Modbury, Devon - what can we do nearby for a day out?

[hulahoopsilove]

We are staying in Modbury /BIgbury area and will do Eden Project, Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth...but what else can we do? We have a son age 9

Woodlands near Dartmouth is a very good day out. River dart country park is also very nice

Go crabbing off the quay in Salcombe and get the ferry to the little beaches across the estuary. Lovely.

Another vote for Woodlands! Go early to make the most of it, and book online, it's cheaper in advance.

There are of course a million lovely beaches. Bigbury is great when the tide's out, and you can walk along the tidal causeway to the island. They also hire out boards and boats, and the cafe do good chips!

You're about 30 mins drive from Plymouth, if it rains, where there's a good aquarium, ice skating, and a decent cinema/bowlplex type thing. The Barbican is good, and if you happen to be down on the 12th/13th August, the British firework champs happen, 3 massive displays each night, and it's free! It's a late one - first display 9.30, last display finishes around 10.15-10.30, but totally worth it.

If you want to be a bit more cultured, Mount Edgecome is lovely - you can park at Devil's Point and get the passenger ferry over (around £2 each I think!). Don't bother with the house, the grounds are extensive and gorgeous and free.

There's also Dartmoor Zoo, and probably a lot of other places, but these are the ones that instantly come to my head!!

Oh I second Bigbury, it's beautiful there, although I wouldn't rely on getting good from the pub in the island, it's very limited. And also agree with plymouth barbican and the hoe. On a good weather day it's lovely.

Miniature Pony Centre on Dartmoor.

Woodlands
Paignton Zoo

Bigbury & island . Venus cafe on Bigbury side of beach is good.

Pennywell Farm if you like animals - get there when it opens, there are activities every 30 mins or so including feeding the lambs. DS is most annoyed that we can't leave mistlehound in the car (in the shade with the windows ajar) like we did our previous elderly mistledog, so can't visit anymore. He also really enjoyed going to the Lost Gardens of Heligan which is just a bit further than Eden.

The beach at East Portlemouth is very pleasnat - we have spent several whole days there when the weather is good - adults take it in terms to wander for drinks from the nearby cafe or wander up onto the hillside whilst DS played (all day, in a wetsuit) in the stream and sea with other children.

The Oyster Shack at Bigbury is fantastic for seafood (DS loved it).

TBH I would forget the Donkey Sanctuary It will take at least an hour from Modbury and I find it depressing as every tree, bench etc is dedicated to someone who has died - like a cematary in my opinion. However lots of people disagree with me!

2nd vote for Woodlands and Paignton Zoo

If it rains try Bygones at Babbacombe then we walk around the corner and get the cliff railway down to the beach (if nice) Bygones is hard to explain but it is stuffed full of interesting things that even my DS find interesting esp the old fashioned 'penny arcade' but great for adults as well.

Another option if rainy but you will have to book is Clip'n'Climb which is at Haven Banks Exeter. You can also hire kyaks on the Quay opposite to take along the Exeter canal.

Becky Falls is very good as well if you want a slice of one of the most beautiful bits of Dartmoor but you have to pay as it is privately owned.

Forgot to say Paignton to Kingswear steam railway very good and can be done as a 'round robin' with the bus and boat via Totnes. There is a very good outdoor play area on Paignton sea front.