child friendly Archives

The Aviator Coffee Bar & Restaurant

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I love this cafe overlooking Dunkeswell Airfield and our children do too 🙂

If you can, get a seat by the window so you can watch the planes come and go and the parachutists landing!

With a friendly atmosphere and unpretentious cooking, it’s a fab and unusual place to get a bite to eat.

There’s seating inside and outside.

Food ranges from full English breakfasts, toasties, sausage and mash. On Sundays there’s a decent carvery.

The best time to see planes and skydivers is between 10am – 2pm (weather dependant).

Good place to combine with a walk in Hembury Fort.… Read more

Heron Farm Vineyard & Cafe

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Award winning vineyard with wonderful food and the cafe garden is really beautiful.

For children there’s a playground with lots of room to run around, plus a little fairy walk!

We’ve really enjoyed coming here for a treat.

Heron Farm also offers Vineyard tours & wine tasting.

Address: Heron Farm, Weston, Honiton, EX14 3NZ / google map

Phone: 01404 46208

Distance: 15mins

photo credit: Heron Farm

Swans Neck Circular Walk

This is a great walk with gorgeous views along the Grand Western Canal in Tiverton.

It’s mostly flat and nearly all of it is off road.

It’s a 2¼ mile circular route, that is great for both walking and cycling.

You can combine it with a cafe stop at Swans Neck Cafe, Halberton Court Farm Shop.

Free Parking:

Greenway car park, Halberton, Tiverton EX16 7AE
Closest to the Swans Neck Cafe at Halberton Court Farm Shop.

Tiverton Road Bridge car park, Tiverton EX16 7FG

Halberton Court Farm Shop, Halberton, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7AW
Only use this if also using their cafe or farm shop.… Read more

Crabbing

Crabbing is great fun and a classic seaside activity! The nearest places from here are Exmouth, Teignmouth & Axmouth

What you’ll need to go crabbing:

Crabbing Gear

Bucket: Bigger is better (as crabs don’t like being overcrowded). The current guideline suggests a maximum of ten crabs per bucket.
Crab line: This is basically a piece of string or fishing wire, bait and a weight that is heavy enough to keep the bait down.
Net: As soon as you get the crab out of the water, it will try to jump off! The net helps to get the crab from your line and into the bucket.

Ten Pin Bowling

If you fancy Ten Pin Bowling you can head to Exeter City or Exmouth Beach Front.

Exmouth

On the Beach front, Ocean Exmouth has Ten Pin Bowling, plus a huge softplay area and SEGA arcade.

You can watch the ocean and kite surfers from the Ocean Deck Cafe

Address: Ocean Exmouth, Queens Drive, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 2AY | google map

Distance: 35min drive / 23 miles

Parking: no onsite parking
Really close by – Esplanade On Street parking, Devon County Council, EX8 2AY
A little walk away – Queens Drive Car Park, East Devon District Council Pay and Display, EX8 2AY
A bit more of a walk away – Maer Road Car park, East Devon District Council, Pay and Display, EX8 2DB

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Exeter

In Exeter City Quay a few roads back from the River Exe.… Read more

South Devon Railway Steam Train

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Train enthusiasts will love this Steam Train experience!

South Devon Railway is a former Great Western Railway branch line. The 14mile round trip runs along the the beautiful Dart valley, Buckfastleigh and Totnes. With an option to stop off at each town to explore.

They pride themselves on giving an authentic heritage experience with historic stations and the vintage restored train carriages.

And often have special events on their trains such as ‘Mad Hatters Travelling Tea Party’ or ‘Polar Express’ which tend to combine entry to the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm & Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies.

Their dining train offers sunday lunch and afternoon tea on specific dates each month.… Read more

Clip ‘n Climb Exeter

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Great fun especially for a rainy day or to help children burn off excess energy!

There are 26 different climbs and no experience is necessary. And the variety of climbing walls caters for different abilities.

Great reviews of this climbing centre.

Minimum age of 4yrs old.

And the Leap of Faith (considered their ultimate challenge) has minimum height of 120cm.

There is an auto belay system which makes climbing much easier.

Best to book in advance

Address: The Quay Climbing Centre, Haven Rd, Exeter EX2 8AX / google map

Telephone: 01392 422 559

Distance: 30mins drive / 22miles

Parking: The centre does not have its own car park. … Read more

Keepers Cottage Pub Cullompton | photo credit: Alison Day on flickr

Keepers Cottage Inn

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Great traditional pub with local ales & large portions!

Address: Kentisbeare, Cullompton, Devon EX15 2EB

Distance: 5min drive / 30min walk

photo credit: flickr by Alison Day

Bridwell Park & The Orangery Cafe

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This is a gorgeous cafe to visit. Set in the grounds of Bridwell Park, there are stunning views over their grounds and if coming with children you can head down to the lake to explore.

Some description from their website:

“The Orangery Cafe and Estate Parkland is typically open daily welcoming visitors between the hours of 10am and 4pm – unless published otherwise.

Hidden from public gaze for over 240 years, the Devon home of Lord Ivar Mountbatten and James Coyle opened its’ doors to events for the very first time in January 2015.

The Orangery Cafe offers a small but perfectly formed seasonal menu, a delightful edit of hand made gifts, artisan goodies and produce, along with a relaxed bar drinks collection – all set within tranquil, spacious, charming surrounds.… Read more

Greendale Farm Shop

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Very large farm shop (including fresh fish) and a great cafe.

The added bonus here is that it’s an easy pull in stop with children. There’s a playground plus various old tractors that children love to play on! Lot’s of farm animals too.

Address: Greendale Farm Shop, Sidmouth Rd, Farringdon, Exeter EX5 2JU

Distance: 25min drive

photo credit: flickr by Fordson Major

Wildwood Escot

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Lot’s to see & do here.

There’s an authentic Saxon Village, amazing animals (including wolfs & bears), a huge maze, outdoor Adventure Play, indoor Soft Play, Traversing Walls, and a truly heart-stopping Drop-Slide (that I am way too scared off!).

*** May need to book tickets in advance.***

Address: Wildwood Escot, Ottery Saint Mary EX11 1LU

Distance: 15min drive

photo credit: flickr by Alison Day

Killerton House National Trust

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An 18th-century family home with a large estate. Landscaped gardens surrounded by parkland.

There’s also the Stables coffee shop, Killerton Kitchen café, second-hand bookshop, and plant centre.

Address: Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE

Distance: 20min drive

photo credit: flickr by Steve Knight

Swans Neck Cafe, Halberton Court

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This is a great place if you want to combine a walk and a cafe.

You can do the Swans Neck Circular Walk along Tiverton Canal (really pretty).

Then stop off in their cafe which has indoor and lots of outdoor seating & is very child friendly.

It’s next door to their farm shop if you’re wanting to get food supplies.

Serving food between 9am – 2.30pm.

Lot’s of parking (although can get busy in peak seasons).

Address: Swans Neck Cafe, Halberton Court Farm Shop, High Street, Halberton, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7AW / google map

Distance: 15mins

photo credit: Swans Neck Cafe website

Knightshayes Gardens National Trust

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Beautiful National Trust house and gardens. It’s on the way to Tiverton and lovely for a day out 🙂

Address: Knightshayes, Bolham, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7RQ

Distance: 30min drive

photo credit: flickr by Kerry Garrett

The Drewe Arms, Broadhembury

A cosy, family-run pub in the beautiful thatched village of Broadhembury.

They take pride in there food and whilst the portions aren’t huge, they are rich and very filling. Where possible they use ingredients grown in their garden or local produce.

Decent sized garden with lots of tables.

Address: The Drewe Arms, Broadhembury, Honiton, EX14 3NF

Phone: 01404 841267

Distance: 5min drive / 35min walk

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Walk to the Drew Arms

Within walking distance from Weavers Yurt (here’s a walking route – google map )

Walking Route – Google Map

photo credit: Raenef on flickr

Seaton Tramway

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There’s something fun about riding on these narrow heritage trams. You go through 3 miles of unspoilt countryside along the beautiful Axe Valley estuary and through two nature reserves.

I’d recommend starting in Colyton (where you can find free parking) and then spend some time in Seaton where there’s a lot more option to eat, plus a beach, before catching the tram back.

PS/ it is often windy on the tram (bring a jumper!).

Address: Seaton Tramway, Harbour Rd, Seaton EX12 2WD

Parking: see their website for various parking options

Starts from Seaton & Colyton:

Colyton: Station Rd, Kingsdon Hill, Colyton EX24 6HA

Distance: 35min drive

photo credit: on flickr by Mike McBey

Queens Drive Space Jurassic children's playground, exmouth beach. 30min drive from Weavers Yurt Glamping | photo credit Manpal Ghataura

Queen’s Drive Space Playground

FREE – This Jurassic themed children’s playground is great. It’s on the sea front so good one to combine with an Exmouth Beach trip.

There’s a seating area, food stalls and a bar (tourist season only) – but loads of other places to get food when these food stalls are closed.

There’s a car park next to it – or loads of parking along the seafront.

Address: Queen’s Drive Space, Exmouth EX8 2AH / google map

Distance: 30min drive

photo credit: Manpal Ghataura on google

The Bear Trail

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Hilarious & muddy day out. This assault course is suitable for all ages and abilities, make sure you wear old clothes and bring a towel!

Their ‘Bear Cave Cafe’ has wood-fired pizzas. Or bring your own picnic and enjoy their outdoor picnic areas.

***Worth booking tickets in advance***

Address: The Bear Trail, Westcott, Cullompton, EX15 1RZ / google directions

Phone: 01392 881780

Distance: 15min drive

photo credit: TheBearTrail.co.uk

Pecorama

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A great family day out. Ride on the award-winning miniature steam trains for a mile through their grounds, over bridges, and through a dark tunnel.

Beautiful gardens with sea views & cafe with home-made food.

Four large outside play areas, a Wildway walk with stunning views, and a zip wire.

Open April – October

***Worth booking tickets in advance***

Address: Pecorama, Underleys, Beer, Seaton EX12 3NA

Distance: 35min drive

photo credit: flickr by Adam Burt

Donkey Sanctuary

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Everyone loves Donkeys!

Take the tree-lined walking routes around the sanctuary to see the different donkey enclosures, if they come over to the fencing you can stroke them.

There’s a cafe, small outdoor play area and a maze for children.

Address: Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Weston, Sidmouth EX10 0NU / google map

Distance: 30min drive

photo credit: on flickr by kristofarndt

Crealy Theme Park

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If you’re looking for a theme park, then Crealy will fit the bill.

There’s over 60 rides and attractions. indoor soft & adventure play areas, live animal encounters and water rides.

It’s an award winning family Theme Park that has been voted as the best day out in Devon for 8 years running.

Address: Sidmouth Road Exeter Devon EX5 1DR

Distance: 25min drive

photo credit: crealy theme park on thier website

Coldharbour Mill

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One of the oldest woollen mills in the UK having been in continuous production since 1797. They offer both working and static exhibits.

Plus there’s 12 acres of Victorian Woollen Mill, Boilers, Steam engines and Mill grounds to explore.

Snippet from their website:

“Today the rich heritage lives on as one of the finest working wool museums where visitors are not just able to relive the sights and sounds of the industrial revolution but also see crafts men and women making traditional textiles, beautiful knitting yarn and hand woven rugs.

Explore 12 acres of Victorian Woollen Mill, Boilers, Steam engines and Mill grounds.… Read more

Exe Valley Leisure Centre

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Leisure Center with Swimming Pool, toddler pool & tennis courts,

***Check times for public swimming before going!

Address: Exe Valley Leisure Centre, Jampot Cottage, Bolham Rd, Tiverton EX16 6SG

Phone: 01884 234900

Distance: 20min drive

The Aviator Coffee Bar & Restaurant

Heron Farm Vineyard & Cafe

Swans Neck Circular Walk

Crabbing

Crabbing Gear

Ten Pin Bowling

Exmouth

Exeter

South Devon Railway Steam Train

Clip ‘n Climb Exeter

Keepers Cottage Inn

Bridwell Park & The Orangery Cafe

Greendale Farm Shop

Wildwood Escot

Killerton House National Trust

Swans Neck Cafe, Halberton Court

Knightshayes Gardens National Trust

The Drewe Arms, Broadhembury

Seaton Tramway

Queen’s Drive Space Playground

The Bear Trail

Pecorama

Donkey Sanctuary

Crealy Theme Park

Coldharbour Mill

Exe Valley Leisure Centre

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