Family friendly company offering a variety of boat trips along the Jurassic Coast, up the pretty River Exe, combined Round Robin boat and train cruises, and lots more. 

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Curated by the National Trust, this quirky 18^th century, 16 sided house is a fascinating place to explore.  Visitors can admire the extraordinary interior décor and collections before taking a walk around the surrounding meadows, home to a brass rubbing trail and garden games area all set against a backdrop of wonderful views across the Exe estuary.  Back indoors there is a licensed tea room serving an excellent range of homemade cakes and light meals, and a well-stocked gift shop. 

A la Ronde Summer Ln, Exmouth EX8 5BB (T: 01395 278552)

A magical family home in the heart of Devon, Powderham Castle is brimming with history to tell and things to do. It has a mention in the Domesday Book, came into the de Courtenay family in the dowry of Margaret de Bohun in 1325, and has subsequently fallen into the hands of all the Courtenay Earls of Devon. The Medieval building has changed a little over the years between the family feuds and general wear and tear of time, but through battles, wars, beheadings and politics, the property has remained, and these days it makes for a beautiful Devonshire day out. Wander around the gardens, have tea, cake and lunch, and let little ones join in fun and games around the grounds with a kids play area and pets corner to visit. Guided tours are available, tickets start at £8.50 for adults and £6.50 for children, and the estate is open for visitors from March until October, although dates vary from one year to the next, so do keep an eye on the website!

Part of the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths were established in 2006 to manage the core area of this unique wildlife habitat situated close to Exeter. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area, it represents one of the most important conservation sites in Europe.  Preserving the unique ecosystem in the area, it’s a beautiful place to walk and see the wildlife and landscape.  They simply ask that you take care when visiting and respect the natural environment.

http://www.pebblebedheaths.org.uk/

Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, Bicton Gardens is Grade 1 listed in Devon’s picturesque Otter Valley.  Beautifully landscaped, the park dates back to the 18^th century and maintains its sense of grandeur and tranquility, alongside all the modern amenities that make it such a joy to visit.  There are historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, the Bicton Woodland Railway train ride, a nature trail, a maze, mini golf, indoor and outdoor children’s play complexes, a restaurant and a shop, so it’s a lovely day out for the whole family.  There are seasonal events and activities throughout the summer, so do keep an eye on the website for more information.  

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The Exmouth branch of this popular local chain of upmarket, family friendly fish restaurants.  Located next to the town slipways overlooking the beautiful Exe estuary, this is the place to enjoy super fresh fish and seafood in a wonderful setting.

Rockfish Pier Head, Exmouth EX8 1DU (T: 01395 272100)

Whether you are dropping in for fresh coffee and a lazy breakfast in the morning, a bowl of Exmouth Mussels at lunchtime, or a steak and freshly grilled fish in the evening, all will be enjoyed at this  steak and seafood specialist restaurant where the relaxed surroundings are topped off with stunning views of The River Exe.

The Point  Pilots Wharf, 14 Pier Head, Exmouth EX8 1XA (T: 01395 227145)

Multi award winning, unique floating café on the River Exe accessed by water taxi or bring your own boat and moor up alongside.  A superb dining experience serving tasty locally sourced food and drink against the backdrop of some of the best views in Devon.  Great food in a stunning location, what’s not to like? Booking essential.

River Exe Café River Exe, Exmouth (T: 07761 116103)

Michelin starred fine dining restaurant run by chef patron Michael Caines MBE in the beautiful surroundings of Lymstone Manor Hotel.  Enjoy some of the best modern British cuisine using the finest local ingredients matched with wines from a cellar of over 600bins.

Lympstone Manor, Courtlands Lane, Exmouth EX8 3NZ (T: 01395 202040)

A popular pub in the beautiful village of Exton, offering seasonal menus of locally sourced produce in cosy, stylish surroundings.

The Puffing Billy Station Rd, Exton, Exeter EX3 0TR (T: 01392 877888)

Exmouth Beach is a bustling two mile stretch of golden sand at the mouth of the Exe Estuary backed by a promenade of shops and restaurants.  Old meets new here, with traditional seaside donkey rides, swing boats and crazy golf alongside volley ball courts and a huge selection of modern watersports including jet skis, kite surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing. 

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet you can find that here too at the far end of the beach, where there are also some rock pools for children to explore.  Exmouth is known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast and its cliffs are teaming with fossils and geological finds.  The coastline is also part of the South West Coast Path with the beach and surrounding cliffs providing some excellent long and short walks. 

Dogs are welcome all year on parts of the beach and on the main beach from October to the end of April. Dog bins are provided.

This family friendly Blue Flag beach is the perfect spot for some traditional seaside fun.  The mile and a half long sandy beach with award winning clean waters is backed by sheltered sand dunes and grassland, home to over 600 types of flowering plants and a host of interesting birdlife.  If watersports are your thing you can have a go at surfing or body boarding under the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards, or enjoy the many family friendly amusements and rides.  The beach is easily accessible with plenty of parking, toilets and a choice of restaurants, cafes and bars plus deck chair hire.  Dogs welcome all year round in designated areas.

A picturesque two mile pebble beach backed partly with cliffs, with plenty of space and lovely clean clear water.  Along the esplanade there are beach cafes and a car park and it is only a short wander into the village for toilets, shops and pubs.  Care should be taken swimming towards the eastern end of the beach where there can be strong currents due to the River Otter, and there are no lifeguard facilities. 

Sitting at the mouth of the River Teign, Teignmouth is a traditional British seaside resort with a wide sandy beach backed by Georgian houses and a Victorian pier with amusement arcades and cafes.  The main beach, known as Town Beach, offers acres of sand to play on and sunbathe and if the mood takes you the safe waters are perfect for taking a dip.  The sheltered estuary is popular with kayakers and paddle boarders, and the award winning clean waters are home to plenty of sealife with dolphins spotted occaisionally offshore.  No dogs 1^st May – 30^th September. 

By the seaside town of the same name, Sidmouth Beach is a long stretch of pebbles that stretches from the River Sid at the east of the town, West to Chit Rocks and Jacobs Ladder Beach and beyond.  From the town you go over a footbridge and a number of steps down to the beach, however there are also access points along the sea front esplanade.  There are a number of car parks close by, most of which are a few minutes’ walk from the beach itself, and it benefits from nearby facilities, cafes, restaurants and shops.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1^st May to the 30^th September, however there is a small area at the East end of the beach where dogs are allowed all year round.  It’s a delightful spot for swimming sailing and surfing if the weather permits it, but you do have to take your own equipment.