Fun Day Out at The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth

We really are spoilt for choice for fun days out in Devon, whether you are looking for some free fun or a jam-packed day out there really is something for everyone. 

The National Marine Aquarium 

A few weekends ago we visited the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. It's the UK's largest aquarium attraction and a great day out! 

As an added bonus if you pay once you can visit again free for a whole year! That makes it great value for money if you are local. 

We had a guided tour of the aquarium which the kiddies loved! 
They have different zones throughout the aquarium including...

• Plymouth Sound
• Eddystone Reef 
• Ocean Drifters 
• Atlantic Ocean 
• The Biozone 
• Great Barrier Reef

As well as being a fun day out the aquarium is also a marine charity. 

'The National Marine Aquarium is the charity dedicated to raising awareness of the oceans, the challenges they face and the ways in which we can all help ensure they have a sustainable future. With this in mind, our mission statement is to drive marine conservation through engagement and we do this through visitor interaction, teaching more than 30,000 school children and running conservation projects here in the UK and abroad'.

You could easily spend an entire day there as there's so much to see. They have a cafe (with amazing views) on site or alternatively, you can pack a picnic and use their dedicated outside picnic area (if the weather is nice). 

The boy loved walking under the sharks! He just couldn't get his head around how we were underneath them and kept ducking every time they swam over us. 

We had a really lovely day out and would definitely recommend the aquarium if you are looking for a fun indoor day out in Devon. 

Useful Information  

Opening Hours

Aquarium

Open Daily 10:00–17:00
Latest Admissions: 4pm

How to Get There

National Marine Aquarium
Rope Walk
Coxside
Plymouth
PL4 0LF
United Kingdom

To find out more about The National Marine Aquarium visit their website. 

Devon Egg Hunt - Easter in Devon

This week we have been taking part in the Devon Egg Hunt with Devon Top Attractions. 

Day One - Crealy

On the first day, we visited Crealy near Exeter. The weather was amazing!

The boy finally plucked up the courage to go on the Twister roller coaster!

Event: M'egg'a Easter Egg hunt.
Date: 14th - 17th April 2017

'Taking place over the bank holiday weekend (*14th - 17th April 2017), join us for our biggest and best Easter egg hunt ever where we will be giving away 10,000 free eggs! To get yours, simply collect your map from Guest Services, follow the clues to find the stamps, and once you've found them all you can collect your egg from Guest Services or from Buttons the Bunny on the Piazza Stage at various points across the weekend.'

Day Two - Kent's Cavern

We spent the second day at Kent's Cavern in Torquay. Lowenna was a little scared of the darkness in the cave to start with but soon got used to it. 

They both really enjoyed digging for gem stones in the kids activity area. Henry really surprised me as he already knew most of the names of the gem stones. Apparently, they are all in Minecraft. Who knew Minecraft could be educational!

After we went into the caves the kids completed their dinosaur trail. 

Events: Dino Quest & Easter Egg Hunt

Date: 1st - 23rd April 

'Go underground this Easter! Fun cave tours all day every day with lots of Easter activities to complete - you'll even get an Easter surprise'

Day Three - Powderham Castle

The third day we spent at Powderham Castle, also near Exeter. We visited their science lab where the kids learnt all about eggs. They also did some Easter crafting. 

We completed two of their trails and the kiddies got a medal each at the end. 

Events: Mad Science & Easter Fun

Dates: 2nd April - 13th April & 14th April - 17th April

"The Essence of Eggs - an egg-themed mad science  event, with an egg quiz, egg decorating, egg display and egg-speriments!"

'Children can join in the Easter fun and games and follow the bunny trail to win a tasty treat from south west chocolatier Chococo!'

It's been a very busy 3 days! What are your plans for the Easter holidays? 

WIN, WIN,WIN An Annual Family Pass To Babbacombe Model Village

To enter this fantastic competition simply go to Mumsnet Devon's Facebook page and click on the blue giveaway box at the top of the page.

Summer Special

Money Off Rainbow Fun House - Torquay

Get your money off voucher for the Rainbow Funhouse in Torquay. 

Hurry offer ends in 2 days.

• Family entry of two adults and two (£5.50) or three kids (£7)
• Includes jug of juice

Get the deal HERE

Liverton Country Fayre

Hey everyone, don't forget that Liverton Country Fayre is on this Saturday. It is always a really fun day out with loads to see and do.

I'll be there with my stall, Caro Boutique, in the main hall. I hope to see you all there.

Guess the Location in Devon

As we have been stuck down by illness in this house for what seems like FOREVER now and haven't been able to go anywhere (and yes the cabin fever has well and truly set in) I thought I'd share with you some of our favourite coast photos that we have taken of Devon so far.

Can you guess where they were taken?

Could be anywhere in the world, beautiful!

This ones easy!

Recognise this?

Hmm now where is that ferry off to?

Okay so I'm cheating a little with this one but it's very near Devon

Not much to go on

If you're a sailor you might get it

Come on how many bridges are there like that

Bonus points for guessing this one

10 Things To Do In Devon This Fathers Day

1) The Big Sheep, Bideford 

 Treat Dad to a fantastic Fathers Day present this year at The BIG Sheep. A perfect day for Dad and the kids. You can prove to everyone that Dad's just as big a kid as the little ones!
Dad's visit for FREE when accompanied by 1 full paying child under 16 on Fathers Day

2) Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh

FREE pasty and a pint for all dads. Treat dad to a great day out. 

 

3) Powderham Castle, Exeter

We are inviting ‘Dads’ to visit for FREE when accompanied by a paying child.
Treat them to a day out they’ll remember! See majestic birds of prey and enjoy other activities. 

 

4)  Crealy, Exeter

Dads go FREE. The secret to the perfect treat for dads everywhere? Precious time having fun with the family! Visit Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park on Sunday the 16th of June and dads can enjoy free entry! 

 

5) The Super Weekend, Torquay

The Super Weekend returns to Princess Gardens, Torquay.

Be prepared to see some seriously Super Cars, Bikes and Boats on display!

with appearances from Superbrands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Landrover, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Aprilia, Sunseeker, and Princess Yachts.

The weekend also coincides with the finals of Miss England to be held at The Riviera Centre – so expect to see some pretty SuperGirls in Torquay too.

www.thesuperweekend.co.uk

 

6) Woodlands Family Theme Park,  Near Dartmouth

 Fathers Day, Vintage & Classic Vehicle Car Rally. Come and admire the classic & treasured vehicles at Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth. The show entry is included in day admission price. Book your tickets online to save 20%.

 

7) Hannahs, Seale Hayne (Newton Abbot)

Treat Dad to a delicious Sunday lunch in our Bistro, or if it’s a bigger family gathering why not book one of our private dining areas? £12.95 for two courses or £15.95 for three.
The Bistro. 12pm – 4pm. Call 01626 325822 / 325817 to book.

 

8) Wild Wise, Dartington

Dangerous Day for Dads. An action-packed, fun-filled day of nature awareness skills and activities in a beautiful natural setting. Learning and enjoyment combine to discover the natural world together as a family. Dartington Estate. £45 father and son/s, extra child £15. 10am - 4pm. HERE

9)  South Devon Railway

 Treat dad on his special day to a traditional Sunday lunch in our Dining Train. Booking essential call 01364 644370

 

10) The Globe Inn, Chagford

FREE bear for Dad's when you eat lunch or an evening meal. Get your first drink of beer on the house. Booking is advisable.

 

Latest Offers for Days Out in Devon

Woodlands Family Theme Park - £3 off standard individual admission price. Valid until 3rd Nov 2013. Get it HERE.

Diggerland - 15% off - Valid until 3rd Nov 2013. Find it HERE.

Pennywell Farm - £1.50 discount per person. Valid until 3rd Nov 2013. Find it HERE.