Areas of outstanding natural beauty, beautiful beaches, twee fishing villages & upbeat towns

Offwell Woods & Nature Reserve
Honiton, EX14 1RJ

If you fancy a longer walk from Smallicombe then a 5 mile circular route to Offwell Woods is lovely. The walk takes you along footpaths, bridle ways and county lanes. Offwell Woods houses a lovely secluded nature reserve, managed by Offwell woodland and Wildlife Trust, where 107 different species of lichens have been recorded. The area is mainly deciduous woods with gurgling streams, little bridges and a lovely pond area.

Blackbury Camp
Southleigh, Devon, EX24 6JE

Blackbury Camp is an English Heritage Iron Age hill fort situated in Southleigh, approx 5 miles from the farm. The hillfort was built during the 4th century BC and probably used for several hundred years. Blackberry Camp offers an easy flat area to walk and is ideal if you have a little one in the pushchair. The area is normally quiet, with good parking. If you visit during late spring you will see a fantastic carpet of bluebells.

If you fancy combining with a cream tea then Blackberry Honey Farm is just down the road.

East Devon Way
Various routes

East Devon way is a 40 mile walking route from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, through the heart of East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also links to the South West Coast Path, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site and the Exe Estuary. The inland route is created from footpaths, bridle ways and county lanes. We can provide guests with a booklet that breaks the East Devon way into perfect day walks from 4-8.5 miles long with details of each walk including relevant sections of the ordnance survey maps.

Coastal Footpath
Beer to Branscombe

Whilst there are many stunning walks along the South West Footpath, Beer to Branscombe is a firm favourite with us. This cliff top walk has been featured as one of the ‘Sunday Times’ top ten walks in England. The route from Beer to Branscombe is approx 2 miles and we do a have routes available for a variety of circular routes so you can return inland, via part of the mason trail, or take the undercliff route.

On a clear day, the views along the Jurassic UNESCO world Heritage site are spectacular with the red Triassic Devon cliffs, clear blue sea and the dramatic Hooken Undercliff.

Dartmoor
West Devon

Dartmoor, famed for its ruggedness, castle ruins and multiple tors, is an excellent place to hike. Dartmoor has a number of circular walks, and other trails that range from a couple of miles, to over 12 miles. The routes can be easy, moderate or challenging. Guided walks are available.

Walks are full of hidden gems – ruins, tors, streams and cliff tops. Dartmoor has many types of wildlife and livestock – watch out for the deer and cows. Dartmoor has a variety of cafes and tearooms.

Smallicombe Farm Fairy Trail
Onsite

We have two marked and mapped farm trails around the farm. They are both easy going and suitable for all ages. The farm trail takes you along the river, up past an old quarry, a blue bell carpeted ancient woodland and through our fields with the Dorset Down sheep and Ruby Devon cattle.

Don’t forget to spot the resident fairies. You’ll find Sparkles castle in the ancient oak tree, River Cottage over looks the Brook and Tween field to name a few.

Fossil hunting
Jurassic Coast

The coastline of East Devon is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO because of its wealth of prehistoric remains, the Jurassic Coast is considered to be the only place in the world displaying unbroken evidence of 185 million years of evolution. There are some great fossil hunting beaches in both Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Seaton, between 15 and 30 minutes from the farm.

Guided walks out of the Heritage Centre in Charmouth and from the museum in Lyme Regis. Booking is advisable as these walks fill-up up quickly. We do have fossil identification sheets and tide tables available if you are not able to book onto a guided walk.

Rock pooling & crabbing
Jurassic Coast

Rock pooling is the driest way (normally!) to see the wonders of the sea. There are interesting rock pools found at low tide all along the Jurassic Coast including Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer, Seaton, Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

After identifying crabs in the rock pools you could always try a spot of crabbing off the wall in Axmouth harbour, Seaton or The Cobb, Lyme Regis.

At Smallicombe we have plenty of buckets and nets and some rock pooling identification sheets you can borrow.

Paddle boarding & kayaking
Local beaches

If you fancy some time on the water rather than by the water then why not try paddle boarding or kayaking. It is amazing how different the coast line looks from the water. There are a number of friendly hire companies on the local beaches where you can either hire equipment by the hour, arrange a private lesson or go on an organised tour. Please ask if you want any more info on local companies.

Sea fishing
Beer, EX12 2QB

The town of Beer, once famous for smuggling, but now known for its fantastic fishing and beautiful cove. While Mackerel spend the winter in the deep water, they return to the shallows in the summer months to spawn, they are often found in large fast moving shoals. With the aid of local fishermen, many who have been fishing for generations, you are likely to catch these fresh salty morsels. A mackerel fishing trip out of Beer usually last for one to three hours and is ideal for children or groups wanting something a bit different for a day out. There is a chance to see dolphin, seals and sea birds.

There are also fishing trips out of Axmouth Harbour and Lyme Regis. If you fancy going it alone then you can hire a little boat, by the hour, from Beer.

Local beaches –
good old fashioned bucket and spade

As well as all the exciting activities listed above you can also enjoy some old-fashioned bucket and spade beach time whilst visiting the Jurassic Coast. Sandy beaches can be found at Lyme Regis, at low tide at Jacobs Ladder, Sidmouth. A bit further afield, approximately 40 minute drive, you can also find a 2 mile stretch of golden sand at Exmouth.

There is plenty of beach equipment in the play room at Smallicombe that guests are more than welcome to borrow, including buckets, spades, kites, beach tent, balls (if farm dogs haven’t put a hole in them!) and body boards.

Seaton Wetlands
Seaton, EX12 2SP

Nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalk through beautiful marshland and reed beds alongside the river Axe, home to an abundance of wildlife. The signposted trails at the Wetlands make them ideal for a peaceful stroll in the fresh air; you can also have fun pond dipping, or enjoying a picnic with family and friends as well as getting to see your wonderful local wildlife up close from the five hides. Both my girls learnt to ride their bikes here so ideal for a walk whilst your little ones build up their confidence on two wheels!

Free car parking is available through Seaton Cemetery. 

The Byes Riverside Park
Sidmouth, EX10 9AH

The Byes Riverside Park between the village of Sidford and The Old Tollhouse, is one of Sidmouth’s most important green spaces. The cycle path is about 2km in length, and is made up of the many fields and meadows surrounding the River Sid. Great for young children to cycle their bikes as very flat.

The Exe Estuary
Exmouth – Exeter – Dawlish

The Exe Estuary meanders from the cathedral city of Exeter to the coastal town of Exmouth, past quaint riverside villages and beautiful countryside. The RSPB have two nature reserves located on the Exe Estuary, with the area being a site of international importance for wading birds. This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free and wonderfully level route.

The Exe Estuary offers cycling routes for all abilities. Ferries from Exmouth to Starcross and from Topsham to The Turf also offer cyclists the opportunity to explore the full 26 mile route.

Haldon Forest
Bullers Hill, Kennford, EX6 7XR

Approx 30 mins drive

Haldon Forest has a wide range of walking trails including the Discovery Trail, a multi-use, all-ability trail with traditional and natural play features, and the Butterfly Trail, a more challenging walk but with the potential to discover some rare butterflies.

Off-road cycling trails are available and range in ability. If you are looking to develop new skills try the cycle Skills Area and Pump Loop.

Devenish Pitt & Stables
Farway, Colyton, EX24 

Approx 5 mins drive

Devonish Pitt and Stables is just down the road from the farm and has both and indoor and outdoor school. They offer lessons from 4 years from ½ hour to 1 hour lessons and or hacks. Children from 7 years old can enjoy a fully supervised morning or afternoon. This includes an hours riding lesson/hack and lots of practical tuition of pony care and stable management. Very friendly and lessons start from £18 but booking is essential.

Bear Trail
Cullompton, EX15 1SA

Approx 35 mins drive

The Bear Trail is aimed at ages 6-14 but there is an outdoor ‘Cubs corner’ for the 5 and under. The concept has been conceived in order to provide children with a space to invent play and be tested so they work together and push their boundaries. There is a path for bears who don’t like getting their paws wet. However for the more adventurous there are stepping stones across mud pits, and nets across rivers.

Clip & Climb
Exeter, EX2 8AX

Approx 20 mins drive

Indoor climbing has never been more accessible, you do not need any experience to have fun at Clip ‘n Climb at Quay Climbing Centre in Exeter, perfect for a rainy day. Their auto belay system ensures that you can climb safely without assistance. There are 26 amazing climbing challenges which are made equally as exciting for beginners or experts with multiple routes to the top. Children from as young as 4 can join in.

Go Ape
Haldon Forest, Kennford, EX6 7XR

Approx 30 mins drive

Go Ape at Haldon Forest is situated on the edge of Dartmoor. It is a stunning forest located. Scale the treetops with zip wires and vertigo inducing high wire crossings. Bravery is needed. Several adventure routes depending on heights and ages.

Quad Bike, Segway & Archery
Escot, Ottery St. Mary, EX11 1LU

Approx 5 mins drive

Escot House and Estate is located in the East Devon countryside and is an ideal location for outdoor activities. The Estate offers quad biking, Segway experiences, archery, axe throwing, assault courses, laser tag, paint balling, bushcraft courses and foot golf (whatever that is).

Contact Escot Estate for further information.

iBounce Trampoline Park
Exeter, EX2 8PN

Approx 20 mins drive

Bouncers can experience an open bounce zone, giant airbag, activity and stunt zones, dodge ball court, light chaser games and foam pits. You book in for 1 hour sessions but we recommend to book in advance as this can become busy on wet days.

Honiton Golf Club
Middlehills, Honiton EX14 9TR

Approx 5 mins drive

The Honiton golf course is an easy walking, 6,000 yard, 18 hole course. The course is set amongst parkland and offers spectacular views. Please see the website for tee times, green fees and booking a round.

Sidmouth Golf Club
Cotmaton Road, Sidmouth EX10 8SX

Approx 20 mins drive

Overlooking Sidmouth, the course opened in 1889, enjoys wonderful sea views from its undulating fairways. The clubhouse provides a panoramic view of the Devon and Dorset coastline of Lyme Bay and beyond.