Things to do in Woolacombe with kids are plentiful, whether your family loves sandy beaches, outdoor adventures or relaxed coastal days. Wondering where the best family friendly beaches and places to visit with your children in Woolacombe are when holidaying at No. 9 Putsborough? From classic seaside fun to memorable North Devon days out, here we share our top family friendly activities in Woolacombe for a holiday filled with fun, laughter and lasting memories.
Borough Farm
Best for: family friendly wildlife fun
Just a short drive from No.9 Putsborough, Borough Farm is a lively spot for all the family on Wednesdays during the summer months. Watch the amazing sheepdogs round up the ducks, and be wowed by a spectacular display of owls, hawks, and lightning-fast falcons weaving through the audience. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this activity is a great Woolacombe family day out.
Where? 6 minutes’ drive; Borough Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe EX34 7HE
Funder Island
Best for: retro seaside fun for kids
Just a short walk from No.9 Putsborough, Funder Island is a retro seaside attraction perfect for the whole family. Kids (and adults!) can enjoy 18-hole pirate-themed crazy golf, water bumper boats, racing cars, and more. Don’t forget to finish off with a super ice cream sundae or waffle. It’s one of the simple, family friendly things to do in in Woolacombe that keeps everyone smiling!
Where? 5 minutes stroll; Barton Road, Woolacombe, EX34 7BA
Rock Pooling
Best for: Little Adventurers
Rock pooling in Woolacombe with children is the perfect family friendly activity, giving kids the chance to discover starfish, crabs, anemones, snails, and limpets. Combesgate Beach is ideal for exploring rock pools, and during the summer months, beach rangers run rockpool rambles—sometimes even at night!
Nearby Barricane beach is famous for exotic seashells washed up from the Caribbean, and you can refuel at the Beach Cafe, serving cakes, sandwiches, and authentic Sri Lankan curries. Even without these extra treats, the wide sandy stretches of Woolacombe beaches offer plenty of fun rock pool discoveries.
Where? 10 minutes stroll; The Esplanade, Woolacombe
Woody Bay Steam Train
Best for: A fun Woolacombe family day out
Step back in time and explore the wilds of Exmoor aboard the beautifully restored Woody Bay Steam Train, a Victorian-era locomotive that delights children and adults alike. Dogs are welcome too (just not on the seats), making it a perfect dog-friendly family day out near Woolacombe with children. Ready to climb aboard?
Where? 30 minutes’ drive; Martinehoe Cross, Parracombe EX31 4RA
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Best for: learning about local marine life
Just a 10-minute drive from No.9 Putsborough, Ilfracombe Aquarium is the perfect spot for families to explore Devon’s marine wildlife. Small but perfectly formed, it showcases over 75 species from British waters, including octopus, crabs, and sea anemones. Kids can grab an activity sheet, watch feeding time, and enjoy a fun, educational family day out in North Devon.
Where? 10 minutes drive; The Old Lifeboat House, The Pier, Ilfracombe EX34 9EQ
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
Best for: Jurassic fans
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park is a a great option for families with younger children. The park combines an indoor play centre with outdoor wildlife encounters, offering the chance to meet meerkats, feed the wolves, and watch the exciting sea lion show. With dinosaurs to spot and animals to discover, it’s a fun and educational family day out in North Devon.
Where? 25 minutes’ drive; Combe Martin EX34 0NG
And of course, don’t forget the beaches!
Just 150 metres from No. 9 Putsborough,, Woolcombe Beach is a stunning family day out in North Devon. With soft golden sand, huge dunes, and three miles of open coastline, it’s the perfect spot for kids to run, play, and splash in the sea.
At No. 9 Putsborough, we provide a range of beach equipment for your stay, from Tommy Bahama chairs, buckets and spades, to handmade bellyboards for fun in the waves. Dogs are welcome year-round, with seasonal restrictions in certain zones between May and September – clearly signposted for easy navigation.
Stay for sunset to soak in the stunning North Devon coastal views and make unforgettable family memories on this gorgeous beach.
Where? 5 minutes’ walk; Woolacombe EX34 7BG
Imagine enjoying a fun-filled family holiday in Woolacombe with children while staying in the best boutique self-catering apartment in North Devon. From the soft sands of Woolacombe Beach to nearby attractions like Funder Island, the Ilfracombe Aquarium, and Borough Farm, there’s something for every member of the family. Book your stay at No. 9 Putsborough now and make unforgettable memories together.
