Somewhere for both adults and children to enjoy a few fun activities and a little healthy competition at the same time, Clip ‘N Climb is a nationwide phenomenon that has come to Exeter.  You go along and join in a variety of climbing challenges.  Safety always comes first and instructors are on hand to make sure everything is going according to plan.  Exeter’s centre is at Haven Banks at The Quay and you can book online before you go.

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ABC Watersports aims to make watersports accessible to everyone, whatever your age, ability or confidence level. A local company using highly qualified paddlesport instructors, ABC Watersports offers professional guided trips, lessons and hire using paddleboards and kayaks.  Perfect for families and all age groups, what better way to get out on the water and explore the West Country's breathtaking scenery ? 

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An award winning family attraction in Exeter, Crealy Great Adventure Park is set in 100 acres of Devon countryside and offers something for kids of all ages. Easy to get to off the M5, the park is home to more than 100 animals, 30 outdoor attractions and other activities including rides, soft play, animal petting and seasonal events and shows. There’s a dog kennel that guests can use for the family pet, but do bring your own bowls, blankets and toys and remember to book in advance.

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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!

Established farm shop and lifestyle shopping experience on the outskirts of Exeter with on site butcher, fishmonger, baker, deli, cider press and resturant.  Under the same roof you'll find handpicked country living retailers along with small independent boutiques and a spa.  Set on a working farm there are also animals to visit, pick your own fruit and veg, a maize maze and farm walk through the beautiful fields.  Well worth a visit. 

Darts Farm Shopping Village, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0QH

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)

This cosy, dog friendly pub is located just a stone’s throw from Exeter in the pretty village of Newton St Cyres.  Staking its claim as Devon’s oldest working brew pub, here you’ll find not only outstanding seasonal food and friendly service but the chance to see how their beers are created in the downstairs brewery.  Along with the welcoming bar and dining room, in summer the pub extends to a split level garden which enjoys the afternoon and evening sun, the perfect place to while away a summer’s day.   

The Beer Engine, Newton St Cyres, EX5 5AX  (T:01392 851282)

A world away from the supermarkets, Greendale farm shop is bursting with fresh, locally-sourced produce. With its wet fish counter, on-site butchers, fabulous Deli and well-stocked grocery department a visit to the farm shop is a great way to sample the wonderful local food the West Country has to offer. There is also a popular café serving teas, coffees, cakes and light meals made using ingredients sourced from the farm.

Greendale Farmshop, Sidmouth Road, Exeter EX2 JU

Traditional tearooms with seating both inside and outside in the pretty walled garden, serving cream teas, sandwiches, soups, coffees and cakes. 

Walled Gardens 2 Briton Street, Dunsford, Exeter EX6  7JH (T: 01647 253338)

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.