Out and About

Upton Lakes really is superbly located, as we have already said. It lies at the very heart of rural Devon, a county boasting an amazing mix of some of the prettiest villages, most dramatic coastlines and stunning historic buildings to be found in the UK. Even though we have a rural location, you don’t have to drive miles before getting to a main route – within a few minutes you’ll be off and away to one the jewels of Devon. From Honiton – renowned market town and antiques capital of Devon, Exeter – a bustling Cathedral City with a myriad of independent shops, the famous underground passages and its summer festival – to Paignton where you can take the steam train along the River Dart to Kingswear or, alternatively, a boat trip from Totness to Dartmouth – Upton Lakes really is over the hills but not far away. Venture a little further and you could be walking the Jurassic Coast, visiting the National Marine Aquarium or taking a deep-sea fishing trip off Exmouth. The list is endless, with a boundless choice to keep everybody's holiday happy!

Sample the Delights – Devon is of course a farming county, with a cornucopia of local organic produce ranging from honey to apples and from chocolate to cheese and cider to clotted cream. Here too you’ll find vineyards, brewers, seaside fishmongers and an array of farm shops and local markets where you can sample some of the wonderful tastes and delights that Devon has to offer. Each year in May, the County Show attracts thousands of visitors and in Spring you can whet your appetite at the Exeter Food and Drink Festival, watching some famous top chefs demonstrating their culinary skills. A visit to Darts Farm Shop in Topsham is now as much a day out as a place to sample the best of locally produced food. Bon Appétit!

Discover the treasures – With, literally, hundreds of miles of country lanes lined by steep hedgerows, rich in colour and wildlife, a day just following your nose will lead you to any one of a 1000 quaint villages; the only time you’ll need to stop is when you reach the sea... and then it might be just the time for a dip, a spot of lunch OR.. a famous Devon cream tea. The rivers of Devon have a magical appeal as they miander down to the sea where they open out to some of the finest estuary in the land. Not least is the River Exe and Estuary with the famous RSPB Avocet boat cruises. But if the idea of bird spotting doesn’t get you twitching with anticipation then why not take the ferry from Exeter to the Double Locks Hotel and just have a beer and a ploughman’s lunch.

Surf no Further! – Apart from Cornwall what other county in England can offer you two separate coastlines! The north and south coasts of Devon with features too many to mention here – in short, for the sand and surf head north and for harbours and attractions head south – well, it’s not quite a clear cut as that, but you get the idea.

Join the locals – Nearby Upton Lakes you’ll find a huge choice of activities from horse riding, squash, tennis, rounds of golf and heaps more... or you could just cycle into Cullompton for a few supplies and head back home again for a peaceful and relaxed day on the lake! ’Tis up to you.

To find out more take a look at our list of towns and places to visit in the main menu