Planning for holidays with the grandchildren this summer? Discover why North Devon is perfect for multi-generational breaks. From beaches and boat trips to chocolate shops and castles, make memories that span generations.
Summer holidays can be a stressful time for working parents as holiday entitlement often doesn’t stretch to cover the six-week-long break. A juggling act of epic proportions is often required to arrange enough childcare during the school holidays. Forest schools, camps and playdates help, but many families still find themselves needing an extra hand, and grandparents often step up.
Why a Holiday with the Grandkids Could Be the Best Summer Plan Yet
That’s where grandparents often step in. In the UK, one of the most expensive countries in the world for childcare, it’s increasingly common for families to rely on grandparents to look after children during school holidays.
Whether grandparents spend summer holidays with grandchildren at home or opt for holidays with grandchildren, this leaves parents free to work and relieves them of the financial pressures faced from having to take time off, often unpaid, over the school holidays. But planning a summer break with grandchildren doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right destination, summer holidays with grandchildren can be relaxing, enriching, and fun for everyone involved.
Where can grandparents take their grandchildren during school holidays?
If you are planning a UK staycation with grandchildren, an adventurous summer holiday with grandchildren in North Devon is always a great idea. There is plenty to do on the North Devon coast that would suit a multi-generational break that can be enjoyed by grandparents and grandchildren alike.
In North Devon, we are spoilt with beautiful towns and villages each offering their own little slice of scenic charm, from the colourful harbours of Ilfracombe to the cobbled streets of Clovelly and the wild moorland edge of Lynton and Lynmouth.
Best Things to Do in North Devon with Grandkids
There are plenty of brilliant attractions and places to visit in North Devon with kids that grandparents are sure to enjoy as well. From the Big Sheep in Bideford, to The Milky Way near Clovelly and Watermouth Castle, grandparents who are looking for action and adventure for the grandkids won’t be disappointed.
If a more leisurely pace is on the cards, you’re also in luck there. North Devon boasts some beautiful historic houses such as Arlington Court and Hartland Abbey as well the stunning gardens at RHS Rosemoor.
For more educational outings, The North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore offers a fascinating insight into the rich shipbuilding and seafaring history of the area. Kids can meet the animals at Exmoor Zoo, and there is even a Museum of British Surfing in Braunton.
Top Family Activities in Ilfracombe this Summer
If you come to stay with us at The Carlton in Ilfracombe, not only will you enjoy your stay in our comfortable and child-friendly hotel in Devon, but you will also have plenty to do in the local area. Summer fun in Ilfracombe is not to be missed.
Damien Hirst’s Verity statue is always a highlight and makes for great family photos to take back home to show mum and dad. Ilfracombe also has its own museum packed with eclectic collections of natural history items, cultural relics and curiosities. The landmark theatre always has some great showings for families. A slow stroll down to the harbour will make your child-friendly summer break one to remember with arcades, amusements, crazy golf, and gift shops galore.
And if you get peckish on your summer holidays with grandchildren, you won’t be disappointed as Ilfracombe is practically famous for its foodie fare. Enjoy a Devon cream tea or two (cream on first!), deliciously creamy ice-cream or award-winning fish & chips. And kids will love a trip to Ilfracombe’s very own chocolate emporium.
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Ilfracombe that will have you making intergenerational memories that will last a lifetime.
More School Holiday Ideas for Grandparents and Kids in North Devon
UK, England, Devon, Boat harbour of Ilfracombe
If you’re hoping to get out on the water and enjoy the coastal location, we recommend taking one of the many boat trips from Ilfracombe harbour. Whether you choose a wildlife and coastal cruise on the Ilfracombe Princess or a sea safari to Lundy Island in search of dolphins, porpoise and even the occasional whale.
If you’re not lucky enough to spot any sea creatures in the wild, there is always Ilfracombe Aquarium, an award-winning, all-weather, family attraction. The living exhibits display a variety of species of aquatic animals from around North Devon.
North Devon really does have some of best places to take grandchildren in Devon so if you are grandparents looking after grandchildren in summer and planning your school holiday break, Ilfracombe offers plenty of staycation ideas for grandparents and grandkids.
Holidays with grandchildren have never looked or felt so good.
If you need help planning your child-friendly holiday in North Devon, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Here at The Carlton we love helping you get the most of your holiday in North Devon and love to share all our local knowledge with you so you can make your intergenerational holiday one to remember long after the grandkids have grown and flown.
Book your stay at The Carlton today or get in touch with all your questions on eliot@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk or call us on 01271 862446.