No.8 The Vista at Willingcott - Fun Days Out

Exmoor Zoo is a conservation centre near Bratton Fleming in Exmoor, North Devon. It grew from Exmoor Bird Gardens, which opened on a former farm site in 1982, and today it specialises in smaller animals, with a good number of rare species on show.

You can see red pandas, meerkats, bush dogs and Abyssinian ground hornbills, along with small carnivores such as servals, caracals and fishing cats. Cheetahs, maned wolves and wolverines are among the other residents, and the zoo is also home to birds like flamingos and a shoebill. It is a member of BIAZA and EAZA and takes part in breeding programmes. Families and animal lovers can also book keeper-style experiences, and the zoo runs education activities for curious children.

Tip: Tickets can be bought securely online through the zoo's website, where you can also check price options and offers.

The BIG Sheep is a farm park and theme park in Abbotsham, North Devon, built from the old buildings of a family farm. It is best known for its live shows, including the World-Famous Sheep Race, the Duck Trials and the Sheep Show. In the Animal Barn you can meet and feed animals such as pigs, goats and alpacas, and say hello to the Highland cows, Maggie and Merida.

There are rides too, including the Rampage roller coaster, the Twister, a train around the lake, swan pedalos and tractor rides. When the weather turns, head for EWEtopia, one of the South West's largest indoor playgrounds, with slides, ball pits, rope bridges and soft play. There is a toddler zone and a baby sensory room, and a restaurant and coffee seating for grown-ups who want a sit-down. It suits families with children of all ages.

Tip: Pre-book tickets online, as the park gets very busy in school holidays and term time, and booking ahead is cheaper than paying at the door.

The Milky Way is a family-run adventure park on a former dairy farm near Bideford. It has more than 110,000 sq ft of indoor attractions as well as acres of outdoor space, so a day here works whatever the weather. Rides include roller coasters, indoor dodgems, a mini-train and Ziggy's Blast Quest, an interactive laser shooting ride.

There are live shows, including birds of prey displays, plus archery, bouncing pillows, big soft-play areas and a display of sci-fi memorabilia. Little Stars is a dedicated play area for under-sixes, with a sensory room for babies. Toddlers through to teenagers and grandparents are all catered for, and most rides and shows are covered by the entry ticket.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially in school holidays, and check the calendar for opening days and times.

Arlington Court is a neoclassical country house, built in the 1820s and set in a picturesque garden. Inside, you can see the Chichester family's antique furniture and an eclectic collection of family memorabilia. The National Trust Carriage Museum on site holds an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles.

Outside, there is the garden and a wider estate to explore, with guided walks run at times. Families can let children loose on the adventure playground, which has sit-on diggers, balance beams and a mud kitchen. The Old Kitchen Tea-room serves drinks, light meals and cakes, and there is a shop and a second-hand bookshop. It suits history fans, walkers and families, with plenty to do outdoors if the weather is kind.

Tip: Dogs on leads can go in the garden, wider estate and Carriage Museum, but not the main house or tea-room. Follow the brown signs, not sat nav, as unmarked lanes are dead ends.

Hartland Abbey was founded in the 12th century and is still the home of the Stucley family. You can wander through the house at your own pace, taking in rooms from Medieval to Victorian times, with paintings, furniture and Chinese porcelain collected over generations. Exhibitions cover filming on the estate and the Stonehenge pioneer William Stukeley.

Outside, there are 18th-century walled and woodland gardens, parkland and walks leading down a valley to the rugged Atlantic cove at Blackpool Mill. Spring brings bluebells, primroses and wild garlic. Children can meet the donkeys, peacocks and black Welsh Mountain sheep, and follow the quiz, nature trail or Malory Towers trail. Fans of the TV series will recognise the house, and the Old Kitchens Tea Room serves light lunches and cream teas.

Tip: Hartland Quay is only a mile away, so it pairs well with a visit; the tea room needs a valid garden entry ticket.