How to have a cheap Devon holiday this summer – with activities for under £5

DEVON is home to some of the country’s prettiest beaches – and you won’t need to shell out a fortune for a great getaway.

Wander the Jurassic Coast, filled with magical walking trails that let you really uncover the beauty of this rugged region, and stroll along coastal promenades selling classic fish and chip dinners.

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FUN FOR UNDER A FIVER

Staying near Exeter? Boom Battle Bar is brimming with arcade-style fun that the whole family can sink their teeth into.

Challenge each other to a game of augmented-reality darts or “crazier” crazy golf, before tucking in to buffalo wings and dirty fries.

A 45-minute session of American pool costs £12 for six people (£2 each).

Or groups of adults can book a game of beer pong (or Prosecco pong) for a fiver per person for groups of six.

If you have ever wondered what life behind bars is like, Dartmoor Prison (dartmoor-prison.co.uk) is open to visitors who can roam the historic cells and learn about some of the prison’s most famous escapees.

Tickets cost £3 for kids and £4 for adults, while the under-threes go free.

CHEAP EATS & DRINKS

A trip to the seaside isn’t complete without a fish and chip supper.

The Pelican (pelicanfishandchips.co.uk) in Barnstaple does a top notch one at a bargain price — £6.50 for a large battered cod and chips to takeaway.

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If you are eating in the restaurant, you can request as many chips as you like as extra portions are free.

A sandy stretch of unspoilt shoreline that’s perfect for surfing isn’t the only thing that Westward Ho! beach, near Bideford, has going for it.

After you’ve been for a paddle, pop to the car park where you’ll find a small and unassuming shack, called Cabana, which sells surprisingly great coffee, home-made cakes and always-changing lunch specials, such as mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and pesto toasties (£6.50) or grilled chicken and halloumi burgers (£7.50).

If cocktails are your thing, you can’t go wrong with Las Iguanas (iguanas.co.uk) in Plymouth, Torquay and Exeter.

Happy hour lasts all day everyday at this fun-filled bar, with non-stop two-for-one cocktails. The only rule is you have to order two of the same one.

Order a classic espresso martini or try something a little different such as the vanilla mai tai or passion sour bomb made with Malibu, passion fruit, sherbet, orange and soda.

BARGAIN BEACH DAYS

Woolacombe Beach near Croyde, in the north of Devon, is recognised not just for its beautiful three-mile stretch of golden sands, but also its family-friendly vibe.

The car park can fit up to 2,000 cars — ideal in busy summer months.

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The rolling waves here make it a popular spot for surfers, but lifeguards ensure that little ones can paddle safely.

It’s also dog friendly for most of the year, with some exceptions in summer.

For some classic amusement arcades, head to Paignton Beach where the pier has everything from penny machines to grabbers.

AFFORDABLE ATTRACTIONS

It doesn’t matter what age they are, children are guaranteed to find fun at The Box in Plymouth (theboxplymouth.com) – and it’s free to enter.

The £46million museum and gallery, which opened a couple of years ago, has regularly changing exhibitions as well as permanent galleries.

The Mammoth Gallery features more than 3,000 historic creatures, while the Figureheads section won an award for its busts of old Royal Navy workers.

If you are willing to spend a little cash, those with tots under five can book them in for a sensory session (£6 per child with an additional £3 per extra child), where they can sing, play and craft.

Download the geocaching app (geocaching.com) and you can take part in the world’s biggest treasure hunt — the rural landscapes of Devon are a great place to give it a try — and it costs nothing.

All you need is a smartphone to help you find the hidden spots in your area. Once you’ve found the treasures, sign the logbook and return it to its hiding place.

FREE FOR ALL

Walk a section of the 180-mile Tarka Trail, which stretches from Dartmoor, in a loop, all the way up to Lynford, Ilfracombe and Bideford.

The historic town of Barnstaple, at the centre of the trail, is a good starting point, with quaint shops and markets.

Then roam along the River Taw, where you will be following in the footsteps of Tarka the Otter from Henry Williamson’s novel.