With the summer holidays in full swing, many parents are looking for ways to keep the children entertained without stretching the family budget. Fortunately, the South West is packed with affordable adventures, from beautiful beaches and countryside walks to historic towns and outdoor play spaces.
Whether you're staying close to home or planning a day trip, here are some fantastic no-cost and low-cost activities across Cornwall, South and East Devon, and the Taunton area to help make the most of the summer holidays.
Cornwall: Coastal Adventures and Outdoor Fun
Beach Days with a Difference
Cornwall's stunning coastline offers far more than sunbathing. Families can enjoy rock pooling at beaches such as Treyarnon Bay, Porthgwarra and Gyllyngvase Beach, where children can discover crabs, starfish and other fascinating marine creatures.
A bucket, a net and a sense of adventure are often all you need for a memorable day.
Explore the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path provides endless opportunities for free family walks. Short, manageable sections around St Ives, Fowey and Padstow offer breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Don't forget to pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Treasure Trails and Geocaching
Many Cornish towns have self-guided treasure trails available for a small fee, while geocaching is a free activity that transforms an ordinary walk into a treasure hunt using a smartphone.
Visit Cornwall's Historic Harbours
Picturesque harbours such as Mevagissey, Charlestown and Padstow are fascinating places to explore. Children love watching fishing boats return with their catches and there are usually plenty of opportunities for an ice cream stop along the way.
South and East Devon: Coast, Countryside and Family Adventures
Discover Dartmoor National Park
One of Devon's greatest treasures, Dartmoor offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Families can walk across open moorland, search for wild ponies, paddle in streams and enjoy spectacular views — all for free.
The many circular routes mean there's something suitable for every age and ability.
Seaside Fun in Exmouth and Sidmouth
Exmouth's two miles of sandy beach make it perfect for traditional family fun, while nearby Sidmouth offers a beautiful esplanade, rock pooling opportunities and regular summer events.
A day at the seaside needn't cost much more than parking and an ice cream.
Crabbing Adventures
A classic South West activity, crabbing remains a firm favourite in locations including Dartmouth, Teignmouth and Topsham. A crab line, some bait and a bucket can provide hours of entertainment for just a few pounds.
Explore Exeter's Green Spaces
Exeter offers excellent free family days out, with riverside walks, large parks and playgrounds. Bring a football, scooter or picnic and enjoy some quality outdoor time without spending a penny.
Around Taunton and Somerset: Affordable Family Days Out
Enjoy a Day at Vivary Park
Located in the heart of Taunton, Vivary Park is one of Somerset's most popular free attractions. Its extensive playground, beautiful gardens, open spaces and miniature golf make it ideal for families.
Walk the Quantock Hills
The Quantocks offer stunning scenery, woodland walks and panoramic views across Somerset. Many routes are suitable for younger children, making them perfect for a summer family adventure.
Explore the Somerset Levels
The unique landscape of the Somerset Levels provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, cycling and gentle walks. Bring binoculars and see how many birds and animals you can identify.
Visit Low-Cost Museums and Heritage Sites
Somerset boasts a variety of museums and heritage attractions with affordable admission prices, providing a great backup plan for those inevitable rainy summer days.
Simple Ideas That Cost Little or Nothing
Sometimes the best family memories come from the simplest activities:
- Build sandcastles on your local beach.
- Pack a picnic and visit a nearby park.
- Create a nature scavenger hunt.
- Join your local library's Summer Reading Challenge.
- Explore a new walking trail.
- Watch the sunset from a beauty spot.
- Try geocaching in your local area.
- Visit a village fête or community event.
- Go wildlife spotting in local nature reserves.
Making the Most of Summer
One of the great advantages of living in the South West is having an incredible variety of family-friendly activities right on our doorstep. From Cornwall's dramatic coastline and Devon's stunning beaches to Somerset's beautiful countryside, there are countless opportunities for affordable adventures throughout the school holidays.
The best days out don't always need expensive tickets or detailed planning. Sometimes all it takes is a picnic, a bucket and spade, and a willingness to explore somewhere new.
So pack the sun cream, gather the family and make the most of everything our wonderful corner of the country has to offer this summer.
Do you have a favourite low-cost family day out in Cornwall, South Devon, East Devon or Somerset? We'd love to hear your recommendations for a future edition of our newsletter.
