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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.
📅 Autumnfest and community scarecrow trail at Arlington Court · 24 Oct★★★★★ MSA's rating
🐐 Farms, zoos & animals · Bratton Fleming
All agesPaid entry: see website
Small zoo known for its big cats and animal encounters.
📅 Halloween Spook-Tacular at Exmoor Zoo · 28 Oct★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 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.
📅 Festival of Light on the Cliff Railway · 29 Oct★★★★★ MSA's rating
🧗 Indoor play · Tuly Street, Barnstaple
All agesFree
Children's library. Ask about rhyme times and holiday activities.
📅 Spooky garland making with Alexandra Dawe · 27 Oct★★★★★ MSA's rating
🎬 Cinema & shows · Boutport Street, Barnstaple
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Barnstaple's theatre, including family shows.
📅 Halloween Spooktacular · 28 Oct★★★★★ 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 an under-2s area), outdoor play and a restaurant.
📅 Apple & Honey Harvest at Quince Honey Farm · 24 Oct★★★★★ 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.
📅 Spooky Plants at RHS Rosemoor · 24 Oct★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Abbotsham, near Bideford
All agesPaid entry: see website
Farm theme park with rides, shows, an indoor petting farm and indoor play.
📅 Halloween half term at The Big Sheep · 24 Oct★★★★★ MSA's rating
🎬 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.
📅 Film: Shaun the Sheep – The Beast of Mossy Bottom · 24 Oct★★★★★ 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 · 25 Oct★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏊 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
🛝 Parks & playgrounds · Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe EX34 8DN
All agesAges 2–12Free
Victorian park with a play area (ages 2–12), duck pond, model boating lake, sensory garden, old corn mill and a tea room.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 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
🎬 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
🏖️ 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 · Starts on Wilder Road, Ilfracombe 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 dolphins. Indoor seating and a toilet on board; no minimum age.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Ilfracombe Pier EX34 9EQ
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Fast RIB boat trips along the coast to spot wildlife. Check age limits when booking.
★★★★★ 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 agesAges 0–12Paid entry: see website
North Devon's biggest soft play: multi-level frames, slides, an under-4s area, sensory zone and a café. (It used to be called Funderzone.)
★★★★★ 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, an indoor ice rink and laser quest under one roof. Free parking (register your number plate at reception).
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · Woody Bay Station, near Parracombe
All agesPaid entry: see website
Narrow-gauge steam railway from Woody Bay. Tickets last all day; under-14s travel free. Tearoom and picnic area.
★★★★★ 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. Tea room with homemade cake. Open Wed–Sun, March to October.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
⚽ Clubs & classes · Mullacott, Ilfracombe EX34 8NA
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Riding lessons and guided rides for beginners to experienced riders, with a BHS accredited coach. Hats and boots provided. Book ahead.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏰 Days out · The Square, Barnstaple
All agesFree
Free museum with a children's interactive room, trails for young visitors and family workshops.
★★★★★ 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
🌳 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 agesAges 4+Lessons: see website
Croyde Swim School's Thursday classes (4–6.45pm) for ages 4+, 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 agesFree
Neighbourhood park in Pilton.
★★★★★ 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 playground and lots of space to run. 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
🏊 Swimming · Seven Brethren Bank, Barnstaple
All agesPaid entry: see website
Two pools with moveable floors, soft play (indoor and outdoor), an endless indoor ski slope and a café. Replaced the old North Devon Leisure Centre.
★★★★★ 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
🎬 Cinema & shows · Ilfracombe seafront
5–77–11Paid entry: see website
Theatre with family shows, concerts and workshops.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🧗 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
🏰 Days out · Bideford
7–11Ages 8+Paid entry: see website
High ropes course (ages 8+) and other outdoor activities.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
🏊 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)
Easy, fairly level walk among dramatic rocks with wild goats (don't feed or approach them). Valley floor is buggy-friendly.
★★★★★ 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
Riverside woodland walk from Lynmouth (about 2 miles each way) to a tea garden where two rivers meet. Tea garden opens spring to autumn.
★★★★★ 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
🌳 Walks & nature · Near Kentisbury EX31 4SJ
All agesFree (car park charges)
Peaceful paths around a reservoir on the edge of Exmoor, with picnic spots. Open every day, dawn to dusk.
★★★★★ MSA's rating
⚽ Clubs & classes · Eastacott Farm, Woolacombe EX34 7AE
5–77–11Ages 4+Paid entry: see website
Lessons, family treks and first-experience rides for children 4+, over farmland and the dunes. BHS and Pony Club approved. Open all year.
★★★★★ 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 Sun 1 Nov · Venues across Exmoor National Park
Varies: book each eventAges All ages (some talks for older children)Exmoor National Park
The festival's 10th year: more than 70 stargazing, night walk and wildlife events across Exmoor, including children's arts and crafts and an art competition for under-16s. See the programme and book each event.
🌐 Their website ↗On now until Sun 1 Nov · 📍 RHS Garden Rosemoor
Garden admission: ages 5–16 £6, under 5s free (cheaper online)Ages All agesRHS
Halloween half term in the garden: an interactive trail of spooky, poisonous and legendary plants, Halloween crafts, theatre, and animal encounters from Really Wild Learning.
On now until Fri 30 Oct · 📍 Quince Honey Farm
Normal admissionAges All agesQuince Honey Farm
Apple mill and press demonstrations, have a go at extracting and tasting honey, Halloween candle rolling, creepy-crawly encounters, tractor rides and crafts. Dog-friendly.
🌐 Their website ↗On now until Sat 31 Oct · 10:00–16:00 · Weston Farm, East Knowstone, South Molton EX36 4ED (just off the A361)
Free entry: pay for the pumpkins you pickAges All agesWeston Farm
Pick your own pumpkins, plus pumpkin carving, feeding the pigs, meeting the farm animals, farm machinery, photo spots and face painting. Undercover barn if it rains, hot food on site and free cold drinks for children. Wear boots.
🌐 Their website ↗On now until Sun 1 Nov · 10:00–16:00 · 📍 Arlington Court
Normal admission (free for National Trust members)Ages All agesNational Trust
Collect a trail sheet at reception and spot the scarecrows made by local schools, community groups and volunteers (this year's theme is animals). The grounds are decorated for autumn, with a harvest display in the house.
🌐 Their website ↗On now until Sun 1 Nov · 10:00–17:00 · 📍 The Big Sheep
Paid entry (cheaper booked online); pumpkin to carve £3Ages All agesThe Big Sheep
Pick and carve a pumpkin, fancy dress prizes, Monster Glow Parties, live animal shows, thrilling and gentle rides, jumping pillows, indoor play and the undercover animal barn. Check the website for Glow Party days.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat, 24 Oct 2026 · 14:00 · 📍 The Plough Arts Centre
£8.50, under 18s £6Ages All agesThe Plough Arts Centre
Halloween family film (91 minutes). The Farmer wrecks the flock's pumpkin patch, Shaun turns mad scientist to fix it, and a beast roams the woods. Also showing Fri 30 Oct, and with a dance party on Sat 31 Oct.
🌐 Their website ↗Sun, 25 Oct 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 ↗Mon 26 Oct – Wed 28 Oct · 📍 Quince Honey Farm
See websiteAges All agesQuince Honey Farm
Tramp around the patch and choose your perfect pumpkin for Halloween, with plenty of photo spots. Runs alongside the Apple & Honey Harvest.
🌐 Their website ↗Tue, 27 Oct 2026 · 📍 North Devon Library
See TicketSourceAges 5–11 (our guess)Libraries Unlimited
Decorate bats, spiders, leaves, potion bottles and spell book shapes, then write a Halloween poem, a book review, a fact about a spooky animal or a scary joke. Check TicketSource for the time and to book.
🌐 Their website ↗Wed 28 Oct – Tue 3 Nov · 📍 Exmoor Zoo
Normal zoo entryAges All agesExmoor Zoo
The zoo's yearly Halloween celebration over half term. See the zoo's website for each day's activities.
🌐 Their website ↗Wed, 28 Oct 2026 · 10:30 · 📍 The Plough Arts Centre
£5Ages 7+The Plough Arts Centre
Learn to turn your ideas into comic strips with Kev Sutherland, who has written and drawn for the Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel. Two sessions: 10.30am and 2pm.
🌐 Their website ↗Wed, 28 Oct 2026 · 14:00 · 📍 Queen's Theatre
Children £18, adults from £20 (listed as sold out)Ages 3+Queen's Theatre
Family Halloween show with comedy, Halloween hits, ultraviolet puppetry, magic and lots of audience participation (1 hour 40 minutes plus an interval).
🌐 Their website ↗Thu, 29 Oct 2026 · Ilfracombe Library
See TicketSourceAges 5–11Libraries Unlimited
The same puppet show and pine marten puppet workshop as at Barnstaple Library that afternoon. Check TicketSource for the Ilfracombe time and to book.
🌐 Their website ↗Thu, 29 Oct 2026 · 10:00–15:00 · Morte Point, Woolacombe
FreeAges 6+National Trust
Fun, hands-on volunteering day with the National Trust rangers on the headland. Check the National Trust page for where to meet and what to bring.
🌐 Their website ↗Thu, 29 Oct 2026 · 14:30–16:30 · 📍 North Devon Library
See TicketSourceAges 5–11Libraries Unlimited
Strange, silly and magical puppet show inspired by the Two Moors Pine Marten Project, then a workshop making a dancing pine marten puppet from paper and card. Children must come with a grown-up.
🌐 Their website ↗Thu 29 Oct – Fri 30 Oct · 17:00–20:00 · 📍 Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Normal fares: adults £3.90, ages 4–15 £2.40, under 4s freeAges All agesLynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
The railway and the track sides lit with colour-changing lights for an evening ride. No booking: just turn up between 5pm and 8pm. Dogs welcome, and the Cliff Top Café is open.
🌐 Their website ↗Fri, 30 Oct 2026 · 11:00–15:00 · 📍 Arlington Court
Normal admission (free for National Trust members)Ages All agesNational Trust
Family day in the garden with autumn harvest activities and crafts, including whittling and marshmallow roasting, plus the community scarecrow trail.
🌐 Their website ↗Fri, 30 Oct 2026 · 11:00–12:00 · 📍 The Plough Arts Centre
£20Ages 5–11 (our guess)Devon Science at The Plough
Watch swirling mists and bubbling experiments, then make your own smoking Halloween potion with real dry ice and a gravity-defying bat to take home (60 minutes).
🌐 Their website ↗Fri, 30 Oct 2026 · 14:00 · 📍 The Plough Arts Centre
£8.50, under 18s £6Ages All agesThe Plough Arts Centre
Halloween family film (91 minutes). The Farmer wrecks the flock's pumpkin patch, Shaun turns mad scientist to fix it, and a beast roams the woods.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat, 31 Oct 2026 · 14:30–17:30 · 📍 The Plough Arts Centre
£8, under 18s £6Ages All agesThe Plough Arts Centre
Come in costume (or a Halloween onesie) for Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom at 2.30pm, then a spooky disco with lights and haze from 4pm. Nothing scary.
🌐 Their website ↗Sat, 31 Oct 2026 · 18:00–21:00 · 📍 Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Normal fares: adults £3.90, ages 4–15 £2.40, under 4s freeAges All agesLynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Ride through the railway's darker past by flickering candlelight, with eerie smoke, haunting sounds, live actors and zombie drivers. No booking: just turn up. The Cliff Top Café is open afterwards.
🌐 Their website ↗Wed 4 Nov – 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 ↗Thu, 5 Nov 2026 · 16:30–20:30 · 📍 The Big Sheep
Book in advance (individual tickets, picnic tables or VIP pods)Ages All agesThe Big Sheep
Fire shows in the arena (5.15, 5.45 and 6.15pm), music from 5pm, the bonfire lit at 6.45pm and the main fireworks at 7.30pm. All tickets must be booked ahead. Free park and ride from Atlantic Village (first come, first served).
🌐 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 – 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 ↗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 ↗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 ↗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 ↗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 ↗