Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Family Lockdown Activities in Devon - autumn and winter 2020
It is not news to anyone that we have entered lockdown restrictions ag
ain.
This time around, however, there are more facilities available for families if you fancy getting out and about in Devon as part of your recommended family exercise activities - we have collated some below and will add more as we become aware of them.
We have also pulled together some excellent fun and educational online resources created by local businesses and organisations in Devon including activities, videos and webcams.
If you would like to recommend anywhere in Devon that would is currently available for families to visit and we have missed it please message us on social media or email us.
Jump to ideas of where to get out-and-about in Devon
Jump to online resources from local businesses and charities
Some tips:
- If you are planning to take your family a bit more off the beaten track - then make sure that you download the what3words app. This excellent resource is a great way to help you keep track of the amazing places that you find whilst exploring as well as an assistance tool in case you get lost or in the unlikely event that you require emergency assistance.
- Getting out-and-about depends a lot on common sense and the social distancing guidelines that we should all be used to by now, however - if you need further clarification make sure you read the advice on the government website.
- Check out our Active Autumn article for general tips for getting out and about.
We strongly advise that you check local facilities via their individual websites and social media before travelling to see if access arrangements have changed.
Where to safely go in Devon during lockdown
National Trust
National Trust have announced that they are able to keep their outdoor spaces open, including coast and countryside sites and car parks as well as gardens and parklands. Takeaway food and drink may be available in selected locations. Booking is strongly advised to guarantee access at many sites.
Some sites will have leaflets detailing trails on arrival, however you can also find details online here
Find out more about what to expect here and specifics around the Devon sites here. and the National Trust app is regularly updated and helps to recommend sites near you.
RHS Rosemoor
Along with other RHS sites, Rosemoor, near Torrington is open to visitors with advance bookings only. To access the garden, time-slots must be booked in advance of your visit. Takeaway refreshments are available and the garden centre is open. As yet, there are no formal updates regarding the planned ''Glow' event. Visit the website to book and for more info.
RSPB Reserves
In line with government guidance, many of the RSPB car parks, trails and toilets remain open for visitors. Visit their dedicated webpage here and scroll down for a detailed map which clarifies which facilities. These include Aylesbeare Common, Exmi
nster Marshes and Labrador Bay.
English Heritage
English Heritage are keeping a selection of their free-to-enter and staffed sites with large outdoor spaces open during November. Visit the Devon section of their website to find out more.
Powderham Castle
The gardens and grounds (Pleasure Grounds, Rose Garden and Walled Garden) are open Friday to Sunday, 11am - 4:30pm. Takeaway hot and cold drinks will be available from the Welcome Hut, however toilet facilities will not be in use. Entry is free but a small donation for the car park is appreciated. Find out more via the website.
Exeter Green Circle
The Exeter Green Circle is a 12 mile walk within the boundaries of Exeter. The Exeter City Council website contains a downloadable map with accessibility details as well as features on each route.
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust
The Trust have been able to keep all of their sites and site car parks open. Find out more about the arrangements via their website.
Dartington Estate
The estate will remain open for visitors and the Gardens will remain open to Dartington Members
Find out more about the walks available here and more about membership here. The Green Table Cafe will be offering takeaway services and there is a Takeaway Cafe at The Shops At Dartington. Find out more via their website.
Forestry England sites
Access is available for Forestry England sites including Stoke Woods and Haldon Forest Park. Facilities will vary depending on the location that you are visiting and some sites such as Haldon will have takeaway food and drink available to purchase.
Check out the Forestry England Coronavirus visitor guide here and find your nearest available forest /walk here
Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) sites
At the time of writing, all DWT nature reserves remain open, although the visitors centres at Seaton Jurassic and Wembury Marine are closed. Search for your nearest facilities here and find out more about how you can donate and support the ongoing work of the Devon Wildlife Trust here.
Wild East Devon Nature Reserves
All ten nature reserves remain open although all events are cancelled. The bird hides at Seaton Wetlands will be open, however there will be no toilet facilities, reduced seating and people entering the hides will be required to wear facemasks where there are not exempt. Find out more on the East Devon District Council website.
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path website is an excellent resource for finding ways for our incredible coastline . The 'Family Walks' section is full of all of the information that you will need to explore it safely, with added information for accessibility including buggies.
Dartmoor National Park
It is possible to walk on Dartmoor in keeping with government restrictions, although some facilities will be limited. Toilets remain open at Haytor, Dartmeet, Postbridge, Meldon Reservoir and Shipley Bridge. The visitors centres at Princetown, Postbridge and Haytor are closed. Visit the Dartmoor National Park website for more up-to-date information as well as maps for walks of varying lengths and difficulties
The Garden House - Dartmoor
Autumn is the perfect time to visit the autumn garden and acer glad as well as the walled garden. The cafe is currently closed but advance booking is no longer necessary. Members and non-members welcome. Find out more via their website
Stover Country Park
This local nature reserve remains open for visitors, however the visitor centre is closed. Featuring the Ted Hughes Poetry Trail as well as abundance of wildlife, you can find out more at the website as well as further information regarding car parking.
Parks
The gov.uk website has an excellent park finding tool on its website to help you find local parks and open spaces. The postcode finder will direct you to the local authority responsible for the local area and details of their park facilities
Devon Beaches
A brisk beach walk is sometimes all that is needed to blow the cobwebs away and many are family and dog-friendly with the added bonus of the opportunity of exploring rockpools. The Visit Devon website has some excellent recommendations. Please note that many facilities such as toilets may not be open. Don't forget to check the Tide Times website or use one of the many apps to make the most of your visit.
Cycling in Devon
The Visit Devon website has an excellent list of cycle routes with details about the lengths and difficulties involved. It is worth noting that facilities such as cycle hire and some toilets may be closed at this time.
Online resources from local businesses/charities
Paignton Zoo educational downloadable resources
Webcams across many Devon locations
Educational quiz from Quince Honey Farm
Minecraft Maps from Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM)(Exeter)
RAMM At Home - fun activities based around the museum's exhibits
Wild Planet Trust YouTube channel including videos from Paignton Zoo
Kents Cavern have a downloadable learning pack with resources about the Stone Age as well as a recommended reading list about the era
Dartmoor National Park have a wide range of local and educational resources on their website
Crealy Theme Park and Resort have created a number of downloadable, educational activities
Torre Abbey are adding new creative activities to their Facebook page every Saturday during lockdown
Colouring-in sheets from Arlington Court