It’s time to your grab wellies, raincoat and scarf – we’ve compiled a list of very favourite things to do in East Devon over the autumn and winter months.
Darts Farm Shop
The fabulous Darts Farm shop on the outskirts of Topsham is a great place to visit if you love food. With a huge farm shop selling local meats and locally grown vegetables, you could just spend a morning here exploring the shop followed by a delicious hot chocolate at their Cow & Cacao bar or have lunch at the Farm Table (open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays). They also have a host of festive events in the lead up to Christmas, from food masterclasses to Christmas wreath making and an outdoor Christmas carol service. Have a look at their website for all the dates and details.
Donkey Sanctuary
Get your animal fix by visiting either the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth or Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard. Both sites are dog friendly and are open seven days a week for you to visit the animals and explore the walking trails. Both have cafes where you can warm up after your walk with a cup of tea and freshly baked cakes.
Heron Farm Vineyard
Heron Farm vineyard is a great place for breakfast, lunch or even just a coffee. The fabulous field kitchen is very cosy with a wood burning stove and great coffees. Unfortunately, the vineyard tours only run April to October, but they do have a great children’s playpark and at the bottom there is magical fairy door into their fairy garden and orchard. In the orchard, you can say hello to their Ouessant sheep and give them some feed to nibble on (purchased from the gift shop).
River Cottage
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage is only about 20 minutes away from Quantock. The cookery school has a large array of courses throughout the year, and in the lead up to Christmas.
Christmas curing, bread making and making most of vegetables on the Christmas table are just some of the courses being run. If you don’t fancy cooking yourself, then have a look at one of their dining experiences. These experiences do often book up, so have a look ahead of your visit.
Connaught at Christmas
Connaught at Christmas is an illuminated garden walk for all the family at Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth. Running from 9th December to 18th December, tickets at £9.50 for adults and £5 for children. You can also visit their free undercover Christmas Food & Craft market.
Exeter Winter Wonderland
The city of Exeter has plenty of events happening throughout the winter months. The cathedral has a Christmas market in the square outside, running from 18th November to 18th December with a range of seasonal food and gifts. Or visit Exeter’s Winter Wonderland (17th November -2nd January) with free entry to the rides and the mini Christmas market. Tickets are available for the Ice Rink and Santa’s Grotto. You can also venture out to Exmouth and book on a guided bird watching cruise. Many thousands of birds migrate to the Exe Estuary during autumn and winter months, and this a great way discover all the different species that visit.
Lyme Regis
The coastal town of Lyme Regis, on the Jurassic coast, is a great place to visit throughout the year, with fantastic independent shops and restaurants. The museum also runs fossil hunting walks even during winter months, join their expert guides and learn all about the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning plus discover your own fossils to take home.
National Trust Gardens/Grounds
Many National Trust properties near to Quantock do close their doors during winter months, but there are a few that keep the gardens and grounds open so you can still explore the beautiful countryside. For example, Killerton’s historic parkland and gardens are open for most of the winter months, along with their café. The house itself is open for a short time (26th November – 2nd January) as the ground floor has been decorated for Christmas. Similarly, Castle Drogo is also open to show off its 1920s style Christmas decorations from 19th December to 23rd and there is also a winter snowflake trail through the grounds from 2nd December.