Ideas for days out and places to visit in Devon
Activity, Preschoolers, Rainy day ideas
Bear Town
Indoor role play for 1-7 year olds. Learning through play. Booked sessions only.
Activity, Arts and crafts, Free activities, Preschoolers, Rainy day ideas
House of Marbles
Free parking and free entry. Glass blowing, marble runs, museum, restaurant, shop.
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
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.
Eating Out, Food and drink, Gardens
Combe Garden Centre
Garden centre and popular cafe on the edge of Honiton
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.
Eating Out, Gardens, Natural beauty, Wildlife
Blackbury Honey Farm
A family-run honey farm with cafe, gardens and beekeeping courses
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.
Activity, History, Local attractions
Dunkeswell Airfield Heritage Centre
A unique photographic Archive of life on the only WW2 US Naval Air Base in Europe.
Activity, History, Local attractions, Rainy day ideas
St Nicholas Priory
Exeter’s oldest building: where heritage, culture and creativity meet.
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
Activity, History, Local attractions
Axminster Heritage Centre
The Axminster story - celebrating carpets, crafts and skills.
History, Local attractions
Topsham Museum
Housed in a late 17th-century building overlooking the Exe Estuary, with focus on Topsham’s maritime history.
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.
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.
History, Local attractions
Sidmouth Museum
The history of Sidmouth and the surrounding area with many displays in galleries and rooms over two floors.
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.
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.
Family days out, Free activities, History, Walking
Exeter’s City Wall
Discover Exeter's city wall, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.
Activity, Family days out
Quad World
The number one family quad-biking experience in the UK based near Exeter.
Activity, Coast, Family days out, Free activities, Natural beauty, Walking, Wildlife
Dawlish Warren
Something for everyone - beach, nature reserve, golf, walks, amusements and rides
Family days out, History, Local attractions
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Exeter's world-class museum, with stunning displays and galleries.
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.
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.
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.
Family days out, History, Local attractions, Natural beauty
Hembury Fort
Hembury Hillfort, an ancient East Devon landmark close to the town of Honiton.
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.
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.
Arts and crafts
The Old Kennels
A quiet rural retreat where you can learn or improve traditional arts and crafts.
Activity, Arts and crafts, History, Natural beauty
Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre
Withies in the Somerset Levels, basketwork, visitors' centre, willow sculptures and more.
Fishing
Goodiford Mill
15 acres of countryside with a specimen carp lake, silver fish lake and exceptional coarse fishing.
Cycling, Natural beauty
Local cycling routes
Cycling routes in our area, on the Blackdown Hills.
Natural beauty, Walking, Wildlife
Wild Walks – Devon Wildlife Trust
Enjoy beautiful landscapes and local wildlife.
Food and drink
Farmers Markets
There are regular farmers markets locally – details are available from our Tourist Information Room.
Food and drink
Otter Brewery
We stock this locally-brewed, hand-crafted, award-winning ale in our shop
Food and drink
Tricky Cider
Made on the Blackdown Hills and stocked in our shop. Cider tasting, talks & short tours, pre-booking is recommended.
Food and drink, Natural beauty
Pebblebed Vineyard
Topsham - English wine tasting and vineyard tours.
Food and drink
Southern Cross, Newton Poppleford
Tea room with cream teas and homemade cakes.
Food and drink, Gardens, Local attractions
The Old Well
Garden centre near Sampford Peverell, with cafe and restaurant.
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.
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.
Eating Out, Food and drink
The Drewe Arms, Broadhembury
Seafood a speciality. Tel: 01404 841267.
Eating Out, Food and drink
The Otter Inn, Weston
nr. Honiton. Children welcome. Beer garden. Tel. 01404 42594.
Eating Out, Food and drink
Blacksmiths Arms, Plymtree
Traditional village pub – home cooked food, garden. Children welcome (but no highchairs).
Eating Out, Food and drink
Keepers Cottage, Kentisbeare
On Cullompton road. Bar food and restaurant. Tel: 01884 266247
Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens
Paradise restored, near Taunton, offers four centuries of garden design across fifty acres.
Gardens
Burrow Farm Gardens
13 acres of gardens, situated in the idyllic countryside between Axminster & Honiton.
Eating Out, Food and drink
Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare
Traditional village pub - Whitbread Ales, pub food. Children welcome. Tel. 01884 266327
Activity, Cycling, Natural beauty
Cycling
Local Cycle Routes. The Blackdown Hills website has details of cycling routes near the park.
Activity
Horse riding
Our nearest riding stables are just 1.5 miles away in Sheldon. Please ask at Reception for details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Family days out, History, Local attractions, Rainy day ideas
Bygones
Bringing the past alive - objects related to railways and history in Torquay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Coast, Gardens, History, Local attractions, Natural beauty
A La Ronde
Near the sandy beaches of Exmouth. A unique 16-sided house with interesting contents.
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.
Family days out, Gardens, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Walking
Killerton House
Our nearest National Trust property with a lovely park and annual costume exhibition.
History
Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme
A 200 year old spinning mill still producing worsted knitting yarn, with occasional 'steam up' days.
History
Cullompton Cloth Trail
There is a long history of cloth and clothing production in settlements and mills using water power along the Culm.
Activity, Family days out, Local attractions, Wildlife
Yarak Birds of Prey
Yarak Falconry Centre, 'For the ultimate, hands-on experience'.
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.
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.
Coast, Cycling, Family days out, Local attractions, Natural beauty
Exmoor
National park with moorland, pretty villages and a stunning coastline.
Cycling, Family days out, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Walking
Dartmoor
National Park famed for its tors and valleys, wild ponies and panoramic views.
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'.
Activity, Family days out, Local attractions
Stock car and banger racing at Smeatharpe
Stock car and banger racing at Smeatharpe.
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.
Family days out, Local attractions, Wildlife
World of Country Life
Animals, play areas and entertainment, both outdoors and under cover. Great family fun.
Family days out, Local attractions, Natural beauty, Wildlife
Axe Valley Wildlife Park
A small, friendly zoo - an excellent day out for families.
Family days out, History, Local attractions
Seaton Tramway
Discover East Devon’s glorious Axe valley from the top of a heritage tram.
Activity, Family days out, Local attractions
Pecorama
Railways, gardens, play areas, crazy golf.
Activity, Family days out, Local attractions, Walking
Wildwood Escot
Amazing animals and birds, maze, outdoor adventure play, drop-slide and authentic Saxon Village.
Activity, Family days out, Local attractions
Diggerland
Drive diggers and much more. 20 minutes drive from the park, Diggerland has 20 different rides and drives as well as other activities.
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.
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.
Family days out, Local attractions
Crealy Adventure Park
All weather action and adventure park.
Activity, Family days out, Gardens, Local attractions, Natural beauty
Bicton Park
Indoor and outdoor play areas, train rides, botanical gardens.
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.