There are plenty of amazing things to do or see in rural Devon. Here are some of our suggestions for an A* day out to keep both grownups and children happy and smiling! Roadford Lake Lodges is within easy driving distance to all these wonderful family attractions and offers the perfect place to return to after a busy day to relax and unwind in a luxury lodge on the edge of Roadford Lake.
For the Adventurers
Go Ape – Haldon
Not too far away from Roadford Lake Lodges, Go Ape Haldon offers some great adventures for all the family. Scale the trees and swing through the forest on one of the many courses provided by Go Ape. With varying scales of difficulty, you can choose to take on the forest as a family or push it to the max with the treetop challenge plus. The courses offer up stunning views of Dartmoor and the surrounding wildlife and after your action-packed day you can enjoy some lunch or snacks at the onsite ridge café. Take a breather and let the kids run wild on the park. If your thirst for adventure doesn’t stop there, take on the offroad cycling trails or take a hike and explore the forest. Zip lines, tree top adventures, cycle trails and walking paths await you at Go Ape. The perfect day out for adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts. Located in Haldon, just 12 miles away from the lodges the 20-minute journey couldn’t be more worth it. Once you’ve survived the day head on back to the lodges and lounge around the lodge or soak in the hot tub. You’ll have earned it!
Crealy Great Adventure Park
Adventure awaits just on the other side of Exeter city at Crealy Great Adventure Park. The drive from Roadford Lake Lodges will take just 45 minutes via the A30 and the biggest family theme park in Devon is certainly not lacking in fun with over 60 rides and attractions to experience. Not only this but the live entertainment and exciting shows along with over 200 zoo and farm animals to enjoy make Crealy perfect for a family of all ages. There is both indoor and outdoor fun to be had leaving no chance for the weather to spoil those plans. With the newest addition of Sooty Land, Crealy is the perfect place for little ones not quite grownup enough to take on the big rides but are still looking to try their hand at adventure.
There is also a range of restaurants and cafes for you to dine at if a packed lunch isn’t your style.
During the offseason the park has limited opening times but is open on the weekends and during the summer the park is open nearly every day.
Chilled Day out
Exeter City
If the excitement is too much to handle, then perhaps you would prefer a trip into the historical city of Exeter. The fabulous city is rich with walking tours, activities, and restaurants to fill a day trip with. Explore the breath-taking cathedral and visit the multiple museums teeming with fun facts and history about Exeter as well as the surrounding areas. There’s a range of things to do for children, teens and adults. There’s also chance for a bit of retail therapy too at one of the many shopping centres nearby. The beautiful city has plenty to do for all and afterwards you can take your pick from the hundreds of restaurants and cafes found in the centre. For families with younger children, there are plenty of activities suited to you such as bowling, cinemas, indoor climbing, and trampoline parks.
Just a 20-minute drive down the road, take on the day without a plan and explore as you go. Seeing the sites of Exeter with easily booked tours and entry tickets couldn’t be easier and when you’re done for the day return to the lodges and enjoy the luxuries of a home away from home.
Exmouth City
If you are prepared to venture a little bit further out, then a day trip to the coastal town of Exmouth is a perfect way to spend your day. Not much further than Exeter, the journey will take you around 50 minutes. Although much like Exeter, Exmouth hosts its own beach and pier as well as the opportunity for boat trips. If the weather isn’t on your side, then choose to visit World of Country Life where there are plenty of local farm animals to pet and see. There are indoor and outdoor activities for everyone to get involved with such as a Victorian shopping street and a large playground for the children. Live animal shows take place at intervals throughout the day and a restaurant to refuel at after a long day of excitement.
So whether you have a family of little adventurers and explorers or wild-life crazy little ones, there is lots to do for all the family when staying at Roadford Lake Lodges and you can rest assured you will be returning to your holiday lodge to embrace the rural setting and unwind in your private hot tub!