Days Out
Within a short drive of our family friendly Devon holiday cottages there’s a multitude of things to see and do! We think of it as a mixed bag, with something for everyone because there are award-winning family attractions, beaches, museums and galleries, exciting activities, towns to browse, and miles and miles of glorious rolling countryside to explore.
Stonehayes Farm is tucked away in the hills, but just five minutes down the road is Honiton, an East Devon town famous for its associations with the lace making trade - Queen Victoria’s wedding dress was trimmed with Honiton lace. There are one-off shops, antique centres, an art gallery, good places to eat, and three times a week a market lines the wide High Street, bringing a lively atmosphere to the town.
Exeter isn’t far either, and it's such a lovely city! The shops range from big names to kooky independents, likewise the cafes, pubs and restaurants. Exeter Cathedral is a must, and if you have time, you should take a tour of the medieval Underground Passages and visit the RAM Museum where you can see an Egyptian mummy and meet Gerald the Giraffe. Down at the quayside you can take the kids to Clip n Climb and hire kayaks from Saddles and Paddles to wend your way along the tranquil Exe estuary to the Turf Locks for lunch.
One of the biggest attractions in the South West, Crealy Theme Park & Resort is only half an hour away, and with over 60 rides and attractions, is brilliant for a family day out. Closer still is Wildwood Escot where you can see the animals, ride the woodland zip wire, explore the maze and visit the Saxon village. There’s also Axe Valley Wildlife Park, which is great for younger children, and The Donkey Sanctuary, home to over 500 happy donks, a farm themed play area, nature walk and café.
For days by the sea, the Jurassic Coast is only around 30 minutes away, with a choice of bustling towns, quiet coastal villages and hidden coves. Branscombe is very picturesque and has a beach cafe, two pubs and a tea room, Beer is a peaceful fishing village where you can spuddle about in the rockpools, hire a self drive boat and see the underground caverns at Beer Quarry Caves. Or there's Sidmouth where the sandy Jacob’s Ladder Beach is great for families, and a little further is Exmouth, great for watersports and a visit to World of Country Life. Just over the Dorset border, Lyme Regis is famous for its historic harbour wall, known as The Cobb; right out the end there’s a little Marine Aquarium, and mackerel fishing trips; back in town play crazy golf, go to Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, have fish and chips on the beach.
If you have National Trust membership, Killerton House, Knightshayes and the quirky A La Ronde are nearby, at The Grand Western Canal in Tiverton, you can hire rowing boats or climb on board one of the few remaining horse-drawn barges left in the country for a leisurely ride along the waters. There really is so much to do round here - from clay shooting, paintballing and quad biking to go-karting, pony trekking and alpaca walking!¬ See the stars at The Norman Lockyer Observatory, cheer on the nags at Exeter Racecourse, or take a cruise along the coast with Stuart Line Cruises.
If you’re planning a walking holiday in Devon, you’ll love the spectacular countryside of the Blackdown Hills right here on our doorstep. Wander the footpaths, bridleways and winding lanes, climb to the top of Dumpdon Hill up behind Stonehayes Farm and you’ll be astounded at the far reaching views over the Otter Valley. Walk the East Devon Way or the South West Coast Path, if you fancy making a day of it, head off to Exmoor National Park and take in the rugged moors, the heather topped heaths and lush river valleys.
On the other hand, you needn’t go far at all because don’t forget, we have 15 acres here that’s all yours to wander as you wish; go and play, have picnics, take a stroll, lie in the sun; it’s your holiday, spend it your way, be happy.
All information correct at the time of writing