If you are planning a family break at Parkers Farm Holidays, one of the biggest advantages is the park’s location near Ashburton, Dartmoor National Park and a wide range of popular Devon attractions. Parkers Farm Holidays is a family-run holiday park close to the A38, making it easy to explore nearby countryside, family attractions, market towns and South Devon day-trip destinations during your stay.
For families looking for the best family days out near Ashburton, there is plenty of choice. You can enjoy wildlife, outdoor adventure, heritage experiences, scenic walks, family-friendly towns and attractions that work well in both good weather and mixed weather. Dartmoor National Park is a major nearby draw, and Parkers Farm’s own local attraction content already positions the area as ideal for family breaks, walking, nature, coast and countryside exploration.
Why Ashburton is such a good base for family holidays
Ashburton is widely known as a gateway to Dartmoor and offers access to independent shops, cafés, bakeries, local character and nearby countryside. From Parkers Farm Holidays, families can combine quiet holiday park living with easy access to child-friendly outings, short scenic drives and full-day adventures across South Devon. That is a strong advantage for families who want more than just a place to stay.
Parkers Farm itself also gives families a genuine countryside holiday setting, with camping and touring pitches, static caravans, farm animals, facilities, family activities and a location that supports both relaxing breaks and attraction-led stays.
1. Explore Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor is one of the best places to start when searching for family attractions near Ashburton. The national park offers walking routes, wildlife, open landscapes, woodland, rivers and wide outdoor space that works well for children who need room to explore. The official Dartmoor guidance highlights walking as one of the key activities in the area, with routes ranging from easier scenic options to longer explorations.
For families staying at Parkers Farm Holidays, Dartmoor gives you flexibility. One day can be a gentle walk with a picnic and scenic views, while another can include wildlife spotting, family photography and exploring the villages and visitor areas around the moor.
2. Visit Ashburton for a relaxed family day
Not every day out needs to be a full attraction visit. Ashburton itself is well worth exploring during a holiday stay. The town offers independent shops, cafés, bakeries and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for a shorter family outing or a half-day visit. Visit South Devon also highlights Ashburton’s links to local heritage, the River Dart area and access into Dartmoor.
3. Enjoy a steam railway day at South Devon Railway
South Devon Railway in nearby Buckfastleigh is one of the strongest family-friendly outings in the area. The railway runs along a seven-mile stretch between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside, following the River Dart valley on heritage steam trains. It is positioned as an all-day, all-weather attraction for families and visitors of all ages.
4. Discover Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey is another excellent nearby option for visitors staying around Ashburton. The Abbey is open daily, with the church generally open from 6:30am to 6:00pm and shops open from 10:00am to 4:30pm. It offers a calmer family outing that can be combined with Buckfastleigh and other local stops.
5. Plan a hands-on day at Pennywell Farm
Pennywell Farm is a strong family attraction in South Devon and is particularly useful content for a park like Parkers Farm because it aligns naturally with family and farm-based holiday interest. Pennywell promotes animal cuddles, pig racing, tractor rides, live shows, indoor and outdoor play, and regular activities included within the visit.
6. Head to River Dart Country Park for outdoor adventure
River Dart Country Park is set within 90 acres of parkland in Dartmoor National Park and is positioned as one of Devon’s best-loved family attractions. Its family attraction offering includes adventure playgrounds, trails, climbing features, activity zones and outdoor experiences that suit energetic family days out.
7. Visit Canonteign Falls for scenery and family-friendly nature
Canonteign Falls is another strong nearby attraction for families staying in this part of Devon. It promotes waterfalls, lakes, family-friendly gardens, children’s play areas, trails, picnic spots and nature-based exploration. It is also home to the highest waterfall in Dartmoor National Park.
8. Enjoy a visit to House of Marbles
House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey adds something different to the mix. It is known for marbles, glassworks, toys, gifts, puzzles, dining and visitor experiences, and the local visitor site provides practical location guidance from the A38.
9. Plan a South Devon beach day
Parkers Farm’s own attraction content already highlights the value of South Devon and North Devon coastal day trips, including sandy beaches, coastal walks, sea views and traditional seaside towns. While Parkers Farm is not a coastal holiday park, that is actually an advantage for content: families can enjoy countryside peace while still making rewarding beach trips during their stay.
10. Build a flexible holiday around Parkers Farm’s location
One of the best reasons to stay at Parkers Farm Holidays is that you do not need to rely on one type of holiday experience. The site already promotes its family-run approach, countryside setting, farm animals, accommodation choices, local attractions, facilities and easy access to Devon’s towns, villages, Dartmoor and coastal destinations.
Why Parkers Farm Holidays is a great base for family days out
Choosing the right place to stay matters just as much as choosing the right attraction list. Parkers Farm Holidays is especially well placed for families because it combines a peaceful rural setting with practical access to the A38, Dartmoor and surrounding South Devon destinations. The site also offers a broad accommodation mix, family-friendly appeal, farm experiences, facilities and a long-standing reputation with returning guests.
For parents planning a Devon break, that means less time spent driving long distances and more time actually enjoying the holiday.
Final thoughts
When it comes to the best family days out near Ashburton, the real strength of the area is variety. You have the open space of Dartmoor, the charm of Ashburton, heritage railways, abbeys, farm attractions, outdoor adventure parks, waterfalls and coast within reach. Combined with a stay at Parkers Farm Holidays, that creates the kind of Devon holiday that feels both relaxing and full of options.
Whether guests want a quiet countryside base, a child-friendly park setting, or easy access to some of the best family attractions in South Devon, Parkers Farm Holidays is well placed to deliver that experience.
FAQ section
What are the best family days out near Ashburton?
Some of the best family days out near Ashburton include Dartmoor National Park, South Devon Railway, Buckfast Abbey, Pennywell Farm, River Dart Country Park, Canonteign Falls and local visits into Ashburton itself.
Is Ashburton a good place to stay for families visiting Devon?
Yes. Ashburton is well placed for Dartmoor, South Devon attractions, local towns and family day trips, and Parkers Farm Holidays is positioned nearby as a family-run base for exploring the region.
Are there family attractions near Dartmoor?
Yes. Official and visitor sources highlight Dartmoor itself, River Dart Country Park, Pennywell Farm, Canonteign Falls and other family attractions within the wider South Devon area.
Can you combine countryside and beach trips when staying near Ashburton?
Yes. Parkers Farm’s own content highlights that coastal destinations are within comfortable driving distance, allowing guests to enjoy both countryside and beach day trips during one holiday.
