Things to do in Mid Devon this spring

Though we love Devon’s beaches, this time of year, there is nowhere better to be than the countryside. With an abundance of spring flowers, baby lambs and plenty of space for a gentle spring stroll, we can’t recommend a trip to the Mid Devon region enough.

If you want to experience spring in the countryside, here are our suggestions for things to see and do while in Mid Devon.

Image: Tiverton Canal Co. 

As we mentioned spring walks, we have to start with one of our favourite places to wander, The Grand Canal in Tiverton and a visit to the Tiverton Canal Co. This year they are celebrating their 50^th anniversary, so you’ll find plenty to do around the canal, including rides on their horse-drawn barge, the chance to hire a boat or canoe and explore at your leisure or head to the Duck’s Ditty Bar, Devon’s only floating canal barge café. With plenty of space for a picnic, lots of walking trails and the chance to just exist in nature, this is a great place to enjoy spring this month.

Elsewhere, not far from Exeter is the National Trust’s Killerton estate. This Georgian house is set within over 6000 acres of farmland, woods, parkland and orchard, so you’re never too far from pretty spring blooms. The house itself is also well worth a look around, it is a family home more than a grand mansion so has a lovely, friendly atmosphere, as well as holding the Trust’s largest fashion collection!

Image: Killerton National Trust, credit to Chris Lacey 

Another lovely place to see the spring flowers and enjoy the springtime is at Fursdon. Not far from Exeter, Crediton and Tiverton, this gem is both rural and close to civilisation. According to legend, it is the home of the Cadbury Dragon who is said to protect the Fursdon family, who have lived here for over 700 years – in fact, the house at Fursdon is one of the oldest family homes in Devon! During this time of year, you’ll find a bluebell wood and wildflower meadow too!  

Travelling with the kids? Though we’re sure they’ll love the countryside and having the space to explore, here are some great places to spend some time. We can guarantee they will love getting muddy at the Bear Trail in Cullompton – as Devon’s muddiest family assault course, this is a great place to let them burn off some steam. Set over 10 acres and with 30 obstacles, the whole family can get involved here. Don’t forget, over the weekend of 27^th and 28^th April, you can join in with the regular Colour Bomb event, where you can get muddy and colourful! You can find out more on their website.

For younger kids, there is Bear Town – a role-play experience set in an immersive town setting that encourages learning through play. Each of the role-play areas offers something a little different and there are regular SEND sessions for kids with additional needs. It’s also a great one to keep in mind in case the weather turns!

Nearby is Coldharbour Mill, one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK which has been in continuous production since the 1790s and has been largely untouched since the industrial revolution. It remains a working wool museum, where you can see wool being made with traditional methods and learn more about the industrial history of the region. Set alongside a calm river, where you can enjoy refreshments and look out for ducklings, this is somewhere else you can escape the weather if it turns and will give you something different to do after exploring the countryside.

Image: Coldharbour Mill 

Another option to keep the whole family entertained is the Devon Railway Centre, which gives you a railway-themed day of fun for the whole family. Located near Tiverton, you’ll find a variety of train rides, and extensive model displays and enjoy the original Victorian Great Western Railway station on the former Exe Valley line. You can even bring your dogs with you!

Convinced to spend spring exploring Mid Devon?

You can find more options for places to stay and things to do here.