Free and cheap family outings in Devon 
(16/08/2010)
The long Summer holidays can be a trying and expensive time for parents striving to keep their youngsters entertained without straining the family finances even further. But family fun really can be free, especially in the glorious county of Devon, which was just made for families and the creation of childhood memories: you just need to know where to look. Every summer many parents head for the freedom of the beach and in Devon families are spoiled for choice with some of the UK's best beaches.
Torbay tops the UK's league for blue flag awards; it has five blue flags for good water quality and beach cleanliness. East Devon has the award winning Sandy Bay at Exmouth which as well as being sheltered has many rock pools, perfect for little ones to while away an afternoon safely collecting all manner of creepy crawlies in their buckets .
For older more adventurous children who want to surf, kayak or try other water sports the beaches of North Devon at Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Westward Ho! have everything for the adrenalin seeking teen. The Dartmouth Sailing Week from 21 to 29 August is also a must see for those interested in either watching or participating in this famous sailing week.
For an idyllic day in amongst the sand dunes head to Dawlish Warren beach which has an internationally recognised nature reserve. There are good family facilities and a free summer entertainment programme, all within easy reach of the beach.
Also in South Devon is Bigbury- on- Sea, a stunning sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty joined by the causeway to Burgh Island. It offers shallow water for paddling and rock pooling and is great for windsurfing and kite surfing for older children or everyone who is young at heart.
For those venturing into the city, Plymouth has its Summer Festival with an exciting programme of events right across the summer holidays.
Highlights include Flavour Fest which is enough to get even the most discerning family's taste buds chomping at the bit! The annual food festival takes place in the city centre Piazza from 13 - 15 August. A Kid's Kitchen will give children an interactive experience with all things foodie, cooker demonstrations and hands on experience with bread making workshops etc.
Children will also love the Bang Goes the Theory Road Show taking place on 21 - 22 August, at the Piazza, Armada Way. The team from BBC One's show want children to get hands-on with science. Join them to explore, stretch and explode science live on stage and then have a go yourself in the interactive area.
The British Fireworks Championships on Plymouth Hoe is part of the summer festival and a great fun experience for all the family and not to be missed (10-11 August). The event starts from 6.30pm on both evenings on Plymouth Hoe with entertainment, fairground rides and refreshment stalls. The first firework displays start around 9.30pm as dusk arrives.
Also West Hoe Park in Plymouth will be the venue for a National Play day event, Wednesday 4 August, which celebrates the right for children to play in parks and rediscover the great outdoors.
Another day in August means another festival in Devon, head for Paignton Green where the scene is set for the Children's festival (18 -20), join Cosmo the Clown and a whole host of street entertainers for the festival which is now in its 65th year. Expect music, magic and a lot of mischief and a packed programme of events including the return of the infamous festival water fight.
If you are looking for somewhere that will encourage your children to burn off some of that excess energy, then Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter has a small charge for parking but otherwise is free. The Play Trail is a short signposted trail through the forest with interactive play equipment such as wooden musical instruments and small climbing frames along the route. Den building can provide hours of fun and the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World is also situated at Haldon.
If the little ones are looking for something a little more cuddly then four hundred donkeys at the world famous Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary will delight parents and children alike. The donkeys at Sidmouth have all seen the last of their working lives, but to see how horses and donkeys used to be utilised pre Industrial Revolution pop along to The Grand Western canal, Tiverton, which as well as being perfect for walking and cycling along flat trails features a horse drawn barge.
Or why not try the Exeter Red Coat Guided Tours which run a special Children's Tour every Saturday in August at 2.30pm. It is an interactive tour aimed specifically at children aged 5-10 years.
Back up to North Devon, the fundraising group, the Great Torrington Cavaliers, has been organising community bonfires to mark historical occasions or to raise money for charity. The group is organising a free Cavaliers Fun day on Saturday 21 August.
Devon is a great place for families and the above are just a few of the suggestions for free and cheap outings.
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