Family attractions for free

FAMILY attractions can sometimes make for expensive days out – after all there's petrol, meals out and entrance prices to consider. You may be surprised to discover, therefore, there are still some family-friendly places that don't charge you to get in. Here are a few ideas selected from the 2009 South West edition of Let's Go with the Children. This useful nationwide series is unique in comprehensively searching out things to do and places to go with children aged between three and 16 years of age.

In North Devon, of course, we are extremely lucky to have some of the best beaches in the country, the beautiful Tarka Trail and Exmoor on the doorstep. Here are some other fabulous free days out for those of you wanting to explore more of the South West.

DEVON

Northam Burrows Country Park and Visitor Centre www.torridge.gov.uk 01237 479708 Lying at the mouth of the Taw Torridge estuary, the area is a haven for wildlife. The Visitor Centre has hands-on activities for children.

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth Slade House Farm, EX10 0NU www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk 01395 578222 This is home to 400 donkeys who love attention from visitors. Get lost in the Maze and visit the Nature Centre. Indoor and outdoor picnic areas. Open daily: 9am - dusk.

Den Play Park, Teignmouth The Den, TQ14 8BE www.teignbridge.gov.uk 01626 361101 Run off steam in this fantastic new park with various zones, including adventure golf, vast play grounds and interactive seasonal wet play area.

Seashore Centre, near Paignton Tanners Road, Goodrington, TQ4 6LP www.countryside-trust.org.uk 01803 528841 Wander through a people-sized rock pool. Meet Shawn the Prawn, and new for 2009 a prehistoric tropical reef room.

Topsham Museum 25 The Strand, Topsham, EX3 0AX www.devonmuseums.net 01392 873244 See Victorian toys from the Second World War. Learn about the local maritime history and estuary birdlife, exhibits and interactive displays.

Central Park, Plymouth Outland Road, PL2 3DE www.plymouth,gov,uk 01752 606034 Have fun in the skate park, pitch and putt, nature areas, and adventure playground, boasting an interactive seasonal water play feature.

CORNWALL

Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin PL30 4AL 01392 832262 There are waymarked trails for all abilities and an exciting children's play area. Look out for special wildlife events.

Roskilly's Ice Cream and Organic Farm, Helston Tregellast Barton Farm, St Keverne, TR12 6NX www.roskillys.co.uk 01326 280479 Watch the milking, explore the woodlands, feed the ducks on the ponds and look out for the giant rhubarb trees on this working organic farm.

Cornish Gold and Treasure Park, near Portreath Tolgus Mill, TR16 4HN www.treasurepark.co.uk 01209 218198 Lots to see including James Bond's Aston Martin and the car from Back to the Future. Brave the Tolgus Tin Haunted Mine.

Perranzabuloe Folk Museum, Perranporth Ponsmere Road, TR6 0BW 01872 573321 Find out about the 'hidden churches' lost in the sand dunes and see parts of the Spitfire found after it had crashed on the beach.

The Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro River Street, TR1 2SJ www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk 01872 272205 See amazing objects, including an unwrapped Egyptian mummy. Learn about Cornish history and archaeology, natural history, minerals and fine and decorative art.

SOMERSET

Exmoor National Park www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk 01398 323841 Climb Dunkery Beacon, visit Doone Valley or take a wildlife safari. There are more than 250 square miles of countryside to explore.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary, near Chard www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org 01460 65214 See farm animals, donkeys, small pets, poultry, chipmunks, cats and dogs. There are nature trails and picnic tables.

Perry's Cider Farm Rural Museum, near Ilminster Dowlish Wake, TA19 0NY www.perryscider.co.uk 01460 55195 Experience traditional West Country life in this farming museum housed in a 16th century thatched barn on a working cider farm.

Porlock Visitor Centre West End, High Street, TA24 8QD www.porlock.co.uk 01643 863150 There are interactive displays, puzzles and games to enjoy. Tackle the Porlock Quiz and have a go at identifying footprints.

Blake Museum, Bridgwater Bake Street, TA6 3NB www.sedgemoor.gov.uk 01278 435599 Uncover the area's past. What happened at the Battle of Sedgemoor? Dressing-up clothes, holiday activities and worksheets available.

Somerset Space Walk, near Bridgwater North Newton (park at Lower Mausel Lock), TA7 0DH 01823 330665 Start at the 'sun' at Higher Maunsel Lock and walk along the towpath in either direction to visit the planets in their orbits.

● Always check out the appropriate website or phone the attraction before travelling to confirm directions, opening times, parking charges, suitable attire etc. Although they do not charge entrance fees some of the animal sanctuaries may require a small donation.