Family Friendly Outdoor Attractions in and around Tavistock

Tavistock is not only a town of history and beauty, it’s also a fantastic destination for family holidays. Home to a number of great attractions and activities, a trip to #tavi is surely one to be remembered for all the family.

Read on to discover just some of the great family friendly outdoor attractions in and around Tavistock.

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Morwellham Quay, Morwellham, Tavistock

Forming part of the West Devon and Cornwall Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, Morwellham Quay is an award-winning attraction featuring a historic village, port, mine and railway.

This excellent family attraction sits within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and allows you to step back in time to its peak during the Victorian era. Experience what life would have been like here in the 1800s with the help of their interactive living history team and explore the mines via their railway.

Morwellham Quay also boasts an exclusive pub, The Ship Inn, which is only open to guests of the attraction. They offer a fine selection of local ales and ciders from their own brewery, plus a great menu of home cooked food sourced from their farm and local suppliers.

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Lydford Gorge, Lydford, Tavistock

Home to the deepest gorge in the South West, Lydford Gorge is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. With a spectacular 30m waterfall, towering trees and wildlife in abundance, this National Trust-owned attraction makes for a great family day out.

Here you can also find Devil’s Cauldron, a large pothole in the deepest part of the gorge with a viewing platform suspended over the river. They also boast plenty of amenities such as tea rooms to grab a bite to eat and even a second-hand bookshop to purchase pre-loved books, puzzles and games.

Visiting between the end of May and start of September is recommended as all areas of this attraction is open, but not to worry, you can still visit the beautiful Whitelady Waterfall outside of these months.

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Cholwell Riding Stables, Mary Tavy, Tavistock

For the animal-loving families, why not embark on a trip with Cholwell Riding Stables? This family-run business have provided escorted rides and lessons on Dartmoor for over 40 years, allowing you to ride on the moors and admire it’s dramatic and unadulterated views.

If this sounds like your kind of thing but you’re a novice when it comes to horse riding, then no worries as all types are catered for here, from complete beginners to expert riders. There is nothing quite like the freedom of riding out onto the Moor!

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Tamar Trails, Woodlands, Tavistock

Tamar Trails is home to a number of thrilling and exciting outdoor activities. From tree surfing to treasure hunting, this attraction is an outdoor adventurer’s dream!

For those adrenaline junkies, Tree Surfers may be the activity for you. Step, hop and jump through the tops of the trees using a series of ropes and ladders.

Canoeing is also an option here at Tamar Trails, Canoe Tamar offer relaxing and scenic trips along the River Tamar. With wildlife aplenty; kingfishers, herons, salmon and even otters can be spotted here.

Other activities such as archery and geocaching are available, so whether you’re a keen adventurist or simply looking for something different to do with the family, Tamar Trails have it all!

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Roadford Lake, Lifton

Situated just a short drive away from Tavistock and near the Cornish Border, Roadford Lake is one of the biggest inland waters in the South West. The area is surrounded by a wonderful variety of natural habitats and plenty of flora and fauna within them.

Walking, cycling, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, archery, fishing and climbing are all on offer here so you certainly never get bored! They also offer activities sheets to keep the kids busy and there’s a café to refuel - serving lunches, drinks, cakes and delicious ice creams.

In addition to this, Roadford Lake boast a wonderful play park, plus an interactive visitor’s centre designed to teach children about the importance of water.

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The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton

Bask in the beautiful surroundings of The Garden House and spend the day blissfully wandering around its stunning gardens and enjoy finding new views with every step you take.

Your little ones will love spotting the various flora and exploring hidden paths, whilst parents will certainly look forward to indulging in a cream tea! Throughout the year they have a number of wonderful festivals and events, spring is the time for their snowdrop festival and during Easter they host a terrific egg hunt for the kiddies to take part in.

Formerly the home to the vicars of Buckland Monachorum, this estate was built in the early 19th century but is now a wonderful family friendly attraction which will be adored by anyone who passes through.

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Widgery Cross, Dartmoor

Who is adventurous enough to reach the top of Brat Tor? It’s not for the faint-hearted!

On the top of Brat Tor, you will find Widgery Cross, erected by William Widgery on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. It is the tallest cross on Dartmoor, being made from 10 courses of granite blocks. There is also a letterbox to be found underneath the summit. After all that exertion, why not cool off in Black Rock Pool – 200m downstream from the ford. Adults and kids alike will enjoy jumping off the rocks into the River Lyd below.

Leave the A386 at the Dartmoor Inn and park at the end of the track. Follow the track along the wall until you reach the ford. The pool is about 200m downstream.

W3W #subsystem.quintet.cargo | Grid Ref SX 53268 85394

Now that you’ve decided what to do whilst visiting, be sure to check out our wonderful range of hotels, B&Bs and campsites here. You can also discover our many great restaurants, cafés and pubs here. If you’d like to stay up to date with all things Tavistock sign up to our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.