Things to do with young children near Tavistock, Devon?

[Calmomiletea]

Hi, I would love to hear from mumsnetters in the know about things to do in and close to Tavistock. We are going to have 3 weeks there and we have a 2yr old and a 4 yr old.

We would really like to take them to a nice beach on the south coast that has sand and toilets nearby but I can't decide if we should go Looe/Fowey direction or Salcombe area?
Also wondering if doing the cruise on the Dart would be preferable to visiting Fowey or would Fowey win out this one?

Would also love suggestions if there are any towns nearby-ish that have good antiques shopping and/or charity shops!?

Last year we did Shropshire and East Sussex the year before. Have never been to Devon before so we are excited. But I like to have things really well planned so would appreciate any info.

Thank you for any help/insights you can give!!

For beaches I would go north to Bude - Summerleaze or Sandymouth, a little further along. Looks further in the map but is an easier drive. Go for a day in the Eden project in Cornwall too. And the Aquarium in Plymouth. Tavistock has a good swimming pool, if you are feeling brave and the weather is good then take them to the beautiful outdoor lido in Plymouth - unheated though!

Also forgot to say that Tavistock itself has good shops for you including a daily market with antiques, arts and crafts for sale. Ashburton is lovely too, or Totnes - and you have the steam train there too!

Morwellham quay is amazing, also the aquarium in Plymouth is fab

Highly recommend this place in Tavistock
Robertson's Restaurant and Pizzeria
01822 612117

https://g.co/kgs/Ytvq4Jb

https://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/

The charity shops in tavi are very good. Oxfam particularly often has a lot of new stuff with tags direct from manufacturers.

Summerleaze beach in Bude is good, big and sandy, loos in the car park, town close by to buy chips or whatever and there's a large swimming pool on the beach too.

I also recommend robertson's pizza, it's very good, but quite small so book!

There's a massive park too, by the swimming pool, and nice long flat paths next to the river to ride bikes.

Tamar Valley Donkey Park has lots more than just donkeys. Aside from all the animals, it has six indoor play areas including soft play and pedal tractors.
Dingles Fairground museum is full of vintage fairground rides and a 2 year old will be able to ride on nearly all of them.

The Waie Inn at Zeal Monachorum has large gardens with a play area and a fantastic indoor play barn with soft play.

Hi, thank you for your reply! Do you mean Bude is an easier drive than say something along the cornwall (Looe) or south devon coast? That's great to know about the swimming pool in Tavistock. That'll be super handy, thanks!

My boys love a fairground so this will be great for them. And good to know the donkey sanctuary is worth visiting! Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who gave me advice for this trip!!

If anyone can help me decide between either a trip to Fowey from Tavistock or to do a cruise on the Dart, I would be most grateful!!

Fowey is lovely but I’d personally do the river Dart, from Dartmouth you can jump on the foot ferry across to Kingswear where there is a steam train line. The children might enjoy seeing the steam train and you can go for a ride too if you’ve got enough time

Cadover Bridge is worth a visit and not far from Tavi, lovely shallow river for the kids to paddle in and as it’s part of the national park there’s sheep and horses roaming free by the side of the road