In a nutshell
Set in woods (as the name suggests) in the south-west Devon countryside, this is the largest family theme park in the county. The multiple zones range from a petting zoo-farm and toddler village, to Ninja and Action zones, drop slides and faster rides for bigger kids (and adults!), not forgetting the watercoasters.
Spooky fun fact
The park is haunted. According to the owner, a young girl drowned in one of the natural pools in the 1880s and her ghost is rumoured to wander the grounds. Halloween visitors beware.
Best thing about it
It’s glorious on a sunny day but, even if the heavens open, there are plenty of indoor areas with rides and amusements for all ages. There are lots of Halloween-themed activities happening during half-term, including pumpkin-carving, trick or treating and a monster disco. In summer there’s the added bonus (well, for the kids, anyway) of staying on as there’s a campsite attached to the park (pitches from £15.50 a night, which includes entrance to Woodlands; open until 31 October).
What about lunch?
There are numerous places to buy hot and cold food, ranging from bangers, burgers and panini to salads and cakes, plus there are several kiosks selling coffee, cold drinks and ice-creams. Hot meals for adults cost from £4.65, sandwiches start at £4.15 and a kid’s burger-and-chips meal with drink is £4.15. There are also lots of spots for picnickers.
Exit through the gift shop?
No, but there are a few in the park.
Getting there
By car is best: it’s just off the A3122 road from Totnes to Dartmouth. The Stagecoach X64 bus from Totnes stops outside but check the timetable (especially for getting back).
Value for money?
Tickets from £13.68pp online, and group tickets are a little bit cheaper (four people from £52.16).
Opening hours
9.30am-5pm daily until 29 October, then the same hours at weekends only during winter.
Verdict
We had a great time: 8.5 out of 10.
