4-Bedroom Hot Tub Cottage in Wembury

Dartmoor Zoological Park is a 33-acre zoo just north of Sparkwell, on the south-west edge of Dartmoor in Devon. It is run by a charity that focuses on conservation, education and research, and it belongs to BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The National Marine Aquarium sits in Sutton Harbour, near the Barbican in Plymouth. It is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity, and is split into four zones: Plymouth Sound, Eddystone Reef, Atlantic Ocean and Blue Planet. You'll see local sharks, rays and octopus, a jellyfish exhibit, and a huge Atlantic tank holding around 1,000 Caribbean fish, with lemon and sand tiger sharks.

Tip: Pre-book your tickets online, as entry can't be guaranteed without a booking, especially at weekends and in school holidays.

Paignton Zoo covers 80 acres of animal enclosures and gardens, and most families spend a full day here. You can follow the four zones (Wetlands, Islands, Grasslands and Rainforests), catch the daily talks and feeding sessions, and wander through nature trails in Clennon Gorge wildlife reserve.

Tip: Book tickets online ahead of your visit to save money.

The Plym Valley Railway is a heritage railway on part of the old Great Western line from Plymouth to Tavistock, which closed in 1962. Trains run from Marsh Mills station to Plym Bridge, a journey of about 1.5 miles of track. Marsh Mills is also a railway centre where volunteers preserve and restore steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and wagons.

Tip: There is no parking at Marsh Mills station, but the Coypool Park and Ride car park is directly opposite and can be used by railway visitors at weekends.

Adrenalin Quarry is a family-owned adventure park in Menheniot, built around an old flooded quarry. It offers five rides: an inflatable aquapark for ages 6 and over, go karting on an 800m all-weather track for ages 7 and over, a zip wire that is 50m high and 490m long, a giant swing 150ft above the lake, and axe throwing for ages 12 and over.

Tip: You can book all rides online ahead, or just turn up for the zip and the giant swing.

Woodlands is a family-owned, all-weather theme park on the A3122, about 5 miles from Dartmouth in South Devon. It covers over 90 acres, with 16 rides, around 500 animals and several play zones, each with its own rides and attractions. There are water rides, a zoo farm and a falconry display with over 50 birds of prey.

Tip: Not every ride runs every day, so check the park's website for opening times and which rides are open before you set off.

Buckland Abbey was founded as a Cistercian abbey in 1278 and later became the home of Sir Francis Drake. Unusually, the church was kept as the heart of the house when it was converted. Explore the Grade I listed building, where Drake's Drum is part of the collection, then see the medieval Great Barn next to the house.

Tip: Dogs on leads can go almost everywhere except the Kitchen Garden, but only assistance dogs are allowed inside the Abbey. Parking is free.

Totnes Castle is one of the best preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in England, standing at the highest point of the hilltop town of Totnes in Devon. It was raised soon after the Conquest, and the stone shell-keep that crowns the mound dates from around the 14th century. It is now cared for by English Heritage.