FAMILY HOLIDAYS
Family holiday things to do, and places to go in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
family holdays
Family Holidays
We have complied a list of interesting local attractions for your family camping holiday at Treacle Valley campsite. There are some great local attractions right here on Treacle Valley's doorstep, and where possible we have listed these first.
We have also added some great family things to do, and places to go, further afield too. If you require additional information, or to book tickets on-line, we have also included links to the various local attractions.
Watcombe beach is really close to St Marychurch and is a lovely walk along the coast path which is just down the end of Petitor Road by the Torquay golf course. The walk to Watcombe beach is about a mile and should take you about an hour. It’s also really easy to walk from Treacle Valley campsite, too. This walk takes about 40 minutes.
Watcombe beach is a sandy beach and is in a very safe sheltered cove. Dogs are allowed all year.
Watcombe Beach, Watcombe Beach Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4SH
Bygones is a unique local attraction to Torquay, and well worth a visit.
Bygones takes you through a journey and back in time to Victorian times. You’ll find what life was like living during Queen Victoria’s realm. There is plenty to see including a life-size street of the St. Marychurch precinct, a first world war trench, a model railway, and even a real full size steam engine.
Bygones, Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4PR
The Babbacombe Model Village is again a unique local attraction to Torquay. Babbacombe Model Village sits in 4 acres of land.
The model village has won lots of awards for its beautiful gardens and miniature marvels. Its miniature marvels include a fire blowing dragon, a west country fishing village and a scale model of stone henge. The Babbacombe Model Village also boast of a 4D cinema.
For more information about what’s on and entertainment in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, please follow the link to Treacle Valley campsites ‘what’s on & entertainment’ page.
Babbacombe Model Village Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LA
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway takes you down to Oddicombe beach.
Located on Babbacombe Downs, the cliff railway is a very popular local attraction, it also saves your legs from the walk back up from the beach. Built in 1923 and opened in 1926 the Babbacombe Cliff Railway sore its peak capacity in 1935 of 192000 people used the railway, that year. Today, you can even get married on the railway.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway Babbacombe Downs Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LF
Babbacombe Downs is a green area and promenade in Babbacombe. The downs have the highest Cliff top promenade in the UK, and it looks over Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe Beach and Babbacombe Bay. On a clear day, you can see right across Lyme Bay to Portland Bill.
Babbacombe Downs is a great place for a family to have a picnic on the green, and sit and enjoy the panoramic views. There are plenty of tearooms, pubs and restaurants here too.
Babbacombe Downs Cliffside Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon TQ3 1SL
Oddicombe beach is a lovely family beach, and it’s very popular with the local people in Torquay. It’s very sheltered by the surrounding cliff and from our south-westerly prevailing winds. The beach has toilets, a licensed café and various water sports including pedalo and kayak hire.
For is more information on beaches in Torbay, please follow the link to Treacle Valley campsites ‘beaches’ page.
Oddicombe Beach Cliff Edge, Cliffside Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LB
Treacle Valley campsite is ideal for family holidays as it's ideally located just over the hill from Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
There are plenty of things to do for the whole family in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and throughout the bay of Torbay. So if you're on your family camping holiday, or just with us for the weekend, then check out Treacle Valley campsites 'family holidays' page.
Babbacombe beach is tucked right under The Babbacombe Downs. The route down to the beach can be tricky, you can drive there, but it is a bit awkward and only a tiny car park at the bottom. The walk from Oddicombe beach is probably the easiest, although Babbacombe beach can also be reached from Walls Hill.
The beach is great for children at low tide as it’s rocky and full of wild life. The beach as has a pier which is popular for fishing at high tide. There are toilets, a café and a pub. I will say that the pub is really expensive and not really family friendly. Diving at Babbacombe beach is also very popular.
Babbacombe Beach, Beach Road, Babbacombe. Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LX
Walls Hill is perched between Babbacombe and Ilsham Valley in Torquay. Walls Hill is a place of natural beauty and Geopark and part of the South West Coast Path. The area is an ancient monument and protected as a site of special scientific interest. Walls Hill 300 foot cliffs provide a spectacular viewing point as it towers above Long Quarry, Ansteys Cove beach and Redgate beach. Because of Walls Hill size and location it’s a fantastic place to go and spend the day, have a pick nick, run around and explore.
Walls Hill, Walls Hill Road, Babbacombe, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3LZ
Anstey’s Cove is an idyllic place and is probably one of the most sheltered beaches in Torbay as it’s surrounded by thick woodland which is managed by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
To get their walk along Babbacombe Downs and over Walls Hill. If you hug the coast you will eventually join the coast path which weaves down through the woods. When you reach at the road take the next path on your left signposted Ansteys Cove. There is free car parking on Ilsham road, if you decide to go by car. There are public toilets and a licensed café. You can also hire kayaks from Ansteys Cove Café.
Ansteys Cove Anstey’s Cove Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3YY
Maidencombe beach is a lovely sand beach. It also is walked to along the coast path from St. Marychurch. It is a bit further that Watcombe beach and should take you about an hour and a half. There is a licensed café, toilets and dogs are welcome. If you fancy a good country pub lunch, the Thatched tavern is just up the road in Maidencombe village.
For more information on beaches in Torquay, follow the link to Treacle Valley campsites ‘beaches’ page.
Maidencombe Beach Steep Hill, Maidencombe, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4TS
The English Riviera Wheel is a relatively new attraction to Torquay, and it’s been a huge success. The Riviera wheel is located right in the centre of Torquay on the Pavilion Gardens, which is a great place to see everything from, especially at night with all the illuminations on. From the dizzy heights of 60 metres you get panoramic views of Torquay and Torbay.
The English Riviera Wheel Pavilion Gardens, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5JG
Boat trips from Torquay are a great way to see the bay of Torbay. Travelling by boat is also a great way to get about whilst exploring the Torbay and local area. We often get the ferry to Brixham, as it is quicker and cheaper than the bus service, and a lot more fun.
Ferries from Torquay run to Paignton, Brixham and further afield to Dartmouth.
For more information on boat trips in and around Torquay, and Torbay, please follow the link and go to Treacle Valley campsite’s ‘boat trips’ information page.
Fishing in Torquay and Brixham. There are plenty of fantastic places to go fishing in and around Torquay and Torbay. I grew up in Torquay and have fished in almost every fishing spot imaginable. Fishing at Hope Nose in Torquay was one of our favourites. Hopes Nose is a bit tricky to get to, but it’s well worth it as the fishing is generally very good, especially if you’re fishing for mackerel.
Babbacombe pier on Babbacombe beach, is also a good place to fish from in Torquay, however the tide has to be in, and it can get quite busy. Fishing off Haldon or Princess pier at Torquay harbour are also popular fishing spots. Mackerel fishing boat trips run frequently from Torquay, Paignton and Brixham harbours.
For more information on boat trips follow the link to Treacle Valley campsites ‘boat trips’ page.
WeFerry, North Quay, Paignton Harbour, Paignton, Torbay, Devon, TQ4 6DT
Torre Abbey Sands beach is Torquay’s main beach and is probably Torquay’s most popular family beach.
Torre Abbey Sands beach is Torquay’s most shallow beaches, it has a soft sand which is ideal for sand castles (when the tides out). At the livermead end of the beach, it has some great rock pools for looking for crabs and other shell fish. There are fish and chip shops at the pavilion garden end, and a little café at the livermead end of the beach.
There are various water sport activities available for hire on the beach. If the beach gets too hot, Abbey Meadow is over the road to get some shade. Also whislt you in Abbey Meadows you might like to visit Torre Abbey as there is plenty to see and do there.
For more information on beaches in Torbay, please follow the link.
Torre Abbey Sands Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon
Meadfoot Beach is east facing and sits between Ilsham Valley and Torquay town centre.
Meadfoot beach backdrop is lincombes and Lincombe gardens and the iconic Osbourne Hotel, which indecently is a fantastic place for a light lunch. Meadfoot beach resides in the leafy district of Torquay, which was built in the Victorian heyday. The sea wall constructed by the Victorians to reclaim the land still look as good as new.
On a sunny morning, the Café on Meadfoot beach serves a great breakfast and the views are spectacular. There are various water sports available on the beach, including diving.
Meadfoot Beach Meadfoot Sea Road, Torquay, Devon
Family Holidays At Treacle Valley Campsite
Treacle Valley campsite is an ideal camping ground for family camping holidays in Devon. If you're camping with us, you'll be able to explore and enjoy all the fun family 'things to do and places to go' in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and the amazing county of Devon.
Cockington is a small village in Torquay. The Cockington estate is manage by Torbay and Countryside Trust. Cockington is a unique place and is steeped with history. Cockington village dates back 2500 years.
The estate include woodlands, lakes. gardens, Cockington court, Cockington village, The Drum Inn, The Cricket Pavilion and grounds.
The Cary Family, who were one of the main families to developed Torquay, built Cockington Court over the remains of a medieval court. Cockington is a lovely place for a family day out and one of my favourite places to go in Torquay. It’s a bit touristic in places, but those bits easy to ignore. The gardens are amazing with flora imported from all over the would. The Cary family were true visionaries, and most of Torquay as it is today was influenced by the Cary family.
Cockington Torquay, Devon TQ2 6XA
Occombe Farm is run and managed by the Torbay Coast & Countryside Side Trust.
Occombe Farm has plenty of things to do for a family holiday day out. You get the chance to look round a working farm, see the animals, and see where and how food is grown. There is a nature trail, visitors centre, café, and farm shop. Occombe Farm also runs lots of local events including music festivals, and beer festivals, so it’s always worth looking at their website to see what’s on.
Occombe Farm Preston Down Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 1RN
Waves Leisure swimming pool is located inside The Riviera International Centre. The International Riviera Centre in Torquay’s conference and events centre and entertainment centre.
The Waves Leisure Pool is Torquay’s main indoor swimming pool, which is ideal for families with children. There are two pools. The big pool has a wave machine and a water slide, and there is a small pool for infants. There are two restaurants and a fitness club.
The pool can get very busy when it’s raining, so it’s good to get there early.
Waves Leisure Pool Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5LZ
Cinema in Torquay. Go to the pictures in Torquay, perfect for the rainy lazy days on holiday. The cinema in Torquay is right in the centre of Torquay town centre.
To see what’s on now, follow the link above.
Torquay Central Cinema – Merlin Cinemas 29 Abbey Road, Torquay, Torbay TQ2 5NQ
Cinema in Paignton. Go to the pictures in Paignton, perfect for the rainy lazy days on holiday at Treacle Valley campsite. The cinema in Paignton is right on the seafront in Paignton. There is a pub right next door and a great café around the front of the cinema.
For more information on entertainment and what’s on in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham please follow the link to Treacle Valley campsites ‘what’s on & entertainment’ page.
Vue Torbay The Esplanade, Paignton, Torbay, TQ4 6AG
Paignton Geopark is a huge success and a great place to go for your family to spend the day. The Geopark in Paignton is located right on the sea front on the esplanade. Paignton.
There are plenty of things to do in Paignton, and it is a very popular family holiday destination, the Geopark is a fantastic addition to Paignton. It helps make Paignton and the seafront a destination for families.
The Geopark is all free, and suitable for all ages, and its real benefit is it is right next to the lovely sandy Paignton Sands beach.
Geoplay Park Paignton, Paignton Seafront, The Esplanade, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6AG
Paignton Zoo is a fantastic zoo and great place to go with your family, as it’s really well done.
Just outside Paignton on the Totnes Road, Paignton Zoo is a very successful, and popular local attraction. The zoo design takes through different zones, climates, and habitats. It has a miniature railway and lots of interaction with the animals.
You can easily spend the whole day there. You can take a packed lunch or there are places to eat and drink, a café, an information centre, and shops.
Paignton Zoo Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EUa
Quaywest Splashdown Waterpark is a very popular local attraction. The clue is in name, and the says it all. Quaywest is next to Goodrington Sands Beach which is also very popular, and family orientated as there are plenty of things to do there.
The Splashdown Waterpark includes daredevil water slides to suit all different age groups, and swimming pools for adults and toddlers. You can also lounge around on sun loungers to relax whilst the kids get wet!
Splashdown Quaywest Goodrington Sands, Tanners Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LN
Goodrington Sands Beach is just outside Paignton on the way towards Brixham.
Goodrington sands is popular with families as there is plenty for all the family to do there.
Goodrington Sands Beach has Quaywest waterpark next door, there are amusement arcades for those inclined, and it’s also possible to hire water sports too.
Goodrington Sands Tanners Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6LN
Family Holiday Fun Days Out In Torbay, Devon
Torbay in Devon is a very popular holiday destination for families. Throughout the bay of Torbay and beyond, there are fantastic attractions and fun things to do, and places to go for all the family.
Geocaching is like a treasure hunt. Just login to Geocaching, type where you are, and you’re off on an adventure.
Geocaching is a worldwide phenomenon, so if you get the bug, you can find hidden secrets where ever you go on your travels. Geocaching will take you to places you would never normally expect to go, and it’s a great way to explore Torquay and Torbay, whilst on your family holiday at Treacle Valley Campsite.
For more information on the largest treasure hunt in the world, please follow the link below.
geocashing.com
Paignton’s indoor swimming pool is in the Torbay Leisure Centre on the outskirts of Paignton, on the road to Brixham.
The leisure centre’s indoor pool is an Olympic size and the centre runs all sorts of swimming activities including; swimming lessons for babies to Aqua Zamba! If you would like to take part in anything do with indoor swimming activities whilst on holiday Treacle Valley campsite, we suggest you contact Torbay Leisure Centre via the link above, in advance and book.
Torbay Leisure Centre Penwill Way, Paignton, Devon TQ4 5JR
If you like crazy golf, then you may want to visit the popular Jungle Journey Adventure Golf in Torquay.
Jungle Journey is conveniently located just behind Torquay’s Torre Abbey Sands Beach, which is right on Torquay’s the main front. There are plenty of things to do here, including visiting Torre Abbey or the waves leisure pool.
Jungle Journey Adventure Golf, Abbey Park, Belgrave Road,
Torquay TQ2 5HP
Hollywood Bowl is Torbay’s premier bowling alley with state-of-the-art bowling alleys.
Hollywood Bowl also offers family entertainment, including food & drinks, amusements, and can also organise parties too, which is ideal if you’re camping in a group with us at Treacle Valley!
Hollywood Bowl, Torwood Street, Torquay, TQ1 1DZ
The Round Robin award-winning boat, train, and bus trip. This is a fantastic local attraction and a great family day out. The Round Robin includes boat, steam train, and a bus trips. Your trip can be started at any one of the destinations including, Torquay, Paignton, Dartmouth or Totnes. This gives you flexibility to plan your day to suit you, which is really useful.
You can start your Round Robin at Torquay harbourside. From there you will be taken by bus to Paignton, from Paignton you’ll travel on the Dartmouth Stream Railway to Kingswear. From Kingswear, you hop onto the passenger ferry across the river Dart to Dartmouth. From Dartmouth, you will cruise up the river Dart to Totnes town, one of the oldest towns in the UK. The return journey to Torquay is by an open-top bus. To check your Round Robin itinerary, and travel plans, please follow the link above. There are normally discounts available if you book online.
The Round Robin is a great way to explore the local area. Whilst on your camping or glamping holiday at Treacle Valley campsite.
For further information on boats trips from Torquay, please follow the link to Treacle Valley campsite’s ‘boat trips’ page.
Round Robin Dartmouth Steam Railway, Torbay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 6AF
Kent’s Cavern are prehistoric caves and are a very popular Tourist attraction.
Human remains found in Kent’s Cavern are considered to be some of the oldest ever found, at 50,000 years old. The caves are well worth visiting as there are lots of stalactites and stalactites which are always amazing to see even as an adult.
As tourist attractions go Kents Cavern is really well done. Today they run many different events their, You can even get married in Kents Cavern.
For more information on at Kents Cavern, please follow the link to Treacle Valley campsites ‘what on & entertainment’ page.
Kents Cavern 91 Ilsham Rd, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2JF
Decoy Country Park is on the outskirts of Torbay in Newton Abbot and about 4 miles from Treacle Valley Campsite.
Decoy Country Park sits in a large deciduous woodland. It has woodlands, lakes and pond lands to explore and includes playing fields and a large children’s playing area. Decoy offers a quiet countryside recreation such as walking, wildlife watching, duck feeding and picnics. There are water sports, BMX racetrack, trim trails, wildlife discovery centre and a café.
Decoy Country Park Newton Abbot, Devon
Stover Country Park is a local nature reserve, and is run and managed by Devon County Council. The park sits in over 114 acres’ of woodlands, heath lands, and grasslands with lakes and marshlands. Stover Country park is a rich and diverse habit which supports a wide variety of wildlife. There is also a wealth of historical interest as the Templer Way runs adjacent to the park.
Stover Country Park is a lovely place to go and visit, take a picnic and enjoy this lovely space.
Stover Country Park Stover, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6QG
Devon’s Crealy Adventure Park is a popular family day out local attraction. Crealy is an adventure park with rides and animals. Crealy caters for very young children to adults with over sixty rides and plenty of activities to choose from, it’s a good family day out.
Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park Sidmouth Road, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR
Explore, Enjoy And Have Fun On Holiday In Devon
Treacle Valley campsite is nested in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, and is ideally located for your family camping holiday in Devon.
Spitchwick is in Dartmoor National Park.
Spitchwick is a very special place on Dartmoor. As a child, on a sunny day, the whole family and friends used to get up early and go out to spitchwick and spend the day there. With a picnic packed, a ball, and some swimming trunks, we would spend blissful days by the river on the moor.
Spitchwick is an expanse of grasslands and woodland right on the edge of the river dart. Many hours were spent in and out of the deep pools in the river, which are perfect for swimming, although the water always seemed to be freezing whatever time of year we went.
If you like open spaces with not too many people, then Spitchwick is the place for you. Just don’t tell anyone!
Spitchwick Dartmoor National Park, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 7NT
