A helpful family guide from Braunton
If you are planning a family break in North Devon, Braunton is a very handy base because you are not tied to one type of day out. One day can be spent on the beach, the next at a major attraction, and another on something simpler like soft play, a museum or bowling.
This guide groups ideas into easy sections so you can quickly choose what suits your family, the weather and the age of your children.
Biggest Local Attractions
These are the best-known bigger family days out within reach of Braunton and are ideal when you want a full outing with plenty to do.
The Big Sheep
One of North Devon’s best-known family attractions, The Big Sheep is a strong choice for a full day out with rides, shows, indoor play and farm fun. It works well for mixed ages and gives families plenty to do even if the weather changes.
The Milky Way
The Milky Way is another all-weather favourite for North Devon family breaks, with rides, indoor play and activities that make it especially useful on unsettled days. It is a longer drive than some options but still a popular choice for bigger family outings.
Watermouth Castle
Watermouth Castle offers a memorable family day out near Ilfracombe, combining themed attractions, rides and gardens in a dramatic coastal setting. It is a good option if you want something a little different from a standard theme park.
Soft Plays
Perfect for younger children, rainy mornings or letting everyone burn off some energy after a long drive or beach day.
The Quay, Braunton
A very convenient choice when you are staying locally, The Quay is ideal for younger children and for quick, low-stress play sessions close to the hotel.
JunglaRoo
JunglaRoo is one of the main indoor play centres in the wider area and a reliable wet-weather option when energetic children need plenty of space to climb and explore.
World of Wonder
World of Wonder is a handy indoor option if you want to combine soft play with a broader trip out. It is especially useful for younger children and all-weather family planning.
Zoos and Wildlife Parks
A great fit for animal-loving families and a nice change of pace from beaches and play centres.
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
This is an easy recommendation for mixed-age families because it combines animals, dinosaur displays and indoor play. It gives you the feel of both a wildlife day out and a themed attraction.
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Ilfracombe Aquarium is a good smaller attraction for families exploring the harbour area. It works particularly well with younger children and fits nicely into a half-day trip.
Exmoor Zoo
If your family enjoys wildlife parks, Exmoor Zoo is well worth including in the guide. It offers a broader animal day out and is a strong option when you want something beyond the immediate coast.
Adventure Activities
Best for older children, teenagers and families wanting something a little more active and memorable.
Survival Combat Games
Airsoft and Laser Games set in a woodland area. A good pick for older children and teens who want something competitive and high-energy. It is ideal if your family wants a break from the usual attraction circuit.
Keypitts Off-Road Adventures
Keypitts is a popular North Devon choice for adventurous families with older children, offering outdoor activity experiences that feel a bit different from the usual seaside plans.
Air Extreme
Air Extreme is a strong all-weather choice for energetic families, with trampoline sessions and plenty of active indoor fun when beach plans change or you want a high-energy hour or two.
Museums
Useful for quieter days, school-holiday variety and families who enjoy local history and culture.
Museum of British Surfing
As Braunton is closely linked with the North Devon surf scene, this is a very fitting local museum stop. It adds a strong sense of place to a stay in Braunton.
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
A good family-friendly museum option for an easier outing, especially when you want something educational, affordable and simple to combine with time in Barnstaple.
Arlington Court & Carriage Museum
This makes a nice heritage day out for families who enjoy open space, grounds and a slower-paced visit alongside their busier attraction days.
Cinema
A straightforward rainy-day or evening option that works well after a day exploring the coast.
Scott Cinemas, Barnstaple
An easy and dependable option for the latest family films, with Barnstaple close enough to make it a simple afternoon or evening plan from Braunton.
Embassy Cinema, Ilfracombe
A useful cinema option if your family is already planning time in Ilfracombe and wants to add a film to a harbour day or evening out.
Creative & All-Weather Activities
A good section for lower-key family fun, especially when you want something indoors that is not just soft play.
Let’s Go Superbowl
Bowling is always a reliable family option and works particularly well for evenings, mixed-age groups and days when the weather is not playing ball.
Paint a Pot Braunton
Paint a Pot is a lovely local choice for families who want something calm, creative and close to the hotel. It also gives children a holiday keepsake to take home.
More family-friendly attractions near Braunton
To make this page more useful than a simple list, it also helps to mention a few extra nearby options families often enjoy while staying in Braunton.
- Saunton Sands — Approx. 2 miles from the hotel. Website • Directions
- Woolacombe Beach — Approx. 8 miles from the hotel. Website • Directions
- Croyde Bay — Approx. 5 miles from the hotel. Website • Directions
- Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway — Approx. 24 miles from the hotel. Website • Directions
- RHS Garden Rosemoor — Approx. 21 miles from the hotel. Website • Directions
- Ilfracombe Harbour — Approx. 11 miles from the hotel. Website • Directions
FAQ
A few quick answers for families planning a North Devon stay.