Devon with a 5 year old - suggestions?

[PeppermintCreamsSaga]

My DS has decided that he wants us to go to Devon on holiday. I've not been since I was a teenager. (went by train on a PGL type holiday and stayed in a boarding school in Sidmouth)

I am open to any suggestions for areas to stay, and places to visit. He loves trains/planes/boats/buses along with the usual playgrounds etc. He's not overly keen on extended trips to the beach but would love a port/harbour.

We're not keen on hotels, but campsites, cottages, holiday parks, glamping are all good.

We will be travelling from London. Will a long weekend be long enough, or will it take us a week to recover? (I've been reading the driving to Cornwall thread)

We recently went for a long weekend in Devon and it took 4 hours by road, similar distance. Seemed a long way home after just a few days away. www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/ is worth a visit

Waterside Holiday Park in Devon is really nice. It is right by the steam railway, and also near Brixham harbour which is a pretty harbour.

The park has a kids club etc so will be perfect for a 5 year old.

www.parkholidays.com

We stayed in a beautiful house (Orchard House near Westward Ho!) from classic cottages.

The Big Sheep is fantastic. Kiddie farm theme park thing with duck herding, sheep racing, horse whispering et al.

Crackington Haven is a great rocky beach for rock pooling and caves.

Would he be up for horse riding? There's a lovely place between Croyde and Woolacombe where he can ride on the beach.

I have family in both north and south Devon. North Devon is better for beaches etc but south Devon has Plymouth - aquarium, the barbican, the ho with the lighthouse etc, Torquay area with babbacombe model village, Paignton zoo, and both Torquay and Plymouth have good swimming pools.

I would stay at Ladram Bay - lovely caravan site in East Devon. Not too big but with a small shop, cafe, restaurant/pub and indoor pool.

To visit there is Pecorama - model trains, indoor and outdoor play
Bicton Gardens - train ride, indoor and outdoor play
Crealy -theme park usually has Halloween activities on incl a free pumpkin (!)
Escot - great outdoor fun for children incl a maze
Exmouth - boat trips up the river Exe and a traditional seaside resort
Exeter - museum (not that great but others may think differently) Unerground passages, Quay area with kyak hire

Bigbury bay is lovely, as is Salcombe. My favourite is Mill Bay, which is directly across the water from Salcombe, just gorgeous!

Thank you for your suggestions everyone!