Exploring Dartmouth's hidden gems: perfect Devon family holidays

There are three magic words that can make Devon family holidays all the more memorable.

'Let's do Dartmouth.'

Yes, this little South Devon town is popular for a reason. It's got pretty rows of pastel buildings. It's got scenic views over the Dart Estuary. It's got charming shops, coastal walks and an honest-to-goodness castle.

We couldn't think of a better spot for family adventures – especially if you're the kind of clan that likes to roam beyond the beaten path.

Dartmouth and South Devon are chock-full of hidden gems. For every popular beach, there's a secret cove. For every famous country house, a weather-beaten old fort.

Let's explore seven of the best.

A vibrant hillside town with colorful houses overlooking a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery, with small boats moored along the stone waterfront.

Bayard's Cove Fort

Location: Bayards Cove, Dartmouth, TQ6 9AX
Entry price: free
Opening times: during daylight hours

Dartmouth Castle gets all the love – and for good reason. But this charming Tudor ruin is well worth exploring, too. It was built in the 16th century to guard against seaborne invaders. Ironically, though, when Dartmouth was eventually attacked more than 100 years later, the assailants arrived on foot.

You'll find the fort next to the river, just south of Dartmouth town centre.

Two young boys smiling brightly over the back of a green bench at a sunny playground, with colorful climbing equipment and blurred greenery in the background.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Location: Blackawton, Totnes, TQ9 7DQ
Entry prices: from £12.50 (free for infants)
Opening times: 10:30 to 16:30 during winter; days vary

Is Woodlands Family Theme Park a hidden gem? Not to locals – but it's certainly less well-known than the likes of Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures.

Woodlands offers an altogether more sedate experience than those amusement giants. You won't find record-breaking rollercoasters or famous cartoon mascots here. But with its petting zoo, falconry centre and seven play zones, it's ideal for relaxed Devon family holidays with a side of gentle thrills.

A tall cornfield under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, featuring a dirt path splitting into two directions at the base of the dense green stalks.

South Devon Maize Maze

Location: Churchstow, TQ7 3QH
Entry price: £7
Opening times: Friday to Monday, 10:00 to 17:00 (reopens July 2025)

You know what you're getting with the South Devon Maize Maze. It's a maze made of maize.

Refreshingly simple, yes – and no less enjoyable for it. Kids will love weaving in and out of the mighty crops as they dash, dive and search for the exit. Adults, meanwhile, will appreciate the panoramic views of South Devon's rolling landscape.

The perfect excuse for some fresh air and sunshine, we think.

A scenic pebble beach with scattered visitors, small boats onshore, and grassy cliffs extending into the distance, beside calm blue waters under a partly cloudy sky.

Hallsands Beach

Location: Hallsands, TQ7 2EY
Entry price: free
Opening times: open all hours – but keep an eye on tides

Devon family holidays just aren't complete without visiting a secret beach. And Hallsands has all the hallmarks of a hidden gem – crunchy shingle, amazing sea views and nary a crowd in sight.

But Hallsands isn't your average secret beach. This sleepy cove comes with an abandoned village attached.

The once-thriving Hallsands village fell victim to erosion – and a new settlement was built in its place to the north. You can't visit the old village for safety reasons, but you can see its ruins from the cliffs nearby.

A historic stone castle entrance with tall towers and arched gate, surrounded by green grass and trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

Location: Berry Pomeroy, Totnes, TQ9 6LJ
Entry prices: £3.60 for children; £6.80 for adults
Opening times: weekends from 10:00 to 16:00

Totnes is famous for its boho shops and commanding castle. But you'd be missing out if you neglected Berry Pomeroy – a quaint village around a mile-and-a-half to its east.

Berry Pomeroy has its own castle, you see. And to our minds, it beats Totnes's for sheer grandeur. It's also said to be one of the most haunted places in the UK – but don't tell the kids.

A quiet woodland scene with a small wooden bridge and scattered autumnal foliage, surrounded by tall trees and dim natural light filtering through the forest canopy.

Stover Country Park

Location: Newton Abbot, TQ12 6QD
Entry price: free
Opening times: open all hours

Stover Country Park has some stiff competition. About 5,000 feet to its east is the vast expanse of Dartmoor National Park. It's fair to say Stover's 114 acres are dwarfed by its 64,664-acre cousin.

But plump for the underdog and you'll be rewarded with a delightful family day out. This council-owned park has plenty to offer for outdoorsy folk, from lakes and marshes to woodland trails and a unique aerial walkway.

If your ideal Devon family holidays involve stiff boots and plenty of natural splendour, stick it on the 'must-see' list.

Children and an adult look over a railing at a detailed miniature village surrounded by lush greenery, with a hillside displaying a white horse figure in the background.

Babbacombe Model Village

Location: Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3LA
Entry prices: from £15.95
Opening times: opens at 10:00 – closing times vary

We don't mean a model village like Poundbury in Dorset or Bournville in Birmingham – purpose-built settlements with unique charm.

No. We mean a real model village. The kind with tiny buildings, tiny vehicles and pint-sized people – all painstakingly crafted by hand.

The attraction is well-known locally but doesn't get the love it deserves from blogs and guidebooks. Pay it a visit and let the whole family feel like giants – even the little ones.

Ready to do Dartmouth?

Just think. If these are the hidden gems, how many unhidden gems are waiting to be discovered?

Take it from us: there are loads. And we're here to help you explore them all.

Located just south of Dartmouth, Leonard's Cove is a family-friendly holiday park – and, according to one reviewer, a hidden gem in its own right.

You'll soon see why. Our park is blessed with stunning clifftop views overlooking the English Channel. We have accommodation options to suit all tastes, from camping pitches to luxury cottages. And our on-site facilities – including a modern bistro restaurant – will keep everyone comfortable, happy and well-fed.

We'd love to welcome you on your next adventure – and for many Devon family holidays to come. To get started, browse our South Devon breaks.