Stunning Scenery: Devon’s coast, countryside, moors and inland waters
Devon’s stunning scenery has inspired painters and writers throughout the years. One of the main reasons people are drawn to holiday in Devon is its coastline and beaches. We have some of the most beautiful, dramatic and historic coastline in the world. From the185 million year-old Jurassic Coast, to the wilder surfing beaches of North Devon, the pebbles of Branscombe to the sweeping sands of Exmouth, you’re sure to find a coastal spot by the sea that suits you. Read about our favourite local beaches.
If you’d like to avoid the crowds, there’s more to Devon than sand and surf. Find out about our inland waters, from magnificent waterfalls to tranquil lakes or our nearest canal.
Forest Glade is situated on the edge of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its plentiful walking and cycling opportunities. We’re also just a stone’s throw away from 100 miles of stunning countryside in the East Devon AONB, a landscape which, as their website explains was 250 million years in the making. Speaking of historic landscapes, we think you’ll be in awe of our two National Parks: Exmoor and Dartmoor. If you’re longing for a bit of wilderness, then the upper tors of Dartmoor will appeal, with its Bronze Age settlements, or choose a hike through softer greens and valleys of Exmoor. Find out more about the coast, moors and AONBs.
Nature and Animals
Wildlife thrives in the wood and moorland around Forest Glade. We wake up every day to birdsong and we’ll soon be looking out for the burgeoning signs of spring. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot a deer in the forest, or hear one of our resident nightjars – with their froglike ‘croak’, as described in our Big Garden Birdwatch blog.
If you’re keen to see animals that are rather more enclosed than those near the park, then why not make a visit to one of our nearest zoos and wildlife parks?
History
As you’ll have gathered, history is part of the landscape around here. If you want to get ‘right in the middle’ of an ancient iron age settlement, then you can find a number of hill forts in the area, all open to the public. Don’t expect castle walls, but you’ll see from the views at each site that they were once perfect look-outs for local tribes and rulers.
The National Trust maintains two exceptional historic houses in the area. Victorian country house at Knightshayes and the C18th property at Killerton. Each have beautiful designed gardens and surrounding parkland to survey. (Plant-lovers will find a wealth of other gardens nearby too).
More urban history is accessible in Exeter and Plymouth, our two nearest cities. Exeter has a strong Roman influence, with parts of the original Roman wall still being visible and Plymouth of course has its infamous sea-faring ancestry.
Coastal and Countryside Towns
We recently took a tour of our favourite local towns. Each one is a great day out and there’s a real variety to choose from – find out about Beer, Exmouth and Seaton. We’ve also previously featured our marvellous nearby markets and local museums. Some of these are perfect for rainy days.
Food and Drink
With rich pasture and plenty of fishing, we think you’d struggle to find better local produce than what’s on offer in the county: you can really make your stay a gourmet getaway, or for a simple supper by the sea, you can’t go wrong with fish and chips. On your behalf, we sampled a range of local delicacies (poor us!) Let us know about your favourites: ice cream, cider or perhaps Devon ruby beef?
Family Days Out
Making memories is a part of what makes family holidays so special. Nearby favourites include the Donkey Sanctuary and Pecorama, but there really are dozens of other attractions on the doorstep, many of them completely cost-free.
Devon’s Climate
Finally, we can’t talk about reasons to visit the county without mentioning the weather! Whilst we can’t promise it won’t rain when you visit us, the South West is well-known for its mild climate. Even winters tends to be quite temperate, with our summers rivalling those of some European seaside destinations. If you’d like to see the climate averages for our area, you can go to the Met Office website and type in “Dunkeswell Aerodrome” (our nearest weather station).
Please note: All the blogs featured above were correct to the best of our knowledge at time of publishing. Due to Covid and for other reasons, things may have changed since writing. Please always double-check availability and opening times of each attraction before visiting to avoid disappointment.