The Grange Guidebook
Sightseeing
Exeter is a vibrant historic city, with many roman ruins including the old Roman wall, an excellent museum (free to enter) and a great range of restaurants, shops, pubs and cafe bars. There's also the Northcott Theatre which puts on excellent productions throughout the year - many of these come from the West End.
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Exeter
Exeter is a vibrant historic city, with many roman ruins including the old Roman wall, an excellent museum (free to enter) and a great range of restaurants, shops, pubs and cafe bars. There's also the Northcott Theatre which puts on excellent productions throughout the year - many of these come from the West End.
This is 25 minutes drive from the house and provides the opportunity to the last horse drawn barge in the country. You can book tickets to go on the barge along the canal taking in the lovely scenery, or you can walk or cycle along the towpath up to 20 miles. Yummy ice creams are available at the Tiverton end, along with a play park.
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Grand Western Canal
This is 25 minutes drive from the house and provides the opportunity to the last horse drawn barge in the country. You can book tickets to go on the barge along the canal taking in the lovely scenery, or you can walk or cycle along the towpath up to 20 miles. Yummy ice creams are available at the Tiverton end, along with a play park.
National Trust property Killerton House is only a 15 minute drive away from the Deer Den. Take a look around the house and spectacular gardens, or walk around the wider parkland outside with many miles of stunning walks available. Special events are held at the the house throughout the year including Christmas and other themed occasions. A favourite in the summer is the outdoor theatre in the gardens which you'll need to book places for in advance - take a picnic, a rug and a bottle of your favourite tipple and enjoy the show.
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Killerton House
National Trust property Killerton House is only a 15 minute drive away from the Deer Den. Take a look around the house and spectacular gardens, or walk around the wider parkland outside with many miles of stunning walks available. Special events are held at the the house throughout the year including Christmas and other themed occasions. A favourite in the summer is the outdoor theatre in the gardens which you'll need to book places for in advance - take a picnic, a rug and a bottle of your favourite tipple and enjoy the show.
With its amazing and imposing gothic style, this National Trust property only a 25 minute drive from us is well worth a visit. Look around the house and find out about the property's family history and uses over the generations, take a walk around the gorgeous gardens including a fabulous walled vegetable garden reminiscent of Beatrix Potter's books and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat in the restaurant /cafe.
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Knightshayes Gardens National Trust
With its amazing and imposing gothic style, this National Trust property only a 25 minute drive from us is well worth a visit. Look around the house and find out about the property's family history and uses over the generations, take a walk around the gorgeous gardens including a fabulous walled vegetable garden reminiscent of Beatrix Potter's books and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat in the restaurant /cafe.
A personal favourite, this is a completely unspoilt small beach cove and villages. It's a 35 minute drive from the house. Walk on the pebble beach, go for a swim, go mackerel fishing, walk across the coastal path to Branscombe or Seaton or tuck into a lovely portion of fish and chips.
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Beer Beach
A personal favourite, this is a completely unspoilt small beach cove and villages. It's a 35 minute drive from the house. Walk on the pebble beach, go for a swim, go mackerel fishing, walk across the coastal path to Branscombe or Seaton or tuck into a lovely portion of fish and chips.
Exmouth beach is the nearest sandy beach to us and ideal for families. Aside from the golden sands, it has beautiful red sandstone cliffs, a lively town and plenty of seaside attractions including play centre for kids, rides on the sea front and an outdoor large wooden play park and eating area. There are several local cruises going around the bay and estuary - check out Stuart Line Cruises, which does special event cruises such as gin cruises, bird watching and Sail With Santa at Christmas Time for the little ones.
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Exmouth Beach
3 Queen's DrExmouth beach is the nearest sandy beach to us and ideal for families. Aside from the golden sands, it has beautiful red sandstone cliffs, a lively town and plenty of seaside attractions including play centre for kids, rides on the sea front and an outdoor large wooden play park and eating area. There are several local cruises going around the bay and estuary - check out Stuart Line Cruises, which does special event cruises such as gin cruises, bird watching and Sail With Santa at Christmas Time for the little ones.
A 40 minute drive away from us for nationally recognised fossil hunting as this is on the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site. Mary Anning lived here, where a statue is being erected in her honour. Info on how to book a fossil walk are included with the Welcome Pack when you book - when we went our son found a 250 million year old jurassic shark bone! Another found some dinosaur poo which was also very exciting. Aside from the fossils, there's a lovely sandy beach, great fish and chips from Herbies on the front and a fabulous cobb to walk along as featured in the classic film version of A French Lieutenant's Woman.
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Lyme Regis
A 40 minute drive away from us for nationally recognised fossil hunting as this is on the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site. Mary Anning lived here, where a statue is being erected in her honour. Info on how to book a fossil walk are included with the Welcome Pack when you book - when we went our son found a 250 million year old jurassic shark bone! Another found some dinosaur poo which was also very exciting. Aside from the fossils, there's a lovely sandy beach, great fish and chips from Herbies on the front and a fabulous cobb to walk along as featured in the classic film version of A French Lieutenant's Woman.
A great destination for families and others alike, there's an agricultural museum, outdoor play areas, walks around the grounds and eating places.
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Kopshtet botanike të Bicton Park
A great destination for families and others alike, there's an agricultural museum, outdoor play areas, walks around the grounds and eating places.
Excellent walking and cycling trails for varying ability levels, as well as the opportunity to hire a segway to see the forest, or book onto Go Ape for adventure in the tree tops. 30 minute drive away.
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Haldon Forest Park (Pyje Angli)
Bullers HillExcellent walking and cycling trails for varying ability levels, as well as the opportunity to hire a segway to see the forest, or book onto Go Ape for adventure in the tree tops. 30 minute drive away.
Book one of the many courses in sailing, kayaking or paddle boarding, or hire kayaks or rowing boats for a few hours on the water - we've done this and kayaked down to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink outside the Turf Locks pub. 35 minute drive away.
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Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre
Haven RoadBook one of the many courses in sailing, kayaking or paddle boarding, or hire kayaks or rowing boats for a few hours on the water - we've done this and kayaked down to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink outside the Turf Locks pub. 35 minute drive away.
Excellent family day out, with a deer train, animals to pet and farming areas to find out about. A 35 minute drive away, book tickets in advance, see website for details.
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Bota e Jetës Rurale
West Down LaneExcellent family day out, with a deer train, animals to pet and farming areas to find out about. A 35 minute drive away, book tickets in advance, see website for details.
Excellent for climbing activities, our boys love it. Sessions to suit all abilities and for all ages. Cafe on site too. A 30 minute drive away.
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Clip 'n Climb Exeter
Excellent for climbing activities, our boys love it. Sessions to suit all abilities and for all ages. Cafe on site too. A 30 minute drive away.
Book a pony trek or some lessons - we've been for a few rides here and always enjoyed it. Sometimes you can go through Ashclyst Forest on the trek.
Hitts Barton Equestrian
Book a pony trek or some lessons - we've been for a few rides here and always enjoyed it. Sometimes you can go through Ashclyst Forest on the trek.
See the 500 rescue donkeys and mules. Lots of fun activities too and a cafe. See website for more info. 30 minutes by car.
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Donkey Sanctuary
Dunscombe LaneSee the 500 rescue donkeys and mules. Lots of fun activities too and a cafe. See website for more info. 30 minutes by car.
Only 10 minute drive away. Nice pretty town with some shops and a supermarket. The Ottery Tar Barrels each year attracts huge crowds when on 5th November when tar barrels are carried ablaze through the streets - not for the faint hearted! See https://www.tarbarrels.co.uk/
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Ottery Saint Mary
Only 10 minute drive away. Nice pretty town with some shops and a supermarket. The Ottery Tar Barrels each year attracts huge crowds when on 5th November when tar barrels are carried ablaze through the streets - not for the faint hearted! See https://www.tarbarrels.co.uk/
Food scene
There are some good local farms and companies delivering food to your door as well as some tasty treats to have out and about in the area.
The Five Bells is one of the UK's top 50 gastropubs. It's in a really pretty location.
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The Five Bells Inn
The Five Bells is one of the UK's top 50 gastropubs. It's in a really pretty location.
15 minutes drive away is The Pig at Combe, near Honiton, serving up lovely food in splendid surroundings. For a real treat, this is the best place to go.
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The Pig - at Combe
15 minutes drive away is The Pig at Combe, near Honiton, serving up lovely food in splendid surroundings. For a real treat, this is the best place to go.
Blacksmiths Arms, Plymtree, only a 10 minute walk across the fields, good food and drink to eat in or have delivered (blacksmithsarmsplymtree.com)
Blacksmiths Arms
Blacksmiths Arms, Plymtree, only a 10 minute walk across the fields, good food and drink to eat in or have delivered (blacksmithsarmsplymtree.com)
Riverford based in Devon also deliver organic fruit and veg boxes as well as meat and BBQ packs, please see riverford.co.uk
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Riverford Field Kitchen - Organic Restaurant
Riverford based in Devon also deliver organic fruit and veg boxes as well as meat and BBQ packs, please see riverford.co.uk
For the best ice cream and other tasty food in a café with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, go to Otter Valley Ice Cream and Field Kitchen, a 20-minute drive away. Visit ottervalleydairy.co.uk
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Otter Valley Ice Cream & Field Kitchen
For the best ice cream and other tasty food in a café with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, go to Otter Valley Ice Cream and Field Kitchen, a 20-minute drive away. Visit ottervalleydairy.co.uk
You can order local produce including fruit and veg boxes, fresh bread, local juice and chutneys, as well as milk direct from the farm, from Oak Park Dairy, a farm down the road. Doorstep deliveries are twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Call 01404 822446 to arrange or visit oakparkdairy.co.uk
Oak Park Dairy
You can order local produce including fruit and veg boxes, fresh bread, local juice and chutneys, as well as milk direct from the farm, from Oak Park Dairy, a farm down the road. Doorstep deliveries are twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Call 01404 822446 to arrange or visit oakparkdairy.co.uk
Krispies fish and chip shop, Exmouth, winner of Britain’s Best Fish and Chip Shop 2 years running, 30-minute drive, best eaten on the seafront when you are there, go to Krispies.co.uk
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Krispies
57 Exeter RdKrispies fish and chip shop, Exmouth, winner of Britain’s Best Fish and Chip Shop 2 years running, 30-minute drive, best eaten on the seafront when you are there, go to Krispies.co.uk
Tasty fish and chips you can buy here and then eat nearby looking at the sea and the Cobb.
Herbie's Dino Bar
Marine ParadeTasty fish and chips you can buy here and then eat nearby looking at the sea and the Cobb.
Possible On Foot or By Bike From The Deer Den's Door
Great 6 mile walk, listed in ‘Devon’s Best Walks’ which goes directly from The Deer Den. Route over largely fields with one country road. By following the footpath you will go into the village of Clyst Hydon, back through Plymtree and home across the fields. You could take a picnic to have along the way – there is a good bench halfway round by a beautiful big oak tree with gorgeous views all around. Dogs are welcome throughout, but you will need to keep them on a lead as you will cross a lot of farmland with livestock. There are 2 pub enroute (one on the route at Plymtree and one a 10 minute detour in Clyst Hydon). For the full route see the link here www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/clyst-hydon-walk-7260336. You’ll be joining it between points 5 and 6 on the map (outside The Deer Den by crossing directly through the metal foot-gate opposite into the field and towards the wood pictured in the article rather than at the point the writer says.)
Clyst Hydon
Great 6 mile walk, listed in ‘Devon’s Best Walks’ which goes directly from The Deer Den. Route over largely fields with one country road. By following the footpath you will go into the village of Clyst Hydon, back through Plymtree and home across the fields. You could take a picnic to have along the way – there is a good bench halfway round by a beautiful big oak tree with gorgeous views all around. Dogs are welcome throughout, but you will need to keep them on a lead as you will cross a lot of farmland with livestock. There are 2 pub enroute (one on the route at Plymtree and one a 10 minute detour in Clyst Hydon). For the full route see the link here www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/clyst-hydon-walk-7260336. You’ll be joining it between points 5 and 6 on the map (outside The Deer Den by crossing directly through the metal foot-gate opposite into the field and towards the wood pictured in the article rather than at the point the writer says.)
Great for kids to experience the outdoor life and to have the opportunity to get really muddy, whatever the weather. The muddy assault course for kids is a big hit. There are also showers available for afterwards - just make sure you pack a change of clothes! There's also food served here. Book tickets in advance.
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The Bear Trail
Great for kids to experience the outdoor life and to have the opportunity to get really muddy, whatever the weather. The muddy assault course for kids is a big hit. There are also showers available for afterwards - just make sure you pack a change of clothes! There's also food served here. Book tickets in advance.
Ashclyst Forest is only 10 minutes drive away and is a 600 acre National Trust woodland. Perfect for walking or horse riding if you go on a local hack (contact Hitts Barton). Walks are clearly signposted and suitable for all levels and abilities.
Ashclyst Forest
Ashclyst Forest is only 10 minutes drive away and is a 600 acre National Trust woodland. Perfect for walking or horse riding if you go on a local hack (contact Hitts Barton). Walks are clearly signposted and suitable for all levels and abilities.
3 mile walk or cycle, on country roads. Go down the farm lane and turn left at the bottom, go left at the T-Junction after walking about 15 minutes, follow the road around through Lower Tale, turn right at the top T Junction, walk for about 5 minutes then take the next right hand turn into Higher Tale and follow the road around to the right. Walk down past the cottages on your right, 2 large converted barns on your left and keep going past several more houses. Follow the road around the bend to your right, past the postbox then after the traditional thatch cottage take a left turn back down the road.
Tale Lane
Tale Lane3 mile walk or cycle, on country roads. Go down the farm lane and turn left at the bottom, go left at the T-Junction after walking about 15 minutes, follow the road around through Lower Tale, turn right at the top T Junction, walk for about 5 minutes then take the next right hand turn into Higher Tale and follow the road around to the right. Walk down past the cottages on your right, 2 large converted barns on your left and keep going past several more houses. Follow the road around the bend to your right, past the postbox then after the traditional thatch cottage take a left turn back down the road.
6 miles, on country roads. Walk or cycle down the farm lane, turn right, go to the junction at Marsh Cross, turn left. Follow the road around for several miles until you arrive in the village of Talaton where there is a village shop. Turn left up the hill next to the shop and go left at the crossroads at the top (there is a seat up there if you would like to take a break!). Follow the road for several miles until the road splits shortly after you pass a house with a windmill on your right. This little road up on the left goes past some cottages on the right then takes you into Higher Tale. Drop down through Higher Tale and go past the post box on your left and the traditional pretty looking thatched cottage and turn left marked ‘Clyst Hydon’. Follow the road until you turn right onto the farm lane, which takes you back to The Deer Den. There is also a pub in Talaton, though this is currently closed due to Covid restrictions.
Talaton
6 miles, on country roads. Walk or cycle down the farm lane, turn right, go to the junction at Marsh Cross, turn left. Follow the road around for several miles until you arrive in the village of Talaton where there is a village shop. Turn left up the hill next to the shop and go left at the crossroads at the top (there is a seat up there if you would like to take a break!). Follow the road for several miles until the road splits shortly after you pass a house with a windmill on your right. This little road up on the left goes past some cottages on the right then takes you into Higher Tale. Drop down through Higher Tale and go past the post box on your left and the traditional pretty looking thatched cottage and turn left marked ‘Clyst Hydon’. Follow the road until you turn right onto the farm lane, which takes you back to The Deer Den. There is also a pub in Talaton, though this is currently closed due to Covid restrictions.
4 miles, on country roads. Great fun for the family, with amazing animals, a maze, adventure play, a Saxon village among other attractions. Follow the route above until you get to Talaton village, then don’t turn off at the village shop on the left, but instead keep going straight and follow the road around over the railway bridge, past some cottages on the right, up the hill and around, until you get to Wildwood Escot on your left. Book tickets in advance. See wildwoodtrust.org
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Wildwood Escot
4 miles, on country roads. Great fun for the family, with amazing animals, a maze, adventure play, a Saxon village among other attractions. Follow the route above until you get to Talaton village, then don’t turn off at the village shop on the left, but instead keep going straight and follow the road around over the railway bridge, past some cottages on the right, up the hill and around, until you get to Wildwood Escot on your left. Book tickets in advance. See wildwoodtrust.org
Local Shops
A lovely village shop, perfect for buying local produce. A post office runs on certain days - check its website for details.
Talaton Village Shop
A lovely village shop, perfect for buying local produce. A post office runs on certain days - check its website for details.
Only a 10 minute walk across the fields. This is a great shop run by local volunteers and stocking lots of local produce (milk, meat, cheese, bread, honey) and a small range of other goods you may require. Newspapers stocked daily. See website for opening hours.
Plymtree Community Shop
Only a 10 minute walk across the fields. This is a great shop run by local volunteers and stocking lots of local produce (milk, meat, cheese, bread, honey) and a small range of other goods you may require. Newspapers stocked daily. See website for opening hours.
Go strawberry picking at Halberton Farm Shop, near Tiverton, 20 minute drive. You can also pick up some fruit, veg and lots of other farm produce while you’re there and there’s a café for tea and cakes. https://www.halbertoncourtfarmshop.co.uk/
Halberton Court Farm Shop
High StreetGo strawberry picking at Halberton Farm Shop, near Tiverton, 20 minute drive. You can also pick up some fruit, veg and lots of other farm produce while you’re there and there’s a café for tea and cakes. https://www.halbertoncourtfarmshop.co.uk/