Fresh air and open spaces are in abundance in South Devon. Get away from the crowds by taking a look at our list of free activities to get you out and about.
1. Build Sandcastles – With over 19 beaches, Torquay’s sand on Torre Abbey beach is perfect for constructing amazing sand creations! You can use buckets and shovels, cups and spoons, or your hands.
2. Go Rockpooling – Come and explore the incredible marine life that lives in Torbay’s rock pools. Find wriggly starfish, anemones and crabs in the rockpools. Some great ones are Meadfoot Beach and Corbyn’s Head, only a few minutes walk from TLH.
3. Give Geocaching a go! – Described as 21st century treasure hunting, geocaching introduces you to unusual, interesting and beautiful locations and gets you walking either a long or a little way. It is so much fun and you will find places in your local area where you would normally not think of going. Download the free app and off you go! To learn more, read our blog explaining all about Geocaching!
4. Fly a Kite on Torre Abbey – You don’t even need to spend money buying a kite as there’s a great page here on how to make one out of recycling materials! Torre Abbey Meadows is a great open space for kite flying!
5. Go for a Scoot! – Scooting is a brilliant way for anyone of any age to get about. It’s a really fun activity to help get you moving. It’s healthy, environmentally friendly and inexpensive. With the seafront just minutes from TLH, it’s perfect for a scoot along with lots to see.
6. Visit the Geoplay Park, Paignton – Divided into 4 areas for different age groups and different play experiences, this fantastic play park also tells the story of the four critical geological time periods in Torbay’s history. Toddlers can ride on a trilobite and swing over a wetpour sea plus play on the seesaw, climbing hut, trampoline and spinner bowls. Older children can use the giant climbing net, towers, play huts, a six way swing, climbing logs and stilts and climbing trees.
7. Berry Head Nature Reserve, Brixham – Due to its south-westerly setting, the English Riviera has an enviable microclimate with mild weather conditions throughout the year, making it a perfect choice when planning your outdoor adventures.
Berry Head makes for a perfect secluded picnic spot, perched high up on 200ft cliffs there are spectacular, unrivalled views across the Bay to Torquay. Lay out your picnic blanket near the iconic working lighthouse, which is both the shortest yet highest in the country at only 5m tall whilst standing 58m above sea level.
8. South West Coast Path – Originally created by coastguards patrolling for smugglers, the path stretches along the entire length of the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, where you’ll find 22 miles of coastal path through some stunning Geopark scenery. How many Acorn signs can you see on the paths along the seafront?
9. Visit Cockington Country Park – There are wild woodlands and formal landscaped areas, such as the beautiful rose garden, arboretum and ornamental ponds. Follow the sign-posted footpaths around the park
10. Decoy Country Park – A Green Flag award winning country park and local nature reserve on the edge of Newton Abbot. Deciduous woodland with a trim trail incorporated into it.
There are so many open spaces to enjoy on the English Riviera. Which are your favourites?