Cornwall and Devon, two enchanting corners of southwest England where wild cliffs meet white beaches and turquoise seas. A landscape of green meadows, moors, and fairy-tale villages with thatched-roof cottages awaits you, looking as if time has stood still. You will head into the mysterious Dartmoor National Park, where ponies roam freely among granite rocks and endless plains. You will walk along easy trails with breathtaking views that you can manage even with small children. At the same time, you will also trek a bit of the South West Coast Path, which the heroes of the film The Salt Path walked. You will discover majestic castles, picturesque fishing harbors, and hidden coves with crystal-clear water. And because England's traditions are inseparable from the country, I will give you a few tips on where you can enjoy a proper cream tea - black tea with fluffy scones, jam, and clotted cream.
You'll arrive in Bristol, pick up your car, and then you can head to your accommodation or head out for a tour of the city.
Pick up your car and you can head straight to your accommodation. If you've got time, check out Bristol city centre.
If you have some time, you can head from the airport to explore Bristol. The city isn't exactly the kind that will blow you away, but it has its own industrial vibe. The center is full of old factories, docks, and other buildings converted into galleries or cafes, so it's definitely worth a stroll. We walked around the center in about 2 hours; we took the A1 bus (Flyer) from the airport, which runs quite frequently (2-3 times an hour). The fare was pretty expensive, though - 9 pounds.
From Bristol, you'll head to Devon, visiting the historic city of Exeter and Torquay, the birthplace of Agatha Christie. If the weather's nice, take a dip at one of the beautiful beaches around Torquay, and if it rains, you can take the kids to the miniature park.
Exeter is the gateway to Devon, a larger city with a fairly compact center, so it's definitely worth a stop. Go take a look at the Gothic cathedral (£12 admission), or walk through the center with a free guided tour (the guides are dressed in red coats and start from the cathedral). If you'd like to experience something a bit more adventurous (with older children), you can head out on a tour of Exeter's underground passages, which brought drinking water into the city during the Middle Ages (£9 admission). The closest playground to the center is located in Bullmeadow.
After sightseeing, it's time to relax on the beach. This one is cool because you can walk down and take the old cliff railway back up - more info here.
If the weather isn't right for the beach, you can visit this miniature park with your kids. The vast park features miniature versions of English towns and villages, with lots of moving parts, a train running between the towns, etc. You can also play crazy minigolf for free. More info here.
Angels Tea Rooms in Babbacombe is a popular spot for a cream tea - more info here.
Torquay is a picturesque seaside town, also known as the birthplace of Agatha Christie. Take a stroll along the waterfront; if you're a big fan of mystery novels, head out on The Agatha Christie Mile Path Walk, which will guide you through the writer's favorite spots. All in all, it's about a 5km walk, but you can adjust it however you like. More info here .
For kidsPaignton is so lively! It's a real entertainment hub on the English Riviera in Devon. We really loved the huge playground by the sea, but otherwise, you'll find plenty of fairground attractions there too.
Start your day with a stroll through the charming town of Totnes. Then, I've put together three options for you: a steam train ride, a day at a farm, or a trip to Dartmoor National Park. It all depends on the weather and what you feel like choosing.
Totnes is a picturesque Devon town with a single high street where you'll find plenty of charity shops with second-hand goods, ice cream, tearooms, and just other little shops. Stop by the medieval church, next to which is the old timber-framed town hall. On the main street, you'll also come across the timber-framed Elizabethan House Museum, which has free admission.
For kidsThis is a great rainy day option - hop on a historic steam train with the kids that runs between Totnes and Buckfastleigh stations. At the final stop in Buckfastleigh, you can visit an otter sanctuary, and in Totnes, there's a petting farm.
For kidsIf the weather holds up, you can't miss this most popular Devon attraction for kids – Pennywell Farm, a hands-on petting zoo and farm. There are activities with the animals all day long, so you won't get bored. More info here.
This is a low-cost option that you'll enjoy in good weather. Head to the Dartmoor NP visitor center, where the staff will help you with a route. Head to the largest rock in the area - Haytor Rocks. You can return to the parking lot via the Templer Way, a trail marked along the route of a former granite transport railway from a nearby quarry.
For a walk with a stroller, I can recommend the route to Avon Dam, which you can extend into a longer loop (that one is without a stroller).
For kidsOn your way back to the accommodation, stop by in Dartington - they have beautiful gardens at Dartington Hall that will likely be closed by the evening, but right in the village, you'll find a nice playground with a pumptrack and a cozy pub next to it - an ideal spot for a summer evening.
Your day kicks off on the beautiful beaches of South Devon, with a walk along the cliffs on the famous Coast Path. You'll spend the afternoon in Plymouth, visiting the aquarium with the largest tank in England. Then, you'll head over to Cornwall, stopping at a cool forest park along the way.
A beautiful sandy beach with turquoise water, but a bit tricky to get to. You'll feel like you're at the edge of the world here. Head to the viewpoint near the Gara Rock hotel or go all the way down to the beach – it's about a 30-minute walk each way along the beaten Coast Path.
Start your day with a lovely cliffside walk along a section of the famous Coast Path. Head left from the car park - this part is for pedestrians only and follows a worn path. Alternatively, take the loop to the right - this section is even stroller-friendly. Either way, you'll enjoy stunning views if the weather is nice.
Thurlestone Beach is a beautiful, wide sandy beach with parking and restrooms right next to the beach. A great spot for relaxing, having lunch, and playing on the sand.
For kidsThe aquarium with the largest tank and tunnel in the whole of Britain is definitely worth a visit. You'll find tropical fish, sharks, and turtles here, as well as live fish feeding commentary in one of the tanks and other activities. We spent three hours here and only left because of fatigue and nap time. You can bring a stroller inside. Parking in the adjacent garage is quite expensive, and the aquarium is located in the city center of Plymouth.
For kidsThis place is a great stop if you need to take a break with the kids on your way to Cornwall. There's a car park, toilets, a café, a playground, plus trails of any length along the stream, including some slightly more challenging ones. The map shows which ones are suitable for strollers or balance bikes.
A loop around the northern part of Cornwall. You'll start your day in the picturesque town of St Ives, continue along the coast to Cape Cornwall. You can relax on the beach at Sennen Cove and head out for a walk along the Coast Path to a shipwreck.
A picturesque seaside town, absolutely perfect for a morning stroll along the waterfront or through the narrow white alleys. Pop into all sorts of little shops, grab a cream tea - though that's more of an afternoon affair, a pot of black tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream will easily fill you up for breakfast too. Even though the town looks small on the map, the walk, including a cream tea, took us about 2 hours.
St. Ives can get crowded in peak season; if you want to save time looking for a parking spot, you can reach the town by train—for example, there is a large P+R car park at Lelant Saltings.
I can highly recommend this place for delicious sourdough bread!
The Courtyard Tea Room is a lovely tea house tucked away from the crowds in a small courtyard. A great spot for a cream tea break!
The road to St Just follows the B3306, which isn't very busy, so feel free to pull over whenever you like, take it all in, and enjoy the views.
Cape Cornwall is a short detour from the town of St Just and the main road, but it's definitely worth a stop. You can run up the hill with the lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area. The walk up the hill will take you about 30 minutes.
There are two car parks in the village - one by a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water, and another by the harbor, where you can set off on a hike to the shipwreck or all the way to Land's End. Watch out - the car parks are owned by different people, so you have to pay for parking separately at each one.
It's about a kilometer to the RMS Mulheim shipwreck, starting with a slight uphill climb on stairs, then walking along the cliffs on level ground. We wanted to catch the beach at Sennen Cove too, but I recommend extending your trip all the way to Lands End - England's westernmost point (2 km one way, an easy walk along the cliffs). Near Lands End, you'll find Greeb Farm, where you can take the kids to see the animals.
Swimming, surfing, or just playing in the sand on a beautiful beach.
On your way back to the accommodation, make sure to stop by and check out this stone circle. Cornwall is literally dotted with reminders of prehistoric culture, but this one is really well-preserved. It's about 300m from the road along a worn path through the meadow. More info here.
Start your day by exploring St Michael's Mount, home to a castle and beautiful gardens. You can reach the island by boat or walk across the causeway at low tide. Spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the lovely beaches in South Cornwall. If you're up for it, grab a ticket for a theatre show in the evening.
For kidsThis is sort of a Cornish Mt Saint Michel - it was founded by monks from a famous monastery in France. When it's low tide, you can reach it on foot via a causeway; otherwise, you have to take a boat. On the island, you can visit the castle, which the original monastery was converted into, or the gardens (or both). The trip isn't really suitable for strollers - you'll be walking on stairs and rock in some parts on the way to the castle, but kids can manage it. At the castle entrance, we got a sticker game - the kids search for items during the tour that match their stickers. We really enjoyed the whole trip - the boat ride, the treasure hunt, the castle tour, and walking back along the causeway, so we definitely recommend it. The trip took us about 3 hours.
Buy your tickets here - their system automatically adds the boat fee if you're visiting at a time when the boat will be necessary. The online price only applies if you buy your ticket by 11:59 PM the day before.
Looking for a hidden spot for lunch and some downtime? Then this beach is just right for you. It's pebbly, you have to take some stairs down to get to it, and it was probably the only place we found with free parking. No facilities there.
If you'd prefer to stroll through the town and have lunch at a restaurant or a coffee at a cafe, take a walk around Penzance. Visit the seafront promenade, wander through Morrab Gardens, and in Alexandra Grounds, you'll find a playground.
On your way to the beach, be sure to check out this stone circle. The path there isn't well-marked, so just park by the road and head through the gate into the meadow, where you'll spot it.
Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach. Porthcurno Bay will amaze you with its white sand and turquoise water, but there are plenty of beautiful beaches along the south coast of Cornwall, so you can't go wrong choosing another one.
In Porthcurno, you'll also find an open-air theatre. For many, this is an iconic stop on a road trip through Cornwall - you can visit it during the day, but if you love theatre, go there in the evening for a show. They also have performances for children in the programme; more info here.
You'll visit the beaches on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula, and you definitely shouldn't miss Kynance Cove while in Cornwall. Then you'll head back to Devon; take a break on the way at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from Daphne du Maurier's novel.
A lovely little town where you can take a stroll for an hour, browse some charity shops, and grab a coffee or a Cornish pasty. If you time your trip for May 8th, you'll experience Flora Day - a festival full of dancing and floral decorations. With kids, it's better to park by the lake, where you'll find a nice playground, a cafe, and restrooms.
Two beautiful sandy beaches - one is called Dollar Cove because it’s said you can still find remnants of dollar coins there from a shipwreck, and the other is Church Cove, named for the charming Church of Storms standing at one end. Lay down on the sand or go for a short walk as marked on the map.
Perhaps the most iconic cove in all of Cornwall. You have to walk down some stairs to get to the beach, but there are toilets, a shower, and refreshments there.
During your trip to Dartmoor, take a break at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. At the inn, you can visit the smuggling museum, an activity that the locals here were clearly very fond of in the past. More info here.
A day full of hiking and the chance to spot wild ponies - in the morning you'll head out on an easy loop around Postbridge, and in the afternoon you've got an equally relaxed loop around Fernworthy Reservoir.
On the way to Postbridge, keep an eye out for wild ponies; whole herds were grazing right by the road.
Once you arrive in Postbridge, head to the Visitor Centre, where the helpful staff will show you what’s worth seeing. They suggested a 4km loop to us that’s even stroller-friendly. We left it parked by the trail and ran up to Bellever Tor. I even took a few detours to see some prehistoric sites.
Dartmoor National Park is an open landscape with various stone formations (tors) on the hills that you can climb to enjoy the view.
In Postbridge, as the name suggests, you'll find an old medieval bridge.
For an afternoon walk, again 4 kilometers, I recommend an easy loop around Fernworthy Reservoir. It's not designed for strollers, but you can manage it with an all-terrain stroller or a bike trailer. At the end of the lake, at the crossroads, it's better to head right, reach this parking lot, and walk a bit along the path. From this parking lot, you can also take a detour to the prehistoric Fernworthy Circle. If you're going without a stroller, head left at the crossroads using the shortcut.
This reservoir will enchant you with its tranquility, beautiful nature, fairytale-like blooming bluebells in the spring, but especially with the free-roaming ponies.
On the way back to your accommodation, stop by the picturesque village of Chagford. They have a lovely, large playground there!
Another day in Dartmoor NP - you'll take a walk around the River Teign and visit the youngest castle in England. Then you'll head to your accommodation near Bristol.
Park your car here and head over to see the historic bridge. The walk around the River Teign can be done as a loop - follow the Fisherman's Path to Hunter's Tor and come back on the other side of the river. However, the Fisherman's Path isn't suitable for a stroller; there are steps and you even have to scramble over a rock. If you have a stroller, just walk there and back the same way along this side of the river.
You can hike up to Castle Drogo via a turn-off from the Fisherman's trail, but if that ends up being too long a trip for you or the kids, just head back to the car and drive up to the castle instead.
You can get to Castle Drogo by car, or on foot via a turn-off from the Fishermans Path or Hunters Path.
It's the youngest castle in all of England, completed in 1930, even though it looks like it's from the Middle Ages. Inside, you can check out the furnished rooms, and the organizers often put on special programs for various holidays, including activities for kids - check their website to see what's on.
Your flight home is coming up, or you can check out the cities of Bristol or Bath.
If your flight isn't until the evening, take a quick trip to Bath, the city of Jane Austen. You can visit the Roman Baths and take a stroll through the historic town center. There's a direct bus from the airport if you'd rather drop off your rental car first thing in the morning.
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, return the (refueled) car, and head to your gate. Have a nice flight home.
I hope you really enjoyed your stay in South West England! Have a safe trip!
Cornwall and Devon, two enchanting corners of southwest England where wild cliffs meet white beaches and turquoise seas. A landscape of green meadows, moors, and fairy-tale villages with thatched-roof cottages awaits you, looking as if time has stood still. You will head into the mysterious Dartmoor National Park, where ponies roam freely among granite rocks and endless plains. You will walk along easy trails with breathtaking views that you can manage even with small children. At the same time, you will also trek a bit of the South West Coast Path, which the heroes of the film The Salt Path walked. You will discover majestic castles, picturesque fishing harbors, and hidden coves with crystal-clear water. And because England's traditions are inseparable from the country, I will give you a few tips on where you can enjoy a proper cream tea - black tea with fluffy scones, jam, and clotted cream.
You'll arrive in Bristol, pick up your car, and then you can head to your accommodation or head out for a tour of the city.
Pick up your car and you can head straight to your accommodation. If you've got time, check out Bristol city centre.
If you have some time, you can head from the airport to explore Bristol. The city isn't exactly the kind that will blow you away, but it has its own industrial vibe. The center is full of old factories, docks, and other buildings converted into galleries or cafes, so it's definitely worth a stroll. We walked around the center in about 2 hours; we took the A1 bus (Flyer) from the airport, which runs quite frequently (2-3 times an hour). The fare was pretty expensive, though - 9 pounds.
From Bristol, you'll head to Devon, visiting the historic city of Exeter and Torquay, the birthplace of Agatha Christie. If the weather's nice, take a dip at one of the beautiful beaches around Torquay, and if it rains, you can take the kids to the miniature park.
Exeter is the gateway to Devon, a larger city with a fairly compact center, so it's definitely worth a stop. Go take a look at the Gothic cathedral (£12 admission), or walk through the center with a free guided tour (the guides are dressed in red coats and start from the cathedral). If you'd like to experience something a bit more adventurous (with older children), you can head out on a tour of Exeter's underground passages, which brought drinking water into the city during the Middle Ages (£9 admission). The closest playground to the center is located in Bullmeadow.
After sightseeing, it's time to relax on the beach. This one is cool because you can walk down and take the old cliff railway back up - more info here.
If the weather isn't right for the beach, you can visit this miniature park with your kids. The vast park features miniature versions of English towns and villages, with lots of moving parts, a train running between the towns, etc. You can also play crazy minigolf for free. More info here.
Angels Tea Rooms in Babbacombe is a popular spot for a cream tea - more info here.
Torquay is a picturesque seaside town, also known as the birthplace of Agatha Christie. Take a stroll along the waterfront; if you're a big fan of mystery novels, head out on The Agatha Christie Mile Path Walk, which will guide you through the writer's favorite spots. All in all, it's about a 5km walk, but you can adjust it however you like. More info here .
For kidsPaignton is so lively! It's a real entertainment hub on the English Riviera in Devon. We really loved the huge playground by the sea, but otherwise, you'll find plenty of fairground attractions there too.
Start your day with a stroll through the charming town of Totnes. Then, I've put together three options for you: a steam train ride, a day at a farm, or a trip to Dartmoor National Park. It all depends on the weather and what you feel like choosing.
Totnes is a picturesque Devon town with a single high street where you'll find plenty of charity shops with second-hand goods, ice cream, tearooms, and just other little shops. Stop by the medieval church, next to which is the old timber-framed town hall. On the main street, you'll also come across the timber-framed Elizabethan House Museum, which has free admission.
For kidsThis is a great rainy day option - hop on a historic steam train with the kids that runs between Totnes and Buckfastleigh stations. At the final stop in Buckfastleigh, you can visit an otter sanctuary, and in Totnes, there's a petting farm.
For kidsIf the weather holds up, you can't miss this most popular Devon attraction for kids – Pennywell Farm, a hands-on petting zoo and farm. There are activities with the animals all day long, so you won't get bored. More info here.
This is a low-cost option that you'll enjoy in good weather. Head to the Dartmoor NP visitor center, where the staff will help you with a route. Head to the largest rock in the area - Haytor Rocks. You can return to the parking lot via the Templer Way, a trail marked along the route of a former granite transport railway from a nearby quarry.
For a walk with a stroller, I can recommend the route to Avon Dam, which you can extend into a longer loop (that one is without a stroller).
For kidsOn your way back to the accommodation, stop by in Dartington - they have beautiful gardens at Dartington Hall that will likely be closed by the evening, but right in the village, you'll find a nice playground with a pumptrack and a cozy pub next to it - an ideal spot for a summer evening.
Your day kicks off on the beautiful beaches of South Devon, with a walk along the cliffs on the famous Coast Path. You'll spend the afternoon in Plymouth, visiting the aquarium with the largest tank in England. Then, you'll head over to Cornwall, stopping at a cool forest park along the way.
A beautiful sandy beach with turquoise water, but a bit tricky to get to. You'll feel like you're at the edge of the world here. Head to the viewpoint near the Gara Rock hotel or go all the way down to the beach – it's about a 30-minute walk each way along the beaten Coast Path.
Start your day with a lovely cliffside walk along a section of the famous Coast Path. Head left from the car park - this part is for pedestrians only and follows a worn path. Alternatively, take the loop to the right - this section is even stroller-friendly. Either way, you'll enjoy stunning views if the weather is nice.
Thurlestone Beach is a beautiful, wide sandy beach with parking and restrooms right next to the beach. A great spot for relaxing, having lunch, and playing on the sand.
For kidsThe aquarium with the largest tank and tunnel in the whole of Britain is definitely worth a visit. You'll find tropical fish, sharks, and turtles here, as well as live fish feeding commentary in one of the tanks and other activities. We spent three hours here and only left because of fatigue and nap time. You can bring a stroller inside. Parking in the adjacent garage is quite expensive, and the aquarium is located in the city center of Plymouth.
For kidsThis place is a great stop if you need to take a break with the kids on your way to Cornwall. There's a car park, toilets, a café, a playground, plus trails of any length along the stream, including some slightly more challenging ones. The map shows which ones are suitable for strollers or balance bikes.
A loop around the northern part of Cornwall. You'll start your day in the picturesque town of St Ives, continue along the coast to Cape Cornwall. You can relax on the beach at Sennen Cove and head out for a walk along the Coast Path to a shipwreck.
A picturesque seaside town, absolutely perfect for a morning stroll along the waterfront or through the narrow white alleys. Pop into all sorts of little shops, grab a cream tea - though that's more of an afternoon affair, a pot of black tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream will easily fill you up for breakfast too. Even though the town looks small on the map, the walk, including a cream tea, took us about 2 hours.
St. Ives can get crowded in peak season; if you want to save time looking for a parking spot, you can reach the town by train—for example, there is a large P+R car park at Lelant Saltings.
I can highly recommend this place for delicious sourdough bread!
The Courtyard Tea Room is a lovely tea house tucked away from the crowds in a small courtyard. A great spot for a cream tea break!
The road to St Just follows the B3306, which isn't very busy, so feel free to pull over whenever you like, take it all in, and enjoy the views.
Cape Cornwall is a short detour from the town of St Just and the main road, but it's definitely worth a stop. You can run up the hill with the lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area. The walk up the hill will take you about 30 minutes.
There are two car parks in the village - one by a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water, and another by the harbor, where you can set off on a hike to the shipwreck or all the way to Land's End. Watch out - the car parks are owned by different people, so you have to pay for parking separately at each one.
It's about a kilometer to the RMS Mulheim shipwreck, starting with a slight uphill climb on stairs, then walking along the cliffs on level ground. We wanted to catch the beach at Sennen Cove too, but I recommend extending your trip all the way to Lands End - England's westernmost point (2 km one way, an easy walk along the cliffs). Near Lands End, you'll find Greeb Farm, where you can take the kids to see the animals.
Swimming, surfing, or just playing in the sand on a beautiful beach.
On your way back to the accommodation, make sure to stop by and check out this stone circle. Cornwall is literally dotted with reminders of prehistoric culture, but this one is really well-preserved. It's about 300m from the road along a worn path through the meadow. More info here.
Start your day by exploring St Michael's Mount, home to a castle and beautiful gardens. You can reach the island by boat or walk across the causeway at low tide. Spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the lovely beaches in South Cornwall. If you're up for it, grab a ticket for a theatre show in the evening.
For kidsThis is sort of a Cornish Mt Saint Michel - it was founded by monks from a famous monastery in France. When it's low tide, you can reach it on foot via a causeway; otherwise, you have to take a boat. On the island, you can visit the castle, which the original monastery was converted into, or the gardens (or both). The trip isn't really suitable for strollers - you'll be walking on stairs and rock in some parts on the way to the castle, but kids can manage it. At the castle entrance, we got a sticker game - the kids search for items during the tour that match their stickers. We really enjoyed the whole trip - the boat ride, the treasure hunt, the castle tour, and walking back along the causeway, so we definitely recommend it. The trip took us about 3 hours.
Buy your tickets here - their system automatically adds the boat fee if you're visiting at a time when the boat will be necessary. The online price only applies if you buy your ticket by 11:59 PM the day before.
Looking for a hidden spot for lunch and some downtime? Then this beach is just right for you. It's pebbly, you have to take some stairs down to get to it, and it was probably the only place we found with free parking. No facilities there.
If you'd prefer to stroll through the town and have lunch at a restaurant or a coffee at a cafe, take a walk around Penzance. Visit the seafront promenade, wander through Morrab Gardens, and in Alexandra Grounds, you'll find a playground.
On your way to the beach, be sure to check out this stone circle. The path there isn't well-marked, so just park by the road and head through the gate into the meadow, where you'll spot it.
Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach. Porthcurno Bay will amaze you with its white sand and turquoise water, but there are plenty of beautiful beaches along the south coast of Cornwall, so you can't go wrong choosing another one.
In Porthcurno, you'll also find an open-air theatre. For many, this is an iconic stop on a road trip through Cornwall - you can visit it during the day, but if you love theatre, go there in the evening for a show. They also have performances for children in the programme; more info here.
You'll visit the beaches on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula, and you definitely shouldn't miss Kynance Cove while in Cornwall. Then you'll head back to Devon; take a break on the way at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from Daphne du Maurier's novel.
A lovely little town where you can take a stroll for an hour, browse some charity shops, and grab a coffee or a Cornish pasty. If you time your trip for May 8th, you'll experience Flora Day - a festival full of dancing and floral decorations. With kids, it's better to park by the lake, where you'll find a nice playground, a cafe, and restrooms.
Two beautiful sandy beaches - one is called Dollar Cove because it’s said you can still find remnants of dollar coins there from a shipwreck, and the other is Church Cove, named for the charming Church of Storms standing at one end. Lay down on the sand or go for a short walk as marked on the map.
Perhaps the most iconic cove in all of Cornwall. You have to walk down some stairs to get to the beach, but there are toilets, a shower, and refreshments there.
During your trip to Dartmoor, take a break at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. At the inn, you can visit the smuggling museum, an activity that the locals here were clearly very fond of in the past. More info here.
A day full of hiking and the chance to spot wild ponies - in the morning you'll head out on an easy loop around Postbridge, and in the afternoon you've got an equally relaxed loop around Fernworthy Reservoir.
On the way to Postbridge, keep an eye out for wild ponies; whole herds were grazing right by the road.
Once you arrive in Postbridge, head to the Visitor Centre, where the helpful staff will show you what’s worth seeing. They suggested a 4km loop to us that’s even stroller-friendly. We left it parked by the trail and ran up to Bellever Tor. I even took a few detours to see some prehistoric sites.
Dartmoor National Park is an open landscape with various stone formations (tors) on the hills that you can climb to enjoy the view.
In Postbridge, as the name suggests, you'll find an old medieval bridge.
For an afternoon walk, again 4 kilometers, I recommend an easy loop around Fernworthy Reservoir. It's not designed for strollers, but you can manage it with an all-terrain stroller or a bike trailer. At the end of the lake, at the crossroads, it's better to head right, reach this parking lot, and walk a bit along the path. From this parking lot, you can also take a detour to the prehistoric Fernworthy Circle. If you're going without a stroller, head left at the crossroads using the shortcut.
This reservoir will enchant you with its tranquility, beautiful nature, fairytale-like blooming bluebells in the spring, but especially with the free-roaming ponies.
On the way back to your accommodation, stop by the picturesque village of Chagford. They have a lovely, large playground there!
Another day in Dartmoor NP - you'll take a walk around the River Teign and visit the youngest castle in England. Then you'll head to your accommodation near Bristol.
Park your car here and head over to see the historic bridge. The walk around the River Teign can be done as a loop - follow the Fisherman's Path to Hunter's Tor and come back on the other side of the river. However, the Fisherman's Path isn't suitable for a stroller; there are steps and you even have to scramble over a rock. If you have a stroller, just walk there and back the same way along this side of the river.
You can hike up to Castle Drogo via a turn-off from the Fisherman's trail, but if that ends up being too long a trip for you or the kids, just head back to the car and drive up to the castle instead.
You can get to Castle Drogo by car, or on foot via a turn-off from the Fishermans Path or Hunters Path.
It's the youngest castle in all of England, completed in 1930, even though it looks like it's from the Middle Ages. Inside, you can check out the furnished rooms, and the organizers often put on special programs for various holidays, including activities for kids - check their website to see what's on.
Your flight home is coming up, or you can check out the cities of Bristol or Bath.
If your flight isn't until the evening, take a quick trip to Bath, the city of Jane Austen. You can visit the Roman Baths and take a stroll through the historic town center. There's a direct bus from the airport if you'd rather drop off your rental car first thing in the morning.
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, return the (refueled) car, and head to your gate. Have a nice flight home.
I hope you really enjoyed your stay in South West England! Have a safe trip!
itinerary by Barbora Horinova
Kid-friendlyCornwall and Devon, two enchanting corners of southwest England where wild cliffs meet white beaches and turquoise seas. A landscape of green meadows, moors, and fairy-tale villages with thatched-roof cottages awaits you, looking as if time has stood still. You will head into the mysterious Dartmoor National Park, where ponies roam freely among granite rocks and endless plains. You will walk along easy trails with breathtaking views that you can manage even with small children. At the same time, you will also trek a bit of the South West Coast Path, which the heroes of the film The Salt Path walked. You will discover majestic castles, picturesque fishing harbors, and hidden coves with crystal-clear water. And because England's traditions are inseparable from the country, I will give you a few tips on where you can enjoy a proper cream tea - black tea with fluffy scones, jam, and clotted cream.
You'll arrive in Bristol, pick up your car, and then you can head to your accommodation or head out for a tour of the city.
Pick up your car and you can head straight to your accommodation. If you've got time, check out Bristol city centre.
If you have some time, you can head from the airport to explore Bristol. The city isn't exactly the kind that will blow you away, but it has its own industrial vibe. The center is full of old factories, docks, and other buildings converted into galleries or cafes, so it's definitely worth a stroll. We walked around the center in about 2 hours; we took the A1 bus (Flyer) from the airport, which runs quite frequently (2-3 times an hour). The fare was pretty expensive, though - 9 pounds.
From Bristol, you'll head to Devon, visiting the historic city of Exeter and Torquay, the birthplace of Agatha Christie. If the weather's nice, take a dip at one of the beautiful beaches around Torquay, and if it rains, you can take the kids to the miniature park.
Exeter is the gateway to Devon, a larger city with a fairly compact center, so it's definitely worth a stop. Go take a look at the Gothic cathedral (£12 admission), or walk through the center with a free guided tour (the guides are dressed in red coats and start from the cathedral). If you'd like to experience something a bit more adventurous (with older children), you can head out on a tour of Exeter's underground passages, which brought drinking water into the city during the Middle Ages (£9 admission). The closest playground to the center is located in Bullmeadow.
After sightseeing, it's time to relax on the beach. This one is cool because you can walk down and take the old cliff railway back up - more info here.
If the weather isn't right for the beach, you can visit this miniature park with your kids. The vast park features miniature versions of English towns and villages, with lots of moving parts, a train running between the towns, etc. You can also play crazy minigolf for free. More info here.
Angels Tea Rooms in Babbacombe is a popular spot for a cream tea - more info here.
Torquay is a picturesque seaside town, also known as the birthplace of Agatha Christie. Take a stroll along the waterfront; if you're a big fan of mystery novels, head out on The Agatha Christie Mile Path Walk, which will guide you through the writer's favorite spots. All in all, it's about a 5km walk, but you can adjust it however you like. More info here .
For kidsPaignton is so lively! It's a real entertainment hub on the English Riviera in Devon. We really loved the huge playground by the sea, but otherwise, you'll find plenty of fairground attractions there too.
Start your day with a stroll through the charming town of Totnes. Then, I've put together three options for you: a steam train ride, a day at a farm, or a trip to Dartmoor National Park. It all depends on the weather and what you feel like choosing.
Totnes is a picturesque Devon town with a single high street where you'll find plenty of charity shops with second-hand goods, ice cream, tearooms, and just other little shops. Stop by the medieval church, next to which is the old timber-framed town hall. On the main street, you'll also come across the timber-framed Elizabethan House Museum, which has free admission.
For kidsThis is a great rainy day option - hop on a historic steam train with the kids that runs between Totnes and Buckfastleigh stations. At the final stop in Buckfastleigh, you can visit an otter sanctuary, and in Totnes, there's a petting farm.
For kidsIf the weather holds up, you can't miss this most popular Devon attraction for kids – Pennywell Farm, a hands-on petting zoo and farm. There are activities with the animals all day long, so you won't get bored. More info here.
This is a low-cost option that you'll enjoy in good weather. Head to the Dartmoor NP visitor center, where the staff will help you with a route. Head to the largest rock in the area - Haytor Rocks. You can return to the parking lot via the Templer Way, a trail marked along the route of a former granite transport railway from a nearby quarry.
For a walk with a stroller, I can recommend the route to Avon Dam, which you can extend into a longer loop (that one is without a stroller).
For kidsOn your way back to the accommodation, stop by in Dartington - they have beautiful gardens at Dartington Hall that will likely be closed by the evening, but right in the village, you'll find a nice playground with a pumptrack and a cozy pub next to it - an ideal spot for a summer evening.
Your day kicks off on the beautiful beaches of South Devon, with a walk along the cliffs on the famous Coast Path. You'll spend the afternoon in Plymouth, visiting the aquarium with the largest tank in England. Then, you'll head over to Cornwall, stopping at a cool forest park along the way.
A beautiful sandy beach with turquoise water, but a bit tricky to get to. You'll feel like you're at the edge of the world here. Head to the viewpoint near the Gara Rock hotel or go all the way down to the beach – it's about a 30-minute walk each way along the beaten Coast Path.
Start your day with a lovely cliffside walk along a section of the famous Coast Path. Head left from the car park - this part is for pedestrians only and follows a worn path. Alternatively, take the loop to the right - this section is even stroller-friendly. Either way, you'll enjoy stunning views if the weather is nice.
Thurlestone Beach is a beautiful, wide sandy beach with parking and restrooms right next to the beach. A great spot for relaxing, having lunch, and playing on the sand.
For kidsThe aquarium with the largest tank and tunnel in the whole of Britain is definitely worth a visit. You'll find tropical fish, sharks, and turtles here, as well as live fish feeding commentary in one of the tanks and other activities. We spent three hours here and only left because of fatigue and nap time. You can bring a stroller inside. Parking in the adjacent garage is quite expensive, and the aquarium is located in the city center of Plymouth.
For kidsThis place is a great stop if you need to take a break with the kids on your way to Cornwall. There's a car park, toilets, a café, a playground, plus trails of any length along the stream, including some slightly more challenging ones. The map shows which ones are suitable for strollers or balance bikes.
A loop around the northern part of Cornwall. You'll start your day in the picturesque town of St Ives, continue along the coast to Cape Cornwall. You can relax on the beach at Sennen Cove and head out for a walk along the Coast Path to a shipwreck.
A picturesque seaside town, absolutely perfect for a morning stroll along the waterfront or through the narrow white alleys. Pop into all sorts of little shops, grab a cream tea - though that's more of an afternoon affair, a pot of black tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream will easily fill you up for breakfast too. Even though the town looks small on the map, the walk, including a cream tea, took us about 2 hours.
St. Ives can get crowded in peak season; if you want to save time looking for a parking spot, you can reach the town by train—for example, there is a large P+R car park at Lelant Saltings.
I can highly recommend this place for delicious sourdough bread!
The Courtyard Tea Room is a lovely tea house tucked away from the crowds in a small courtyard. A great spot for a cream tea break!
The road to St Just follows the B3306, which isn't very busy, so feel free to pull over whenever you like, take it all in, and enjoy the views.
Cape Cornwall is a short detour from the town of St Just and the main road, but it's definitely worth a stop. You can run up the hill with the lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area. The walk up the hill will take you about 30 minutes.
There are two car parks in the village - one by a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water, and another by the harbor, where you can set off on a hike to the shipwreck or all the way to Land's End. Watch out - the car parks are owned by different people, so you have to pay for parking separately at each one.
It's about a kilometer to the RMS Mulheim shipwreck, starting with a slight uphill climb on stairs, then walking along the cliffs on level ground. We wanted to catch the beach at Sennen Cove too, but I recommend extending your trip all the way to Lands End - England's westernmost point (2 km one way, an easy walk along the cliffs). Near Lands End, you'll find Greeb Farm, where you can take the kids to see the animals.
Swimming, surfing, or just playing in the sand on a beautiful beach.
On your way back to the accommodation, make sure to stop by and check out this stone circle. Cornwall is literally dotted with reminders of prehistoric culture, but this one is really well-preserved. It's about 300m from the road along a worn path through the meadow. More info here.
Start your day by exploring St Michael's Mount, home to a castle and beautiful gardens. You can reach the island by boat or walk across the causeway at low tide. Spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the lovely beaches in South Cornwall. If you're up for it, grab a ticket for a theatre show in the evening.
For kidsThis is sort of a Cornish Mt Saint Michel - it was founded by monks from a famous monastery in France. When it's low tide, you can reach it on foot via a causeway; otherwise, you have to take a boat. On the island, you can visit the castle, which the original monastery was converted into, or the gardens (or both). The trip isn't really suitable for strollers - you'll be walking on stairs and rock in some parts on the way to the castle, but kids can manage it. At the castle entrance, we got a sticker game - the kids search for items during the tour that match their stickers. We really enjoyed the whole trip - the boat ride, the treasure hunt, the castle tour, and walking back along the causeway, so we definitely recommend it. The trip took us about 3 hours.
Buy your tickets here - their system automatically adds the boat fee if you're visiting at a time when the boat will be necessary. The online price only applies if you buy your ticket by 11:59 PM the day before.
Looking for a hidden spot for lunch and some downtime? Then this beach is just right for you. It's pebbly, you have to take some stairs down to get to it, and it was probably the only place we found with free parking. No facilities there.
If you'd prefer to stroll through the town and have lunch at a restaurant or a coffee at a cafe, take a walk around Penzance. Visit the seafront promenade, wander through Morrab Gardens, and in Alexandra Grounds, you'll find a playground.
On your way to the beach, be sure to check out this stone circle. The path there isn't well-marked, so just park by the road and head through the gate into the meadow, where you'll spot it.
Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach. Porthcurno Bay will amaze you with its white sand and turquoise water, but there are plenty of beautiful beaches along the south coast of Cornwall, so you can't go wrong choosing another one.
In Porthcurno, you'll also find an open-air theatre. For many, this is an iconic stop on a road trip through Cornwall - you can visit it during the day, but if you love theatre, go there in the evening for a show. They also have performances for children in the programme; more info here.
You'll visit the beaches on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula, and you definitely shouldn't miss Kynance Cove while in Cornwall. Then you'll head back to Devon; take a break on the way at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from Daphne du Maurier's novel.
A lovely little town where you can take a stroll for an hour, browse some charity shops, and grab a coffee or a Cornish pasty. If you time your trip for May 8th, you'll experience Flora Day - a festival full of dancing and floral decorations. With kids, it's better to park by the lake, where you'll find a nice playground, a cafe, and restrooms.
Two beautiful sandy beaches - one is called Dollar Cove because it’s said you can still find remnants of dollar coins there from a shipwreck, and the other is Church Cove, named for the charming Church of Storms standing at one end. Lay down on the sand or go for a short walk as marked on the map.
Perhaps the most iconic cove in all of Cornwall. You have to walk down some stairs to get to the beach, but there are toilets, a shower, and refreshments there.
During your trip to Dartmoor, take a break at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. At the inn, you can visit the smuggling museum, an activity that the locals here were clearly very fond of in the past. More info here.
A day full of hiking and the chance to spot wild ponies - in the morning you'll head out on an easy loop around Postbridge, and in the afternoon you've got an equally relaxed loop around Fernworthy Reservoir.
On the way to Postbridge, keep an eye out for wild ponies; whole herds were grazing right by the road.
Once you arrive in Postbridge, head to the Visitor Centre, where the helpful staff will show you what’s worth seeing. They suggested a 4km loop to us that’s even stroller-friendly. We left it parked by the trail and ran up to Bellever Tor. I even took a few detours to see some prehistoric sites.
Dartmoor National Park is an open landscape with various stone formations (tors) on the hills that you can climb to enjoy the view.
In Postbridge, as the name suggests, you'll find an old medieval bridge.
For an afternoon walk, again 4 kilometers, I recommend an easy loop around Fernworthy Reservoir. It's not designed for strollers, but you can manage it with an all-terrain stroller or a bike trailer. At the end of the lake, at the crossroads, it's better to head right, reach this parking lot, and walk a bit along the path. From this parking lot, you can also take a detour to the prehistoric Fernworthy Circle. If you're going without a stroller, head left at the crossroads using the shortcut.
This reservoir will enchant you with its tranquility, beautiful nature, fairytale-like blooming bluebells in the spring, but especially with the free-roaming ponies.
On the way back to your accommodation, stop by the picturesque village of Chagford. They have a lovely, large playground there!
Another day in Dartmoor NP - you'll take a walk around the River Teign and visit the youngest castle in England. Then you'll head to your accommodation near Bristol.
Park your car here and head over to see the historic bridge. The walk around the River Teign can be done as a loop - follow the Fisherman's Path to Hunter's Tor and come back on the other side of the river. However, the Fisherman's Path isn't suitable for a stroller; there are steps and you even have to scramble over a rock. If you have a stroller, just walk there and back the same way along this side of the river.
You can hike up to Castle Drogo via a turn-off from the Fisherman's trail, but if that ends up being too long a trip for you or the kids, just head back to the car and drive up to the castle instead.
You can get to Castle Drogo by car, or on foot via a turn-off from the Fishermans Path or Hunters Path.
It's the youngest castle in all of England, completed in 1930, even though it looks like it's from the Middle Ages. Inside, you can check out the furnished rooms, and the organizers often put on special programs for various holidays, including activities for kids - check their website to see what's on.
Your flight home is coming up, or you can check out the cities of Bristol or Bath.
If your flight isn't until the evening, take a quick trip to Bath, the city of Jane Austen. You can visit the Roman Baths and take a stroll through the historic town center. There's a direct bus from the airport if you'd rather drop off your rental car first thing in the morning.
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, return the (refueled) car, and head to your gate. Have a nice flight home.
I hope you really enjoyed your stay in South West England! Have a safe trip!
Cornwall and Devon, two enchanting corners of southwest England where wild cliffs meet white beaches and turquoise seas. A landscape of green meadows, moors, and fairy-tale villages with thatched-roof cottages awaits you, looking as if time has stood still. You will head into the mysterious Dartmoor National Park, where ponies roam freely among granite rocks and endless plains. You will walk along easy trails with breathtaking views that you can manage even with small children. At the same time, you will also trek a bit of the South West Coast Path, which the heroes of the film The Salt Path walked. You will discover majestic castles, picturesque fishing harbors, and hidden coves with crystal-clear water. And because England's traditions are inseparable from the country, I will give you a few tips on where you can enjoy a proper cream tea - black tea with fluffy scones, jam, and clotted cream.
You'll arrive in Bristol, pick up your car, and then you can head to your accommodation or head out for a tour of the city.
Pick up your car and you can head straight to your accommodation. If you've got time, check out Bristol city centre.
If you have some time, you can head from the airport to explore Bristol. The city isn't exactly the kind that will blow you away, but it has its own industrial vibe. The center is full of old factories, docks, and other buildings converted into galleries or cafes, so it's definitely worth a stroll. We walked around the center in about 2 hours; we took the A1 bus (Flyer) from the airport, which runs quite frequently (2-3 times an hour). The fare was pretty expensive, though - 9 pounds.
From Bristol, you'll head to Devon, visiting the historic city of Exeter and Torquay, the birthplace of Agatha Christie. If the weather's nice, take a dip at one of the beautiful beaches around Torquay, and if it rains, you can take the kids to the miniature park.
Exeter is the gateway to Devon, a larger city with a fairly compact center, so it's definitely worth a stop. Go take a look at the Gothic cathedral (£12 admission), or walk through the center with a free guided tour (the guides are dressed in red coats and start from the cathedral). If you'd like to experience something a bit more adventurous (with older children), you can head out on a tour of Exeter's underground passages, which brought drinking water into the city during the Middle Ages (£9 admission). The closest playground to the center is located in Bullmeadow.
After sightseeing, it's time to relax on the beach. This one is cool because you can walk down and take the old cliff railway back up - more info here.
If the weather isn't right for the beach, you can visit this miniature park with your kids. The vast park features miniature versions of English towns and villages, with lots of moving parts, a train running between the towns, etc. You can also play crazy minigolf for free. More info here.
Angels Tea Rooms in Babbacombe is a popular spot for a cream tea - more info here.
Torquay is a picturesque seaside town, also known as the birthplace of Agatha Christie. Take a stroll along the waterfront; if you're a big fan of mystery novels, head out on The Agatha Christie Mile Path Walk, which will guide you through the writer's favorite spots. All in all, it's about a 5km walk, but you can adjust it however you like. More info here .
For kidsPaignton is so lively! It's a real entertainment hub on the English Riviera in Devon. We really loved the huge playground by the sea, but otherwise, you'll find plenty of fairground attractions there too.
Start your day with a stroll through the charming town of Totnes. Then, I've put together three options for you: a steam train ride, a day at a farm, or a trip to Dartmoor National Park. It all depends on the weather and what you feel like choosing.
Totnes is a picturesque Devon town with a single high street where you'll find plenty of charity shops with second-hand goods, ice cream, tearooms, and just other little shops. Stop by the medieval church, next to which is the old timber-framed town hall. On the main street, you'll also come across the timber-framed Elizabethan House Museum, which has free admission.
For kidsThis is a great rainy day option - hop on a historic steam train with the kids that runs between Totnes and Buckfastleigh stations. At the final stop in Buckfastleigh, you can visit an otter sanctuary, and in Totnes, there's a petting farm.
For kidsIf the weather holds up, you can't miss this most popular Devon attraction for kids – Pennywell Farm, a hands-on petting zoo and farm. There are activities with the animals all day long, so you won't get bored. More info here.
This is a low-cost option that you'll enjoy in good weather. Head to the Dartmoor NP visitor center, where the staff will help you with a route. Head to the largest rock in the area - Haytor Rocks. You can return to the parking lot via the Templer Way, a trail marked along the route of a former granite transport railway from a nearby quarry.
For a walk with a stroller, I can recommend the route to Avon Dam, which you can extend into a longer loop (that one is without a stroller).
For kidsOn your way back to the accommodation, stop by in Dartington - they have beautiful gardens at Dartington Hall that will likely be closed by the evening, but right in the village, you'll find a nice playground with a pumptrack and a cozy pub next to it - an ideal spot for a summer evening.
Your day kicks off on the beautiful beaches of South Devon, with a walk along the cliffs on the famous Coast Path. You'll spend the afternoon in Plymouth, visiting the aquarium with the largest tank in England. Then, you'll head over to Cornwall, stopping at a cool forest park along the way.
A beautiful sandy beach with turquoise water, but a bit tricky to get to. You'll feel like you're at the edge of the world here. Head to the viewpoint near the Gara Rock hotel or go all the way down to the beach – it's about a 30-minute walk each way along the beaten Coast Path.
Start your day with a lovely cliffside walk along a section of the famous Coast Path. Head left from the car park - this part is for pedestrians only and follows a worn path. Alternatively, take the loop to the right - this section is even stroller-friendly. Either way, you'll enjoy stunning views if the weather is nice.
Thurlestone Beach is a beautiful, wide sandy beach with parking and restrooms right next to the beach. A great spot for relaxing, having lunch, and playing on the sand.
For kidsThe aquarium with the largest tank and tunnel in the whole of Britain is definitely worth a visit. You'll find tropical fish, sharks, and turtles here, as well as live fish feeding commentary in one of the tanks and other activities. We spent three hours here and only left because of fatigue and nap time. You can bring a stroller inside. Parking in the adjacent garage is quite expensive, and the aquarium is located in the city center of Plymouth.
For kidsThis place is a great stop if you need to take a break with the kids on your way to Cornwall. There's a car park, toilets, a café, a playground, plus trails of any length along the stream, including some slightly more challenging ones. The map shows which ones are suitable for strollers or balance bikes.
A loop around the northern part of Cornwall. You'll start your day in the picturesque town of St Ives, continue along the coast to Cape Cornwall. You can relax on the beach at Sennen Cove and head out for a walk along the Coast Path to a shipwreck.
A picturesque seaside town, absolutely perfect for a morning stroll along the waterfront or through the narrow white alleys. Pop into all sorts of little shops, grab a cream tea - though that's more of an afternoon affair, a pot of black tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream will easily fill you up for breakfast too. Even though the town looks small on the map, the walk, including a cream tea, took us about 2 hours.
St. Ives can get crowded in peak season; if you want to save time looking for a parking spot, you can reach the town by train—for example, there is a large P+R car park at Lelant Saltings.
I can highly recommend this place for delicious sourdough bread!
The Courtyard Tea Room is a lovely tea house tucked away from the crowds in a small courtyard. A great spot for a cream tea break!
The road to St Just follows the B3306, which isn't very busy, so feel free to pull over whenever you like, take it all in, and enjoy the views.
Cape Cornwall is a short detour from the town of St Just and the main road, but it's definitely worth a stop. You can run up the hill with the lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding area. The walk up the hill will take you about 30 minutes.
There are two car parks in the village - one by a beautiful white sand beach with turquoise water, and another by the harbor, where you can set off on a hike to the shipwreck or all the way to Land's End. Watch out - the car parks are owned by different people, so you have to pay for parking separately at each one.
It's about a kilometer to the RMS Mulheim shipwreck, starting with a slight uphill climb on stairs, then walking along the cliffs on level ground. We wanted to catch the beach at Sennen Cove too, but I recommend extending your trip all the way to Lands End - England's westernmost point (2 km one way, an easy walk along the cliffs). Near Lands End, you'll find Greeb Farm, where you can take the kids to see the animals.
Swimming, surfing, or just playing in the sand on a beautiful beach.
On your way back to the accommodation, make sure to stop by and check out this stone circle. Cornwall is literally dotted with reminders of prehistoric culture, but this one is really well-preserved. It's about 300m from the road along a worn path through the meadow. More info here.
Start your day by exploring St Michael's Mount, home to a castle and beautiful gardens. You can reach the island by boat or walk across the causeway at low tide. Spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the lovely beaches in South Cornwall. If you're up for it, grab a ticket for a theatre show in the evening.
For kidsThis is sort of a Cornish Mt Saint Michel - it was founded by monks from a famous monastery in France. When it's low tide, you can reach it on foot via a causeway; otherwise, you have to take a boat. On the island, you can visit the castle, which the original monastery was converted into, or the gardens (or both). The trip isn't really suitable for strollers - you'll be walking on stairs and rock in some parts on the way to the castle, but kids can manage it. At the castle entrance, we got a sticker game - the kids search for items during the tour that match their stickers. We really enjoyed the whole trip - the boat ride, the treasure hunt, the castle tour, and walking back along the causeway, so we definitely recommend it. The trip took us about 3 hours.
Buy your tickets here - their system automatically adds the boat fee if you're visiting at a time when the boat will be necessary. The online price only applies if you buy your ticket by 11:59 PM the day before.
Looking for a hidden spot for lunch and some downtime? Then this beach is just right for you. It's pebbly, you have to take some stairs down to get to it, and it was probably the only place we found with free parking. No facilities there.
If you'd prefer to stroll through the town and have lunch at a restaurant or a coffee at a cafe, take a walk around Penzance. Visit the seafront promenade, wander through Morrab Gardens, and in Alexandra Grounds, you'll find a playground.
On your way to the beach, be sure to check out this stone circle. The path there isn't well-marked, so just park by the road and head through the gate into the meadow, where you'll spot it.
Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach. Porthcurno Bay will amaze you with its white sand and turquoise water, but there are plenty of beautiful beaches along the south coast of Cornwall, so you can't go wrong choosing another one.
In Porthcurno, you'll also find an open-air theatre. For many, this is an iconic stop on a road trip through Cornwall - you can visit it during the day, but if you love theatre, go there in the evening for a show. They also have performances for children in the programme; more info here.
You'll visit the beaches on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula, and you definitely shouldn't miss Kynance Cove while in Cornwall. Then you'll head back to Devon; take a break on the way at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from Daphne du Maurier's novel.
A lovely little town where you can take a stroll for an hour, browse some charity shops, and grab a coffee or a Cornish pasty. If you time your trip for May 8th, you'll experience Flora Day - a festival full of dancing and floral decorations. With kids, it's better to park by the lake, where you'll find a nice playground, a cafe, and restrooms.
Two beautiful sandy beaches - one is called Dollar Cove because it’s said you can still find remnants of dollar coins there from a shipwreck, and the other is Church Cove, named for the charming Church of Storms standing at one end. Lay down on the sand or go for a short walk as marked on the map.
Perhaps the most iconic cove in all of Cornwall. You have to walk down some stairs to get to the beach, but there are toilets, a shower, and refreshments there.
During your trip to Dartmoor, take a break at the famous Jamaica Inn, which you might know from the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. At the inn, you can visit the smuggling museum, an activity that the locals here were clearly very fond of in the past. More info here.
A day full of hiking and the chance to spot wild ponies - in the morning you'll head out on an easy loop around Postbridge, and in the afternoon you've got an equally relaxed loop around Fernworthy Reservoir.
On the way to Postbridge, keep an eye out for wild ponies; whole herds were grazing right by the road.
Once you arrive in Postbridge, head to the Visitor Centre, where the helpful staff will show you what’s worth seeing. They suggested a 4km loop to us that’s even stroller-friendly. We left it parked by the trail and ran up to Bellever Tor. I even took a few detours to see some prehistoric sites.
Dartmoor National Park is an open landscape with various stone formations (tors) on the hills that you can climb to enjoy the view.
In Postbridge, as the name suggests, you'll find an old medieval bridge.
For an afternoon walk, again 4 kilometers, I recommend an easy loop around Fernworthy Reservoir. It's not designed for strollers, but you can manage it with an all-terrain stroller or a bike trailer. At the end of the lake, at the crossroads, it's better to head right, reach this parking lot, and walk a bit along the path. From this parking lot, you can also take a detour to the prehistoric Fernworthy Circle. If you're going without a stroller, head left at the crossroads using the shortcut.
This reservoir will enchant you with its tranquility, beautiful nature, fairytale-like blooming bluebells in the spring, but especially with the free-roaming ponies.
On the way back to your accommodation, stop by the picturesque village of Chagford. They have a lovely, large playground there!
Another day in Dartmoor NP - you'll take a walk around the River Teign and visit the youngest castle in England. Then you'll head to your accommodation near Bristol.
Park your car here and head over to see the historic bridge. The walk around the River Teign can be done as a loop - follow the Fisherman's Path to Hunter's Tor and come back on the other side of the river. However, the Fisherman's Path isn't suitable for a stroller; there are steps and you even have to scramble over a rock. If you have a stroller, just walk there and back the same way along this side of the river.
You can hike up to Castle Drogo via a turn-off from the Fisherman's trail, but if that ends up being too long a trip for you or the kids, just head back to the car and drive up to the castle instead.
You can get to Castle Drogo by car, or on foot via a turn-off from the Fishermans Path or Hunters Path.
It's the youngest castle in all of England, completed in 1930, even though it looks like it's from the Middle Ages. Inside, you can check out the furnished rooms, and the organizers often put on special programs for various holidays, including activities for kids - check their website to see what's on.
Your flight home is coming up, or you can check out the cities of Bristol or Bath.
If your flight isn't until the evening, take a quick trip to Bath, the city of Jane Austen. You can visit the Roman Baths and take a stroll through the historic town center. There's a direct bus from the airport if you'd rather drop off your rental car first thing in the morning.
Make sure to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight, return the (refueled) car, and head to your gate. Have a nice flight home.
I hope you really enjoyed your stay in South West England! Have a safe trip!
