Hunters Lodge Caravan and Camping Site

Catch the passenger ferry to Exmouth to see its seafront and the famed 16-sided house A La Ronde, then head further inland to Devon’s county town Exeter, home of Exeter Castle and stunning Exeter Cathedral. Old buildings and castles are all around the area: 12th-century Powderham Castle lies just north of Starcross at the village of Kenton and there are more National Trust properties in Devon than anywhere else in the country. Topsham Museum, with period rooms, info on maritime history and exhibitions on local wildlife, is housed in 17th-century buildings overlooking the Exe Estuary. The acclaimed beach of Dawlish Warren is almost on the doorstep for fairground rides, summer events and old seafront standby Punch and Judy. From here it’s a scenic stroll to the Dawlish Warren nature reserve on the mouth of the Exe Estuary, with visitor centre and free admission. Taking the bikes along to Devon? The National Cycle Network Exe Estuary Trail goes from Dawlish to Exmouth and there’s more cycling through the woods at Haldon Forest Park, with a bike hire shop there if you’re not bringing your own wheels.