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Free Days Out

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We know how expensive it can be to keep everyone entertained on holiday. There is so much to do for free in South Devon from your base at Beeson Farm, whether its days out on the moor, playing on the beach or exploring the local landmarks.

Check out our top 10 things to do for free in South Devon for inspiration

  1. Start Point Lighthouse. Talk a walk along the coastpath to see the Lighthouse, with beautiful views over the Start Bay coastline, on a clear day you can see as far as Dorset!  Take a picnic and head down to Mattiscombe beach and stop off at Pear Tree Point to see the seals playing and basking on the rocks.
  2. Crabbing from the quay in Kingsbridge or Salcombe. Guests are welcome to borrow buckets and crab lines from us.
  3. Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum is free for under 16s
  4. Slapton Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West and a SSSI. Download a walking trail and explore the reedbeds, marshes, woods and raised walkways over the lake.
  5. Dartmoor National Park. Explore the beauty of the moor, from rugged Tors to babbling brooks there are 368 miles to explore and makes an easy day trip from Beeson Farm. Here are some easy walks on Dartmoor to try with kids.
  6. Buckfast Abbey in Buckfastleigh, is a working Benedictine Monastery. Pack a picnic and enjoy a peaceful walk around the lawns and meandering paths of the formal gardens.
  7. The House of Marbles – This small attraction is home to some fascinating marble runs that will keep kids entertained and watch demonstrations of glass blowing. Outside there’s a garden with games and a play area
  8. The Box is an interactive arts and heritage museum in the heart of Plymouth. with interactive exhibits, digital displays there is plenty to wow your kids and is perfect for a rainy day.
  9.  Beaches, beaches and more beaches…with so many beaches on our doorstep you could explore a different location every day!

 

Love Your Pet Day 2023

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What better way to treat your pet on National Love Your Pet day (Feb 20th) than to take them on holiday with you!

Dogs are welcome in 5 of our South Devon holiday cottages. The local beaches and pubs are all dog friendly, meaning your pooch can go everywhere you do. Within 3 minutes you can be down at Beesands for a run on the beach or a pint at the pub.

The coastpath is within easy access from Beeson Farm, with stunning walks towards Start Point Lighthouse via Hallsands. Dogs will also love the sandy beaches at Mattiscombe, Lannacombe and Prawle.  Or, you might choose to head towards Slapton Sands- a 3 mile long beach, taking in Beesands and Torcross on the way.

The Trap House has an enclosed garden and a cosy log fire to settle down in after a long day exploring the beautiful South Hams.

Contact us to book.

The Teenagers Guide to South Devon

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If, like us, you have a family of pre-teens or teenagers you’ll know that it can be a challenge to keep everyone entertained on a family holiday or short break.

Teens are never too old to spend time with the family and a family holiday to South Devon is a place where teens can escape social pressures, where exams and school work can temporarily be forgotten, and where new experiences can give them an opportunity to reconnect with their inner child and play again.

It probably goes without saying that teenagers need good  WiFi while they are away, which can be a challenge in rural areas. All our cottages at Beeson Farm have great broadband so your teen can be connected, talk to their friends and post on their socials. However, in South Devon there are also plenty of things to do that will keep teens off their phones and active outside.

As well as a selection of board games in the cottages we have a games room with table tennis and table football, as well as a badminton net and football goal to keep them entertained after a day out at the beach.

Here are our tried and tested local recommendations by our teens (age 12, 15 and 16)  of things to do  while enjoying family time together at Beeson Farm.

Be in or on the water!

Our teenagers love nothing more than being in or on the water all year round. The local beaches are excellent for swimming, snorkelling and body boarding…all free family fun, apart from buying the ice creams and cold drinks!

 

 

Salcombe watersports

Salcombe watersports is a family run business who provide unforgettable watersports experiences in the stunning salcombe harbour. Either hire a SUP, kayak, or book a lesson. We booked their giant SUP for 7 of our family (aged 12-22) and had an amazing time making memories together.

Surf lessons

Bantham Surf Academy offers lessons and courses for all skill levels, even absolute beginners,  A great opportunity to learn a new skill, catch some waves and grow in confidence against the beautiful backdrop of Bantham beach.

Outside Devon  

Outside Devon is a relatively new multi use space near Kingsbridge and Bantham. Cafe with cool vibes, a skate bowl and ceramics studio this is a perfect stop off on the way back from the beach, or check out their programme of workshops and events.

Salcombe Sea and Shore Rib tours

Salcombe Sea and Shore offer skippered RIB rides from salcombe and is a high octane and memorable way of seeing our beautiful coastline.

Coasteering

Salcombe is a great place for coasteering, exploring hidden caves, channels and beaches- with plenty of  jumping!

Tunes on the Sands

Tunes on the Sands is a 3 day music festival set on the beautiful beach at Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth, Sam Ryder is headlining this year on the 22nd July, along with Stereo MCs, this is a family festival suitable for all ages.

Watch the seals

Head to Start Point for some seal watching, or a swim at Mattiscombe Sands where seals often pop up to say hello, a truly breathtaking and memorable experience no matter how old you are.

 

We hope these give you some ideas of things to do with your tweens and teens.  A holiday at Beeson Farm is a great base for making some family memories together and we look forward to welcoming you!

February Half Term

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Family days out that are tried and tested by us!

This half term even though the weather may require you to do a bit of forward planning there is plenty to do out and about in South Devon.

Pennywell Farm: Always a favourite with families, the gates open for the 2020 season on Saturday 15th Feb and with your admission ticket you get a return ticket valid until 23 Feb to visit as many times as you like! There have been lots of new arrivals joining the world famous miniature pigs over the winter, including heavy horses, miniature ponies and donkeys. There are lots of animals to meet, feed and cuddle as well as rides and performances throughout the day. There is lots of indoor space for picnics ad play undercover, just in case there is the odd Spring shower when you are there!
Woodlands Family Theme Park: With the UKs largest indoor play centre, exciting rides indoors and out as well as a zoo and falconry centre, families can easily spend a day exploring Woodlands. Catering for all ages (from babies to adults) there is also live entertainment throughout half term. Dress up as a princess or a superhero and children get a free return ticket making a day at Woodlands amazing value for money (tickets just £7.50 pp)
Greenway House (National Trust): Join the countryside ranger for a walk through the beautiful gardens at Greenway, once the holiday home of famous crime writer, Agatha Christie. This is a free event included with normal admission ticket, selected dates available. Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes to explore the grounds. Dogs on leads are permitted.
Forest and Beach Activity Days: Drop the kids off at Forest and Beach activity centre (on the hillside behind Beeson Farm!) for a day playing in the woods, lighting fires, shelter building and cooking outdoors. The ethos of Forest School encourages children to explore the natural world through practical, hands-on experience, learning new skills through play.
There are also the same year round activities that families can also enjoy over half term including the South Devon Steam Railway, a River Dart cruise, surf school or paddleboard lessons, the Art Cafe in Kingsbridge, crabbing off the Quay, the local cinema, Dartington country estate, the tour of Start Point Lighthouse and of course all our lovely local beaches!

South Devon Beach Guide

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South Devon is unique as it combines expanses of rolling green countryside, quaint villages, waterfront towns and picturesque beaches offering visitors a taste of the best the UK has to offer!

Taking your dog on holiday with you is one of the benefits of holidaying in the UK and relaxing on the beach is a perfect day out for all the family!   Here is our showcase of the best beaches in South Devon where your dog is welcome too…

Beesands: Our local mile long shingle beach with award winning pub and seafood cafe, watch the fishing boats come and go in the shelter of Start Bay, and its lighthouse. Everything you need for a day out! 2 mins drive from Beeson, 0.7 miles

Slapton Sands: A golden arch of shingle beach that stretches 3 miles along the coastline and is bordered by a National Nature Reserve. Pubs and eateries at Torcross plus good parking.  8 mins drive from Beeson, 3 miles

Mattiscombe: More challenging to access (walking only) but serene, unspoilt and with a good chance of seal spotting. 11 mins drive from Beeson 3.4 miles

Gara Rock beach: Seacombe sands is an unspoilt sandy cove nestled under the Gara Rock hotel, which is perfect for a lunch stop with the most spectacular views, 14 mins drive from Beeson, 5.8 miles

Mill Bay East Portlemouth: A privately owned beach open to the public with National Trust Car Park. Beautiful sandy beach with stream, woodland and clifftop walks opposite Salcombe. 14 mins drive from Beeson, 5.9 miles

 

Blackpool Sands: One of South DEvons most popular beaches, with cafe, watersports hire and sheltered swimming. Dog friendly throughout the winter. 18 mins from Beeson, 7.8 miles

South Milton: A National Trust sandy beach looking over the iconic Thurlestone Rock that all the family will love- even the dog! Food available at the beachhouse. 25 mins from Beeson 9.6 miles

Bantham: Golden sands, rolling dunes, surf school and a great selection of food from the gastrobus in the carpark. 30 mins from Beeson, 11.9 miles

North and South Sands Salcombe: Only a few minutes from Salcombe town centre, sandy beaches that are perfect for traditional family fun  and with places to eat. 25 mins drive from Beeson, 12.7 miles

Bigbury on Sea: A family friendly beach with surf school and vast expanses of golden sand. Walk over to Burgh Island at low tide for a drink at the Pilchard Inn (or use the sea tractor if the tide is in!) 41 mins from Beeson, 15 miles (dog restrictions apply)

 

A weekend in South Devon

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We thought we would put together a couple of itineraries based on things our guests have told us they love to do!

A relaxed weekend away

After you have arrived at Beeson Farm and made yourselves at home why not wander down to the Cricket Inn at Beesands for a delicious seafood supper whilst overlooking beautiful Start Bay, waiting for the light of the lighthouse to come on.

Day 1: Head over to Torcross (either walk along the coastpath from Beesands or take the car). The village has an interesting hist0ry- stop at the tank to learn more about Operation Tiger, the D Day landing practice that ended in tragedy. Spend some time on the beach, feed the ducks or take a stroll around Slapton Ley nature reserve.

Stop for lunch at Stokelely Farm Shop and have a browse of the garden centre and craft/interiors shops before stocking up for a BBQ from the butcher.

Day 2:Drive to Start Point lighthouse and take the circular walk to Mattiscombe beach, stopping for a tour of the lighthouse on the way. Keep you eyes peeled for seals.

Day 3: Visit Kingsbridge, Dartmouth or Salcombe. Each town is on the waterfront and has a lovely mix of independent shops, galleries and cafes

A weekend with the kids

Day 1: Arrive at Beeson Farm and let the children run off steam in our playground, cider orchard or with a game of table tennis or badminton. Head down to Beesands for fish and chips from Britannia Takeaway and sit on the beach whilst the children have a paddle.

Day 2: Have breakfast at Stokeley Farm Shop and buy supplies for a picnic before heading to Mill Bay. The children will enjoy the golden sands, digging dams and rockpooling. Take the passenger ferry over to Salcombe and explore the town if you go drag them away from the beach

Day 3: Head to Kingsbridge with the crab lines and try crabbing from the harbour wall. Ride the miniature train from the tourist informaiton centre to the recreation ground and then head to the Crabshell Inn for lunch or to book a paddleboarding lesson.

A foodie weekend

Day 1: After you have arrived pop down to either the award winning Cricket Inn at Beesands for dinner.

Day 2: Have a morning coffee in Kingsbridge before driving on to Bantham for a walk on the beach (or book into surf school if you are feeling adventurous!) Have a late lunch at the Oyster Shack and stop at Avon Mill Garden Centre for a cream tea on the way home. If you have room enjoy takeaway fish and chips from Britannia at Beesands!

Day 3: Have breakfast at Springfield Farmshop before heading to Gara Rock. Park at Gara and walk the circular route to Mill Bay and back before enjoying lunch with an awesome view!

 

 

Easter in South Devon

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On Easter Sunday morning join us on the farm to see what the Easter Bunny has been up too- we can guarantee that there will be plenty of chocolate easter eggs hiding around the farm, cottages and courtyard for our youngest guests!

Head over to the annual South Pool Easter Fun Day on April 20th (Approx 10 mins from Beeson Farm) The fun takes place alongside the estuary in the pretty village of South Pool, home to the fabulous Millbrook Inn. Turn up with your Easter Bonnet for the childrens egg hunt and bonnet competition from 12:15pm and then marvel at the South Pool duck race from 2pm, chose your rubber duck and cheer it on as it floats to victory down the estuary! There will be a BBQ and live music at the pub throughout the afternoon.

East Soar Outdoor Experience is situated on a National Trust farm in one of the the most breathtaking parts of South Devon on the headland, just above the picturesque town of Salcombe (approx 15 mins drive from Beeson Farm). Their yearly Easter family fun days are hugely popular with locals and guests alike and will runs over the Easter holidays. 11am daily, £3 per child.

The Tower Inn in Slapton are hosting their own mini Easter fair on the 20th April, with plenty of entertainment for the children and wonderful food and drink for the adults to get Easter off to a great start!