![](https://reefandrainforest.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Devon-Wildlife-Tours-Itinerary-3_Dartmouth-sea-kayak-3-1600x1067.jpg)
Exploring South Devon for Active Families
Tour Introduction
This breathless itinerary is designed for families who want to experience the beauty of South Devon by land, river and sea. Enjoy a surf or stand up paddle board lesson from one of South Devon’s most beautiful beaches; kayak to tranquil, deserted coves from historic Dartmouth; spend a day exploring Dartmoor, climbing granite tors and navigating across the wild landscape; paddle by canoe on the stunning river Dart; and scramble, climb, jump and swim during a coasteering adventure in Torbay. This is a self-drive itinerary, with all activities arranged with private, qualified guides. The accommodation is within Dartmoor National Park with the open moor just steps away.
Too active? Why not substitute one of the activities for a gentle horse ride across Dartmoor?
Not active enough? Perhaps delve underground and explore a local caving system, or enjoy an exhilarating mountain bike descent of Haldon Forest’s red trail.
Accommodation too comfortable? Then spend a night wild camping on an uninhabited beach by a driftwood fire under a clear, starlit sky.
Please note: The minimum age for this itinerary is 8 years old, and water confidence is required.
Full Itinerary
Arrive at your accommodation inside Dartmoor National Park. Weather permitting enjoy far reaching views and a magnificent sunset from the top of imposing Haytor.
Staying at Moorland Hotel Haytor. Includes No Meals.
Today drive to Bigbury-on-Sea located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within Devon's picturesque South Hams. Here there will be an opportunity for a private 2-hour surf or SUP lesson (all equipment provided). After the lesson equipment is available to hire should you want to spend longer surfing or paddling, or just spend the rest of the day splashing around and exploring rock pools. Nearby Burgh Island, reached on foot by a causeway (at low tide) or 'sea tractor', is home to an Art Deco hotel where Agatha Christie wrote two of her books, and the Pilchard Inn which dates from 1336.
Staying at Moorland Hotel Haytor. Includes Breakfast.
After breakfast drive to historic Dartmouth which is situated on the river Dart. Here you will meet your private guide for a half day sea-kayaking expedition along the coast. After leaving the harbour and passing the castles that guard the town there will be plenty of time to explore sea caves and stop on remote sandy beaches for a swim. Perhaps roast some marshmallows on a campfire, or even fish from your kayak.
Returning to Dartmouth say farewell to your guide. The rest of the day is then at leisure to enjoy this charming town, a perfect location for fish and chips and a rewarding ice cream!
Staying at Moorland Hotel Haytor. Includes Breakfast.
Spend the day exploring Dartmoor accompanied by your private guide. In the morning have a private 3-hour rock adventure session which includes plenty of rock climbing, abseiling and weaselling on a Dartmoor tor. The climbing can be adapted depending on the age and experience of the family.
In the afternoon your guide will teach you the skills necessary to navigate on Dartmoor as you enjoy a walk across the moor.
Staying at Moorland Hotel Haytor. Includes Breakfast.
Spend a half day exploring the tranquil River Dart in Canadian-style open canoes, accompanied by a private guide. There will be opportunities to stop on the shore, and probably an ice cream stop too (not included). After a few hours on the river visit the historic market town of Totnes where a variety of cafes and pubs can provide welcoming refreshments. Note: The time of departure will depend on the tides.
Staying at Moorland Hotel Haytor. Includes Breakfast.
Today visit the beautiful coastline of Torbay for a coasteering adventure! During a 3-hour session accompanied by private guides you will swim, climb, and leap from limestone rocks during an exhilarating marine adventure. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the Torbay area on your own.
Staying at Moorland Hotel Haytor. Includes Breakfast.
After the excitement and exertions of the last few days this last full day in Devon is at leisure. The day is your own to relax, explore more of Dartmoor, or perhaps visit another of Devon's stunning beaches.
Staying at Moorland Hotel Haytor. Includes Breakfast.
After a relaxing breakfast pack and head for home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Overview
Well situated within 11 acres of landscaped paddocks and woodlands at the base of the iconic Haytor within Dartmoor National Park, the Moorland Hotel is full of history having had many famous faces pass through its doors including Agatha Christie and Sir Tommy Flowers. The hotel offers 36 modern and comfortable rooms, most with views towards the nearby moorland or woodland. The Conservatory restaurant offers a tasty local menu with views as far as Torbay in the distance.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private bathrooms, flat screen TV and tea and coffee facilities in the room. A large resturant offering a wide range of local produce and and specialities.
Local Wildlife
Nearby nature reserves are home to goshawks, pied flycatchers, redstarts, cuckoos, lesser spotted woodpeckers, adders, roe deer, stoats and a plethora of insects. Butterflies include the pearl-bordered, small pearl-bordered, high brown, dark green and silver-washed fritillaries. There are also mire, heath, moor and woodland habitats to explore. Dartmoor Ponies are often to be found grazing around the grounds and ravens, curlews and wheatears breed nearby.
Optional Activities
Wildlife, history and nature walks across Dartmoor and south Devon.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Best Visited:
May to October
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
![](https://reefandrainforest.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/specialist_john-melton-400x267.jpg)
John Melton
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965