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Plan a break in Mid Devon this Spring

24th March 2022

Categories: Visitor News

If you’re looking for some adventure this spring, look no further than Mid Devon.

With a diverse history, wonderful countryside, flourishing market towns and being equi-distance from the coastlines and the two National Parks, Mid Devon is the ideal base for anyone who wants to explore the wider region, those that want a relaxing break away from it all and those that love outdoor pursuits. This spring, if you’re looking for a get away in Devon, make sure to give the Mid Devon region some consideration.

In Tiverton you have the Grand Canal, ideal for taking walks, having picnics and getting a ride on one of the only remaining horse drawn barges in the UK. Crediton, the town where St Boniface, famous for bringing Christianity to the forefront was born and lots of fascinating, historical places in between. You also have the county’s capital Exeter and the edges of Dartmoor right on the doorstep, that’s before you even look at how close you are to the rest of the county’s beauty spots.

Full of top family attractions, cosy cottages perfect for a rural romantic get away and restaurants committed to only using the very best in local produce – a stay in Mid Devon is a truly special experience.

First things first, let’s help you find somewhere to stay.

Being an area with abundant countryside, you’ll find a host of country hotels with sprawling estates, as well as cute cottages with everything you need for your holiday, B&Bs and just about everything in between. If you’ve ever wanted to give glamping a go, why not do it in the historic Mid Devon region?

If you’re travelling in a group or have children, you’ll no doubt be looking for somewhere with space, somewhere with good facilities and maybe, somewhere near a theme park? There are loads of great family friendly accommodation options, including those at Castle Brake Holiday Park Though it is small, the facilities are superb and guests are also welcome to use their sister park at Ladram Bay, which is just a short journey away. Like most of the region’s holiday parks, Castle Brake has a variety of properties covering a range of budgets and tastes. If you want to bring your own with you, there are camping areas for both tents and touring campers, while those that want to just rock up and move in, there are static caravans and holiday homes, all of which are equipped with everything you could need for a relaxing break. You could also use your stay as an opportunity to enjoy a spot of glamping – that’s glamourous camping for the uninitiated. Castle Brake as several glamping pods, allowing you to enjoy the charm of camping with the luxuries of home.

Image: Castle Brake

Like the sound of glamping? Well, there is also Langstone Manor Park which is on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. Though you can easily access a range of amenities and attractions from the park, it is a truly tranquil place, ideal for getting away from everything.

Another quiet place with a relaxing atmosphere is Alpine Park. This small park has just 11 modern lodge style holiday cottages, giving you more privacy and space than a traditional holiday park. Each of the cottages has their own patio area and parking space, ideal for those who want to explore by car. The site also has a cottage specifically designed with limited mobility in mind. Alpine Park is a great place to use as a base if you want to explore the eastern areas of Devon like the Jurassic Coast and the cute towns and villages at that end of the county.

We did mention being close to a theme park, well if that appealed to you, look no further than Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park. Located on the site of the Crealy Theme Park and Resort this is the perfect place for anyone looking for a destination for a family holiday. The park is one of the biggest attractions in the South West and has a host of activities and rides to suit every age and ability – there are even all weather attractions available. The accommodation on the site varies in size and cost, giving you options to suit your budget and the size of your party. There is even a discount for guests at the theme park!

One of the draws of staying in the countryside is getting to stay on a sprawling country estate complete with a grand home and acres of outdoor space. One option is the Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel in Tavistock.
Overlooking the Tamar Valley, this former Georgian manor house is a truly peaceful place to unwind and is perfect for those of you who love being outdoors. The hotel has its own five acres of private gardens, as well as miles of surrounding countryside, so it is no wonder that it welcomes dogs – it is the ideal location for a walking holiday with your furry friends. The Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel is famous in the area for their award winning restaurant – great for after a bracing walk around the countryside, who doesn’t love a hearty meal after being outside all day?

Image: Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel

Another option near Dartmoor is the Mill End Country Hotel, their comfortable atmosphere and restaurant makes it a great option for a country house hideaway. With comfy lounges, log fires, riverside gardens and an all day restaurant offering everything from cream tea to hearty country food and drink.

For some of us, we like the idea of being in the countryside, but we also want the chance to enjoy civilisation and being close to a town or city centre. If you want the best of both worlds, places like Tiverton have some lovely places to stay.

One option is the Best Western Tiverton Hotel, sitting within its own two and a half acre garden and with ample free parking and electric charging points, it is ideal for both business and leisure. With Tiverton town centre on the doorstep, you have all the amenities you would expect from a thriving market town while still being able to enjoy the open space and tranquillity of the countryside. Alternatively, there is the Bedford Hotel which is in the heart of Tavistock and oozes character and charm, the hotel is famous for the quality of its cream tea – something every trip to Devon needs. The hotel provides a great base for exploring the Mid Devon region and the beautiful countryside while still giving you easy access to the town centre and the city of Exeter.

For those of you who want something a little busier, there is the Devon Hotel in Exeter. Exeter is a wonderfully vibrant city, with incredible architecture and lots to see and do. The hotel is the first in the South West to offer Sky television, including all Sky Sports channels in the individual rooms and you’ll find walk in showers, individual hour room service and WiFi throughout the hotel.

Finding things to do:

Once you’ve figured out where you plan to stay, you need to start filling your days. Several of Devon’s Top Attractions can be found in the region, ideal for planning a day out whether you’re travelling as a family or as a couple or group.

If you’re coming to the area to experience the countryside, you’ll find lots of ways to explore, from the Grand Canal to Haldon Forest Park and more. Another must visit for those that love the outdoors is the Tamar Trails, the trail is free to visit and is a real hub of outdoor activities, with routes for walking and cycling as well as other activities including Canoe Tamar, where you can take a guided trip along the River Tamar giving you a whole new way to explore. It is also the home of Tree Surfers, where the whole family can get involved in tree top activities with rope bridges, zip lines and more to challenge you whatever your age and ability. It is the place to be if you like an adventure.

If you have kids and they love to get muddy, make sure to visit The Bear Trail, Devon’s muddiest family assault course. This 10 acre obstacle course has everything from tunnels to nets to zip wires and unlimited mud – suitable for all ages and abilities. You’ll find the Bear Trail between Exeter and Cullompton, so easy to access for those of you who choose to stay in the Mid Devon area. Just make sure to bring spare shoes to save the carpets!

Image: Stone Lane Gardens

For a more gentle outdoor experience, visit Stone Lane Gardens, a garden like no other. Here you can find a national collection of Birch and Alder and spring fed streams, and being open all year around, you can enjoy the changing seasons and see a range of different floral displays every time you visit.

Of course, it isn’t just the great outdoors that makes Mid Devon a great place to visit. The region has some incredible history and heritage to explore, including Coldharbour Mill, one of the oldest woollen mills in the UK. The mill has been in continuous production since 11791 and is recognised as being one of the best preserved textile mill complexes in the country having been largely untouched since the industrial revolution. As well as being a working mill, it is a museum, where visitors can see local craftspeople making traditional textiles and the chance to experience the Industrial Revolution first hand.

While in Mid Devon, you can’t not take a trip to Exeter where you can not only immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture of the city but also see some amazing heritage attractions. Exeter Cathedral is one example of the region’s history, dating back thousands of years, it is one of the significant cathedrals in Europe. Full of family activities, a chance to reflect and a place to find out more about the history of the city with tours and more. Nearby is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, which is free to visit and has a constantly changing programme, so no matter how many times you visit, there will always be something new to discover.

Interested in visiting Mid Devon? Find out more here.