Woodland Family Theme Park: Complete Guide for Familie

Planning a family day out in Devon can overwhelm with choices, but Woodlands Family Theme Park consistently emerges as a top contender. It’s Devon’s largest family theme park, cleverly combining indoor play, outdoor rides, and a falconry display in a countryside setting near Dartmouth.

Location: South Devon, 5 miles from Dartmouth (A3122) ·
Type: All-weather family amusement park with falconry display ·
Play Zones: 10 ·
Indoor Play Centre: Largest in the South West ·
Opening: All year (weather permitting)

Seven key facts, one pattern: Woodlands is built around versatility — rides for thrill-seekers, animal encounters for younger children, and indoor spaces that defy British weather.

Who owns Woodlands, Devon?

Ownership details are not prominently published. Devon’s Top Attractions describes the park as a long-standing family attraction, but no current owner name is given on the official website or third-party listings. The park was originally established as a small family venture and has grown over decades. The lack of a clear corporate parent suggests it remains privately held, likely by the founding family or a local group.

Is Woodlands family-owned?

• No direct confirmation of current ownership structure was found in the research. The park’s branding emphasises a family-run feel, but no official statement names the owners.
• For comparison, nearby attractions like Ladram Bay Holiday Park are clearly family-run; Woodlands appears similar but without public documentation.

Who is the founder?

• Historical records are sparse. TripAdvisor reviews dating back to 2010 mention the park but not founders. The official website features a history section that, as of this writing, does not name a founder.

The implication: visitors rely on the park’s consistent operation and positive reviews rather than a known corporate owner.

Can you stay at Woodlands?

Yes — and the on-site camping option is one of the park’s standout features. Devon’s Top Attractions reports that Woodlands offers a family campsite “only a stone’s throw from the park,” surrounded by countryside. This makes it possible to turn a day visit into an overnight stay without driving.

What accommodation options are available on site?

• Camping and glamping pitches are available, but official pricing and booking details are not published on third-party sites. Book directly via the Woodlands website.
• The campsite is open during the main season (spring to autumn). Winter stays are not mentioned in the research.

Are there camping facilities?

• Yes — the family campsite includes basic amenities. TripAdvisor reviews confirm campers can walk to the park entrance in minutes.

What this means: Woodlands effectively becomes a short-break destination, not just a day trip.

What’s at Woodlands theme park?

Woodlands packs a lot into its 90–100 acres of woodland. The core offering is a mix of indoor and outdoor rides, a massive indoor play centre, animal encounters including a falconry display, and adventure play zones. Ladram Bay (a local holiday destination guide) lists 16 rides, while TripAdvisor mentions 11 play zones. Either way, there’s enough for a full day.

Indoor and outdoor rides

• Devon’s Top Attractions names specific rides: Trauma Tower, Tornado Toboggan, Rapids Water Coaster, Sidewinder Water Coaster, Vertigo, and The Submarine Ride.
• Outdoor adventure attractions include Ninja Tower, Bumper Boats, Sea Dragon Swing, and Commando Course (per Ladram Bay).

Falconry display

• The park houses about 50 birds of prey, according to Ladram Bay. The falconry display is a daily attraction (check times on arrival).

Indoor play centre

• Claimed as the largest in the South West by TripAdvisor reviewers. It includes multi-level soft play, slides, and ball pits — ideal for rainy days.

Adventure play areas

• Ten designated play zones spread across the site, each with a different theme (e.g., pirate, jungle). A map is available at the entrance.

The catch: variety comes at the cost of scale, so manage expectations accordingly.

Where to stay near Woodlands Family Theme Park?

If the on-site campsite is full or you prefer a roof, the surrounding area offers plenty of accommodation. The park is located 5 miles from Dartmouth and within driving distance of Totnes, Torquay, and Plymouth. Expedia lists dozens of hotels in a 10-mile radius, from chain hotels to boutique B&Bs.

Hotels near Woodlands

• Dartmouth has several hotels including The Dart Marina Hotel and The Royal Castle Hotel. Book via Expedia, an online travel agency.
• Totnes offers the Cott Inn and The Seven Stars. Both are within a 15-minute drive.

Self-catering cottages

• Local holiday sites like Ladram Bay also recommend cottage rentals. For larger families, self-catering can be more economical.

Camping sites nearby

• In addition to Woodlands’ own campsite, there are other caravan parks in the area, such as Ladram Bay Holiday Park (about 20 minutes away).

The pattern: a mix of options means families can tailor their stay to budget and preference, from tent to luxury hotel.

What is the best time to visit Woodlands?

The park operates all year (weather permitting), but the experience varies significantly by season. An Instagram post from the park suggests spring is ideal for pleasant temperatures and lighter crowds. Bank holiday weekends also offer discounts, according to the park’s Facebook page.

Spring season

• Spring brings blooming countryside and milder weather, making outdoor play zones more comfortable.
• Fewer visitors than summer holidays — source: Instagram post cited in research.

Bank holiday weekends

• The park’s Facebook page announced bank holiday discounts in previous years. These are worth monitoring if you’re flexible.

Weather considerations

• As an all-weather park, Woodlands remains open in rain, thanks to the large indoor play centre. Winter hours are shorter (10:30am–4:30pm).

The implication: timing your visit strategically can significantly improve your experience and save money.

Summary

Woodlands Family Theme Park delivers a versatile, all-weather day out that combines rides, animals, and indoor play in one South Devon location. Its on-site camping option sets it apart from day-only parks, while the falconry display adds a unique draw. Families planning a Devon trip will find Woodlands a solid, family-focused choice.

Frequently asked questions