East Devon: Active adventures for the whole family
As a mum to teenagers (as well as a toddler), I’m constantly trying to find ways to tempt them outside and away from their games consoles. Luckily Devon has some perfect places to do this. We may not be blessed with some of the recreational places the bigger cities have, but what we do have on offer is stunning none the less and with a little imagination (and sometimes bribery), once you’ve got them in the car you’re guaranteed a great day.
Cycle it out
This was put to the test very recently when a glorious spring morning gave me the urge to be outside so we headed off in search of somewhere to hire bikes which ended up at Darts Farm in Topsham. You can take your own but a lack
of a bike rack didn’t give us that option. Starting off from the car park (amazing food served here if you need to fuel up beforehand) you cross the road at the pelican crossing and it’s pretty much all off road bar a few quiet residential roads. You can stop along at several pubs and make your way into Exmouth on this 10-mile round trip which takes around 3 hours. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see the Marines training too, my son was mesmerised at what they were
doing.
Teamwork in a canoe
If you’re up for the possibly of getting a little wet, then hire a canoe from Exeter Quay and head on down to the Turf Locks pub. If you’re trying to do a day out on a budget then take along a picnic and stop off en route. The best thing about this activity is that it requires teamwork and talking, so if you really want to summon up a conversation with your kids or between siblings this is perfect.
Paddleboard on the sea
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging then why not hire some paddle boards over in Exmouth or in the warmer months, on the seafront in Sidmouth. This is on my hit list this summer after watching boarders out on the tranquil early evening sea. I like to think that I’d have more success on a paddle board than I would a surfboard which is also on my list of things I’d like to try.
Geocaching
I first tried this with the boys a few summers back and they loved it. The very fact it’s something which they can use via their mobile phones was the main appeal I suspect. You start by downloading an app on yours (or your kids’ phones) and heading out to wherever you fancy. There are a few free ones available so don't feel you have to spend out. Once you’ve arrived at your location, you use the app to look for hidden geocaches. The ones we’ve found have been small toys which someone’s left in a container and we’ve then replaced them or returned them. It’s all about the hunt really and the satisfaction of finding a hidden treasure!
0 comments
No comments for this post yet!