Free family attractions in South Devon

Dawlish Warren Beach

Everyone goes in FREE here...

Ok, so you have come to the seaside and enjoyed the beach and are now looking for something to do on “your day away from the beach”, something that the whole family will enjoy – at little or NO cost!  Take a look at the leaflet "Free Things To Do" on the right, it lists 24 things to do for FREE!!

Here are just a few places to go where it won’t cost you a penny in parking or entrance fees!

In no particular order I’ll start with:

The Donkey Sanctuary

On a farm near Sidmouth (about an hour’s drive), it was founded in 1969 by Dr. Elizabeth Svendsen MBE, over 8,500 donkeys have come into their care. No donkey is ever refused admission. Having visited the Sanctuary a couple of years ago I can whole heartedly recommend a visit, that part of Devon is very pretty so make it a day out! Dogs welcome on a lead.

Trago Mills

Closer to home “There’s nowhere like… Trago Mills Family Shopping and Leisure Parks”. Again no entrance/parking charges with lots of bargains and things to do (which of course may have a charge!). Located between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey (a “gateway” to Dartmoor) it will take around half an hour to reach in the car.

House of Marbles

Is a just along the road from Trago on the outskirts of Bovey Tracey and boasts the Biggest Range of Marbles in the World! And is home to “Snooki” the Biggest Marble Run in Britain! You can watch glass being blown (weekdays) and visit the in house Museum. All the attractions have, of course, tea rooms for lunches, snacks, etc. Indeed House of Marbles boasts (again!) “The Biggest Cream tea in Devon”….

Buckfast Abbey

This famous Abbey was founded nearly 1000 years ago, and is located at Buckfastleigh just off the A38 Expressway between Exeter and Plymouth, about 40 minutes from Dawlish Warren. There are gardens to enjoy and various shops/exhibitions where you can discover more about the monks and their way of life. The monks are famous for a number of things including tonic wine, honey and fudge etc. Oh, I almost forgot… you are welcome to attend one of the many Church services too!

Enjoy!

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