There are a huge number of zoos, wildlife and safari parks all over the UK and most are well worth a visit and provide a really exciting and unique day out.  The broad difference between them is that Zoos tend to keep animals with their own species in smaller enclosures for a real up-close encounter, whereas a visit to a Safari Park usually involves driving around much larger enclosures to see groups of animals - maybe rhino, giraffe and gazelle all in one setting.  Some are self-drive (for a monkey snapping off your wing mirror type affair) or in others you are guided round in a truck, spotting lions and elephants from afar - similar to an African safari, just without the plus-size sunset, hot weather and flamboyant tribespeople (although lets not get too picky about this; most UK safari parks are just a couple of hours from home and do not involve remortgaging the house to go). Many zoos and parks now are great conservation pioneers and animal rescue centres, so by visiting, you are often contributing to real global issues, supporting endangered species or deforestation or other genuine threats to wildlife.  The parks usually have lots of information about these causes and it can be a great way to get the kids to learn about the world we live in, the animals from different continents and the dangers they face.

Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Safari Parks

Learn to paint or refine your skills... Painting is a completely inclusive activity for the whole family!  Head to a pottery painting class with your friends and take away a keepsake from your holiday! Or let the kids express their creative side with some hand painting!  Maybe you're already proficient and want to polish your brush technique. Whatever the weather, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Painting workshops

Pottery is an ancient craft and great fun! Sometimes a little messy, anyone can have a go at either hand building a pot, or getting to grips with a throwing wheel. You can create something beautiful and uniquely yours in no time at all. Families can enjoy together and kids as young as 2 can play with clay, or have a go at painting a pre-made pot. It’s the perfect wet weather or winter activity.

Pottery

Spend the day creating your very own handcrafted pot, vase, or bowl. Or if you have less time on your hands why not try painting a premade version?  A relaxing, indoor family activity. Perfect for creatives and on a rainy day visit one of the many ceramic cafes for coffee, tea, cakes, and of course, crafting!   

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

Think you can only surf in exotic locations? Think again!  There is some amazing surfing to be had throughout the UK from Newquay to North Wales. While surfing might seem super cool from the outside (and it is!) is it surprisingly family friendly and something you and the kids can all enjoy. So why not hit the beach and give surfing a go? Getting a lesson is the best way to start to learn to surf. Group lessons are usually the most popular. The instructor will take you through a warm up then basic safety, and then explain how to paddle and stand up. After this you take to the water and try and catch your first waves!  Expect to stand on the first or second lesson. Surfing is quick to get the hang of, highly addictive, and takes a lifetime to master meaning you will never stop learning! Before starting to surf you will need to know how to swim as this is a water based sport! 

Surfing

Lovely Sidmouth is a coastal town which is located on the extraordinary Jurassic coast on Devons south coast.  It is a wildly impressive coastline, full of history and teeming with fossils - as well as award winning beaches and dramatic cliffs.  Sidmouth beach itself is a great family friendly place with safe swimming and excellent rock pooling, so don't forget your net.  It is also a superb place for a variety of watersports. 

Sidmouth, Devon, UK

Bideford, Devon, South West England, UK

Brixham, Devon, South West England, UK

Budleigh Salterton, Devon, South West England, UK

Croyde, Devon, South West England, UK

Dartmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Dawlish, Devon, South West England, UK

Exeter, Devon, South West England, UK

Exmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Honiton, Devon, South West England, UK

Ilfracoombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Launceston, Cornwall, South West England, UK

Newton Abbot, Devon, South West England, UK

Paignton, Devon, South West England, UK

Plymouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Salcombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Saltash, Cornwall, South West England, UK

Seaton, Devon, South West England, UK

Teignmouth, Devon, South West England, UK

Tiverton, Devon, South West England, UK

Torquay, Devon, South West England, UK

Totnes, Devon, South West England, UK

Woolacombe, Devon, South West England, UK

Nestled in the southwest of England, Devon is a beautiful coastal and rural county, full of nature and landscapes for you to experience.  With 2 beautiful coastlines, Devon is a great place to take the family for a UK beach holiday, why not try out surfing, kayaking or coasteering?  Head inland to the endless moors of Devon, and visit Exmoor or Dartmoor. Meet wild ponies or try pony trekking through the moors. If you live history why not try one of the steam railways across the moors? All great holiday activities.  If you are looking for a city escape, Devon is home to both Plymouth and Exeter, which make great weekend city breaks.  So why not give Devon a go? With beaches, countryside, moorlands, cities, and villages there is something for everyone in Devon.  

Devon, South West England, UK

Bristol, South West England, UK

City of Bath, South West England, UK

Cornwall, South West England, UK

Dorset, South West England, UK

Gloucestershire, South West England, UK

Isles of Scilly, South West England, UK

Somerset, South West England, UK

Wiltshire, South West England, UK

South West England consists of 7 counties, Bristol, Cornwall, Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire as well as the Isles of Scilly. 
It is one of the nine regions of England with a total population of just over 5.28 million.

South West England, UK

East Midlands

East of England, UK

London, UK

North East England

North West England

South East England, UK

West Midlands, UK

Yorkshire and the Humber, UK

England is a totally unique travel destination, well known for its history, natural beauty, vast range of attractions and beautiful countryside landscapes and coastlines. 

England, UK

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make up the extraordinary United Kingdom; home to mountains, caves, rivers, dramatic coastlines, medieval villages and vibrant cities.

Places nearby

bideford

brixham

budleigh-salterton

croyde

dartmouth

dawlish

exeter

exmouth

honiton

Things to do in sidmouth

Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Safari Parks

Painting workshops

Pottery

Pottery Centres and Ceramic Cafes

Surfing

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