Hazelwood View

Plymouth (40 minutes’ drive) is a great place to take the kids, with just enough history to keep them interested in the Mayflower Heritage Trail. Once they've done their history homework, you can reward them with seahorses and turtles in tanks at the National Marine Aquarium (35 minutes), or snake encounters at Dartmoor Zoo (30 minutes). The thrill rides and petting zoo at Woodlands Family Theme Park (15 minutes) are another popular hit with youngsters, and there are miniature pigs and donkeys to cuddle at Pennywell Farm (20 minutes). For a really special encounter, book yourself in for a hands-on falconry experience at Dartmoor Hawking (five minutes' walk), where you can meet barn owls and bald eagles (advance booking essential). Sporty families with older kids can take surfing lessons in Bigbury-on-Sea, or hire dinghies and potter along the Dart river (both 25 minutes). Kingsbridge (15 minutes) is the pick-up point for long-distance hikes along the South West Coast Path, and it’s also fab for a nose around its cluster of antique shops before you retire to a waterfront pub serving fresh seafood, for leisurely lunches with sea views.