Morwellham Quay

For families, there is always plenty to do if you are living or staying in Devon. You tend to have the moors or the beach on your doorstep, fantastic cities to shop in and a wide range of attractions wherever you go.

Despite having lived in Devon for eight years there are still plenty of places I haven't yet visited - and plenty that I am desperate to visit again having enjoyed it when I was younger.

One of those that I was excited to visit again was Morwellham Quay.


Morwellham is an historic site on the Devon-side of the border with Cornwall and is packed full of fun, interactive history displays and activities.


You can explore the port, the village, visiting the bakery, brewery, pottery, school and shop and take a train ride deep into the mines.

We arrived around midday with our friends who have been many times before (they've even had children's parties there) and collected our tickets from the front desk. A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children costs £34.95 and you get a 10% discount for buying online in advance.


It is extra to take the train through the mines with the driver giving you tons of interesting facts about mining in Devon and Cornwall. You can pay at the front desk and book a time slot, easy peasy.

With lots of exhibits and activities going on throughout the day they have chalk boards with all the details of where to go and what time. Take a picture using your smartphone and you can check back to see what is on next and decide on your itinerary.


We headed straight to the Chocolate Experience (obviously). Spaces are limited on a first come, first served basis but there are loads of sessions held throughout the day. You get to discover about chocolate making and production throughout the ages and even make your very own chocolate lollipop.

Right next to the chocolate making is the Ship Inn which is a lovely stop for some refreshments or some lunch. With varied tastes we were able to try out a few of the meals between the eight of us. Picnic lunches went down well with the children and us adults enjoyed the Cornish pasties and meals including the scampi and the chilli con carne.


There was so much to do and lots to see. Ollie absolutely adored the train ride which came next on our long list of activities, I was worried he may be a bit scared in the dark but sat on Daddy's lap he was fine. He also had fun helping to make some rope in the rope-making demonstration which was a great way of sitting out the heavier rain showers and having fun at the same time.

Lily's favourite part of the day was attending the school where they learnt about life as a Victorian schoolchild. I actually missed watching this bit because my friend and I went to another session in the bakery where we were able to form some bread rolls - which was then baked on site and was available to pick up soon after. I think we got the better end of the deal, at least we didn't have to face the cane!

The same person led both the chocolate and bakery sessions and they were personable and certainly seemed to know their stuff. I found the train driver and rope maker similarly knowledgeable and the demonstrations were fun as well as interesting. It's worth getting there early so you can fit in as much as possible, there were also activities on rock breaking and an area where you could 'pan for gold'.


If you visit, make sure you stop by the dressing up room. I know I'm a massive geek but I can't be the only one who jumps at the chance to dress up! There were so many options to choose from - skirts, jackets, hats and accessories for ladies and girls and plenty of jackets and waistcoats for the guys. And top hats. Loads of hats. I could have spent all day trying on different combinations... but then, I am the type of person who does like dressing up!

To really make the most of everything, get there early as you can easily fill the whole day. The weather wasn't the best when we were there and yet it didn't get in the way of us all having a lot of fun - even the dog who was welcome at all the outside areas, the train and sat well behaved whilst we ate our lunch in the inn.


While we were there they also had a festival with ales and folk music which was nice but by that point the children were getting a bit worn out and so we didn't stay for much. Looking at the website they have other events on throughout the year - with both Halloween and Christmas coming highly recommended by our friends.

For anyone local or visiting more than once in the year it is well worth considering buying a membership instead of a family ticket. For only £15 more you can get entry for a year and also annual admission to Bicton Park. I think that's a bargain and was tempted to get it for us as I'd love to visit Morwellham again soon.


It may sound cheesy but there was something for everybody there. The kids were entertained from Ollie who is only 2 to the older girls (starting secondary school). There was something for the biggest kids (the Daddy's) and something for the history buff in all of us. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Morwellham to any of my friends or family.


*I have not been asked by anyone to write this review, all opinions are my own*




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