Pads and Paws St Marychurch

The fish tanks at Pads and Paws in St Marychurch are a decent little distraction if you're staying nearby - nowhere near the scale of the National Marine Aquarium down in Plymouth, but that's not really the point. It's a compact setup that works best for younger kids who'll spend twenty minutes or so peering at the various species they've got on display. Adults will probably find it a bit small for the effort, though if you're already in the area staying at Parkdean Resorts Torquay just up the road, it's close enough not to be a bother.

The appeal here is partly that it's combined with a pet shop and small animal section - hence the "Paws" part of the name - so there's a bit more to look at than just aquatic life. Kids get a kick out of seeing rabbits and guinea pigs alongside the tanks. It's the sort of place you'd visit on a rainy afternoon, not something you'd drive across Devon specifically to see.

Best suited to families with children under ten who'll actually be entertained by small fish. If your kids have already done bigger aquariums, they'll find this underwhelming. Allow an hour maximum, less if you're moving at a brisk pace. The location works well if you're based at one of the surrounding holiday parks - Waterside Holiday Park and Hoburne Devon Bay are both within easy reach, making it a convenient rainy-day option rather than a main attraction. Worth checking opening hours before you go, as smaller operations like this can be unpredictable.