Exploring East devon

If you're looking for a great day out whilst you're staying with us in East Devon, then you'll never be short of things to do!

As one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that Devon is buzzing with fantastic days out, from family attractions to unique towns and villages, theme parks, and so much more. Fitting all these spots in to one trip is just not possible, but you can certainly make a start by visiting some of our favourite spots. Starting with the Blackdown Hills AONB on our doorstep, and finishing at Dartmoor National Park, here are some of our favourite days out in glorious Devon!

Miles and miles of glorious countryside

Blackdown Hills AONB

Walkers, mountain bikers, and lovers of the outdoors will be excited to hear that we’re just 4 miles away from the glorious Blackdown Hills AONB; one of the country’s natural gems. This vast landscape of steep valleys, forests, farmland, rivers, and streams is thriving with wildlife and incredible views just waiting to be discovered. It really is as dramatic and beautiful as everyone says it is, and we couldn’t recommend it enough! With so much to see, so much history to unearth and villages to discover, pack your bags for the day and head for the hills – you won’t regret it!

The Bear Trail

The Bear Trail in Cullompton is just 6 miles away from us at Riverwood and is a fantastic day out for all the family, especially on a sunny day. With gruelling trails and muddy obstacles, we hope you’re not afraid of getting down and muddy! The award-winning outdoor attraction boasts an assault course of 30 obstacles including bear nets, zip-wires, tunnels, climbing walls and much more. And after smashing the course, you can even treat the family to wood-fired pizzas, paninis, and fresh drinks from the Bear Cave Café!

Have some fun and outdoor adventure

A great family day out in Devon

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Just under 10 miles away from Riverwood is Crealy Theme Park and Resort; an award-winning family theme park that offers over 60 rides and attractions, as well as live entertainment and animal experiences. Voted as the best day out in Devon for eight years running, Crealy is the perfect venue for the family day out you promised your little ones who will run ragged through the largest theme park Devon has to offer. With cafes, restaurants and stands scattered across the park, you won’t fall short of dining options, the park also has all the facilities you could need for the day. Rain or shine, this is an excellent day out for the family!

Exeter

As the fastest growing city in the South West, Exeter has so much to offer! For those on the hunt for some retail therapy; the high street is one of the most popular in the county, thriving with well-known retailers, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. If you’re into history, then Exeter Cathedral and the surrounding cobbled streets are the perfect spot to start discovering the centuries of history the city has to offer. For entertainment are several cinemas and theatres, as well plenty of live music venues. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for all the market days, live music, and other events that keep the city centre so busy all year round.

The fastest growing city in the South West

The only way to see the South West

Aerosaurus Hot Air Balloons

Are you up for trying something totally different… a once in a lifetime experience? Well, Aerosaurus Hot Air Balloons fly from Tiverton just 19 miles away from us at Riverwood and offer the most spectacular way to take in the views of Devonshire. Float through the air in silence as you marvel at the rolling green hills, weaving rivers, picturesque villages, and towering cliffs  – you can even choose to open a bottle of champagne whilst you’re up there! We’re fortunate to have this amazing experience just 19 miles away, so we really do recommend giving it a go!

Dartmoor National Park

As the fastest growing city in the South West, Exeter has so much to offer! For those on the hunt for some retail therapy; the high street is one of the most popular in the county, thriving with well-known retailers, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. If you’re into history, then Exeter Cathedral and the surrounding cobbled streets are the perfect spot to start discovering the centuries of history the city has to offer. For entertainment are several cinemas and theatres, as well plenty of live music venues. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for all the market days, live music, and other events that keep the city centre so busy all year round.

Explore Dartmoor National Park

Miles and miles of glorious countryside

Blackdown Hills AONB

Just 10 miles away from Riverwood and spanning 95 miles from Exmouth to Studland Bay in Dorset, is the incredible Jurassic Coast! The UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also known as ‘The Real Jurassic Park’ is one of the world’s hotspots for fossil hunting, with the area famous for coughing up treasures over 200 million years old! But the coastline doesn’t end there; beyond the dinosaur footprints are many stunning walking routes, picturesque fishing villages, and seaside towns that are just waiting to be discovered.

Have some fun and outdoor adventure

The Bear Trail

The Bear Trail in Cullompton is just 6 miles away from us at Riverwood and is a fantastic day out for all the family, especially on a sunny day. With gruelling trails and muddy obstacles, we hope you’re not afraid of getting down and muddy! The award-winning outdoor attraction boasts an assault course of 30 obstacles including bear nets, zip-wires, tunnels, climbing walls and much more. And after smashing the course, you can even treat the family to wood-fired pizzas, paninis, and fresh drinks from the Bear Cave Café!

A great family day out in Devon

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Just under 10 miles away from Riverwood is Crealy Theme Park and Resort; an award-winning family theme park that offers over 60 rides and attractions, as well as live entertainment and animal experiences. Voted as the best day out in Devon for eight years running, Crealy is the perfect venue for the family day out you promised your little ones who will run ragged through the largest theme park Devon has to offer. With cafes, restaurants and stands scattered across the park, you won’t fall short of dining options, the park also has all the facilities you could need for the day. Rain or shine, this is an excellent day out for the family!

The fastest growing city in the South West

Exeter

As the fastest growing city in the South West, Exeter has so much to offer! For those on the hunt for some retail therapy; the high street is one of the most popular in the county, thriving with well-known retailers, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. If you’re into history, then Exeter Cathedral and the surrounding cobbled streets are the perfect spot to start discovering the centuries of history the city has to offer. For entertainment are several cinemas and theatres, as well plenty of live music venues. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for all the market days, live music, and other events that keep the city centre so busy all year round.

The only way to see the South West

Aerosaurus Hot Air Balloons

If you’re on the hunt for a unique family day out with stunning views of the coastlines, valleys, and rivers of East Devon; then Seaton Tramway is what you’ve been looking for! This historic attraction has been entertaining visitors for decades, and that’s not a surprise considering how incredible the views are from the top deck! Ride on heritage trams through Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves, all of which offer unrivalled views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Perfect for a morning or afternoon’s entertainment, bring the whole family along to this unforgettable experience!

Explore Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park

Thriving with open moorlands, deep river valleys, rare wildlife, and a rich history; the famous Dartmoor National Park is a unique area of beauty; ideal for long walks and scenic drives. Just 23 miles from Riverwood, this is a charming place to spend the day with friends and family. Spot the wild ponies and other animals roaming free, stop off at beauty spots for picnics, discover picturesque towns, villages, and so much more! To learn more about this incredible wilderness, we suggest heading to the National Park Visitor’s Centre in Princetown.