Devon on a budget

[NCTDN]

We’re going in a couple of weeks. Staying sort of in the middle of nowhere near Holsworthy. We plan to go to the beach a lot - Bude and Westward Ho seem about the same distance away.
If the isn’t great, what can we do that won’t cost a fortune? Thanks

Lots of walks in north Devon - Bideford is nice!

I am assuming by ‘it isn’t great’, you meant the weather? Strawberry fields has strawberry picking with an open barn with a slide and ball pit plus outdoor go kart track. I’m sure they’ll be more events to come in summer. The big sheep is a mix of outdoors and indoors but plenty to do if there’s some showers indoors (they accept Tesco clubcard vouchers if you shop there, to half the cost). Otherwise most is quite outdoorsy. A few bits on the south coast but that’s an hour drive. There are a few lakes nearby with water sports if the weathers good and you fancy a change of scenery from the beach

Sorry should’ve said it’s for two old teens and two adults. Yes it missed out the word weather!
I think we’ll go to the nearby lake complex at least one day.

When we were kids we went to the beach regardless! Fair Isle jerseys over our swimming things, plus a waterproof if necessary.

Tamar Lake and Roadford Lake do sailing, paddle boarding etc

Perhaps skip all my suggestions with the update about being for older teens except the lakes one. Tamar lake does a little bit of hire but Roadford is definitely worth the slightly longer drive as they do a lot more there

We did surf lessons at Saunton Sands last week. Fab - they have all the kit included and go out most days despite rain etc

Saunton has beach huts too; we've retreated from pants weather in there, partly blocking the door with a big umbrella. Works well for a big chip lunch.

I think Northam also has a surf school if Saunton is booked up. Westward Ho has cheap arcades to waste a fiver. There's also an outlet type place en route to the Big Sheep if purchases are necessary.

Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough & Woolacombe have fab beaches & surf schools.
If you fancy a trip to Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium is very good & pay once, go free all year. Great for getting out the rain.
Clovelley is a lovely village; Dartmeet & Tarr Steps are nice for walks & picnics, also Heddon Valley (NT).

other places (but for a cost):
Exmoor Zoo
The Milky Way
Quinces Honey Farm
RHS Rosemoor

Tintagel, you don't have to actually go in the castle, the walk to the beach and cave is great and free!

Hire bikes to do the Tarka trail , body board down the dunes at Woolacombe , fish and chips in Braunton

Dartmoor, Adventure Okehampton