Coleford
Symonds Yat Rock · Photo: Nilfanion
Peregrines and big river views at Symonds Yat Rock, the twisting mossy paths of Puzzlewood, then underground into ancient iron mines.
Landmark · 10:00–11:15 (1h15m)
Look for peregrines from the viewpoint; café and toilets by the car park.
A clifftop viewpoint high above a loop of the River Wye, famous for watching peregrine falcons, with an Iron Age hill fort, a log-cabin café and a Gruffalo orienteering course for younger children.
Photo: Nilfanion
11:40–13:45 (2h05m)
Last entry 15:30 in October; snack at the on-site café.
An outdoor family attraction in Coleford.
Photo: Reiner Tegtmeyer
Landmark · 14:15–15:45 (1h30m)
Bring a jumper - it's 10C underground all year.
An indoor and outdoor historic mine in Coleford, aimed at ages 0–12.
South WestTorquay
A guided tour of prehistoric caves in the morning, then the rest of the day among the animals and play areas at Paignton Zoo.
Paignton Zoo
South WestShuttaford Barns, Holne
Base yourselves in a converted barn in a quiet Dartmoor valley with a games room for wet evenings, then spend a day around Buckfastleigh: piggy cuddles and tractor rides at Pennywell Farm, lunch at Buckfast Abbey, steam engines at Buckfastleigh station and otter feeding time at the sanctuary next to the steam railway. Everything is within 15 minutes of the barn.
Shuttaford Barns → Pennywell Farm → Buckfast Abbey restaurant → South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh station + 1 more
South WestBath city centre
Start early at the Roman Baths before the queues, then let off steam in Royal Victoria Park, which has one of the best playgrounds in the city.
Roman Baths
