Little Firs

If you can drag yourselves away from your lush little sanctuary, the Jurassic Coast’s fossil-hunting beaches at Lyme Regis and Charmouth are both 15 minutes’ drive away. The seaside town of Beer has lots of art galleries to browse and a popular shingle beach, while Branscombe Beach (both 25 minutes) is just the spot for seaside hikes in fresh Devon air. Heading back inland, check out the antiques stores in buzzy Honiton (20 minutes), or head for Axminster (10 minutes) to learn about the local carpet industry at the town museum in the Old Courthouse. If you fancy a gourmet night out, book ahead for foodie treats at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s famed River Cottage restaurant (also 10 minutes). Kids part of your holiday? They’ll probably love you forever if they get to spend the day on the waterslides and rollercoasters at Crealy Theme Park and Resort (35 minutes), and you’ll certainly be their favourite person if you give them the chance to cuddle rescue donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary (25 minutes).