9 things to do on England’s South-West coast with children

Ferry boats that tinkle in the harbour, a proper train that billows steam along the banks of the estuary, and one of the best play parks I have ever been to: the ‘English Riviera’ is arguably the perfect place to travel with young children…

This short steam train ride takes you back in time to quintessential 1950s England – from the vintage platform setting to the train conductors. Classic booths inside the carriages and good old engineering delights little ones and Grandpas alike. The train leaves regularly from Kingswear and choos its way along the scenic route to Paignton, although you can get out at stops along the way. Shell out an extra £2 to sit in the ‘Devon Belle‘ – an observation carriage with wall-to-wall glass to make the most of the views.

I’d also recommend taking the train all the way to Paignton then getting out at Greenway on the return journey and visiting Agatha Christie’s former holiday home – a short walk from the platform.

This ‘coastal aquarium’ is a great day out for families, rain or shine. Penguins waddle at your feet in Penguin Beach – a habitat designed to replicate the birds’ South African colonies (and with the view of the English channel just behind it does a sterling job!)

Other highlights include the Fur Seal Cove with its underwater viewing windows, Mysterious Mangroves – a dark, neon-lit underworld and fantastic interactive displays. Crawl under a tank of starfish, boulder along a wall, brave a sunken ship and its lurking inhabitant and lots more. There’s also a restaurant (who’ll happily heat up your baby food) with lovely views and a great gift shop underneath.

If it rains during your visit you can return for free within 7 days! You almost want it to as there is so much to see and do. The farm is a total delight, you can cuddle practically everything there – guinea pigs, miniature pigs, rabbits, big pigs and the keepers… well maybe not the last one. I guess you could ask their permission first should you feel the urge though. Feed is sold at reception to offer to the bigger animals.

A miniature train toddles around a small track, a lookout tower ponders stunning views, a toddler play area complete with a classic Devonian house (in perfect miniature), lots of tractors, a soft play area with merry-go-round, bouncy castle, horse rides (which you need to book), tractor-rides, ferret racing, shire horses, Go Karts and more… fun fun family fun.

Passenger and car ferries cross regularly from Kingswear to Dartmouth, if these are the ones you use the most buy a book of tickets, it’s much cheaper. In addition to those, boats leave for Totnes, Dittisham and Greenway to name a few. A highly exciting venture for a little’un and a useful way of getting from A to B especially if you’ve walked one way and want to get back a bit quicker.