7 family-friendly things to do in Noss Mayo. The village of Noss Mayo is a hidden gem on the beautiful South Devon coast. It’s the ideal place to get away from it all. But what is there to do for families? In this post, Claire from Devon with Kids has shared her recommendations for the top things to do in Noss Mayo.

Whether you’re content to use nature’s playground or want to mix things up by visiting some family attractions, here’s where to find family fun in this part of Devon:

1. Days on the river

If you’ve chosen to base yourselves in Noss Mayo then you must spend some time on the beautiful Yealm River.

There’s lots of options for getting on the water. You can hire paddle boards, kayaks and boats locally.

Find out more about water sports in Noss Mayo.

Of course, there are also lots of family and dog-friendly beaches close by.

2. A Noss Mayo walk

Another wonderful way to explore the coastline surrounding Noss Mayo is to take a circular walk along the estuary to the mouth of the river and back around the headland.

Directions for this popular four mile route are available on the National Trust website.

3. Play at Noss Mayo Recreation Ground

The focal point of Noss Mayo’s recreation ground is a timber play ground with climbing nets, balance beams and bridges. It’s a fun place to let kids wind down after a day on the river or exploring the area.

4. Dartmoor Zoo

Just 25 minutes from Noss Mayo is Dartmoor Zoo – a place to visit in Devon that is open all year round.

This 33 acre animal park on the edge of Dartmoor was made famous world-wide by the film ‘We bought a zoo’.

Meet lions, wolves, zebras and meerkats in a wonderful woodland setting.

5. Plym Valley Railway

This small heritage and miniature railway is always a hit with young kids. The main line runs 1.5 miles between Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge where you can have a scenic walk by the river.

The heritage railway centre is home to preserved steam and diesel locomotives, carriages, wagons, and other historic railway artefacts. You can also ride the Plym Valley Miniature Railway at Marsh Mills.

Check the website for opening times.

6. National Marine Aquarium

An ideal thing to do near Noss Mayo on a wet day is the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. It’s the UK’s largest aquarium and is open all year round.

The enormous tanks showcase species from UK waters, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and Great Barrier Reef. 

If you’re visiting with older kids try to time your walk around with the feeding times and talks at the different tanks.

Families with younger kids might whizz around a bit quicker. But the good news is that the aquarium is pushchair accessible and it’s easy for little ones to peer into the floor to ceiling tanks.

The National Marine Aquarium is 30 minutes from Noss Mayo.

7. Saltram National Trust

Saltram is a stunning National Trust property on the edge of Plymouth. There’s a beautiful house to explore, a den building area, woodland walks, a pump track and children’s trails.

If you and your family enjoy looking around historic places Saltram is one of Britain’s best preserved Georgian houses. Before the current stately home was built there stood a Tudor Manor on the site.

Saltram is 25 minutes from Noss Mayo.

Take a look at the Devon with Kids website for more ideas and inspiration for family days out in South Devon.

Staying at Anchor Cottage

If you fancy a week or even a weekend here in Noss you can check availability here:

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