There’s such an abundance of fun, exciting and very different days out in East Devon!
 
Because it can be hard to decide, we’ve pulled together our top 10 East Devon attractions to help.
 
From farm and adventure parks to historic attractions, houses and gardens, our top picks are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, whatever your age. 

1 Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - © Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Where: Budleigh Salterton EX9 7BJ
Details: Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent Grade-I listed gardens and superbly landscaped park combine 18th-century tranquillity with modern amenities to provide year-round enjoyment for all ages. Wander through the themed gardens, including the American, Italian, Mediterranean and Fernery Gardens, or explore the ornate glasshouses. There’s also a countryside museum, woodland train ride, nature trail, maze and mini golf, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas – bound to keep your little’uns occupied!

2 Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - Dino Jeeps © Devon’s Crealy

Where: Sidmouth Rd, Exeter EX5 1DR
Details: For non-stop family action, Devon’s Crealy hits the mark. There are over 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions here, set in over 100 acres of picture-perfect English countryside, making it a great choice, come rain or shine. Brave up to the thrills of the new Twister rollercoaster, explore the Jurassic Jungle on board a Dino Jeep, or take the plunge on one of the zany wet rides. With numerous play areas, an animal barn and a huge choice of rides from thrills and spills to traditional fairground attractions, there’s something here for all ages – children, parents and grandparents alike.

3 Escot

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - Escot by Tony Parkin

Where: Ottery Saint Mary EX11 1LU
Details: For lovers of nature and the great outdoors, Escot is a wonderfully different house and gardens. Set in 220 acres of stunning private parkland, Escot Country Park offers a great family day out. Get up close to the South West’s only breeding red squirrels, marvel at the bird of prey displays, get lost in a world class maze and test your nerve on the woodland drop slide! Younger children will be thrilled by the indoor play barn. Or why not treat yourself to a delicious Coach House Restaurant cream tea or lunch.

4 Exeter’s Underground Passages

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - © Exeter City Council

Where: Exeter EX1 1GA
Details: Devon’s historic capital, Exeter, is a beautiful city, offering plenty of interest for families of all ages from the architectural splendour of the Cathedral Close to the speciality shops of the old port area. If you fancy an adventure, head underground with a fascinating tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages. Dating back to the 14th century, this network of ancient passageways once supplied the city’s water and are the only passages of their kind open to the public in Britain. They give a fascinating insight into Exeter’s history. Plus you get to wear a hard hat, which is always exciting for kids!

5 Haldon Forest Park

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - Photograph by Simon Stuart-Miller. © Haldon Forest Park

Where: Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XR
Details: Whether you’re in search of a quiet stroll, a family ramble or an exhilarating mountain biking adventure (bike hire is available), Haldon’s 3,500 acres of woodland are the place to go. Walking trails wend deep into the forest, where children are encouraged to build dens, climb trees and seek out wildlife from butterflies to birds of prey. The forest is also home to a Go Ape! Experience, with two incredible 235m zip slides, perfect for all ages to make like monkeys and get high up into the trees. Treat your tired out clan afterwards to a well earned breather in the Ridge Café.

6 Killerton

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - Killerton by Glen Bowman

Where: Broadclyst, Exeter EX5 3LE
Details: This 18th-century mansion house, owned and maintained by the National Trust, echoes the turbulent history of the Acland family. Killerton is renowned for its exquisite costume displays which draw from its vast collection of over 20,000 fashion pieces. Afterwards, explore the extensive grounds with their landscaped gardens and historic outbuildings. Whether you want to walk your pooch, drink in the views on a gentle stroll, or head off on an adventure with your young explorers, Killerton has a walk to suit. Stop off at the Stables Café or Kitchen Restaurant, and ensure you check out the calendar of exciting events.

7 Powderham Castle

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - Powderham Castle by Raymond Rocks

Where: Kenton, Exeter EX6 8JQ
Details: Set in an historic deer park above the Exe estuary, this 600-year-old castle is oozing with history and provides an intriguing day out for young and old alike. No trip is complete without the hour-long tour of the lavish interiors while, for kids, it’s all about the outdoor attractions! They can be kings of their own castle in the wooden fort with its turrets, suspension bridge and mini zip line. Hop aboard a deer safari, watch blacksmiths in the forge and meet pot-bellied pigs, goats and guinea pigs in the Pets Corner. With woodland trails and a range of seasonal events and outdoor performances, it’s just as well your ticket grants an extra day’s admission!

8 Seaton Tramway

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - © Seaton Tramway

Where: Seaton EX12 2NQ
Details: For a memorable experience, take a trip with a difference aboard the Seaton Tramway. Experience three miles of unspoilt countryside from these great little double decker narrow gauge vintage trams – a great day out, especially for children. Start your journey at Seaton and snake along the Axe River valley through two nature reserves, with unrivalled views of the abundant wading bird life, then stop off for lunch at the Tramstop Café in Colyton before your return journey. Check out the special events too, including drive a tram lessons, Dinosaur Trains, The Polar Express and spooky Halloween rides!

9 The Donkey Sanctuary

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - © The Donkey Sanctuary

Where: Slade House Farm, Sidmouth EX10 0NU
Details: Visit the donkeys at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary and make a friend for life. The sanctuary houses over 2,000 donkeys and provides a safe haven for any donkey that has been mistreated or lost its home. In fact the sanctuary’s founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, made a vow never to turn a donkey away. The donkeys’ soft lovable nature and the sanctuary’s impeccable facilities and warm, friendly atmosphere are unrivalled. Attracting over 350,000 visitors every year, the sanctuary is free to enter and open all year. And with plenty of events, you can immerse yourself in all things donkey!

10 World of Country Life, Exmouth

Top 10 East Devon Attractions - © World of Country Life

Where: Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BY
Details: For maximum fun whatever the weather, head to the award-winning World of Country Life. Children can cuddle and pet to their heart’s content in the petting farm and enjoy daily events including falconry displays, lamb and calf feeding and pygmy goat walking. Experience a llama or deer eating right out of your hand on the Deer Train Safari or take a walk back in time down Memory Lane, whose Victorian street features memorabilia from years gone by. The attraction is also home to the largest collection of steam engines and vintage vehicles in the south west, while there’s tons of indoor and outdoor play too, sure to tire out your own little lambs!

Our top 10 East Devon Attractions

If our top 10 East Devon Attractions have inspired you, why not book a stay in one of our luxury holiday cottages in East Devon. Their beautiful surroundings can be explored safe in the knowledge you will be coming back to a wonderful home from home, where you can truly relax and wind down.