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Places to take the kids and things on nearby, shared by Marwood parents. Rate how child-friendly places are, and tap Interested or Going on events so friends can see.
These aren't run by MSA: please check details with each place or organiser.
Yellow pins have something on soon. Tap “Show where I am” to sort nearest first (your location stays on your phone).
🌳 Walks & nature · Arlington (National Trust)
All agesPaid entry (free for NT members)
Gardens, woodland walks and the National Trust Carriage Museum.
📅 A storybook Christmas at Arlington Court · 21 Nov★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Clovelly Visitor Centre, Clovelly, Bideford EX39 5TA
All agesEntry fee, paid at the Visitor Centre or booked online; open all year. See the website for prices
A car-free fishing village with a steep cobbled street running down to a little harbour and pebbly beach. Entry includes parking, Clovelly Court Gardens, the Fisherman's Cottage and the Kingsley Museum. Wear sensible shoes (the hill is steep; there's a Land Rover service back up) and leave the buggy at home.
📅 Clovelly RNLI Christmas lights switch-on · 6 DecNo ratings yet
🐐 Farms, zoos & animals · Bratton Fleming
All agesPaid entry: see website
Small zoo, home of the "Exmoor Beast" black leopard, plus cheetahs, meerkats, red pandas and lemurs. Keeper experiences too (junior keepers 8+).
📅 Locals Month at Exmoor Zoo: half-price entry · 4 Nov★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Woody Bay Station, near Parracombe
All agesPaid entry: see website
Narrow-gauge steam railway from Woody Bay: a 2-mile return trip. Tickets last all day and under-14s travel free on standard fares. Station tea rooms.
📅 Quiet Santa Special steam train, Woody Bay · 5 Dec★★★★★ MSA's rating
🎬 Cinema & shows · Boutport Street, Barnstaple
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Barnstaple's theatre, including family shows.
📅 Snow White (pantomime) · 12 Dec★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Aller Cross, South Molton
All agesPaid entry: see website
Working honey farm: see the bees safely, plus the Play Hive (big indoor soft play with a toddler and baby area), outdoor play and a restaurant.
📅 Christmas with the Clauses at Quince Honey Farm · 12 Dec★★★★★ MSA's rating
🌳 Walks & nature · Great Torrington EX38 8PH
All agesPaid entry: ages 5–16 £6, under 5s free
Big RHS garden near Torrington with woodland and lakeside walks and family trails every school holiday. The Wind in the Willows garden adventure trail runs until December 2026. Café and plant centre.
📅 Magic of Christmas craft and food fair at RHS Rosemoor · 20 Nov★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Abbotsham, near Bideford
All agesPaid entry: see website
Farm theme park with rides (including the Rampage coaster), live shows like sheep racing, an Animal Barn and EWEtopia, a big indoor play zone with a toddler area.
📅 Father Christmas Experience at The Big Sheep · 28 Nov★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Downland Farm, Clovelly, Bideford EX39 5RY
All agesPaid entry, cheaper booked online. See the website for prices and opening days
A big family theme park near Clovelly with lots under cover for wet days: rollercoasters (the Cosmic Typhoon), indoor play, archery, a bird of prey display and shows by the illusionist Merlin. Little Stars is a play area for babies, toddlers and children up to six.
📅 The Magic of Christmas at The Milky Way · 5 DecNo ratings yet
🎬 Cinema & shows · 9–11 Fore Street, Great Torrington EX38 8HQ
5–77–11Tickets: see website
Small arts centre with family films, children's theatre, half-term workshops and Saturday youth theatre groups (ages 3 and up). Box office 01805 624624.
📅 Inspire Dance Festival · 21 Nov★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Woolacombe
All agesFree (car park charges)
Three miles of sand with lifeguards in season. Popular for rock pools at the northern end.
📅 Silent disco beach clean, Woolacombe · 29 Nov★★★★★ MSA's rating
🐐 Farms, zoos & animals · Woolley Animals, near Winkleigh EX19 8AN
All agesPaid entry; see the website for prices and opening times
A friendly farm park where children can meet, groom and feed the animals and even walk a goat, with tractor rides and alpaca walks (extra charge) and a café. Open at weekends and in the school holidays; closed in November.
📅 Santa's Gingerbread Grotto at Woolley Animals · 5 DecNo ratings yet
🧗 Indoor play · Affinity Devon, Clovelly Road, Bideford EX39 3DU
All agesChildren up to 11 £9.50, under 2s £4.95, adults £1.50
Soft play for children up to 11 at the Affinity Devon shopping village: a multi-level play frame with slides, a climbing and traversing wall and an interactive floor. Open all year, good for wet days.
📅 Santa's Grotto at Affinity Devon, Bideford · 2 DecNo ratings yet
🏊 Swimming · Pathfields School pool, Barnstaple EX31 1QY
Under 5sAges 6 weeks–preschoolLessons: see website
Small-group lessons for babies from 6 weeks and preschoolers in a small, warm pool (34°C, 1.2m deep). Mon, Wed and Fri 4pm, Sat 8am. Free parking behind the school. Book ahead.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Woolacombe
5–77–11Free
Small cove known for shells, just north of Woolacombe.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🍕 Family-friendly food · Barricane Beach, Mortehoe, Woolacombe
All agesCash only
A tiny café on the shell beach at Woolacombe, famous for its Sri Lankan curries (5-7pm) eaten on the sand at sunset; café food until 4pm. Summer only and only when it's dry: the café is taken away in winter. Cash only, bring your own drinks. Check its Facebook page before you go.
No ratings yet
🛝 Parks & playgrounds · Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe EX34 8DN
All agesFree
Victorian park with a large children's play area, duck pond, boat lake, sensory garden, an old water-powered corn mill and a tea room.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🍕 Family-friendly food · 21-22 Tuly Street, Barnstaple EX31 1DH
All agesCafé prices, kids' menu
A relaxed café in town for breakfast, brunch and lunch, with a kids' menu, room for buggies and babies in slings, and dogs on leads welcome.
No ratings yet
🏰 Days out · The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, Braunton EX33 1AA
5–77–11
Small local history museum in the middle of Braunton.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🌳 Walks & nature · American Road, Braunton
All agesFree
Huge sand dune system behind Saunton Sands. Great for exploring and dune-jumping.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Combe Martin
All agesFree (car park charges)
Sheltered village cove with rock pools.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🐐 Farms, zoos & animals · Combe Martin
All agesPaid entry: see website
Animals and life-size animatronic dinosaurs in a woodland valley.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Croyde
All agesFree (car park charges)
Sandy surf beach with rock pools at both ends.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
⚽ Clubs & classes · Dean, Parracombe EX31 4PJ
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
BHS and ABRS approved stables on Exmoor: lessons and small-group hacks for beginners, from tiny tots up.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Dunster, Minehead TA24 6SQ
All agesPaid entry; National Trust members and under 5s free. See the website for prices and opening days
A National Trust castle on a wooded hill above Dunster village, on the Exmoor coast (about an hour's drive). Explore the castle rooms, terraced gardens with views over the Bristol Channel, the river gardens and a working watermill with its waterwheels. Lots of steep paths and stairs.
No ratings yet
🎬 Cinema & shows · Ilfracombe
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Ilfracombe's cinema.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🍕 Family-friendly food · Fremington Quay, Barnstaple EX31 2NH
All ages
Family-run café on the Tarka Trail with an outdoor play area. Easy bike or scooter ride from Barnstaple (about 3 miles, flat).
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Hartland, Bideford EX39 6DT
5–77–11Paid entry. Open Sundays to Thursdays in the season (spring to autumn); see the website for dates and prices
A historic house where Malory Towers was filmed, with walled and woodland gardens and a walk down a valley to a wild Atlantic cove. Children can do the quiz and nature trail and meet the donkeys, peacocks and black sheep. Tea room from 11am.
No ratings yet
🏖️ Beaches · Hartland Quay, Hartland, Bideford EX39 6DU
5–77–11Free beach; pay to park
A rocky, pebbly cove under dramatic folded cliffs, great for rock pooling (bring a bucket). There's a small visitor centre about the quay's shipwrecks and a hotel halfway down serving meals. Parking and toilets. No dogs on the beach.
No ratings yet
🏖️ Beaches · Hele, Ilfracombe
All agesFree (car park charges)
Small shingle and sand cove just east of Ilfracombe, next to Hele Cornmill.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Hele, Ilfracombe
5–77–11
Working water-powered corn mill next to Hele Beach.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🐐 Farms, zoos & animals · The Pier, Ilfracombe Harbour
All agesPaid entry: see website
Small aquarium of local sea life on the harbour, with a café.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🌳 Walks & nature · The Quay, Ilfracombe EX34 9EQ
All agesFree; pay to park
A busy working harbour watched over by Verity, Damien Hirst's 20-metre statue on the pier (as heavy as four elephants). Walk the pier, watch the boats, go crabbing off the quay and pop into the aquarium in the old lifeboat house.
No ratings yet
🌳 Walks & nature · Starts at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe seafront EX34 9BZ
5–77–11Trail pack: see website
Self-guided clue-solving walk around Ilfracombe. Buy the trail online and go whenever you like.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Ilfracombe Harbour EX34 9EQ
All agesPaid entry: see website
Coastal wildlife cruises from the harbour: look out for seals, porpoises and seabirds. No minimum age.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · The Quay, Ilfracombe EX34 9EQ
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Fast RIB boat trips to see seals in Rockham Bay and along the coast. Check their suitability page or call before booking with young children.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Instow
All agesFree (car park charges)
Calm estuary beach with views to Appledore. The Tarka Trail passes behind it.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🧗 Indoor play · Unit 4, Barnstaple Trade Centre, Whiddon Valley EX32 8QD
All agesPaid entry: see website
North Devon's biggest soft play: giant climbing frames, slides, an under-4s area, sensory zones, laser parties and Marley's Café.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Keypitts Farm, near Ilfracombe EX34 9RW
5–77–11Ages 6+Paid entry: see website
Quad biking, mini Land Rovers for kids, 4x4 driving and axe throwing. Booking only; check age limits for each activity.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🧗 Indoor play · Braunton Road, Barnstaple EX31 1LG
All agesPaid entry: see website
Ten-pin bowling, crazy golf, an arcade, pool and darts, plus a soft play party bus for little ones and a bar. Baby changing and wheelchair access. Free parking (register your number plate at reception). 01271 321123.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Riverside Road, Lynmouth EX35 6EN
All agesFree; pay to park
A shingle beach and little harbour where the rivers meet the sea on the edge of Exmoor, with ice creams and cafés along the front. Dogs welcome all year. Ride the Cliff Railway up to Lynton.
No ratings yet
🏰 Days out · The Esplanade, Lynmouth (bottom) and Lee Road, Lynton (top)
All agesAdults £3.90, ages 4–15 £2.40, under 4s free
Victorian cliff railway between Lynmouth and Lynton, powered only by water: the highest of its kind in the world. Runs from early spring to early November. Café at the top.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🌳 Walks & nature · Guineaford, Barnstaple EX31 4EA
All agesPaid entry (under 12s free)
20-acre garden with three lakes, just down the road from school, and a tea room. Open Wed–Sun, March to October (11am–3pm in October).
★★★★★ MSA's rating
⚽ Clubs & classes · Mullacott, Ilfracombe EX34 8NA
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Rides and lessons for all ages and abilities, from beginners to experienced riders: hacks around their 600-acre farm and beach rides. Call 01271 866685 to book.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · The Square, Barnstaple
All agesFree
Free museum of North Devon's history, with family craft days and workshops in the school holidays.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Caen Field, Braunton
7–11
Small museum about the history of surfing in Britain.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🐐 Farms, zoos & animals · Newton Tracey, near Barnstaple EX31 3PE
5–77–11Experience days: see website
Hands-on falconry experience days (booking only): fly the birds yourself. Children can take part with a participating adult.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🧗 Indoor play · Tuly Street, Barnstaple
All agesFree
Children's library. Ask about rhyme times and holiday activities.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🧗 Indoor play · Odun House, Odun Road, Appledore EX39 1PT
5–77–11Small entry charge. Open in the season; see the website for times and prices
A small museum in Appledore about the area's ships, shipbuilders, smugglers and pirates, with hands-on displays and quiz sheets for children, plus an old-fashioned schoolroom.
No ratings yet
⚽ Clubs & classes · Westward Ho!, Bideford EX39 1HN
7–11Paid lessons; see the website for prices, ages and dates
Surf lessons on Westward Ho! beach since 1988, from a surf centre 50 metres from the sand. No experience needed and all the kit is included; surf hire too.
No ratings yet
🌳 Walks & nature · Northam, Westward Ho!
All agesFree (car park charge)
Flat grassland, dunes and the Pebble Ridge. Visitor centre with toilets and family activities May–September.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Borough Road, Combe Martin EX34 0AN
7–11Paid entry: see website
Kayak and paddleboard hire, lessons and guided sea kayak tours, 50m from Combe Martin beach. British Canoeing qualified instructors.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏊 Swimming · Croyde Bay Resort (winter) / Golden Coast, Woolacombe (summer)
All agesAges 4+Lessons: see website
Croyde Swim School's Tuesday and Wednesday classes (4.15–6.15pm) for ages 4+, non-swimmers to improvers, in small groups. At Croyde Bay Resort in winter and Golden Coast, Woolacombe in summer. Book ahead.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏊 Swimming · Stowford Farm Meadows, near Berrynarbor
All agesLessons: see website
Croyde Swim School's Thursday classes (4–6.45pm), beginners to advanced, in small groups. The nearest of their pools to Marwood. Book ahead.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Westward Ho!
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
18-hole adventure golf and family go-karts by the beach. Open April–October, weather permitting.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🛝 Parks & playgrounds · Pilton, Barnstaple
All agesAges 3–13Free
Neighbourhood park in Pilton with a good-sized play area for ages 3–13 and space for ball games.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Putsborough, near Georgeham
All agesFree (car park charges)
Sheltered southern end of Woolacombe beach, good for little ones.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🛝 Parks & playgrounds · Rock Park, Barnstaple
All agesFree
Big riverside park with a play area, sports pitches and a large skatepark. The Tarka Trail runs alongside.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Saunton
All agesFree (car park charges)
Long, gently shelving sandy beach backed by the Braunton Burrows dunes.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🎬 Cinema & shows · Boutport Street, Barnstaple
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Town-centre cinema.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Abbotsham Road, Bideford
7–11Paid entry: see website
Outdoor adventure centre (it was the Ultimate Adventure Centre, now run by Skern Adventure): high ropes, archery, kayaking and more, with sessions for families in the holidays. Check ages when booking.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🍕 Family-friendly food · Exeter Road, Braunton EX33 2JL
All agesSee the website for the menu
Award-winning fish and chips, made by the Squires family since 1969: a 130-seat restaurant over two floors, plus a takeaway. The car park opposite is free for the first 20 minutes.
No ratings yet
🏊 Swimming · Seven Brethren Bank, Barnstaple
All agesPaid entry: see website
Two pools (25m and a 20m learner pool), soft play, the X-treme Air inflatable obstacle course and Devon's only indoor ski slope (an endless moving slope, with lessons).
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🌳 Walks & nature · Starts by Barnstaple railway station
All agesFree
Flat, traffic-free path for walking, scooting and cycling. Bike hire (including children's bikes and trailers) next to the station.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🍕 Family-friendly food · The Square, Chittlehampton, Umberleigh EX37 9QL
All agesPub prices
A traditional village pub run by the same family since 1975, child and dog friendly, with locally sourced food and a children's play area.
No ratings yet
🎬 Cinema & shows · Ilfracombe seafront
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Theatre with family shows, concerts and workshops.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🍕 Family-friendly food · 39 St Mary's Road, Croyde EX33 1PG
All agesPub prices
A 16th-century village inn with a sunny beer garden right next to a big children's play area, a conservatory restaurant and a Sunday carvery.
No ratings yet
🍕 Family-friendly food · Muddiford, Barnstaple EX31 4EY
All agesPub prices; see the website for menus and opening times
Our nearest family pub, just up the road from Marwood: pub food, a big beer garden and a children's play area. Dogs welcome.
No ratings yet
🧗 Indoor play · Unit 4, Velator Industrial Estate, Braunton EX33 2DX
All ages£5.50 (1–5), £6 (5+), £1.50 adults, under-1s free
Nautical "beach shack" themed wooden soft play with a café, toilets and baby changing. 90-minute sessions, booked online in advance.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🍕 Family-friendly food · 14 Hobbs Hill, Croyde EX33 1LZ
All agesPub prices, kids' menu
A lively thatched pub in the middle of Croyde village, a short walk from the beach, with a kids' menu and the same menu in the bar, restaurant and garden. Dog-friendly tables can be booked (01271 890349).
No ratings yet
🍕 Family-friendly food · Golf Links Road, Westward Ho! EX39 1LG
All agesPub prices
A pub by Westward Ho! beach serving family favourites, with indoor and outdoor play, a beer garden and decking. Families and children welcome in the daytime; dogs welcome in the bar.
No ratings yet
🍕 Family-friendly food · Wrafton Road, Braunton EX33 2DE
All agesLunchtime carvery £14.50 (Monday to Saturday, 12-2pm), Sunday carvery £17.95 (11.30am-7.30pm)
A big thatched pub between Barnstaple and Braunton, best known for its carvery, with a large family-friendly bar area (no booking needed) and outside seating. Dogs welcome. Takeaway carvery too.
No ratings yet
🍕 Family-friendly food · Watermouth Lodges, Watermouth, Ilfracombe EX34 9SJ
All agesSee the website for menus and opening times
A little restaurant at Watermouth holiday lodges, near Watermouth Castle, with soft play for little ones, an outdoor play park for bigger children and outdoor seating looking over it.
No ratings yet
🏊 Swimming · Benson Drive, Northam, Bideford EX39 1UY
All agesPaid entry: see website
25m pool and a learner pool, with swimming lessons.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🌳 Walks & nature · Lee Road, Lynton
5–77–11Free (car park charges)
Walk among dramatic rocks with wild goats (don't feed or approach them). The main valley path is fairly level; the upper and cliff paths are uneven and not suitable for pushchairs.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🛝 Parks & playgrounds · Kingsley Road, Bideford
All agesFree
Riverside park in Bideford with a play area and a paddling pool in summer.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Berrynarbor
All agesPaid entry: see website
Castle with family rides and gardens, and seasonal events. Check the website for dates.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🌳 Walks & nature · Watersmeet Road, Lynmouth (National Trust)
5–77–11Free (car park charges)
Riverside woodland walk from Lynmouth (about 2 miles) to Watersmeet House, where two rivers meet, with a tea room and tea garden (light lunches and cream teas; check opening times).
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Westward Ho!
All agesFree (car park charges)
Big sandy beach behind the Pebble Ridge, with rock pools at low tide.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏊 Swimming · Westward Ho! seafront
5–77–11Free
Tidal sea pool refilled by the sea at high tide. Best at low tide; supervise children closely.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏖️ Beaches · Wilder Road, Ilfracombe EX34 9AS
All agesFree; pay to park
A sheltered shingle beach below the cliffs by Ilfracombe's seafront, usually quieter than the big beaches. Parking, toilets and a café nearby; dogs welcome all year.
No ratings yet
🌳 Walks & nature · Near Blackmore Gate EX31 4SL
All agesFree (car park charges)
Peaceful path around a reservoir on the edge of Exmoor, with picnic tables along the way and forest tracks. Open every day, dawn to dusk.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
⚽ Clubs & classes · Eastacott Farm, Woolacombe EX34 7AE
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Sea-view treks from half an hour, rides over the dunes and along Woolacombe beach, and teaching for adults and children of all abilities. BHS and Pony Club approved.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
Things with a date. Tap ♡ to add one to your favourites and we'll remind you the day before. They drop off once they're over. See them with MSA events →
On now until Tue 1 Dec · 📍 Exmoor Zoo
Half price with an EX postcode (Marwood is EX31)Ages All agesExmoor Zoo
Half-price entry for anyone with an EX postcode: bring a driving licence to show it. Can't be combined with other offers, family tickets, online bookings or Tesco vouchers.
🌐 Their website ↗Fri 20 Nov – Sun 22 Nov · 📍 RHS Garden Rosemoor
Garden admissionAges All agesRHS
Christmas gifts and festive food from local artists, makers and producers.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat, 21 Nov 2026 · 📍 The Plough Arts Centre
See websiteAges All agesThe Plough Arts Centre
An evening celebrating dance across Devon, with performers of all ages and abilities: ballet, belly dancing, contemporary, tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballroom and more. Check the website for times.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 21 Nov – Wed 6 Jan · 10:00–16:00 · 📍 Arlington Court
Normal admission (free for National Trust members)Ages All agesNational Trust
Outdoor trail: spin the wheel at each stop to choose your character, face challenges and decide how your story ends.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 21 Nov – Sun 3 Jan · 10:00–16:00 · 📍 Arlington Court
Normal admission (free for National Trust members)Ages All agesNational Trust
The house dressed for Christmas, inspired by much-loved children's classics, plus decorated gardens and grounds. Father Christmas visits on some weekends in December: see the National Trust page.
🌐 Their website ↗Fri 27 Nov – Wed 30 Dec · 16:30–20:30 · 📍 RHS Garden Rosemoor
Off peak: adult £13, child (5-16) £7. Standard: adult £17.25, child £9.75. RHS members: off peak adult £8, child £4.50; standard adult £11.25, child £6.25. Under 5s free but still need a ticket. Pre-booked tickets only, for everyone including membersAges All agesRHS Garden Rosemoor1 going · 0 interested
An evening light and sound trail through the gardens on selected nights from 27 November to 30 December, 4.30pm to 8.30pm (last entry 7pm; book an arrival slot and stay as long as you like). New this year: an old oak drawn in neon lines, a field of glowing poppies, a light-up path that plays musical notes as you step on it, and giant dandelions along the Long Border. Hot chocolate, marshmallows, pasties and sweet treats along the way. Extras on some nights: Christmas craft fair (27-29 November, 5-6 December) and a family silent disco (11-12 December, 4.30pm to 7.45pm, adults £10, children £5). There's an SEN quiet night too. No dogs except assistance dogs. Check the booking calendar for which nights it's on.
🌐 Their website ↗Fri, 27 Nov 2026 · 18:00–20:00 · St John's Garden Centre, Barnstaple
See websiteAges All agesSt John's Garden Centres
Santa arrives by horse and carriage from 6pm, with entertainers, and he and Mrs Claus hand out sweets to the children. Winter JungleLand, the festive lights and animal scenes, opens the same day. End time not given (our guess: about 8pm).
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec · St John's Garden Centre, Barnstaple
Book a slot online; see website for pricesAges Children (our guess: under 11)St John's Garden Centres (book on Bookwhen)
Walk through a wintry forest of twinkling lights to Santa's log cabin. Each child tells Santa their wishes and gets a gift picked by Santa and his elves, plus a Christmas tree sapling to plant. From 28 November; last date not given (our guess: Christmas Eve). There's a new ice rink at St John's, Ashford too, and Breakfast with Santa on some days.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 28 Nov – Thu 24 Dec · 10:00–17:00 · 📍 The Big Sheep
Pre-booked tickets only, limited each day; see website for prices. Under 1s go free as observers; everyone from 1 year pays full priceAges All agesThe Big Sheep
On 28-29 November, 5-6 and 12-13 December and every day 19-24 December, 10am to 5pm. A guided tour through the Elf Academy (become an honorary elf) to the grotto to meet Father Christmas, plus a teddy bear market and gingerbread kitchen. The ticket includes the rest of the park: indoor play, jumping pillows, the animal barn, the Twister and the train. Wrap up warm and arrive on time for your slot.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat, 28 Nov 2026 · 15:00–19:00 · West Buckland School, West Buckland, Barnstaple EX32 0SX
Adult £14.40, ages 2-16 £9.60, family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) £38.40, under-2s free; 10% off while early-bird tickets last. Meet Santa, gingerbread decorating, face painting and wreath making (£36) cost extraAges All agesWest Buckland School (tickets through Ticket Tailor)
North Devon's first Christmas drone show: hundreds of lit-up drones by Afterglow make festive pictures in the night sky (quieter than fireworks). From 3pm there's a Christmas fair with craft stalls and hot food, the Chivenor Military Ladies Choir, sing-alongs, a charity Christmas tree festival, arts and crafts and a festive trail. The drone show is in the evening; the exact time isn't announced yet. Money raised goes to the Royal Marines Charity.
🌐 Their website ↗Sun, 29 Nov 2026 · 10:30–12:00 · 📍 Woolacombe Sands
Free, no bookingAges All agesNational Trust and Plastic Free Woolacombe
Monthly beach clean with headphones and a silent disco. Gloves, litter pickers and bags provided; dress for the weather. The disco only goes ahead if the weather allows.
🌐 Their website ↗Wed 2 Dec – Wed 23 Dec · 📍 World of Wonder soft play
Pre-book a slot for each child; see website for prices. Doesn't include soft playAges ChildrenWorld of Wonder
On 2, 9, 10 and 15-23 December. A new grotto in its own unit at Affinity Devon (just inside the main entrance). Write a letter to Santa and do Christmas crafts with the elves while you wait, then meet Santa, take a photo and get a small (sweet) gift: list allergies when you book. A professional photographer is there on most days.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 5 Dec – Sun 6 Dec · 📍 Arlington Court
£8 per child, booking essential, plus normal admission (free for National Trust members); see websiteAges ChildrenNational Trust
The traditional green-robed Father Christmas is in the Reading Room on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. Book a slot in advance. Times: see website.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 5 Dec – Sun 20 Dec · 📍 Woolley Animals farm park
Farm park entry plus a Santa slot (book online); see website for pricesAges All agesWoolley Animals
On the weekends of 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 December. Visit Santa in his Gingerbread Grotto in a decorated barn and get a present, with festive animals, a snowy Winter Wonderland, a model Christmas village, animal handling and feeding, and a festive craft market.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 5 Dec – Wed 23 Dec · 📍 The Milky Way Adventure Park
Christmas tickets, booked online; meeting Santa is an optional extra that must be booked with your tickets. See website for pricesAges All agesThe Milky Way Adventure Park
On 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19-23 December. Walk through a snowy forest to Buzzlewick's Elf Emporium to decorate gingerbread, write to Santa and make reindeer food, then a festive train ride with hot chocolate, indoor snowball fights in a giant igloo and a Christmas show by Merlin, plus the rest of the park. Optional: a private visit to Santa in his Christmas Cottage (up to 6 children), then each child picks a present from the toy shop.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat, 5 Dec 2026 · 11:30–15:30 · 📍 Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Adult £15, young adult (14-21) £12.50, child (under 14) £6.50, carer free. Pre-book: no tickets on the dayAges All agesLynton & Barnstaple Railway (01598 763487)
A calmer, sensory-friendly Santa train with fewer people on board. A 20-minute festive steam train ride in decorated carriages; Santa greets the children, and each gets a present (colouring book, pencils and a cuddly toy) and a sticker. Trains at 11.30, 12.15, 1.30, 2.15 and 3pm. No buggies on the trains.
🌐 Their website ↗Sun 6 Dec – Thu 24 Dec · 10:45–16:30 · 📍 Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Adult £15, young adult (14-21) £12.50, child (under 14) £6.50, carer free. Pre-booking recommended; any spare tickets sold on the dayAges All agesLynton & Barnstaple Railway (01598 763487)
On 6, 12, 13 and 19-24 December. Meet Santa and his elves at the decorated station, ride a festive steam train (about 20 minutes) and post your letter to Santa. Every child gets a present and a sticker. Trains at 10.45, 11.30, 12.15, 1.30, 2.15 and 3pm (plus 10am and 4pm on Christmas Eve). Hot chocolate and treats can be pre-booked. No buggies on the trains.
🌐 Their website ↗Sun, 6 Dec 2026 · 16:00–22:00 · 📍 Clovelly Village
Entry fee at the Visitor Centre (Devon with Kids says £5 per adult after 2pm); money raised goes to Clovelly RNLI. See websiteAges All agesClovelly Estate and Clovelly RNLI
A brass band leads a procession down to the harbour with carols, treats and Christmas grog at the lifeboat station, and a visit from Father Christmas. After a carol service the whole village and harbour light up.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat, 12 Dec 2026 · South Molton Town Square
FreeAges All agesSanta's on a Bike (for Little Bridge House children's hospice)
Hundreds of bikers dressed as Santas, elves and snowmen ride from Taunton to Little Bridge House children's hospice in Fremington, stopping at South Molton Town Square for the Mayor's fundraiser, with snow, photos, carols and Christmas gifts in the Pannier Market. The route and times aren't out yet: see the website or their Facebook page nearer the day.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 12 Dec – Sun 3 Jan · 📍 Queen's Theatre
From £13.50Ages 5+Queen's Theatre (Landmark Theatres)
This year's panto, with a social-media twist: Kluane Saunders, Ollie Butt, Joy Tan and Tom Capper star. Relaxed performance on Sun 20 Dec. Many dates are already selling out. Box office 01271 316523.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat 12 Dec – Mon 21 Dec · 10:00–14:30 · 📍 Quince Honey Farm
Child £14, adult £6 (up to 2 adults a booking); siblings under 2 free (no gift or crafts). Book a session in advanceAges Under 11Quince Honey Farm (book on Beyonk)
On Saturday 12, Saturday 19 and Monday 21 December. Mr and Mrs Claus and the Head Elf host about 1.5 hours of festive fun: crafts to take home such as candle rolling, a Christmas tractor ride, stories and meeting Father Christmas in his grotto for a gift, then play in the Play Hive soft play. Sessions start at 10.30, 11.15, 12.30 and 1.15 on the 12th and at 10, 10.45, 11.30 and 12.15 on the 19th and 21st. Sessions start promptly.
🌐 Their website ↗Thu, 24 Dec 2026 · 10:30–12:00 · 📍 Woolacombe Sands
Free, no bookingAges All agesNational Trust and Plastic Free Woolacombe
Christmas Eve beach clean with headphones and a silent disco. Gloves, litter pickers and bags provided; dress for the weather. The disco only goes ahead if the weather allows.
🌐 Their website ↗