Ideas for the Best Things to Do in Devon

Ideas for the Best Things to Do In Devon

There are lots of fantastic days out near Andrewshayes Holiday Park in East Devon. Enjoy being outside with days on the beach, countryside walks, National Trust gardens and tourist attractions to explore.

We know that this year will be slightly different than normal. Thankfully rules have relaxed from mid May which means many more indoor places will now also be open.

We have devised a list to make your holiday jam packed with something for everyone to enjoy.  We already have a great post HERE with some of our favourite Family Days Out in East Devon listed which we have updated.

Read on to find out more about our favourite places to visit in Devon. 

Please double check dates, opening and booking details with each location to avoid disappointment due to the current situation. 

National Trust in Devon

There are some lovely NT properties around us such as Killerton House, Knightshayes and Mapperton House, within a 45 minute drive from the park. Most sites fully reopened mid May so why not explore these beautiful houses and their gardens. Booking is essential via the National trust website.

Just a little further from Andrewshayes on Dartmoor is the recently restored Castle Drogo. If you are keen on walking there is a beautiful and popular circular walk to and from Castle Drogo to Fingle Bridge.

Finally if you are NT members you can take advantage of free parking at various locations for a walk. Our favourites with stunning views are Stonebarrow which is up on the cliffs over looking Charmouth and Langdon Woods which is a lovely woodland walk with access to Golden Cap. 

Beer Village

Beer is a beautiful little seaside village and not to be missed. Set in a small bay it’s a lovely place to wander and relax in a deck chair on the beach. There is a seasonal cafe on the beach as well. Fishing boats are moored right on the beach and surrounded by nets and lobster pots.

It’s a short walk to Seaton along the coast path though the gardens,  or for the more energetic head out across the cliffs to Branscombe

View the coastline from a different angle or fish for your tea by hiring a self drive boat and fishing in Beer. We love a trip in one of these the little boats with an outboard motor. Located on Beer beach, please call Simon on 07773923120 for bookings and enquiries.

If you don’t fancy trying to catch your own fish you can buy fresh fish from the shop near the beach. 

Stuart Line Cruises

For a relaxing day Stuart Line Cruises are located in Exmouth and offer a variety of boat trips along the Jurassic coast and the stunning river Exe.

Have a look at their website for full details of all cruises which are very popular. You can also depart from Sidmouth for some services. 

Exmouth is a popular seaside town with a long sandy beach and new a development on the seafront.

Visit Exeter

The lovely Cathedral city of Exeter has a lot to offer for a day out. It’s a city steeped in history. Once a fortress city of the Roman’s there are remains of the city walls to be seen, as well a Tudor buildings mixed among modern office blocks and the stunning Gothic cathedral. 

The River Exe runs through the city and a lovely quayside area has been created with shops and cafes as well as a chance to canoe or paddle down the river or the canal. 

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) is a popular free attraction, a sort of mini version of the Natural History Museum.

If you are not sure about driving you can take the train from Axminster to Exeter Central for a more relaxing day trip.  

Free days Out in Devon

The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth

Home to hundreds of donkeys this is free to visit and is a great place to spend a few hours, enjoy scenic walks. Enjoy an easy walk around the centre of head off down the hill to the woodland and the beach at Weston Beach and back via the South West coast Path,

The Donkey Sanctuary has reopened after being closed for most of last year. It has a restaurant, gift shop and indoor information area there is also an outdoor play area and a maze.

Dartmoor – Moor Otter Trail

Dartmoor is about an hour’s drive from the park but is worth a visit during your stay in Devon.

This year you can once again take part in the Moor Otter Trail from 28th May. Download a map and set of in search of  some of the 81 painted ceramic Otters located around this beautiful National Park.

Take a picnic and enjoy this large open space with Tors to climb or rivers to swim in. Dartmoor never ceases to amaze us. One of our favourites and easy to access is Hound Tor near Bovey Tracey.

Click HERE for details

Adventure Play parks in East Devon

Seaton

Nearby Seaton has a fun Jurassic themed park which is popular with local families. There is also a Pitch and Put in Seaton at Jubilee Gardens

Exmouth

If you head to Exmouth for a day out, on the seafront in Queens Drive Space there’s a Dinosaur themed park with plenty of takeaway stalls located in the same area.

There is also a miniature railway running along the seafront and a new development of cafes and bars. On a rainy day the Ocean Centre has soft play and indoor bowling.

West Bay

West Bay is the other direction in Dorset. It has a wooden themed park with some unusual play equipment which is a lot of fun. If you are Broadchurch fans then explore West Bay and the locations used for filming this hit TV series. Also popular in West Bay are the antique and bric a brac shops as well as some of the best fish and chips. 

Enjoy Your Days Out in East Devon

Our information room is packed full of leaflets for days out in East Devon and beyond. If you are on the park please do ask in reception for any more ideas or special requests.