Drakes Farm is easily found, not far off the A30 near Crockernwell. After driving through Cheriton Bishop and entering Crockernwell, there are clear signs showing you where to go. There's a large free car park and 2 buildings. One is Oinkers Farm Shop selling local meat, produce and plants, and the other is the lovely … Continue reading Drakes Farm Cafe

We do like a river beach! This small stretch of the River Creedy near Newton St Cyres has a brilliant padding spot, surrounded by beautiful views and buzzing with wildlife. The footpath begins from next to the stone road bridge. There are no pavements alongside the road and limited parking opportunities, so care needs to … Continue reading Sweetham Splash

This hidden gem is managed by Wild East Devon, and needs a bit of local knowledge to find! Free parking is available at Seaton Tower parking area (turn right off the A3052, pass the petrol station on your left and then the parking area is on the right). You then have to walk along the … Continue reading Holyford Woods

1) The Mini Pump Track at Haldon Forest Park The mini pump track at Haldon Forest Park is a great spot to take younger children - those confident with balance bikes really enjoy the free wheeling thrills, and those learning to pedal can cover a good distance in a small area. It's located close to … Continue reading 5 places to learn to ride a bike around Exeter

Right back at the beginning of the year, I decided to plan to try and work towards taking our bikes a bit further afield for some longer rides. I looked into areas with lots of recommended family cycling routes and searched for accommodation close by. As long term members of the YHA we have explored … Continue reading A Family Break at YHA Ilam Hall – picnicking, paddling and peddling in the Peaks

This lovely family walk begins in Ilam. We stayed at Ilam Hall with the YHA and were able to park at Ilam Park for free as we are NT members. You can park closer to Dovedale (and miss out on the walk but charges apply and it gets very busy). We followed the 2.5km route … Continue reading Dunster Hill to Dovedale – peaks and paddling

One of the huge benefits of staying in the Youth Hostel at Ilam Hall was the selection of amazing walks available right from the door. On our first day in Ilam, we decided to explore the immediate parkland and followed the suggested 1.6km circular route available in a leaflet from the National Trust, who run … Continue reading Ilam Park with Children

Carsington Water is a large reservoir owned and managed by Severn Trent Water. It is located just outside the boundary of the Peak District National Park, easy to find and well signposted from nearby roads. The main car park near the Visitor Centre costs £5 for all day parking and while the machines only take … Continue reading Cycling Around Carsington Water

The Manifold Trail is a family friendly cycle route that follows the route of an old railway. Named in The Guardian's 'Britain's Best Bike Rides' it is mostly level, well surfaced an almost entirely traffic free. There are car parks at both ends of the trail (Waterhouses and Hulme End), with other additional joining points … Continue reading Peddling in the Peak District – the Manifold Trail