Head to Devon’s beautiful River Exe for the perfect family staycation
Whether it was paddling in the sea, ice-cream on the promenade or trying to catch crabs, South Devon has everything you need for a great getaway
CHARGING up the river with the sun on our faces, this holiday was turning nautical . . . but nice.
The oars were cutting through the water with perfect timing as I bellowed at the family to pick up speed along Devon’s picturesque River Exe.
Approaching the finishing line on our mile-long route meant only one thing — the reward of a hearty pub lunch before the return leg.
My wife Kelly and I, with our kids Savannah, six, and Scarlett, three, were taking part in an afternoon’s Pub Paddle.
Three hours on the water included paddle-boarding and kayaking under the guidance of Exe Adventures’ superb organiser Sam McClure.
The only issue was prising the paddles out of my daughters’ hands at the end of the trip.
The £20-per-person trip was one of the highlights of our week’s visit to South Devon — which will provide the backdrop to upcoming movie The Mercy.
Oscar-winners Colin Firth, and Rachel Weisz star in the biopic of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst, who was exposed as a cheat after looking set to win a round-the-world yacht race in the late Sixties.
The stars were spotted filming in Teignmouth — a charming throwback to a traditional seaside resort.
The Victorian pier is the centrepiece of the tourist town, where seafood shacks offer cockles, mussels and superb local crab.
For dinner and drinks, head to arts venue Pavilions, which has a stylish rooftop terrace overlooking the beach.
We were staying a few miles away in a two-bedroom holiday home at Cofton Holiday Park which had everything we could ask for.
The kids had their own bedroom and a nearby supermarket allowed us to make full use of our high-spec kitchen facilities.
We could also keep on top of Celebrity MasterChef on the wide- screen telly in the evenings, in the comfort of our lounge.
To the delight of the kids, our holiday park had an outdoor pool guests could use for free, as well as an indoor pool and spa facilities for those rainy days.
A full programme of evening entertainment along with a traditional pub, fish-and-chip shop, café and restaurant are all on site.
There is also a woodland track to Dawlish Beach — a mile-long trek that is fine for the kids if you get the bus back.
A UK summer holiday wouldn’t be complete without a day of torrential rain — but this provided the perfect opportunity to visit nearby Powderham Castle.
The best fun here was taking part in the interactive Pirates and Mermaids show put on by the excellent Pocketwatch Theatre Company.
Learning some expert sword moves, we trained to be part of a pirate crew overseen by a brilliant and terrifying Jack Sparrow.
Before we left the castle, which has been in the same family for 600 years, we took a tractor ride around the stunning grounds to admire the beautiful ancient deer park.
Make sure to enjoy a sumptuous Devon cream tea from the café before heading off, though.
On another day out, a hair- raising experience was had at Crealy Great Adventure Park, near Exeter.
The water flume left everyone a bag of nerves and Savannah loved the rollercoaster, even though I was slightly pale-faced walking off.
Around an hour or so drive from our accommodation, we also checked out the stunning Salcombe and Blackpool Sands.
But the area is also a foodie paradise. We ventured to Ode & Co, in Shaldon.
This trendy pizza restaurant, in a holiday park, features some sublime dishes and stunning views.
A sample of polenta chips, arancini and focaccia to start was followed by a pizza each, washed down by a glass of red wine.
We indulged in everything South Devon had to offer during our seven days.
Whether it was paddling in the sea, ice-cream on the promenade or trying to catch crabs, it really is the perfect staycation for families.
Go: South Devon
STAYING THERE: Cofton Holiday Park has holiday homes, apartments and cottages as well as touring pitches.
A four-night short break this autumn is from £219 for a family of up to six sharing a two-bed Meldon holiday home.
See
OUT & ABOUT: ; ; and
MORE INFO: See
