Baby friendly

The best things to do when you've a babe in arms; places with easy access and those that cater specifically. We've had a look around to find the baby-friendly attractions in the South and West.

August events in Devon

Devon is a big county packed full of things to do in August. Here’s our quick pick to keep you entertained while on holiday.

Things to do Katie Chown

August events in Somerset

Holidays in Somerset have even more appeal when you get under the skin of local communities and eke out all the events going on throughout the county this August. Fun fairs and train rides, secret gardens and outdoor activities, there’s fun for all the family including the four-legged variety.

Things to do Katie Chown

August events in Dorset

Dig beneath the surface of Dorset to unearth a host of entertainment and things to do in August.

Things to do Katie Chown

August events in Cornwall

It’s the height of summer in Cornwall and also the height of activities with so many things to do in August you won’t know where to start, so we’ve put a selection together for you.

Things to do Katie Chown

Family day at Stourhead Gardens

A family day out to Stourhead, exploring the gardens, having a picnic and generally having a magical adventure.

Visitors' Book Emma L

Lyndhurst and the New Forest ponies

We had driven through the town of Lyndhurst earlier in the day and made a note to stop off on our way back to our holiday cottage in Lymington, not least because of the large number of New Forest ponies we had seen just on the outskirts of the town.

Visitors' Book Faye

New Forest Wildlife Park

The wolves and chatty giant otters were a big hit, the stories of their conservation making for heart-warming reading and the friendly deer that were free to roam around the park added a magical touch.

Places to Go Faye

Beaches of the New Forest

We decided to work our way back along the beaches of the south coast despite it being a somewhat dreary looking February day

Visitors' Book Faye

Moors Valley Country Park

I cannot recommend Moors Valley Country Park highly enough, in fact I've already sent a number of friends and family along and hope to go back again myself soon.

Things to do Faye

Family fun day at Bucklers Hard

Considering it wasn't our location of choice we really surprised ourselves with how enjoyable it was and would highly recommend a visit.

Things to do Faye

Best cream teas in Devon

Which county started the tradition of cream teas, and more importantly, which county has the best cream teas, Devon or Cornwall?

Classic Fodder Philip Eley

Murder Mystery family activity in Totnes

Explore a new town and find things to do with children in Totnes - as we eliminated suspects and weapons we explored places with great names like Warland and Ticklemore Street.

Things to do Philip Eley

Family Day Out at Paultons Park

Now theme parks may fill some families with dread – the queues, the food, the prices. But Paultons Park is a great fun day out for the whole family packed full of pleasant surprises.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Family Holidays: Donkey Sanctuary

Famously there is no entry fee and no car parking charge for visiting the Sanctuary. We’re an open charity and people are welcome to visit 365 days a year. The donkeys are here and need feeding, so we’ll be open!

Places to Go James Chubb

Things to do in Dawlish

Dawlish is a seaside town in south east Devon with a gentle air of sophistication yet still a great place for traditional bucket and spade holidays. With both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren full of ideas for a fun break, here is my guide of things to do in Dawlish.

Things to do Philip Eley

Family things to do in Eastleigh

Situated just a few miles from Southampton, this small market town, has lots of hidden gems to keep you and your little ones amused for a day. There are lots of things to do in Eastleigh.

Things to do Kylie Barton

Family Day Out at the New Forest Centre

The New Forest Centre is a hub of information and activities through which to learn about the beautiful scenery which surrounds you, and provides a great educational day out for families holidaying nearby.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Watchet

The pretty harbour village of Watchet offers a charming holiday experience in West Somerset. During the summer it is a hive of activity with the winter months in contrast proving a quiet and tranquil ambiance. For a little town, there’s plenty going on, so I’ve picked some of my highlights for a day out in Watchet.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Southampton

On a glorious spring day last year, we did two things of note. We looked at the sky. Then we gazed at the sea. Then we enjoyed many of the things to do in Southampton that make for a great family holiday.

Things to do Jonathan C

Visit Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Robbie L

Animal antics in South Devon

For small children, larger zoos can sometimes be overwhelming, so a visit to somewhere small, quiet and friendly can make a perfect day out. Here's some animal antics to spot in parks across south Devon.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

My Best Friend has a Tail (eleven animal sanctuaries)

What do you do with your dog when it comes to your holiday? Well, bring him or her along for the ride! If you don't have a dog, take a look at our list of animal sanctuaries to visit for some furry fun in the south and west.

Places to Go Katie Chown

A day tour of Longleat

The beauty of Longleat is that as an attraction, it never gets old, with something new to delight you with every visit, so it is well worth going back again and again when on holiday in Somerset.

Places to Go Becky Bye

Exploring Lostwithiel

But it’s not just the lively shopping scene that draws the crowds, there are beautiful riverside walks to enjoy, brilliant play parks for kids and plenty of excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants ready for when hunger strikes.

Places to Go Abby D

Cardinham Woods family walk

My wife is a city girl; she is happy in these maintained woodlands to know that there are toilets nearby, places to buy good coffee, and well-maintained paths, while I’m happy that we don’t have to actually stay on the paths at all.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Family day out at Bygones Museum in Torquay

Bygones is one of those museums that feels like someone else’s dream. There is something terrifically enjoyable about it if you like chaos and eccentricity. In the end it was one of those days that we enjoyed mostly for quirky little odd moments rather than the place as a whole.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Healey's Cyder Farm

There are some places that only get discovered on rainy Wednesdays and we stumbled onto one of them. I’m sure that a visit to a cider farm isn’t a top priority for many families but the destination delivered.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Top 5 best things to do in the New Forest

We know because we've been there, but we're also backed up by our guests and Owners - here's some of the best things to do in the New Forest.

Things to do Katie Chown

Black Prince Flower Boat Procession

The historic Black Prince Flower Boat Procession traditionally took place to bid farewell to the winter cold and welcome spring sunshine – little wonder it’s so popular!

Things to do Lizzie H

Discovering Saltram House, Plymouth

The house itself is impressive with fantastic period furnishings and beautifully decorated rooms, but the grounds are the star of the show.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

A day in Kingsand and Cawsand

Kingsand and Cawsand are twin seafront villages on The Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. They have a rich fishing (and smuggling!) heritage and you can still spot the old fish cellars and stores along the coast.

Visitors' Book Abby D

A Family Trip to Dartmoor Zoo

Famously remembered as the inspiration behind the Hollywood film ‘We Bought a Zoo’, Dartmoor Zoo has a charm all of its own.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

Goat walking in Exmouth

The World of Country Life is a great day out for young children. Even though we went on a Saturday it was surprisingly quiet and we didn’t have to queue for anything which made it all the more enjoyable.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Becky Falls family day out

I read on the leaflet that Becky Falls has been open to the public since 1903. A lot of small feet must have walked its trails in that time but my children really did feel like explorers discovering a strange and magical land for the first time.

Visitors' Book Philip Eley

A winning holiday at Winnie's Cottage

The winner of our holiday competition with Classic Cottages and JojoMamanBebe tells us all about her fab baby-friendly holiday in Winnie's Cottage (1822)

Visitors' Book Melanie E

Family friendly Things To Do for Free in Devon

We are quite a frugal family so the more free things that we can fill our days with, the better. Since we have lived in the West Country we have discovered all sorts of new, free, places to visit and I thought I would share a few of them with you.

Places to Go Gina Caro

Baby friendly holidays

We’ve come up with reasons explaining why Classic holidays are perfect for you and your family to set your mind at ease

Visitors' Book Lizzie H

A trip back in time at Tyneham

The reassuring flutter of the green flag announces that the road is open (and free from military practice) to wind down the Dorset valley into the lost village of Tyneham. The village appears casually into view and it is only up close that you realise the eeriness of this place.

Places to Go Becky Bye