Exe Valley Glamping

If you’re on a family staycation, take the kids to get good and muddy on The Bear Trail obstacle course (20 minutes’ drive), or test your head for heights on treetop ropes at Go Ape Haldon Forest (40 minutes). With a pirate boat to board and a beach especially for toddlers, River Dart Country Park (55 minutes) is a handy spot for families with younger kids. You can have a good march on the coastal Exe Estuary Trail between Exmouth (45 minutes) and Dawlish (50 minutes), or stroll along the scenic River Barle to the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps (45 minutes), where there’s a handy pitstop for coffee or beer at the popular pub overlooking the river. When a relaxing day at the beach is suggested after all that activity, seemingly endless Saunton Sands is backed by dunes for dog walks and has consistent waves for surfers, while Woolacombe (both around an hour) has plenty of family amenities including an amusement arcade and seaside cafés. Shingle beaches on Devon’s east coast include Budleigh Salterton (50 minutes), good for boogie boarding and safe swimming in the Lower Otter Estuary.