Things to do in South West England in summer

Flambards

Helston, Cornwall

Just two miles away from the beautiful Cornish beaches, you will discover a theme park like no other. There are white-knuckle rides Skyraker, Thunderbolt and Sky-Force for the brave ones. Whilst Little kids will enjoy Ferdi’s Funland and the new Western Mine Train.

Flambards offers just as much to do indoors with lifelike scenes from bygone eras. There’s a Victorian village, an authentic 100-year-old chemist shop and a scene from the 1940’s Blitz. Elsewhere there is a vintage motorcycle exhibition and aviation display.

Over the summer holidays, there are Fireworks Spectaculars and live performances (Mondays and Wednesdays). Open every day from 10 am. Flambards offers a variety of places to eat and drink.

Exmoor Zoo

Barnstaple

Exmoor zoo exhibits a great many animals that you simply will not see anywhere else in the UK. There are Singing Dogs that yodel and Binturong bearcats that smell like popcorn! The zoo has the only pair of black leopards that you will find in the UK, or perhaps not…! Rumours say that the black leopard is the Exmoor beast which roams the moors living wild and free.

Altogether there are 175 species of animal, bird and reptile at Exmoor Zoo. With many wildlife experiences on offer and special events planned over the summer holidays, keep an eye on the Zoo’s website.

Please note, the zoo is continuing with Covid safety measures this summer so you must book your day visit slot independent of your admission ticket. See the website for details.

Bristol Aquarium

Discover the wonders of the deep in the heart of the city and explore more than 40 naturally themed displays that are home to thousands of amazing aquatic creatures including tropical sharks, rays, seahorses, puffer fish, piranhas and so much more.

Bristol is also the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house, known as the Urban Jungle, showcasing hundreds of exotic plant and tree species from around the world.

With daily talks and feeds as well as a host of different themed events and activities throughout the year, all included in usual admission, there is heaps to keep the whole family entertained – whatever the weather!

Parkdean Resorts

15 resorts across Cornwall alone

With 15 resorts across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset and most by beautiful sandy beaches, it’s time to check out Parkdean Resorts. You can choose from a self-catering caravan, lodge or touring holidays to suit any budget or size of family.

With 15 resorts across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset and most by beautiful sandy beaches, it’s time to check out Parkdean Resorts. You can choose from a self-catering caravan, lodge or touring holidays to suit any budget or size of family.

All accommodation includes a fitted, well-equipped kitchen and standards are extremely high. This is typical of what you will find at Parkdean Resorts. Places still available for the summer holidays.

iBounce Trampoline

There are iBounce centres at Exeter, Newton Abbot and Bodmin - each with interconnecting wall and floor trampolines, dodgeball court and giant airbag with 1.5m high launching platform. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there are lively disco events and on other days you can book onto a quieter Family Bounce session. Café offers food and drink on site.

Dartmoor Zoo

Set in 33 acres of woodland on the fringes of Dartmoor National Park, you will find Dartmoor Zoo with over 70 different species on display, including lions, tigers, wolves, zebras and ostrich. There are daily talks and feeding sessions and, if you need refreshments, the Restaurant serves some wonderful food!

Over the summer holidays there is a big ‘Dartmoor Zoo Dinosaurs’ event with an interactive trail, fossil dig and tons of information about prehistoric animals. Also, on 16th August, The Animal Guyz will be performing their live puppet and special effects show featuring talking dinosaurs and animals!

Open daily. Free parking and children under 2 years enter free. (Allow 2-3 days for delivery of tickets)

Huntfun Treasure Hunts

240 hunts across the country

These little guides are an interactive way of getting to know your location better and provide a step-by-step set of directions to take you round a route encompassing the best attractions. They are not just great when you are visiting somewhere new because they may tell you new and interesting facts about your own town! You can print or download the ‘hunts’. Fantastic idea for a family day out and take around 2 hours to complete. Sadly, there is no treasure at the end of it!

Camel Creek

Wadebridge

If you want a change from the beautiful Cornish beaches, head five miles inland to Camel Creek, an adventure park with 28 rides and attractions, including the Air Bender roller coaster and the Thunder Falls log flume. There are animals to see here at ‘Creature Creek’, including the ever-popular meerkats so go along and see the daily sessions with the keepers. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be Meet & Greet opportunities to meet characters from children’s TV, including the Minions and Trolls!

Refreshments are available on site. Pre-booking is essential. Children under 92 cms go free.

Cinemas

Kids Pass members get the biggest cinema discounts at any time and for any film with prices starting from £4. There are so many big movies coming out this summer, including Jungle Cruise, featuring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Space Jam: A New Legacy!

The Big Sheep

Bideford

The Big Sheep began as a working family farm but now it has a theme park too! For thrill-seeking teenagers, there’s the big Rampage roller coaster and the dizzy heights of Twister. There is also an Adventure Centre with nerf shooting and mountain boarding. For little kids there are indoor and outdoor play centres, tractor safaris, pony rides and Swan Lake pedalos.

There are daily live shows over the summer holidays with duck trials and sheep racing! Check out the live concerts here over the summer and grab the opportunity to camp out in the Devonshire air!

Pre-booking online is essential. Closed on Sundays.