Looking for some inspiration for February Half Term in and around the Exeter area of Devon? We have listed below 7 of our favourite local Winter adventures. Rather than attractions (which we have covered in another “February inspo” post here) these are walks and local spots we love with the kids for some fresh air, stomping about in wellies and the collecting of ridiculously large sticks that we have to (just “have to”) take home in the car…
1. Sidmouth – the Byes and Sidmouth seafront
Sidmouth is one of my absolute favourite parts of Devon and is great with kids. There are loads of options for food and drink, great flat walks along the seafront and a really good play park. Here is how we love to make the most of some time in this very pretty seaside gem:
- We tend to park out of town and walk in to Sidmouth through the ‘Byes’. This is a lovely green area of Sidmouth, great for kids, with plenty of space to roam wild and free, running alongside the small but pretty river Sid (great for splashing about in the Summer). From here you can cross the Sidmouth Ford (via pedestrian bridge) and head down towards the seafront.
- At this point we always stop off at the lovely play park – recently refurbished this is a really nice park with zip line, pirate ship, sand pit, slides and swings. Getting back out is the tricky part.
- It is a great place to take a football or rugby if your kids are keen as there is plenty of open green space (and of course the beach too!) We have completed many a Premiership Final in this very spot…
- The Seafront – my favourite! This is great for a long flat walk along the front taking in the sea air and the views. You can walk all the way down to Jacob’s Ladder and there are plenty of spots to head down on to the beach, with some flat sandy areas when the tide is out.
- The town itself has some cute independent shops, great ice cream and lots of food and coffee options. It is so lovely in Winter (probably the season we head there most!) with lower crowds, plenty of space to enjoy with your wild ones, and the bonus of both the beach and park land. Perfect day out for fresh air and adventure.
2. Dartmoor – 3 great options with kids
There are endless opportunities for adventure on Dartmoor. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. So here are 3 of our favourites with the children. All 3 are easily accessible, with plenty of parking options, walks that are good for little legs, and plenty of space to run wild and free.
- Dartmoor adventure 1 – Bellever Forest / Bellever Tor
Bellever is one of our favourite spots for adventure on Dartmoor, particularly in the Winter when it is free from crowds. There are two good options for a walk and some adventure, and whilst we tend to pick one or the other, you can easily do both in a day.
We love the walk up to the Tor and this is definitely one of our ‘go to’ adventures in the Autumn, Winter and Spring. You can park in the main car park which then has a clear path leading up through the forest and on to the route up to the Tor. Or you can head to the left of the forest, park here and head up via Bellever Moor and Meadows, which is a really nice walk up through fields and woodland and then on to Bellever Tor itself. It is a really good looped walk, with plenty to keep the children interested; incredible woodland, full of ‘Christmas Trees’ as Ralph always tells us, multiple paths to choose from, rocks to climb and great views. It is a perfect walk for a picnic up on top of the Tor (although as we found out at Christmas, sometimes you do need to find some shelter from the wind and rain!!)
A lovely alternative (or add on) in this area is the lower part of the forest and the East Dart River. There is plenty of parking here, and toilets. From here there is loads of space to just head off and explore, and you can walk as far as you like. There is a bridge to cross the river and further space to explore on that side (my eldest seems to just head straight for the river and finds his way across rocks… the choice is yours! I head for the bridge…) We love a long walk and explore in this area, and it is another great spot for a picnic. The boys also really enjoy taking their remote control monster trucks here as there is plenty of space, water to test them out in, and plenty of tree trunks and rocks to clamber over.
- Dartmoor adventure 2 – Hound Tor
Not too much further on from Haytor, Hound Tor is a lovely spot for exploring with children. Generally quieter than Haytor, it is easy to walk to from the car park (it isn’t too steep so it’s nice and achievable for little ones) and there are lots of rocks for the children to climb and explore. There are some lovely views from the top, and beyond the tor are the extensive ruins of a medieval village. It is a really nice area for a walk, with loads of space for the children to roam free.
- Dartmoor adventure 3 – Vennford Reservoir (and Combestone Tor)
Vennford Reservoir is another favourite for a winter walk. There is parking right beside the reservoir and it provides a perfect looped walk with children. It can get very wet and muddy so definitely one for wellies or walking boots. A favourite of Ralph’s for stick collecting, and Henry’s for being close to water! It is lovely at any time of year but we love it in winter and spring; great views, fresh air and places to sit and enjoy a flask of tea!
From Vennford we always like to head on to Combestone Tor, which is close by and has great views across the Moor. There is also easy parking here, with a short walk to the Tor itself, although you can choose to extend your walk and explore further as it is a lovely area, with so much open space away from the roads, making it great for kids.
3. Exeter Quay
We are so lucky to have such a lovely quay area in Exeter; it is great for a walk with children in winter and we often head down there with their scooters. There are loads of places to park on both sides of the quay, although we tend to head to Haven Road and park that side of the water. You can then do a great looped walk along, over and round the quay. There are brilliant options for coffee, cake and lunch, and I cannot visit the Quay without a cinnamon bun from the Ridge! I promise you will not regret visiting… I mean the walk deserves a treat!
There are lots of family friendly activities in the area too including Tenpin Bowling, climbing and water sports.
Another alternative is to park near the new Marsh Barton train station and head down to Riverside Valley Park from here. This will provide you with a longer walk down to the Quay and the shops/cafes, but is really nice as there are loads of green spaces to explore with children (and dogs!)
4. Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve
An adventure at Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve is hands down one of our favourites. It is gorgeous in the winter; quiet, wild and free. There is loads of parking in Dawlish Warren and from here we head along to the far end of the car park and walk in to the nature reserve. From here just follow the path as far as you wish and head through the dunes to the beach; the walk is so worth it. The further along you go the better it is in my opinion! We are often the only people on the beach and it is stunning!
5. Topsham – The Goat Walk and Topsham Park
Another absolute favourite with our boys is Topsham. The looped walk taking you via the Goat Walk, along the Dutch inspired houses, Bowling Green Marsh and Monmouth Street is lovely, and very achievable with kids (good for scooters too). There are lots of lovely cafes, take aways and indpendent shops in Topsham too. Parking can be a pain, but is generally easier in the winter.
Topsham play park is fab; and we always head here afterwards (unless it is pouring down obviously!) There is a nice selection of play equipment, including a zip line, basketball hoop, football goals and an absolutely massive open green space.
6. Haldon Forest
A classic outing near Exeter, Haldon Forest remains one of Ralph’s favourites! Its the stick collecting and muddy puddles you see… Parking, toilets, cafe (with good coffee and cake!) and a new Gruffalo Trail. What is not to love?! We like it for its looped walk, which is really easy with kids, plenty of space to roam wild, areas to build dens, and great places for picnics. We also find they love it with their bikes, so it makes it a nice varied outing.
7. Branscombe Beach
Probably one of my favourite places in Devon, Branscombe is like heading back in time. The beach is so beautifully situated, with a wide bay, lovely views, and, although pebbly, is an amazing place for children to explore, with some sand at low tide. We park in the village itself (there is a car park with honesty box) and then walk down to the beach via the footpath running alongside Old Mill Stream. There is a cafe and ice cream shop right on the beach and so much space it is brilliant for little ones with endless energy! You can also explore the South West Coastal Path here.
Happy adventuring! Emma and the Wild Ones x
