Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Crealy sits just outside Exeter and is basically the go-to for families with younger kids who want a proper day out without driving hours to a big chain park. The rides themselves are fairly modest - you're not getting white-knuckle thrills here - but that's sort of the point. There's a mix of gentle coasters, log flumes, dodgems, and the kind of attractions that keep under-twelves genuinely entertained for a good five or six hours.

What works is the scale. You won't spend half the day queueing or traipsing between zones. The park has a fairly relaxed vibe, which means families with younger children or toddlers can actually enjoy it without feeling herded. There's also on-site accommodation if you want to stay over - handy if you're basing yourself in the area for a longer break.

Timing matters here. Summer weekends get rammed, so go midweek if you can manage it, or aim for the quieter shoulder seasons. October half-term works better than July. Bring a packed lunch if budget's tight, as on-site food is the usual theme park markup.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Castle Brake or Cuckoo Down Farm - both only twenty minutes away - Crealy works as a solid day trip without breaking the bank. Not revolutionary, but it does the job well for a Devon family holiday. Kids will be tired and happy; parents will be grateful they're not at Alton Towers.