10 Things to Do Near Bovey Castle With Kids

You’ll love exploring Haytor Rocks where kids scramble across granite outcrops like natural jungle gyms, then head to Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary for underwater viewing windows during feeding time. Take the steam train between Buckfastleigh and Totnes while little ones spot Devon countryside landmarks, or challenge teens on Bovey Castle’s championship golf course. Don’t miss Canonteign Falls‘ 90-acre estate with trampolines and zip wires, plus the castle’s own adventure trails through Teign Gorge where children can tick off activities from nature’s ultimate bucket list.

Explore Dartmoor National Park’s Family-Friendly Trails and Tors

When you’re staying at Bovey Castle with children, Dartmoor’s ancient granite tors become natural adventure playgrounds that’ll captivate kids far more than any indoor activity. Haytor Rocks offers the perfect introduction—just a short uphill walk from car parks with well-trodden paths your school-age children can manage easily. The granite outcrops transform into instant climbing frames where kids scramble over boulders and play hide-and-seek among rocky crevices.

For older children craving more adventure, the 4.5-mile Haytor-Hound Tor circular walk delivers proper moorland exploration, though you’ll need to leave pushchairs behind due to uneven terrain. These elevated positions reward your family with sweeping views across South Devon, creating perfect picnic spots while you introduce basic map-reading skills through fun navigation games. If you prefer an easy circular forest walk instead, Bellever Forest offers gentle paths through woodland with an optional detour to the tor for those wanting a bit more challenge.

Meet Birds of Prey at Falconry Displays and Hands-On Sessions

While your children might dream of owling like Harry Potter, Bovey Castle’s falconry displays bring those fantasies to life with genuine birds of prey soaring overhead on the South Terrace each morning around 10:30am. These complimentary demonstrations showcase owls, falcons, and eagles, with falcons reaching speeds up to 100 mph during flight maneuvers.

For deeper engagement, book the three-hour Top Flight Falconry Experience where kids wear handler’s gauntlets and learn proper bird-handling techniques. They’ll feed and fly owls directly from their gloved hands while working with falcons during lure exercises.

The internationally-renowned falconer provides educational introductions covering species behavior and falconry history. Children consistently describe holding these magnificent birds as unforgettable holiday highlights, making this flagship experience essential during your Dartmoor stay. The scenic walk between the falconry centre and the hotel adds to the adventure, winding through Dartmoor’s bleak beauty and natural landscape.

Discover Wildlife at Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

Just fifteen minutes from Bovey Castle in Buckfastleigh, the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary transforms a simple wildlife visit into an immersive experience where your children can observe native British otters swimming through underwater viewing windows.

Time your visit around feeding sessions at 11:30am, 2pm, or 4pm when the otters are most active. Your kids will be mesmerized watching playful Asian short-clawed otters and show-off North American river otters dive and splash. The keeper’s educational commentary makes this genuinely engaging for curious minds.

Don’t miss the tropical butterfly house where hundreds of colorful butterflies land on bright clothing—your children will squeal with delight. The hands-on otter experience lets kids prepare food under staff supervision.

With all-day tickets, well-maintained pathways, and free parking, it’s perfectly designed for families seeking wildlife education. This family-run attraction has been delighting visitors for over 40 years, ensuring a trusted and well-established experience for your day out.

Take a Scenic Journey on South Devon Railway Steam Train

Even before your children spot the vintage steam locomotive pulling into Buckfastleigh station, they’ll hear that unmistakable chuff-chuff-chuff echoing across the platform.

This seven-mile heritage railway journey between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside transforms into pure magic for families, especially when you’re settled in restored 1930s carriages watching Devon countryside unfold through the windows.

Your kids will love exploring Buckfastleigh’s play area before boarding, then marveling at the river views and historic Staverton Bridge during the scenic ride. On certain Gala weekends, families can also enjoy the Heritage Bus service connecting Buckfastleigh Station to nearby attractions like Buckfast Abbey and Ashburton.

The Full Line Ranger ticket offers excellent value at £25 for adults and £14 for children, letting you hop on and off at all three stations.

Don’t miss the museum’s collection of vintage locomotives – it’s fascinating even for reluctant train enthusiasts.

Visit the Historic Castle Drogo and Its Adventure Trails

When your family arrives at Castle Drogo’s dramatic clifftop setting, the children’s eyes will widen at this fortress that looks like it’s emerged straight from a fairy tale. Built just 100 years ago as England’s last castle, it blends medieval grandeur with modern touches that’ll fascinate young minds—like restored electricity from the valley turbine and original granite walls sparkling with felspar crystals.

Inside, kids can try the piano demonstrations and explore family memorabilia.

The formal gardens offer perfect running space, while Bunty House provides hands-on exploration. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this architectural masterpiece showcases innovative building techniques that children can discover throughout their visit.

Don’t miss the adventure trails through Teign Gorge—miles of paths suit all abilities, and the ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities keep children engaged with wildlife spotting and river adventures.

Experience Off-Road Adventures and Country Pursuits on the Estate

After castle exploring works up everyone’s appetite for adventure, the 275-acre Bovey Castle estate delivers heart-pumping thrills that’ll have your kids talking for months. The 4×4 off-road experience puts families behind the wheel of serious vehicles, orienteering challenging timber extraction tracks through outer-estate woodlands. BORDA-trained instructors demonstrate techniques before you tackle the bumpy route to Moor Field, where precision challenges test your skills on difficult terrain. Kids over six can join with proper car seats.

Between drives, try country pursuits like archery and air rifle shooting. Clay pigeon shooting and laser clays offer exciting alternatives, while fly fishing provides quieter moments. Summer additions include bike riding and beekeeping experiences. The experience makes an ideal gift with vouchers available for purchase, eliminating any wrapping or waiting delays for Christmas. The summit rewards your efforts with stunning views across the golf course, valley, and Dartmoor countryside.

Enjoy Animal Encounters and Deer Park Tours

While your kids are still buzzing from off-road adventures, they’ll absolutely love getting up close with the estate’s magnificent red deer herd. The guided Deer Park Tour transforms Bovey Castle’s 275-acre grounds into an outdoor classroom where experienced rangers share fascinating insights about deer behavior, antler growth, and herd dynamics.

Your children will discover how these majestic animals adapt to Dartmoor’s terrain while learning about conservation and responsible wildlife tourism. The hour-long tours keep group sizes small, ensuring everyone gets clear views and can ask questions freely. The experience begins with a gentle stroll through scenic woodland paths before reaching the deer enclosure.

At around £20 per adult with one child free, it’s excellent value for such an immersive experience. Book ahead, especially during school holidays, as these popular tours fill quickly and perfectly complement other nature activities on the estate.

Challenge the Family at Golf and Tennis Facilities

As your family settles into the rhythm of estate life, Bovey Castle’s championship golf course and complimentary tennis courts offer the perfect opportunity to spark some friendly competition among different generations.

The 18-hole course’s picturesque layout creates natural challenges – we discovered the front nine’s river holes proved tricky for our teenagers, while grandparents preferred the more forgiving back nine. Meanwhile, younger kids thrived on putting green contests and driving range target games.

Tennis courts provide quick connections between activities, perfect for short family doubles matches before afternoon swimming. Since tennis and croquet are complimentary for guests, you can organize multi-sport tournaments without budget concerns.

The estate’s compact layout means you’ll easily move between golf practice and tennis courts, keeping everyone engaged while accommodating different skill levels. For those looking to enhance their golf game, the practice facilities include both putting greens and driving ranges where families can work on their technique together.

Relax at Canonteign Falls and Woodland Play Areas

Twenty minutes from Bovey Castle, Canonteign Falls transforms family downtime into gentle adventure across its 90-acre estate.

You’ll find waymarked trails perfect for mixed abilities—from lakeside strolls to the main waterfall route that takes 60-90 minutes with plenty of rest stops.

Kids love the outdoor adventure playgrounds featuring trampolines, wooden galleon, and zip wire, while themed woodland characters like Terence the T-Rex keep little ones engaged.

The Victorian Fern Garden‘s 90-99 steps provide a mild challenge leading to spectacular 220-foot Lady Exmouth Falls.

Seven lakes offer peaceful spots for picnics and wildlife watching between energetic play sessions. Look out for kingfishers, bats, butterflies, and wildfowl around the tranquil waters.

Canonteign Kitchen serves homemade local food and Devon cream teas, making it easy to refuel.

Dogs are welcome on leads, accommodating whole-family visits.

Create Memories With Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Through Devon Countryside

Step back in time with your family aboard a traditional Shire horse-drawn carriage through Devon’s stunning countryside near Bovey Castle. Devon Shire Carriages in North Bovey offers gentle hour-long rides perfect for children, using magnificent horses like Rockie and Duke.

Your kids will love the clip-clop of hooves along quiet country lanes while spotting wildlife and historic farmsteads.

These multi-sensory adventures let children experience how people once traveled while learning about these rare “at risk” Shire horses. The slow pace creates perfect opportunities for family photos against Dartmoor’s dramatic backdrop.

Most carriages accommodate small family groups comfortably, and guides share fascinating local history stories. Some adventures include crossing the village Ford at North Bovey, adding an extra splash of excitement to the journey.

Book ahead during school holidays as these magical experiences fill quickly. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with Devon’s heritage while creating lasting family memories.

The Sum Up

You’ll find these adventures perfectly complement Bovey Castle’s luxury while keeping your little ones engaged. I’ve watched countless families return from these excursions with muddy boots and huge smiles – that’s when you know you’ve struck gold. Don’t try cramming everything into one trip; instead, let your children’s interests guide your choices. Whether they’re animal lovers or thrill-seekers, you’ve got enough options here to create unforgettable Devon memories together.