To ask whether North Devon or South Devon is the better family holiday option?

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With two children, aged 7 and 9, neither of whom are particularly 'rugged' yet (in terms of outdoor pursuits)!

I love the South Hams, but that's more from the point of view of adult holidays (mostly walking and pubs).

Any insider info gratefully received.

South Milton is National Trust I meant to add!

I live in Devon and all of it is ace. We went on holiday to Pembrokeshire a couple of years ago though and found it to be gorgeous, the beaches are beautiful (and lots good for bodyboarding) - it's very like Devon without the crowds of tourists! Worth a look...

North.

Check out Pickwell manor in north Devon by putsborough beach it's wonderful especially for kids

South Devon for scenery, North Devon for beaches, imo. Although South Milton Sands is lovely!

My mate and I used to stay at South Sands quite often, and our favourite walk was the coastal path to Hope Cove, where we'd have a long lunch, and then on to Bantham, where we'd have dinner.

We always go to www.northwayholidaycottages.co.uk

Near to Clovelly, westward ho, bideford, Barnstaple and bude.

Fabulous place, been going there for years.

Brilliant. I'm really looking forward to it now, so thanks all very much.

I'm still undecided about where to base us, but either way, I'll follow Mumofthe...'s advice and not try to stay one end of the county and travel to the other!

If you go to North Devon, pop over the border into Bude.

Unspoiled, amazing beaches for surf and fantastic fresh fish at Srummies (fish as good as Padstow, decor - not).

I'm South Hams and would say go elsewhere for a family holiday. The beaches are a pain in the arse to get to compared with others in Devon and while Toynes and Kingsbridge are wonderful (biased) they're not exactly exciting places for children.

I'd suggest basing yourselves somewhere on Dartmoor so you're well placed for accessing all the other wonderful places previously mentioned.

North Devon is never as busy on the roads as South Devon, but South Devon has the Donkey Sanctuary :)

Lots of south hams ladies on here, me too!

Clovelly, Instow & crabbing on Appledore sea wall, rocking pooling & jumping in the waves at Westwood go along with climbing over the pebble ridge and flying kites on Northampton burrows. Exmoor and Rare steps for a lovely picnic lunch flooded by a cream tea at Silverton or Withypool.

we loved north devon so much we moved from the midlands to bideford 7 years ago. Its lovely.

Bigbury/bantham good for surfing on the south coast...

Happy memories of Bideford, used to stay just up from the first Inn last out

We keep going back every year to north Devon (woolacombe), lovely beaches, I'd like to try another part of Devon one day!

We have been to Devon for our last 2 holidays. Beautiful. I can't remember ever feeling so at peace as we did walking along the coastal path. Stayed in the the Otterton/Sidmouth/Budleigh Salterton area.

Dorset!

What area would be east Devon?

East Devon . . . wouldn't that be Dorset?

Absolutely love Devon. Been many, many times and back again at Easter. On balance, I think I prefer the South, although am more familiar with it. Dartmoor is awesome. Dartmouth, Brixham area lovely. The kids may enjoy crabbing at Stoke Gabriel (copious amounts of crabs off a causeway rather than a wall). Good point re East Devon. Beer, Pecorama, Donkey Sanctury - fab. You can't go wrong in Devon!

I much prefer North Devon, because it's got more rugged scenery and is a bit less 'traditional British seaside resort-ish'.

South Devon. Torbay.
Lots of great things to do and simple! Walks along the coast or Churston Ferrers to brixham then bus to kingswear over on the ferry to Dartmouth for some sight seeing and lunch then back to Paignton on the steam train.
Paignton zoo and living coast
Trips around the bay
Cinema in Paignton
Theatre in Torquay
ELC for swimming
Skiing
Go kart and paint balling
Woodlands day out theme park perfect for their ages
Beaches at Preston next to Paignton, broadsands (you can hire a beach hut) and Elbery are al great
I love the area but about biased as my folks live there!
X

Why not stay in the Exeter/East Devon area which makes both south Devon and North accessible? East Devon's beaches are lovely and Exeter has lots to offer children. Dawlish Warren just off Exe estuary will appeal to families too. South Hams are more expensive and less child friendly, Torbay area more child friendly. North Devon good for outdoor water sports and Exmoor. Check out Crealy for a day out if you're near Exeter.

East Devon. Lived there for 3 years and loved every second of it. Loads of stuff to do with the kids that is outdoorsy without being rugged. Plenty to do within easy reach. Dartmoor is less than an hour away. A hop, skip and a jump into West Dorset.

Exeter. Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis. Jurassic coast from Exmouth to Sidmouth is stunning. Crealy adventure park is fun. Escot Park is a good day out. Ditto the Donkey Sanctuary.

And it's not overrun by tourists.

I miss East Devon!