Ideas for days out and places to visit in Devon

Honiton Museum

Arts and crafts, History, Rainy day ideas

Allhallows Museum of Lace and Local Antiquities Honiton

Local heritage information and artefacts packed into the oldest building in Honiton, and the largest collection of Honiton Lace in the world

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honiton pottery shop

Arts and crafts, Rainy day ideas

Honiton Pottery

Paint ceramics or learn how to throw your own pot. Cafe serving hot drinks, snacks and delicious milk shakes and icecreams.

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Eating Out, Food and drink, Gardens

Combe Garden Centre

Garden centre and popular cafe on the edge of Honiton

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History

Upottery Heritage Centre

Original Photographic Archive Documenting the major role this historic airfield played during the night of June 5th and the D-Day operation on June 6th 1944 and the Bravery of the men who flew from here. All housed within part of the original 439th Troop Carrier Group HQ Officers’ Complex and original Nissen Hut.

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Wildlife - Bee at Forest Glade

Eating Out, Gardens, Natural beauty, Wildlife

Blackbury Honey Farm

A family-run honey farm with cafe, gardens and beekeeping courses

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seagulls plymouth national marine aquarium at Forest Glade

Coast, Family days out, Wildlife

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium (NMA) is the UK’s largest aquarium, located in Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth. It is part of the Ocean Conservation Trust.

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fairground holidays for children fairground at Forest Glade

Family days out, History

Dingles Fairground Museum

Fairground rides and more. Home to the National Fairground Collection and the Fairground Heritage Trust

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Dunkeswell

Activity, History, Local attractions

Dunkeswell Airfield Heritage Centre

A unique photographic Archive of life on the only WW2 US Naval Air Base in Europe.

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st nicholas priory

Activity, History, Local attractions, Rainy day ideas

St Nicholas Priory

Exeter’s oldest building: where heritage, culture and creativity meet.

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seaton nature reserve

Activity, Coast, Family days out, Free activities, Natural beauty, Walking

Seaton Wetlands

Explore the beautiful marshland made up of three nature reserves at Seaton Wetlands

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Displays at Axminster Heritage Centre

Activity, History, Local attractions

Axminster Heritage Centre

The Axminster story - celebrating carpets, crafts and skills.

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topsham museum

History, Local attractions

Topsham Museum

Housed in a late 17th-century building overlooking the Exe Estuary, with focus on Topsham’s maritime history.

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museum of somerset in taunton

Family days out, Free activities, History, Local attractions

Museum of Somerset

Set in part of an original castle, uncover centuries of local and military history.

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sidmouth toy museum

Family days out, History, Local attractions

Sidmouth Toy & Model Museum

A unique collection of vintage and more recent toys and models in an old church.

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sidmouth museum

History, Local attractions

Sidmouth Museum

The history of Sidmouth and the surrounding area with many displays in galleries and rooms over two floors.

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axe valley museum

Activity, History, Local attractions, Rainy day ideas

Axe Valley Heritage Museum

The museum concentrates on the lower Axe Valley and also includes the adjacent villages of Beer, Axmouth, Branscombe, Colyton and Colyford.

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sidmouth blue plaque

Coast, Family days out, Free activities, History

Sidmouth Blue Plaques Walk

Explore this regency seaside town with it's varied history through a total of 32 blue plaques around the town.

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exeter castle

Family days out, Free activities, History, Walking

Exeter’s City Wall

Discover Exeter's city wall, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

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child on quadbike activities at Forest Glade

Activity, Family days out

Quad World

The number one family quad-biking experience in the UK based near Exeter.

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Dawlish Warren

Activity, Coast, Family days out, Free activities, Natural beauty, Walking, Wildlife

Dawlish Warren

Something for everyone - beach, nature reserve, golf, walks, amusements and rides

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royal albert memorial museum in exeter

Family days out, History, Local attractions

Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter

Exeter's world-class museum, with stunning displays and galleries.

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Grand Western Canal

Cycling, Family days out, Fishing, Walking, Wildlife

Grand Western Canal Country Park

Horse drawn barge trips, cafés, canal themed play park, visitor centre, boat hire, gift shop, picnic sites.

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sheppy's cider farm

Food and drink

Sheppy’s House of Cider

200 years of cider making history. Orchard walks, tours and tastings. Farm shop and cafe. Heritage museum.

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Tiverton Museum - Things to do

Activity, Family days out, History, Local attractions

Tiverton Museum of Mid-Devon Life

Explore the museum’s large, outstanding collections and trace the fascinating history of Mid Devon.

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Hembury fort - Things to do

Family days out, History, Local attractions, Natural beauty

Hembury Fort

Hembury Hillfort, an ancient East Devon landmark close to the town of Honiton.

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Bear Trail - Things to do

Activity, Family days out

The Bear Trail, Cullompton

Award-winning adventure assault course for all the family!

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thelma hulbert gallery

Arts and crafts, Family days out, Local attractions

The Thelma Hulbert Gallery

Situated in Honiton, the gallery occupies the whole of Elmfield House, the former home of the artist Thelma Hulbert. Admission is free.

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Ark Pottery

Arts and crafts

Ark Pottery

Ark Pottery is a studio pottery, set in the beautiful countryside of East Devon, established in the 1970s by the Glanville family.

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The Old Kennels

Arts and crafts

The Old Kennels

A quiet rural retreat where you can learn or improve traditional arts and crafts.

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Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre

Activity, Arts and crafts, History, Natural beauty

Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre

Withies in the Somerset Levels, basketwork, visitors' centre, willow sculptures and more.

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Goodiford Mill Fishery

Fishing

Goodiford Mill

15 acres of countryside with a specimen carp lake, silver fish lake and exceptional coarse fishing.

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Forest walks at Forest Glade

Cycling, Natural beauty

Local cycling routes

Cycling routes in our area, on the Blackdown Hills.

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Countryside walking valley of the goats

Natural beauty, Walking, Wildlife

Wild Walks – Devon Wildlife Trust

Enjoy beautiful landscapes and local wildlife.

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Sidmouth Market in Devon

Food and drink

Farmers Markets

There are regular farmers markets locally – details are available from our Tourist Information Room.

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otter ales at Forest Glade

Food and drink

Otter Brewery

We stock this locally-brewed, hand-crafted, award-winning ale in our shop

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Tricky Cider

Food and drink

Tricky Cider

Made on the Blackdown Hills and stocked in our shop. Cider tasting, talks & short tours, pre-booking is recommended.

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Pebblebed Vineyard

Food and drink, Natural beauty

Pebblebed Vineyard

Topsham - English wine tasting and vineyard tours.

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Southern Cross, Newton Poppleford

Food and drink

Southern Cross, Newton Poppleford

Tea room with cream teas and homemade cakes.

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old well tea rooms

Food and drink, Gardens, Local attractions

The Old Well

Garden centre near Sampford Peverell, with cafe and restaurant.

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Things to do - The Aviator, Dunkeswell

Food and drink

The Aviator, Dunkeswell Airfield

Open 9am to 11pm. Bar, restaurant and café. Breakfasts, meals & snacks, cream teas, Sunday carvery. Airfield viewing area. Tel. 01404 891226.

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The Six Bells Inn

Eating Out, Food and drink

The Six Bells Inn, Payhembury

The Six Bells Inn stands at the centre of Payhembury Village and offers a warm welcome.

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The Drewe Arms, Broadhembury

Eating Out, Food and drink

The Drewe Arms, Broadhembury

Seafood a speciality. Tel: 01404 841267.

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The Otter Inn, Weston

Eating Out, Food and drink

The Otter Inn, Weston

nr. Honiton. Children welcome. Beer garden. Tel. 01404 42594.

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Blacksmiths Arms, Plymtree

Eating Out, Food and drink

Blacksmiths Arms, Plymtree

Traditional village pub – home cooked food, garden. Children welcome (but no highchairs).

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the keepers cottage, kentisbeare

Eating Out, Food and drink

Keepers Cottage, Kentisbeare

On Cullompton road. Bar food and restaurant. Tel: 01884 266247

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Hestercombe Gardens

Gardens

Hestercombe Gardens

Paradise restored, near Taunton, offers four centuries of garden design across fifty acres.

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burrow farm gardens

Gardens

Burrow Farm Gardens

13 acres of gardens, situated in the idyllic countryside between Axminster & Honiton.

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Wyndham Arms Kentisbeare

Eating Out, Food and drink

Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare

Traditional village pub - Whitbread Ales, pub food. Children welcome. Tel. 01884 266327

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Things to do -Off-road mountain biking at Plym Bridge Woods, Devon

Activity, Cycling, Natural beauty

Cycling

Local Cycle Routes. The Blackdown Hills website has details of cycling routes near the park.

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Things to do - Dartmoor roadblock

Activity

Horse riding

Our nearest riding stables are just 1.5 miles away in Sheldon. Please ask at Reception for details.

golf club with ball

Activity

Golf

There are several local golf courses, the nearest being Padbrook Park at Cullompton. There are also courses in Honiton, Sidmouth, and Tiverton and a driving range near Sidmouth.

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Things to do - The Aviator, Dunkeswell

Activity

Skydiving

A great way to raise money for charity, or as an alternative birthday or anniversary present! Skydive UK are one of the country's leading Skydiving schools. They are up on Dunkeswell Airfield.

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Things to do - The Aviator, Dunkeswell

Activity

Devon and Somerset Gliding Club

At North Hill is just the other side of the forest from the park and you can book a trial flight.

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morwellham quay

Activity, Family days out, History, Local attractions

Morwellham Quay

An historic river port, where history comes to life on the edge of the river Tamar.

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bygones torquay

Family days out, History, Local attractions, Rainy day ideas

Bygones

Bringing the past alive - objects related to railways and history in Torquay.

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beer quarry caves

Activity, Family days out, History

Beer Quarry Caves

Near the beautiful Jurassic coast, tour the vast underground caverns created by the quarrying of Beer stone.

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Maltings Taphouse

Food and drink, History

The Maltings Taphouse

Over 70 traditional local beers and over 100 craft beers from the UK and across the world can be enjoyed in a room which was part of one of the last working malthouses.

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Exeter Cathedral

History, Local attractions

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is one of the greatest cathedrals in England and one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere.

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Things to do - Castle Drogo Devon - North west corner

Family days out, Gardens, History, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Walking

Castle Drogo

The last castle to be built in England and set above the stunning Teign gorge.

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Things to do - Exe Estuary at A la Ronde

Coast, Gardens, History, Local attractions, Natural beauty

A La Ronde

Near the sandy beaches of Exmouth. A unique 16-sided house with interesting contents.

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Things to do in Devon - Autumn at Knighthayes

Activity, Family days out, Gardens, History, Local attractions, Natural beauty

Knightshayes

A fascinating Victorian country house, nearby, with beautiful gardens and a working kitchen garden.

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Things to do - Killerton Devon

Family days out, Gardens, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Walking

Killerton House

Our nearest National Trust property with a lovely park and annual costume exhibition.

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Uffculme River Beach - Things to do

History

Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme

A 200 year old spinning mill still producing worsted knitting yarn, with occasional 'steam up' days.

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Cullumpton cloth trail

History

Cullompton Cloth Trail

There is a long history of cloth and clothing production in settlements and mills using water power along the Culm.

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Things to do in Devon - Wolford Chapel

History

Wolford Chapel, Dunkeswell

A little piece of Canada in the middle of Devon.

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Wildlife - Buzzard at Forest Glade

Activity, Family days out, Local attractions, Wildlife

Yarak Birds of Prey

Yarak Falconry Centre, 'For the ultimate, hands-on experience'.

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Things to do - Jurassic Coast

Coast, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Walking

The Jurassic Coast

A unique world heritage site on our doorstep, named after the best known of the geological periods found within it, but spanning 185 million years.

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Things to do in Devon - Culm Valley

Cycling, Family days out, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Walking

Blackdown Hills

We are on the edge of this AONB. Find out why it is so special.

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Things to do - Exmoor Coastline

Coast, Cycling, Family days out, Local attractions, Natural beauty

Exmoor

National park with moorland, pretty villages and a stunning coastline.

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Things to do - Cadover Bridge, Upper Plym Valley, Dartmoor

Cycling, Family days out, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Walking

Dartmoor

National Park famed for its tors and valleys, wild ponies and panoramic views.

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war horse valley country park

History, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Wildlife

War Horse Valley Country Farm Park

War Horse Valley Country Farm Park. Visit the place that inspired Michael Morpurgo to write 'War Horse'.

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stock car smeathorpe

Activity, Family days out, Local attractions

Stock car and banger racing at Smeatharpe

Stock car and banger racing at Smeatharpe.

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River Exe

Activity, Coast, Family days out, Natural beauty

Stuart Line Cruises

Cruises on the River Exe, along the Jurassic Coast and Round Robin trips via boat and train.

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world of country life

Family days out, Local attractions, Wildlife

World of Country Life

Animals, play areas and entertainment, both outdoors and under cover. Great family fun.

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Guinea Pig Fishing Axminster Wildlife Park

Family days out, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Wildlife

Axe Valley Wildlife Park

A small, friendly zoo - an excellent day out for families.

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Seaton Tramway

Family days out, History, Local attractions

Seaton Tramway

Discover East Devon’s glorious Axe valley from the top of a heritage tram.

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pecorma

Activity, Family days out, Local attractions

Pecorama

Railways, gardens, play areas, crazy golf.

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dropslide at wildwood escot

Activity, Family days out, Local attractions, Walking

Wildwood Escot

Amazing animals and birds, maze, outdoor adventure play, drop-slide and authentic Saxon Village.

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diggerland

Activity, Family days out, Local attractions

Diggerland

Drive diggers and much more.

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Cycling - Things to do

Cycling, Natural beauty, Walking

Abbotshood Cycle Hire

On the Grand Western Canal near Tiverton and hire out bikes for adults and children. Delivery to park.

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Fishing, Food and drink

Hollies Trout Farm

Open all year round from dawn to dusk offering fresh fish, gourmet fish products and most importantly superb fly fishing.

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Family days out, Local attractions

Crealy Adventure Park

All weather action and adventure park.

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Bicton Palm House

Activity, Family days out, Gardens, Local attractions, Natural beauty

Bicton Park

Indoor and outdoor play areas, train rides, botanical gardens.

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There are so many things to do in Devon and Forest Glade is an ideal centre for a holiday in the countryside, touring the West Country or exploring rural Devon.  Whether you’re looking for places to explore, beaches, family attractions, moorland or somewhere historic Devon has much to offer.

Numerous lanes, little changed over the years, wind their way through the beautiful countryside.  You will see why the Blackdown Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For those who wish to leave their cars behind there are some lovely walks to choose from, both in the forest and out into the surrounding countryside, with views across the Culm Valley towards Exmoor, Dartmoor and the East Devon coast.

Because of its unique position Forest Glade guests have easy access to the whole of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, including Exmouth with its two miles of sandy beaches to Lyme Regis with its famous harbour.  North Devon, Barnstaple and Minehead are within easy reach, as is South Devon, Somerset and parts of Cornwall.

Use the filter buttons below to search for attractions which are of interest to you and access the links to get more information about the attractions.

The Devon’s Top Attractions website has also has lots of ideas for things to do in Devon.