Book a trip to Mid-Devon

It’s not all about visiting the beach this summer, why not spend some time enjoying the sunshine out in the countryside by booking a trip to the Mid Devon region? The Mid-Devon area covers a huge range of charming towns and villages, as well as the county’s capital, Exeter and benefits from being equidistant from both National Parks and the coast.

Convinced? Here are some suggestions for things to do and places to stay while in the region.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, you’ll find a whole host of options in Mid-Devon. There are cute cottages, comfy bed and breakfasts, unique glamping opportunities, luxury hotels and just about everything else in between. Whatever your taste and budget, you’ll find something here to suit your needs.

One of the best ways to celebrate being in the heart of the countryside is by staying in a cottage and making it a real home from home, also being self-catering, you have the freedom and the privacy to come and go as you please and to sample a range of local eateries.

Many of the region’s cottages are surrounded by stunning grounds, like Fursdon Cottage, an elegant cottage on the grounds of a historic manor house, nestled in beautiful countryside. There are spectacular views from all windows of the cottage and on a clear day you can see all the way to Dartmoor. With so much land around it, this is a great option for dog friendly holidays or for anyone wanting a rural get away, there is a private, enclosed garden and parking for two cars – making this a good choice for families or couples.

Swallows at Falkedon is ideal for couples looking for a romantic break in a Grade II listed farmhouse holiday cottage. It is a great location to explore nearby National Trust properties, as well as the National Parks and the coast. This is a really secluded location, surrounded with wildlife and stunning views.

Another option are the cottages available at Alpine Park Cottages where there are 11 modern lodge style cottages that are open all year, with their own parking and patio area, giving you the privacy and space that you need while also having safe places for the children to play. There are also options for guests with limited mobility on site, so everyone can enjoy a break away.

It isn’t just cottages offering self-catering options, there are also city centre properties available, for those of you who want to enjoy a city break.

Castle Brake

Image: Castle Brake Holiday Park.

A popular self catering option, especially for families or those who want a choice of accommodation is to stay at a holiday park and there are several in the Mid Devon area. On the outskirts of Exeter and just a short visit from the Jurassic Coast is Castle Brake Holiday Park. This site features high quality holiday caravans, touring pitches and a range of holiday homes. Wherever you choose, you are welcome to use all the facilities of the sister park, which is just a short journey away and there are plenty of attractions and activities on the doorstep. Harford Bridge Holiday Park another option with accommodation to suit everyone, from pitches with or without electricity to holiday homes and glamping properties, all of which have breath taking views and free WiFi. If you are on a budget, camping is a great way to keep your costs down – especially if you have your own tent or motor home to bring with you. Tavistock camping and Caravanning Club site has glorious views over Dartmoor and even a selection of Ready Camp tents on site! Get in touch with them to find out more about their member rates. We know camping isn’t for everyone, but if you want the charm without the faff of putting up a tent or having to sleep on lumpy ground, you’re in luck as Mid Devon is a real haven for glamping sites. With everything from shepherd huts to safari tents at your disposal, you might even decide you like camping! The Orchard Retreat have a selection of yurts that sleep up to four guests in beautiful surroundings. Each of the yurts have their own outdoor area and are all within a short stroll of their own private bathroom and kitchen facilities. A huge draw for visitors is their hidden tubhouse – an outdoor bathroom with two cast iron baths and a shower. For a break that will take you back to basics and alleviate any guilt you might have over your carbon footprint, Wheatland Farm Nature Reserve has eco lodges in the heart if their nature reserve, allowing you to truly get back to nature. Or why not stay in a treehouse? Nymetwood Treehouses are set in 20 acres of woodland with views across Dartmoor, they are the perfect way to escape the everyday and come complete with king sized beds!

Another popular option for visitors is to go for a Bed and Breakfast or a guesthouse where they can enjoy cooked breakfast full of the delights of the local produce. Devon Farms have a host of bed and breakfasts for you to choose from all with unrivalled hospitality or if you fancy something more city based, Townhouse Exeter, a contemporary guesthouse offers a tasty breakfast to start your day. For city centre stays, Chute House’s serviced accommodation is a good choice for a comfortable home from home right in the centre of the action.

chute house

Image: Chute House

The region is also serviced with a number of hotels, offering both countryside and city/ town centre accommodation. Whether you want somewhere peaceful and relaxing or somewhere close to the action, there is a hotel for you. In the Tiverton is the Best Western Tiverton Hotel ideal for guests travelling for both business and pleasure while the Devon Hotel is based in Exeter and is popular with both visitors and locals alike. The Bedford Hotel is a characterful option in the heart of Tavistock, the birthplace of the Devonshire cream tea. The Bedford is a great base for exploring the Tamar Valley and the charming market towns nearby. For something in the countryside, there is the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel which is located along the River Taw and surrounded by forest and a friendly atmosphere, or for those who want to be closer to Dartmoor, Mill End Country Hotel is surrounded by the national Park, full of its walks, cycling and fishing opportunities.

Once you’ve settled on somewhere to stay, it’s time to start planning the rest of your Mid-Devon adventure.

Attractions

One of the most popular attractions in the region is the Grand Canal which stretches through Tiverton. Full of lovely walking routes, places for picnics and even a chance to grab a trip on a horse drawn barge, it is a great place to spend a few hours.

If you like the idea of being outside, visit Stone Lane Gardens. Open to the public daily, this garden holds a National Collection of trees and in the summer months hosts an annual summer sculpture exhibition which is always worth a visit. For those of you travelling with the family, Crealy Theme Park and Resort is in the Mid Devon region and has recently launched Sooty Land complete with new rides, attractions and a show. Crealy is perfect for a family day out with routes and activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Or for young kids, there is Bear Town where they can really immerse themselves in a variety of role plays, offering something different to most child friendly attractions. There are plenty of things to see and do when in Exeter, aside from the huge array of live music events and activities in the quay, there are also city tours and tours of the underground tunnels. Exeter Cathedral is of course worth a visit and there are tours taking place from Cathedral green. Another option is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery which is free to visit and features a rotating range of exhibitions, so no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to discover. If you’re feeling curious, Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK and has been in production since 1797 and remains one of the best preserved mills in the country. As a working mill, it is a great way to find out more about the industrial revolution and the wool industry in Devon. While in Exeter, why not try something new by undertaking an axe throwing session with the Celtic Tossers where axe throwing is done right!

axe throwing