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Visit the heart of Devon this summer!

27th June 2019

Categories: Visitor News

When you think of Devon, it is likely that your mind automatically goes to the coastal areas, but there is much more to Devon than just the coast. It is a region full of fascinating history, rolling countryside and much, much more! That’s why, this summer, why not spend your break at one of the many locations in the middle of the county? Mid-Devon is the perfect spot for those who want to explore the wider area, you’re within easy access of both the north and south coasts, you have the countryside all around you, loads of wildlife to spot and a whole host of top attractions!

Image: Halberton, Mid-Devon.

One of the most well-known areas of Mid-Devon is Exeter, one of the county’s two cities. Exeter is an incredibly vibrant city with plenty to see and do and loads of opportunities for experiencing the night life, as well as exploring the historical culture. You could make it a proper adventure by hiring some portable accommodation from South West Camper Hire, who are based in the city. There are a whole range of luxury motorhomes and camper vans available, some of which are even dog friendly and really give you the freedom to explore the wider area.
If you’re someone who wants to set up base and then return there after your adventures, you can’t go far wrong with one of Exeter’s many hotels.

Image: South West Camper Hire

Located right in the heart of the city, this hotel is within walking distance of the city centre and even has an onsite spa, so you can really relax after a day exploring the rest of the county.
If you want to be closer to Exeter’s two train stations, take a look at the Mercure Rougemont Hotel, which is just opposite Exeter Central and only fifteen minutes from Exeter St David’s. Being so close to the train stations means you can leave the car behind and use the rail network to get around, not only is it a greener way to travel, but you’ll have the chance to see some of that incredible scenery on the journey. Exeter has direct trains to a whole host of smaller stations across Devon, so you’re able to easily visit the coast, the moors or anywhere else in the region that takes your fancy!

Family holidays are a must in Mid-Devon, especially with all the things to see and do in the region and the proximity to just about everything. Families will love the facilities on offer at Castle Brake Holiday Park just outside of Exeter in the town of Woodbury.

Image by Castle Brake Holiday Park, Woodbury.

This park has a whole range of onsite facilities, plus the ability to use the facilities at their sister site, Ladram Bay, which is great for those of you who just want to relax.

If you are the kind of family that want their accommodation to be right next to a family-friendly attraction, why not look at Crealy Meadows Camping and Caravan Club? Based in the heart of glorious countryside, this campsite is literally steps away from Crealy’s theme park making it the perfect location for families. There is even a choice of accommodation at the site for those of you who don’t fancy roughing it, including lodges with hot tubs, as well as the more traditional camping and caravan club fare.

Image by Crealy Meadows, Exeter.

Now you’ve got a few ideas of places to stay in Exeter, you might want to look at what is available to see and do.

Image: Exeter Cathedral.

Naturally, Exeter Cathedral is a must for visitors, but if you want to do something a little different, Canonteign Falls is an interesting and fun destination. This outdoor adventure centre is home to some of the UK’s highest waterfalls and has over 90 acres of woodland to explore, with trails, zip wires and more! For the parents of course, Exeter Racecourse has a huge calendar of events going on throughout the year and for those of you wanting to learn something during your break, you can always take a class at the Ground Up Cookery School.

There are plenty of lovely places on the outskirts of Exeter, such as the village of Chumleigh, where you can follow the River Taw as it flows through towards the north of Devon. If you fancy a riverside break, take a look at the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel perfect for a few night’s away or just to sample their incredible locally sourced menus!

Image by Fox and Hounds Country Hotel.

It isn’t just about Exeter, there are plenty of places to visit in the middle of Devon that have fun attractions, comfortable accommodation and of course, access to a whole host of interesting places to visit across the county. Tiverton is the largest town in this part of Devon and is home to the Grand Canal where you can take part in a plethora of activities, including hitching a ride on one of the horse drawn barges, enjoying the nature reserve around the canal or stopping for refreshments at the Ducks Ditty Bar. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, hire a boat or canoe from the guys at Devon Canoe and Rowing Boat Hire.
Tiverton is the home to Tiverton Castle, a romantic building initially built in 1106 it now has several displays to teach you more about the history of the town and you can even stay there overnight!

Image by Tiverton Castle.

Another top attraction for history fans is the Devon Railway Centre, also based in Tiverton. The centre offers attractions that are suitable for all the family and there is an army of gnomes that live there!
Staying near all these attractions is easy, have a home from home by staying at Broad Close Farm Holiday Apartments based on Broad Close Farm, this is a great location for exploring the wider region and is only 25 minutes from the M5, so is easily accessible for those travelling from afar.

Don’t think that Tiverton and Exeter are the only two places in Mid-Devon to visit, Mid-Devon is also home to the towns of Crediton, Cullompton, Bampton and Bickleigh among others, each with their own individual charm and heritage attractions.
Visit Collumpton to take in the world’s remaining Golgotha, a medieval stricture that is well worth the visit, alongside St Andrew’s Church, which dominates the landscape with its 120 foot tower! If you fancy staying in Cullompton, Upton Farmhouse is a great location.

Image by Upton Farmhouse.

This little bed and breakfast set on a dairy farm is a cute place to stay and is close to attractions in the region, like The Bear Trail and Wildwood Escot, which are great for families!

Have we convinced you to take a look at staying in Mid-Devon? Let us know, we love seeing your photos and posts from your trips to Devon, you can get in touch on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.