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Explore the local area....

Exeter - What a beautiful place. raising our 3 daughters here there isn't much We haven't seen or done in the local area.... So we have compiled a list below. Anything else you would like to know, just ask.  

EXETER CITY.

Being just a short 5 minute drive away into the city of Exeter, you will be spoiled for choice for history, a spot of shopping  and eateries. Within Exeter you can visit The Royal albert memorial museum, Exeter Cathedral , Rougemont Gardens, Exeter Catacombs, the famous house that moved and also the historic Tudor house. 

The Quay is just down the road and is perfect for a walk or cycle by the river, where there is climbing facilities, bikes to hire and also kayaking . There is also a boat that takes you along the river to the double locks pub where you can hop off enjoy a drink and lunch by the riverside and get back on the boat later to return to the quay . The quay has many individual shops and gift shops as well as cafes and places to eat. 

If you are Harry potter fan then you know that JK Rowling attended Exeter university and some of her inspiration in the Harry Potter books came from parts of Exeter - take a visit and see for yourself....
GANDY STREET - Wildly rumoured to be the inspiration behind DIAGON ALLEY -It is a very quaint side street, with cobbled streets and unique shops dating back to the Saxon times.

THE VAULTS - It is a nightclub situated at the entrance to Gandy street and is believed to be the inspiration for GRINGOTTS BANK, which is described to be "a snowy white building which towered over the other little shops" 

THE CATHEDRAL CLOSE DOOR - There is a door in cathedral close that requires you to crouch down to enter, it is said to be inspiration behind the door for "The room of requirement" the secret room in the books that only appears when someone needs it.

EXETER CATHEDRAL - Some say that the majestic feel of the vaulted ceiling within the cathedral feel very similar to the great hall at Hogwarts.

THE OLD FIREHOUSE - Gives a very similar feel to what one would expect to feel when being inside "THE LEAKY COULDRON PUB" It oozes that old fashioned cosy charm with flickering fairy light, glowing candles and just a general magical vibe.
 
THE BEACHES

There are many beaches just a short drive or train journey away (Exeter St David's train station is just 5 minutes away from our site) 

Dawlish warren is a lovely large nature reserve with wonderful beach which also has seaside arcades and funfair -  30 mins away (15 by train) - not far from here you will also find the small town of Dawlish which also has a beach and home of the black swan 

Teignmouth beach  - 20 mins by car or 15 mins by train -  with town close by for a mooch, little splash park on the beach front, as well as playpark and mini golf - also Teignmouth pier with small arcade are too. - Shaldon is just 5 minute up from here where you will also find a quaint small beach and small zoo.

Exmouth beach is 35 minutes away - lovely beaches and also large indoor soft play area for children if its raining called ocean play on the seafront, outdoor play park - and not far from the beach is The world of county life - well worth a visit.
ATTRACTIONS AND DAYS OUT

Dingles fairground is a family favourite of ours with lots of fun and nostalgia for the whole family - 40 mins away but well worth the trip.

Dartmoor - From our site you can  in Devon's moorland within 25 minutes heading to Haytor rock via Bovey Tracey - if you re interested in glassworks then head to 'The House of Marbles' in Bovey Tracey - interesting for children as well as adults with a café on site and outside children's play area.

Dartmoor zoo is a lovely place to visit - you may know it from the movie " We bought a zoo" - 50 mins by car 

Bicton park botanical gardens is 30 minutes drive  and a lovely day out for the whole family with lovely walks and play areas for children - onsite café or take your own picnic.

Escot which is where you will find plenty to do at Wildwood one of Devon's best wildlife parks, animals, maze, outdoor adventure park, indoor soft play, traversing walls, 40 metre zip line and authentic Saxon village - 30 mins by car

Powderham castle and grounds just 20 mins by car - you can either enter the castle or enjoy the walks in the surroundings here - farm shop and café at entrance.

Crealy theme park - 20 mins by car
 
A favourite place for ice-cream of ours is the Orange Elephant ice-cream parlour - set within a farm - you can park up and sit undercover or enjoy their wild meadow and play area. just 15 minutes drive away.

Not far from the orange elephant is Haldon forest where you can do the Gruffalo trail for little ones, go ape for bigger ones and segways for brave ones - onsite cafe or take a picnic.

Butterfly farm and otter sanctuary - a small friendly visit for the whole family in Buckfastleigh - you can also head to Buckfast abbey whilst here famous for its Buckfast wine! - 30 mins by car.

Pennywell farm - Buckfastleigh - an award winning tourist attraction in Devon, packed full of animals, activities, shows and displays - we enjoy a cuddle with their Teacup pigs when we visit - 30 mins by car.

Totnes is a quaint and quirky town some say twinned with Narnia - lovely to go on market day if you can - unique shops and cafes, lovely river, Totnes rare breeds farm and also home to china blue where my family have enjoyed painting pottery over the years on a wet day. - 40 mins by car - 20 by train

Dartington is only up the road - home to Dartington glass which is a lovely little shopping experience as well as café. - also home to Dartington hall which homes the 14th century barn cinema for a nice independent cinema experience in Devon.

Quinces honey farm in South Molton - a working honey farm and a great day out for the whole family, tours, soft play and beautiful gardens - 50 mins by car

If fish interest you then make sure to head to Plymouth national marine Aquarium - lots of other sites to see whilst in Plymouth such as the Barbican and the Hoe - also home to the theatre royal -  1 hr drive - 

Woodlands family theme park - the largest them park in Devon - 60 mins away
 
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