We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
The best family days out in the South West
30 Jul 2026
From golden sandy beaches and picturesque coastal towns to the rugged beauty of Dartmoor and beyond, the South West is packed with unforgettable family adventures. Whether you're looking for thrilling theme parks, fascinating zoos and aquariums, outdoor attractions, or ways to keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays, there’s no shortage of great days out to discover. To help you make the most of your family time, we’ve rounded up some of the very best attractions and activities the South West has to offer, including Crealy Theme Park, Newquay Zoo, Woodlands Theme Park, Cornish Seal Sanctuary, National Marine Aquarium, and the Eden Project.
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
Set on the gorgeous North Coast of Cornwall, Newquay Zoo is no doubt one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South West, and we couldn’t agree more! With over 13 acres of natural-themed exhibits full of animals from around the world to discover, the whole family can easily spend the full day ambling around this popular zoo.
As well as offering over 120 different species to encounter and learn more about, Newquay Zoo also offers a wide range of family entertainment that includes live shows, talks and events, outdoor play areas, secret gardens to explore, and much more! From wild play to peaceful paths, there's something for adventurers of all ages.
Woodlands Theme Park, Totnes
Found in the heart of the picturesque South Hams, Woodlands is the biggest theme park in Devon and offers more than a day’s worth of fun and adventure for all the family! As well as boasting the biggest indoor play area in the South West, Woodlands also offers memorable water rapid rides and other theme park rides, a zoo full of friendly animals, a falconry centre, a toddlers village and so much more! Whether your toddler is just taking their first steps, or your grandparents need a slightly slower-paced activity, there really is something for everyone.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
The popular Cornish Seal Sanctuary sits deep in the South Coast of Cornwall and offers an excellent, educational experience for all the family. Explore the sanctuary’s many pools full of wild seals and their pups, sea lions, penguins and more, drop into their feeding times, or enjoy various talks explaining a little more about each species and their story.
A visit to the Seal Sanctuary goes a long way in supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wild seals around the shores of the UK, as well as raising awareness of plastic pollution in the area. You also have the chance to learn more about the Sea Life Trust and their hard work around the country… A good day out for the family and a contribution to charity – everyone’s a winner!
Crealy Theme Park, Exeter
Based just on the outskirts of Exeter, Crealy Theme Park and Resort is an award-winning family theme park that offers over 60 rides and attractions, as well as live entertainment, plenty of animals, and various cafes and restaurants. Suitable for all the family from toddlers to grandparents, we highly recommend dropping in this summer.
If it’s more than just a day’s adventure you’re looking for, you’ll be pleased to hear that the theme park also offers a wide range of family accommodation which includes five-star luxury hot tub lodges, themed glamping tents, and over one hundred camping and touring pitches. For 2026, the theme park is offering a free return visit if you visit between 24th July and 31st August!
The National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The National Marine Aquarium is the largest of its kind in the UK and continues to offer a fantastic day out for all the family, particularly on rainy days! With species from around the world waiting to be discovered, explore local sea wildlife, seagrass species, ocean drifters, the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Barrier Reef and so much more, all in one place.
The aquarium also offers a wide range of live talks, events, boat trips, gift shops, and plenty more to add to your day out, so we’d definitely recommend visiting the website before your visit to check out any upcoming events and offers.
The Eden Project, Bodelva
We couldn’t mention the South West’s best family attractions without featuring the world-famous Eden Project, could we? A day in Bodelva offers an education in the relationship between plants and people from around the world, as well as a chance to see and smell plant species from almost every continent there is.
Discover the breathtaking Rainforest Biome which is proud to be the world’s largest greenhouse, shoot over to South Africa and California, or explore the many orange and lemon trees, olive groves, and vines of the Mediterranean Biome. If that’s not enough, then we’d recommend keeping an eye out for the many live events and talks happening every single week!
If you want to be the first to know about our helpful guides to Torbay, Plymouth, and the South West, sign up to the Tangelo newsletter for the latest news.