Local Attractions

There is a diverse assortment of local attractions and activities on offer. You can find out about what’s available at a www.visitsouthwest.co.uk or www.lotstodo.co.uk.

A few ideas:

Exeter Paintball

Exeter Paintball is the South West's leading paintballing centre located just outside of Exeter in over 60 acres of woodland. If you’re looking for an action-packed adventure full of adrenaline you might want to give this a go!

Prices start from around £15 but there are often a number of deals on so check out the centre’s website at www.exeterpaintball.co.uk for full details. If paintballing is not your thing you can also try out laser tag and clay pigeon shooting here too.

Devon Castles

Devon has a number of fascinating castles and ruins that you can visit, explore, learn stories of the past, and enjoy a picnic in amazing surroundings. For further details on all of the castles to visit and directions visit www.english-heritage.org.uk

Okehampton Castle

Once the largest castle in Devon and mentioned in the Domesday book, Okehampton Castle is one of the country's most picturesque castle ruins standing in a stunning setting amidst the foothills of Dartmoor. Henry, Marquis of Exeter was found guilty of conspiracy and executed by Henry VIII and his ghost is said to still walk the halls. Prices start from £3.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

Set in beautiful woodland, you can wander around Berry Pomeroy’s romantic ruins and explore what was once a dramatic medieval castle and superb Elizabethan mansion former home of the Pomeroy and Seymour families. Be warned though, this is reputably the most haunted castle in Devon! You can discover the castle's blood curdling ghost stories with an audio tour and then take a woodland walk, have a picnic or visit the cafe for afternoon tea. Prices start from £3.80

Exmoor and Paignton Zoos

Home of the Exmoor Beast, Exmoor Zoo is a great day out for families and students alike. Neither a wildlife park or a city zoo, Exmoor Zoo is a friendly and contact orientated zoo which has grown into the North Devon countryside. You get to meet the animals, join in the handling sessions, touch a snake, hold a spider, feed a wallaby and learn about the animals during talks and feed times. Prices start from £7.25.

For further details visit www.exmoorzoo.co.uk If zoos are your thing there's also nearby Paignton Zoo which is well worth a visit, bring a picnic along and you're set up for a great day out. For more information see www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

Tiverton Canal

The quiet and unspoilt historic 11-mile stretch of canal is now a Country Park and Local Nature Reserve and a habitat for an abundance of flora and wildlife. As well as boats and canoes for hire you can relax and enjoy a trip on a rare horse-drawn barge, one of only five in Great Britain and the last in the West Country. For more information visit www.tivertoncanal.co.uk

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

15 minutes from Exeter Bicton Park is one of Devon's most magnificent historical gardens. The historic Palm House contains some of the world's most endangered plant species and the park is home to many rare and beautiful species collected from around the world. The 'Sir Walter Raleigh' tank engine that operates across the park is a fun way to explore the 63-acre site and is accessible for everyone.

Prices start from £5.95, for more information visit www.bictongardens.co.uk