For all weather family fun in North Devon, The Milky Way is a top choice for a great day out. Here’s all you need to know.

Why it’s on my list

My niece (11) and nephew (9) live in Somerset and they were visiting us for the week. We were looking for places to keep them entertained and The Milky Way Adventure Park had always been a favourite when I was little. The Time Warp soft play, the scary Clone Zone, the birds of prey displays, and the ride-as-much-as-you-like dodgems are all etched on my memory. As well as keeping the kids entertained, I was curious about how it (and I!) might have changed since I last went.  

Activity Information

Website: www.themilkyway.co.uk

Location: The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford, EX39 5RY (just off the main A39 near Clovelly)

Age range: family fun for all ages, probably better for children than teenagers

Price: standard admission for ages 3 upwards is £13.95. Cheaper tickets are available for ages 0-3, ages 65+, disabled people, and Blue Light Card holders. There is an extra fee for a couple of activities.

To book: it can get busy during peak times of year, so booking is advised via their website www.themilkyway.co.uk/online-booking-links you can also find information here about special events and birthday parties

Overall verdict

I remember why I loved this place so much as a kid. There is so much to do and we easily spent a whole day there – we arrived about half an hour after opening and left at kicking out time.

Some of the things from my childhood are still entertaining kids today – running around the Time Warp like a loon, playing tag and daring the death slides. The dodgems are still there, and it was great to see that they put on a slightly slower paced session every so often for the very little kids.

The Milky Way management has clearly invested in this attraction, and I think it really pays off. There were a number of new rides and activities, like the rollercoasters.

They’ve also added helpful facilities – for example they have now got lockers where you can store your things whilst you’re out and about, for a fee (£2 for three hours, £5 all day). Funny the things you notice when you become an adult!

I would highly recommend the Milky Way Adventure Park for a day out, come rain or shine, and even as an adult I had a brilliant day out.

The activity

The Milky Way has a wide range of activities and attractions for different ages, which you can read in full here, but I’ll list some of the key ones:

• Two rollercoasters (I screamed so much which my niece found hilarious! If nothing else, ride it for the amazing view of North Devon’s coast)
• Time Warp soft play – with Ninja Warrior type challenge (extra fee)
• Dodgems, ride as much as you like
• Giant outdoor bouncing pillows (we gave a family a chuckle when I slid off and tried and failed to get back on, arms flailing)
• Outdoor donut slide
• Bird of Prey Centre – indoor and outdoor displays
• Blast quest game
• Shows with Merlin (from Britain’s Got Talent)
• Train ride

There are also special soft play and sensory play facilities for children aged 0-6.

You can bring a picnic and there is some good space to sit and eat, that’s what we did. They also have a number of food outlets offering lunch, snacks and drinks.

The best

Maybe this is because I’m an adult now, but the bird of prey shows were AMAZING. We watched both the indoor and outdoor shows, and walked around the centre where the birds are housed. The birds we saw in action were so beautiful and majestic, and were clearly much loved. We got to see quite a variety – a Blue Eagle who soared, super speedy falcons, kestrels, and various owls including a very cute tiny owl.

Hats off to the falconer, David, who provides really interesting commentary whilst making sure that everyone is kept safe – both birds and people. Some of these birds are so fast, it’s wise not to get in the way!

I would recommend both bird of prey shows as you see different things in them – the indoor show was great for seeing the birds up close as they fly into the audience and land on various perches. The outdoor show was great for seeing just how high they can soar, and how fast they can dive, twist and turn.

The below video will give you a taster, but it doesn’t do these birds justice, you’ll have to see them yourself.

Not the best

I’d recommend bringing a spare pair of socks, mine got a little soggy when I slid off the giant outdoor bouncing pillow (not to mention my jeans too, but that was me being extra specially clumsy!).

Top tip

Prepare clothing wise. You won’t want any bare skin on show if you plan to ride the slides, and they also advise not wearing synthetic clothing, unless you want burns! And see the sock tip above.

If you really like The Milky Way and think you’ll come back, you can get an annual pass. As well as cheaper tickets you get discount on food and drink, and in the shop.