Best Family days out in East Devon
Once again, another season at Andrewshayes is on the horizon. We are looking forward to some gorgeous spring days and balmy summer evenings where we can welcome you to enjoy the best Devon has to offer.
When looking for a location for your next family holiday, we know that a good choice of things to do is important. Here at Andrewshayes you can enjoy relaxing days at the beach – it’s only 15 minutes drive to Lyme Regis or Seaton on the Jurassic Coast. Wander around the local market towns or visit the cathedral city of Exeter. We are lucky to have a choice of really lovely attractions nearby for family days out in East Devon, so you don’t need to travel far for great family days out. After a busy day out, you can relax on the park and make use of the free swimming pool.
Here’s our top pick of great family attractions in East Devon.
On holiday it’s great to treat the family to days out and East Devon has a good offering of varied family attractions. If you are looking for more information on beaches you can find lots of helpful information HERE.
Distance from Andrewshayes shown next to each attraction.
Seaton Tramway – 6 miles
Starting at either Seaton or Colyton take a three-mile tram ride through the lovely Axe Estuary Nature Reserve with views of the abundant wading bird life on the river. This popular attraction is a great way to relax and enjoy the East Devon countryside. Special family themed days are often run.
There is a popular café at the station in Colyford, perfect for a cream tea before your return journey! Dogs can travel on the lower deck making it a great family day out.
Seaton Nature Reserve is also a lovely place for a walk around to spot birds closer up. It’s a short drive from Seaton town.
Also nearby is a good adventure play area. It is a short walk to Seaton Seafront or the varied independent shops of Seaton Town. The Tourist Information Centre is on Harbour Road.
Pecorama (Beer) – 8 miles
Spend time in awe at the excellent model railways and their amazing attention to detail. Outside enjoy a ride on the the quaint Beer heights light railway. This mile-long ride on a miniature train circles round the site with breath taking views of Lyme Bay. Request a stop off at the Wildway for a walk in the woods and explore the small lake.
A series of attractive themed gardens make Pecorama lovely place to walk around and there are fun outdoor play areas. Note, the indoor play area has been removed.
Look out for family days and special attractions such as classic car shows. Café on site. Dogs welcome.
Wildwood Escot – 10 miles
Lose yourself in the Beech Maze, spot the red squirrels or the join in at otter feeding time. Walk the many woodland paths to spot the wolves and other native wild animals.
Children will enjoy the adventure play equipment in the woods, challenge them to the Forest Leap drop slide. In the summer you can watch the falconry display. Follow the paths around the wetland area and have fun in the Saxon Village. With younger children take shelter in the indoor play barn. A great day out for active families who enjoy wildlife. No dogs allowed due to the wildlife.
Axe Valley Wildlife Park – 2 miles
This quaint wildlife park prides itself on being child friendly and is especially suited to primary aged children. Enjoy learning about lemurs, meerkats, wallabies, watch the chipmunks play and see larger animals such as zebras and deer.
Wild birds wander free range, spot ornamental ducks and geese with exotic birds such as flamingos, cranes, kookaburras and parrots. You can buy bird food to feed the birds. No dogs allowed.
Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary – 8 miles
Home to over 500 rescued donkeys, this charity’s site is a popular free to enter attraction near Sidmouth. Wander around the extensive grounds and learn more about the different donkeys. Find out about the founder of the charity and the work it does all over the world in the information centre. Get close up to the donkeys in the barn or try the complicated maze.
Lovely lunches and refreshments are available in the large café. There is no charge to walk round although donations are welcome, or treat yourself or buy some presents in the fabulous gift shop. Dogs on leads welcome. Look out for seasonal themed children’s trails. CLICK HERE for photos.
Bicton Park and Gardens – 15 miles
A lovely landscaped park with formal gardens and lots of other areas to explore. There are historic glasshouses and a countryside museum. The Woodland Railway train ride travels around the park. Get your bearings then set of to explore following the nature trail.
There’s mini golf, indoor and outdoor children’s play complexes, restaurant and shop. Extra charges apply. Dogs on leads
World of Country Life -18 miles
A really popular day out with heaps of indoor and outdoor entertainment for all ages. Children can enjoy indoor and outdoor adventure play grounds with slides, trampolines and a giant pirate ship.
Take part in lamb and calf feeding, goat walking and the go on the deer safari to see deer and llamas close up. There is a large vintage vehicle display and you can spend time in the Exhibition Hall with it’s fascinating snapshot of rural life, nostalgia, memorabilia, and times gone by.
Overall a great multi-generational day out. No dogs. CLICK HERE for more photos.
Powderham Castle – 22 miles
A beautiful castle overlooking the Exe Estuary near Exeter. Tour the castle which has been the family home of the Courtenay family for 600 years. Enjoy the formal rose garden and explore the extensive grounds. At certain times of year you can take a Deer Safari on a tractor and trailer ride.
The Walled Garden houses a Victorian Glasshouse, Pets Corner and the Courtenay Fort, fun for all ages. Dogs welcomes (some areas are restricted).
Crealy Adventure Park -17 miles
All-weather adventure park with plenty of rides set over 100 acres. Rides designed for different age groups make this a fun day for all ages.
There are also farm animals, outdoor and indoor play areas with plenty for the tiny tots too. There are woods to explore with wobbly bridges and a small lake. Look out for themed events and special seasonal entertainment.
This is one of the more expensive family days out but you can easily spend a full day here and often your ticket allows a return visit within 7 days
The Bear Trail in Cullompton – 15 miles
This is definitely a family favourite, and extremely popular so we advise you book in advance. A fun muddy assault course with 30 obstacles for all ages set in 10 acres. A takeaway café is also on site.
Best Family Days Out in East Devon
We are sure that you will be able to choose from these excellent family days out in East Devon. Our well stocked information room has leaflets on all these attractions and many more. We encourage our customers to stay as local as possible and there is no doubt we are lucky to have these fabulous well run attractions nearby.
Some places do not allow dogs, so please ask about our dog sitting service (available during school holidays and weekends) if you fancy a day out at one of the locations that does not allow dogs. Here are a few that we know do.
We have also listed all our local beaches and their features HERE that you may enjoy researching.
Finally we are partnered with East Devon Excellence, where you will find more details about some of theses days out and lovely places to eat in the area.