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things to do
We are incredibly lucky to live in such an amazing place. The farm itself offers peace, tranquillity and breath-taking views which we hope you enjoy and nearby there really is something for everyone.
Here are some of our favourite trips as a family which you could go on when staying at The Deer Den to help you have the ideal farm holiday in East Devon.
ONE OF DEVON'S BEST WALKS
Take a route tipped to be one of ‘Devon’s Best Walks’ which goes directly from The Deer Den. Meander across the fields on this beautiful 6 mile circular. Read more here.
You could also walk or cycle 3 to 6 miles around local hamlet Tale or Talaton Village nearby, all from the Deer Den's door.
GLORIOUS BEACHES
You will be spoilt for choice with the beautiful beaches all 30 - 40 minutes away.
Lyme Regis boasts a lovely sandy beach and a pretty town but it is most renowned for being where great fossil hunter Mary Anning was born, raised and made some tremendous discoveries. The coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Book a fossil hunt here. Lyme Regis also has other famous links as it is where The French Lieutenant’s Woman was filmed.
Exmouth beach is also nearby, with miles of sandy shoreline, backed by attractive red sandstone cliffs at one end. There is plenty to do on the beach, in the town, or down on The Marina. At Christmas go on the fantastic Sail With Santa trip and visit Krispies, the winner of Britain's Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.
Other gorgeous beaches are nearby in Sidmouth, Seaton, Budleigh and Beer. Some of the beaches nearby are dog friendly.
THE NATIONAL TRUST
There are two splendid and very interesting National Trust properties 15 to 30 minutes away.
Visit the National Trust Killerton House, an 18th century house, landscaped gardens and parkland. With a programme of events throughout the year, Killerton is very family friendly and dogs are welcome in the parkland outside where there are some great circular walking routes. There are also some fabulous outdoor theatre events held during the summer months too. Click here to find out more.
Be awestruck by the imposing gothic architecture at Knightshayes and enjoy the gorgeous gardens, including a walled kitchen garden reminiscent of the one portrayed in Beatrix Potter’s much loved Peter Rabbit. With events again held throughout the year, including excellent themed ones by professional actors in the house over Halloween. Visit here for more details.
GO BOATING ON THE LAKE
Visit Wimbleball Lake, 50 minutes by car, set in Exmoor National Park and on a 530 acre very picturesque site for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, a tree top activity course, walks and cycles. For more info see here.
DEVONSHIRE TOWNS & VILLAGES
There are numerous other towns and villages you can visit nearby. The market town of Honiton is only 20 minutes away, as are Tiverton and Cullompton towns. The farm itself is between the villages of Clyst Hydon and Plymtree.
There are 2 pubs nearby.The Blacksmiths Arms is in Plymtree, serving food and which is family and dog friendly. Take a 10 minute walk across our fields and you are there. Click here to find out more. There is also The Five Bells pub in Clyst Hydon, again serving food and in a very picturesque setting. The pub also serves food and is listed as one of the UK's top 50 gastro pubs. Click here for info.
WONDERFUL WOODS
Visit Ashclyst Forest, East Devon’s largest woodland, owned by the National Trust, only 10 minutes drive away. There are lots of walks, cycle tracks and bridleways. Look here for more information.
Or you could drive a little further to visit Haldon Forest, a 3,500-acre woodland just outside Exeter. Only 30 minutes drive away and great for cycle and walking trails for all abilities, including an accessible route for wheelchairs and pushchairs). There is also a treetop adventure course bookable in advance. You could also hire bikes and Segways there. Find out more here.
WILD BEAUTY OF DARTMOOR
Enjoy the rugged beauty of Dartmoor, 40 minutes by car, to experience wild open moorlands and deep river valleys. It is a perfect place to visit, whether you would like to take a stroll over the moor, see one of the pretty villages, or if you want to get really active. Find out more here.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE CANAL
Tiverton canal is not only incredibly beautiful and offers mile after mile of off road walking and cycling, but it has one of the last remaining horse drawn barges in Britain. If you come without your bikes you can hire them nearby, or you could hire a boat.
The canal is situated 25 minutes drive from The Deer Den. To find out more, click here. For bike hire nearby see here.
WILDWOOD ESCOT
Only 4 miles along country roads from The Deer Den is Wildwood Escot. It offers great fun for all the family, with amazing animals, a maze, adventure play and a Saxon village among other attractions. Wildwood Escot is set within beautiful surroundings. Book tickets or find out more here.
FRUIT PICKING
Halberton Farm Shop is only 20 minutes away and has succulent 'Pick Your Own' strawberries and raspberries. The farm shop also stocks lots of other local treats and has lots of veg and a butchery in-store. There is also a cafe on-site. See here for details.
HORSERIDING
Book a pony trek or riding lesson at Hitt’s Barton, only a 10 minute drive away. Treks are around the local area and can go into Ashclyst Forest too. Visit the site here for information and how to book.
VIBRANT EXETER
Get a train nearby or drive to the bustling, vibrant City of Exeter. Aside from the shops, restaurants, bars, and excellent Northcott Theatre, take time to visit The Royal Albert Museum, free of charge to enter and with brilliant collections, including an Egyptian mummy’s real tomb, dinosaur fossil collection and lots of taxidermy - take a look here.
Visit Haven Banks Outdoor Activity Centre in Exeter. Hire some kayaks or a rowing boat for a couple of hours. Tie your kayaks up and watch the world go by. The Centre also does a full range of courses for adults and children. To find out more click here.