crealy Devon
Best free activity: Queens Drive Space
Best beach: Exmouth Beach
Best for rainy days: Ocean Soft Play
Best Things To Do Near Devon Cliffs
World of Country Life – Best Family Day Out Near Devon Cliffs
Best for families who don’t want to travel too far from Devon Cliffs
Travel Time from Devon Cliffs: 1 Minute
World of Country Life just happens to be situated at the entrance to Devon Cliffs Holiday Park and you’ll almost certainly pass it as you arrive on site.
World of Country Life combines animals, play areas and a museum to create a fun day out for the whole family.
This is definitely somewhere you can spend the whole day as there is just so much to do – from ferret racing to bouncy castles and soft play, there is even a birds of prey show to enjoy.
When we visited our favourite activity was taking the Deer Train to feed the deer in one of the paddocks. While this does cost extra it is definitely worth the money and is one of my husband’s favourite things we have done on a day out!
I think this attraction is well worth the money and definitely somewhere we would return to in the future.
You can read my full review of World of Country Life Here: World of Country Life Devon Review 2022
Ticket Prices 2026
Adult: £21.00
Child (3–17): £17.25
Over 60s: £16.50
Under 3s: Free
Family Saver (2 Adults + 2 Children): £70.80
Family Super Saver (2 Adults + 3 Children): £86.25
Deer Train Safari: £2.20 per person (extra, includes deer/llama food)
Address:
World of Country Life
West Down Lane
Sandy Bay
Exmouth
EX8 5BY
Queens Drive Space, Exmouth
Best For For On A Budget
Travel Time from Devon Cliffs: 10 Minutes
Queens Drive Space is an area along Exmouth Seafront which offers various free play activities for children, an events space, food shacks, chill-out areas and hosts a fun fair during the summer.
We found this area perfect for days when it wasn’t quite warm enough to spend the whole day on the beach or if we just needed a change of scene.
It’s also a short walk away from arcades and mini golf and has its own dedicated car pack.
Queens Drive Space is well-signposted from the centre of Exmouth.
For sat nav, use postcode EX8 2AY and look out for Queens Drive car park which is nearby.
Busses 95 and Gold 57 stop nearby as well as some others.
Ticket Price: Free (no tickets needed)
Address:
Queens Drive
Exmouth
EX8 2AY
Ocean Soft Play – Best For Rainy Days
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 10 Minutes
Although there is a small soft play at the Devon Cliffs holiday park, it does get very busy, especially on rainy days.
If you’re looking for a good indoor attraction then Ocean Soft Play might be the answer.
Located on Queens Drive (Exmouth Seafront) this soft play boasts a range of activities for children ages 0-11 including ball pits and three stories of chutes, ladders and slides.
Booking ahead of time is essential as walk-ins are not currently accepted according to their website.
Ticket Prices:
Under 12 Months: From £1.50.
Ages 1–3: From £5.95.
Ages 4–11: From £6.95.
Prices can vary due to the seasons and availability.
Address:
Queens Drive
Exmouth
EX8 2AY
Exmouth Beach
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 10 Minutes
Devon Cliffs Holiday Park does have its own beach, which is stunning but can get very busy on hot days. There is also a very steep hill/ramp to access it which may not be suitable for everyone.
Exmouth boasts a beautiful two-mile long stretch of sandy beach with plenty of amenities nearby both along the seafront and in Exmouth Town centre.
There are rock pools to help keep the kids entertained and plenty of activities on offer such as surfing and stand-up paddle boarding.
And when you’ve had enough of the beach there are plenty of arcades and other fun activities nearby such as crazy golf, nearby.
Use this link for all parking sites in Exmouth.
Address:
Exmouth Beach,
Exmouth
EX8 2AY
Phear Park, Exmouth – Best for free outdoor fun
10 minutes drive from Devon Cliffs
If your children are anything like mine, they love exploring a new parks whether it’s just around the corner from home or while on holiday.
Phear Park is in the heart of Exmouth and has a children’s play area, skate park and plenty of green space for running about and playing games as well picnic tables if you want to bring your own food.
It also has two of my favourite park features: Free parking and onsite toilets.
Address:
Withycombe Village Rd
Exmouth
EX8 1TJ
Ferry Boat To Starcross / Dawlish
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 10 Minutes
There are various ferry services that run during the summer months that will take you from Exmouth over to the other side of the Estuary to Starcross and Dawlish Warren.
You can also book trips along the estuary for spotting wildlife depending on the time of year and tide times.
Starcross and Dawlish Warren are both beautiful but can be around a 45-minute drive from Devon Cliffs Holiday park so this is a great way to get exploring and the boat trip adds a great sense of adventure, especially for little ones.
Find out more on the Starcross To Exmouth Facebook Page
Ticket Prices
Various, but starting from around £5 per person.
Address:
The Docks / Marina
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 1DU
Related Post: Golden Sands Holiday Park Dawlish Review
A La Ronde
Best for those who have a National Trust Membership
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 12 Minutes
A La Ronde is a National Trust property situated in the North of Exmouth. This unique house has sixteen sides and is situated in beautiful gardens which include apple orchards and meadows.
The house itself has lots of interesting decorative features including rooms covered with shells and artefacts from the travels of the ladies who originally resided there.
While this is an interesting place to visit, I think it’s worth mentioning it’s definitely somewhere to go for a couple of hours rather than a whole day out.
If you already have a National Trust Pass then it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours but for me personally, I don’t think it provides enough to do in relation to ticket prices compared to other nearby attractions.
I can remember visiting here as a teenager and being very bored although as an adult I think I would probably appreciate it a bit more.
A La Ronde does close over the winter months so it’s worth checking opening times before visiting.
Ticket Prices:
Free for National Trust Pass Holders
£8.40 for adults and £4.20 for children
Parking on-site is free.
Address:
A La Ronde
Summer Lane
Exmouth, Devon
EX8 5BD
Other National Trust Posts:
Lytes Cary Manor National Trust Visit
Visiting Tyntesfield National Trust
Our Visit To Stourhead National Trust
Bicton Botanical Gardens
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 14 Minutes
Bicton Botanical Gardens offers a day out for the whole family, which includes 60 acres of landscaped gardens with ornamental lawns, water features and more formal areas.
There is also a lake, cafe, shop and orangery.
Plenty to do for children who can play in the inside play barn or in one of the outdoor play zones and your day can be completed with a train ride around the parklands (although there is an additional charge for this!).
Bicton Botanical Gardens is perfect for visiting with several generations of your family as there is something to keep everyone happy.
Ticket Prices
Adults: £19
Children (2–17): £12.75 (includes Playbarn)
Under 2s: Free
Concessions: (65+ / carers): £17
Annual pass upgrade: £18.50 per person (must be done on the day) Gives 12 months entry + discounts onsite
There are lots of extras not included in these entry prices such as the train and use of the play barn for those under 2 or those using an annual pass.
Address:
Bicton Gardens
Bicton East
Budleigh Salterton
EX9 7BJ
Crealy Devon Theme Park – Top Theme Park Near Devon Cliffs
Best For Families With Different Age Groups
Travel Time from Devon Cliffs: 25 Minutes
Crealy has to be one of the best and most popular attractions in the South West. I have fond memories of visiting both as a child with my family and as a teenager with my friends.
The park has grown substantially over the years and now boasts a whole host of rides for children (and adults!) of all ages as well as several soft play zones, outdoor adventure areas, a splash zone and animal encounters.
There is also the newly opened Sooty-Land complete with several themed rides and a Sooty show in a circus-style pavilion.
Crealy is perfect for all ages – teenagers can go off and do their own thing while toddlers can enjoy smaller rides and indoor soft play.
One thing we love about Crealy is that the queues for the majority of the rides tend to stay fairly short, even during the summer holidays (the two with the biggest queues tend to be the Maximus Rollercoaster and the Twist, I think mostly due to having a low rider capacity).
Crealy runs lots of special offers throughout the year and these are definitely worth looking out for, especially the offer that lets you return for free within seven days, meaning you essentially get two days out for the price of one.
You do need to get a wristband at the end of your visit for this one although it is usually well-advertised as you leave.
Top Tip: Park crowds getting too much? Head to the Wilderness Walk where there are lots of challenges to keep the kids entertained in the woodlands and over the water and finish up with a quiet picnic by the lake.
Even in the height of summer, this area tends to remain fairly quiet and is a nice way to break up the day from the noise and chaos elsewhere in the park.
Ticket Prices:
Individual: £26.50
Family of 4: £98.00
Family of 5: £117.50
OAP/Blue Light: £24.50
Under 92cm: Free
Ticket prices vary throughout the year and it’s typically cheaper to book online. Crealy is closed on weekdays during the winter so always check opening times before you plan to visit.
Crealy also offers discounts for carers and blue light card holders.
Address:
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Sidmouth Road
Exeter
Devon
EX5 1DR
The Donkey Sanctuary
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 32 Minutes
Entry to the Donkey Sanctuary is free and no pre-booking is required, making it perfect of you’re looking for something to do last minute.
You can get up close to the donkeys being cared for, or stop off at the café for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Picnics are also welcome, and the site offers access to coastal walks, including down to the shingle beach at Weston Mouth.
Address:
Slade House Farm
Weston
Sidmouth
EX10 0NU
Haldon Forest Park – Go Ape & Woodland Adventures (Gruffalo Trail)
Best for teens and older children
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 35 Minutes
Haldon Forest has a lot offer – including miles of woodland trails, cycle routes, and family-friendly walking paths.
There is also a Go Ape treetop adventure course with zip wires, rope bridges and crossings. I would advise booking ahead of time as it’s popular and does get busy, especially in the summer month.
Costs are typically around £35 per person depending on course and age.
For something a bit gentler, Haldon Forest also has:
- The Gruffalo-themed activity trail (great for younger children, small aditional cost for the map)
- Woodland walking trails for all abilities
- Cycle routes and bike hire
- Small play areas and open spaces for picnics
- Café and toilet facilities on site.
- Parking is available on site but it is pay-and-display (charged per hour/day)
Overall, Haldon Forest is a great in-between day – out more active and nature-based than the beaches, but less intense than a full theme park day out.
Address:
Haldon Forest Park
Exeter
EX6 7XR
Powderham Castle
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 40 Minutes
Located just outside Exeter, Powderham Castle is a historic family home set within beautiful grounds on the edge of the River Exe.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a more relaxed day out and offers a mix of history, gardens, and scenery.
Visitors can explore the castle, walk through the surrounding deer park, or simply open spaces.
Drive Time From Devon Cliffs: 42 Minutes
Adult – £15.67
Child (4yrs-16yrs) – £11.48
Under 3s go free and there are concessions for young adults and OAPs, plus kids go free during term time Sundays.
See the Powderham Castle Website for more details.
Address:
Kenton
Exeter
Devon
EX6 8BQ
Which should you choose?
- Short stay (2–3 days): stick to closer options like World of Country Life
- Longer stay: mix in Crealy – Fun for all the family and often has free returns within seven days
- With toddlers: prioritise Ocean Soft Play for rainy day fun
- On a budget: choose free options like the park on Queens Drive or The Donkey Sanctuary
- Best for teens – Go Ape at Haldon Forest for thrilling fun in the treetops.
Quieter spots & short stop-offs near Devon Cliffs
As well as the main attractions, there are also some quieter places near Devon Cliffs that work well for a more relaxed day out.
These are especially nice for grandparents, mixed-age groups, or anyone wanting something a little slower paced.
Otterton Mill – Free entry – Café and river walks along with a working mill.
Woodbury Castle & Pebbled Heaths – Free entry – Iron age hill fort perfect for stretching your legs and exploring the local country side. Adjacent free parking.
Exe Estuary Trail – Free – traffic free flat route along the Estuary, perfect for hiking or Cycling.
Things To Do Within One Hour of Devon Cliffs
In this post, I’ve included mostly things that are within easy driving distance of Devon Cliffs or that can be accessed easily via bus or by walking from the site.
Personally, when we’re on holiday we don’t like to drive too far from where were staying, however, I know that’s not the case for everyone so here are a few activities which are within an hour’s drive of Devon Cliffs.
Pennywell Farm – 50 Minutes From Devon Cliffs (see my review of Pennywell Farm here) – best for toddlers and under 10s.
Becky Falls – 50 Minutes From Devon Cliffs
Killerton House (National Trust) – 55 Minutes From Devon Cliffs – Perfect for making use of National Trust membership
Painton Zoo – 55 Minutes Drive From Devon Cliffs
Splashdown Quaywest – 60 Minutes From Devon Cliffs
FAQs About Devon Cliffs Area
Do you need a car at Devon Cliffs?
You don’t need a car to get to Devon Cliffs. The nearest train station is Exmouth, and from there you can take a short taxi or local bus to the holiday park.
Once you’re there, you can also get around without a car for local trips. The 95 bus runs between Exmouth, Exeter and nearby areas, and some attractions are within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
However, if you want to explore more widely across Devon or visit places further afield, having a car will give you much more flexibility.
Are there things to do within walking distance?
Yes, there is plenty to do within easy walking distance of Devon Cliffs.
As the Flagship Haven site, Devon Cliffs itself has plenty to offer, including children’s play areas, arcades, swimming, soft play, activities such as pottery painting and rock climbing, evening entertainment and it’s very own sandy beach.
You can also walk to World of Country life which has a huge range of activities for the whole family.
Is Devon Cliffs good for exploring Devon?
Devon Cliffs is a great base for exploring Devon, with plenty of fantastic days out within easy reach.
Devon is a large and diverse county, so while some attractions on the opposite coast can take up to two hours to reach, there’s still a huge variety of places to explore nearby.
I really hope this post helps you to find some lovely things to do near Devon Cliffs! Have I missed your favourite? Let me know in the comments and I can get it added!
