Family Friendly Activities And Attractions
The areas surrounding our properties might be filled with beautiful fields, trees and coastline, but there is also a wealth of options for days out and activities to occupy both grown-ups and kids alike. We’re collecting some of our best suggestions below, for nearby attractions to spend a few hours doing something a bit different.
Beer Quarry Caves, Beer, Devon
Beer Quarry Caves in Beer, East Devon is a 2,000 year old man-made underground limestone cave complex, created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer stone that was used in the building of St Paul’s, Winchester and Exeter cathedrals, Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London. It’s a fascinating place to visit, with guided tours run every day, lasting around an hour.
The caves are incredibly atmospheric and are likened to a vast subterranean cathedral; they are well lit, so you can marvel at the enormous vaulted roofs and pillars, and see displays showing what the working conditions were like here, the dangers involved, and how they used to quarry the huge blocks of stone. Essential are sensible footwear and a jumper – even on the hottest days it’s very cool in the caves.
Beer Quarry Caves are also important because in the winter, several species of bat hibernate here, including Greater and Lesser Horseshoe, Daubenton's, Natterer’s, and the rare Bechstein’s bats.
Group bookings are welcome, dogs are allowed on leads and light refreshments and souvenirs are available.
Ilminster Arts Centre, Ilminster, Somerset
Pootle down the road to Ilminster when you’re staying in Somerset on your large group holidays; have a browse around the shops and make sure you allow enough time for a visit to Ilminster Arts Centre. Housed in a former historic church in the middle of town, this is quite a hub for the local community and is a draw for visitors. See the latest exhibition of local artists’ work in the gallery, have a look at all the lovely things in the shop, dreamed up and created by makers who live and work nearby, and stop for breakfast, a piece of cake or light lunch in the café; if the sun is smiling down, sit outside in the quiet courtyard.
They also run workshops at Ilminster Arts Centre, so if you fancy trying your hand at something, perhaps watercolours, oils, clay sculpture, felting or willow work, see what’s on when you’re planning your holiday and book ahead. There are also regular evening events – quiz nights, jazz and classical performances and as you can imagine, the acoustics and the atmosphere are amazing. If you’re here in late November when it’s the Ilminster Town Christmas Lights Switch On, pop into the Arts Centre for mulled wine and mince pies – guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon
Hundreds of happy donkeys live here at The Donkey Sanctuary, in a peaceful spot in the hills of East Devon, not far from Sidmouth. Go along and see them munching on the grass in the fields or tucking into fresh hay in the barns; most of them have been rescued and they’re generally a friendly bunch so you can get up close and stroke them or give them a little tickle behind the ears.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a good place to visit with younger children when you're on your large group holidays in the South West, and it’s easy to while away a morning or an afternoon here. When you’ve seen the animals, go for a stroll through the woods where there’s a nature trail and a fascinating Hermit’s Cave, stop off at the farm themed play area and the maze on the way back, have cake or a light lunch in The Kitchen Café, then go and choose a momento of your visit in the shop where you’ll find all sorts of donkey related things that you never realised how much you want.