The north is Devon’s daring side. Exmoor National Park is here and beaches like Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton string along the coast: big and safe for kids and some of the best in the world for surfing. Colourful seaside towns and wide-open countryside come packed with outdoor activity. And it’s not as busy here as the south, so families have a lot more freedom and space to enjoy the adventure.

• Exmoor National Park is known for ponies, herds of red-deer and exciting nature, wildlife and heritage walking trails.
• Lively Ilfracombe has art trails, theme-parks, castles and aquariums – perfect playground for kids and plenty of classic seaside charm.
• Croyde Beach is one of the best surfing beaches in the world.
• Saunton Sands sits on the edge of Braunton Burrows UNESCO biosphere and is known for excellent beginners’ surf.
• Catch a ferry from Ilfracombe to Lundy Island for a day out or an entire holiday – the Landmark Trust has 23 family-friendly self-catering properties here.
• North Devon is good for high-quality family camping and caravan parks with kids’ activities and access to the famous beaches.

From historic market towns like Exeter to its lovely beaches, big forests and pretty countryside, all of south Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But it’s not short on action for energetic kids. The water sports here are fantastic and have schools to match. You’ll find woodland wildernesses, incredible gardens and hundreds of coastal hikes all over the area. And if you want manmade thrills, the best theme parks in Devon live in the lovely south.

• Don’t miss the circular coastal walks in south Devon, they’re magical even for younger kids.
• Exeter is the capital of Devon and as quaint and charming a city as you’ll ever see. Visit the Quayside, Ancient Roman sites and impressive cathedral.
• Several of Devon’s top ten beaches are on the south coast and they all operate a flag policy. So you always know when it’s safe – or not – for kids to be in the sea.
• Self-catering is the best choice for families in south Devon and covers everything from cosy country cottages to award-winning holiday villages by the sea.

Warm and West Country in the welcome, Plymouth has a bright, city atmosphere too. There’s a strong maritime influence and the legends of Sir Francis Drake, historic voyages and more recent seafaring exploits are all fun for kids to explore. And you can trade nautical fun for a grown-up wander round charming Barbican Harbour.

Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are as classically England by the sea as Victorian Pleasure Piers and beach huts. Today’s towns mix up funfairs and theme parks with seaside traditions but one thing that never changes is 35km of sandy beaches along this sunny coast.

Dartmoor covers almost 600km² in the south of Devon. It’s an unruly and rugged landscape but just tame enough to have an almost limitless supply of outdoor activities. From hiking round prehistoric sites to rock-climbing, canoeing and cycling – Dartmoor has some of Devon’s best bike trails.