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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

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Original poster

North Devon

13 replies

Ruthiebabes · 19/05/2009 14:03

We are off to North Devon for May Half term.

Has anyone been to Watermouth Castle theme park in Ilfracombe,....or Wildlife and Dinasour Park in Combe Martin??

Are they a good day out for the children, aged 5 and 2?

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

blametheparents · 19/05/2009 14:05

We took our DS (age 7) and DD (age 3) to Watermouth Castle last year when we were on holiday.
They really enjoyed it and did not want to leave.
I thought some of it was a bit lame, but then I guess I am not either 7 or 3!

snice · 19/05/2009 14:09

Similar here with a 6 and 4 year old -I thought it was rather lame but they loved Watermouth especially the old fashioned penny slot machines in the basement of the castle. Be warned though, my 4 year old was terrified by the (rather crappy) 'dungeons' as they have dummy figures in tableaux (sp?)!

mrsdisorganised · 19/05/2009 14:15

Just took our girls to the Dinosaur Park, they enjoyed it and we were there all day. Be prepared for lots of uphill walking! I loved the sealion show, and there is a good variety of animals for the children to see, although tbh I don't like seeing them behind bars as it were, the animals do have quite a bit of space and appear happy. Felt let down by the butterfly house, not alot going on at the moment and the fact that there wasn't a big playground (being picky really!) but a good day out.

blametheparents · 19/05/2009 14:17

Oh yes, my two loved the old fashioned penny slot machines too

alibo · 19/05/2009 20:17

Hi Ruthiebabes, I'm jealous, we've been to North Devon in May several times, love it! (This is the first year we've not been, as so expensive at half term compared to rest of May! Watermouth is lovely, esp for little ones, set in lovely grounds, mainly small rides, but some nice play areas, mini golf as well etc. Ds used to love the little gnome land you could walk round. Great to take a picnic, don't remember there being an abundance of eating choices. There is a light/water show which ds was fasinated with also. Hve you googles their website, don't know if they still do it, but you can re visit for £1 if you keep your receipt; so good to go at start of holiday. Coombe Martin Dinosaur park is good also, you can get free child vouchers for this place on the internet, i'll try and fing some for you. Ds loved the moving dinosaurs esp the one that spits!! The Big Sheep is also worth a trip, again loads of places, ebay etc do 2 for 1 voucgers etc. Ilfracombe Tunnels beaches is great for small children, they also have a website;Where are you staying, we always stayed in Woolacombe? I could go on, let me know if you would like any more tips!!

alibo · 19/05/2009 20:19

Sorry for spelling mistakes, bathtime in progress!!

pinkkoala · 20/05/2009 11:26

hi we took our dd 4yrs, to watermouth castle last year she loved the rides and the little boxes with the nursery rhymes in, but not the castle and the dungeons.

we stopped at woolacoombe sands holiday park, thoroughly reccommend it. we are going again this year, we have a chalet which is well equipped and very quiet out of season so dd gets the play area to herself.

pavlovthesmugcat · 20/05/2009 11:27

I have not been to either but I love north devon! Hope the weather is good for you!

Lizzylou · 20/05/2009 11:45

OOH, ooh, we went to Combe Martin last year and it was fantastic.
My boys loved the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park (they were 4 and 2 at the time) and still look through the programme.
Watermouth Castle is lovely, we are hoping to stay there again.
The Big Sheep is fab, it's about 45 mins away.
It was our best holiday ever, even our exotic pre-kids holidays weren't as much fun.
.

alibo · 20/05/2009 13:00

We stayed in a self catering apartment at the Woolacoombe Bay hotel, fabulous place, but they have now started refurbishing them and prices have nearly doubled in May. I sometimes sit and look longingly at their website, after going for several years you were welcomed like old friends, we've really missed going this year...

mrsdisorganised · 20/05/2009 18:51

Just to say, we stayed "here http://www.collacott.co.uk/" about 45 mins to Lynton (lovely) and 25 mins to Combe Martin. As my girls are horse mad it was perfect as they rode alot here with a fantastic teacher, the swimming pool was being renovated but due to open in June. Would definitely go back.

mrsdisorganised · 20/05/2009 18:53

"Here! www.collacott.co.uk/"...wonder if that worked!

Original poster

Ruthiebabes · 21/05/2009 17:24

Thanks for all your replies, we are staying in Combe Martin on a small caravan site. Looking forward to it, the only place I have been to in Devon is Torquay (when I was nine!!).

OP posts:

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