October Half Term Inspiration
With October half term fast approaching, we’ve put together as selection of day trip ideas and activities for you to enjoy with your family this autumn. In the wonderful Westcountry, we’re fortunate to have so much on our doorstep, so, get inspired and get planning for a brilliant half term.
If you fancy putting your walking boots on, tiring the kids out or taking the dog out for a scenic stroll, here are some beautiful walking or cycling routes:
Castle Drogo to Fingle Bridge
Begin at the National Trust’s Castle Drogo where you can park for a small fee and take the downhill path to Fingle Bridge. If it’s warm and dry, you can munch on a picnic next to the river or enjoy a pub lunch at the Fingle Inn. For a change of scenery on the way back, take the path next to the river, heading upstream and follow signs for Castle Drogo.
Travelling to the National Trust car park at Castle Drogo should take between 30-35 minutes from Cavanna @ Elm Park and Equinox I & Equinox II
Exeter Quay to Double Locks
Take the train or bus into Exeter City Centre and head towards the stunning quayside. Once you’ve arrived at the Quay, take a short pitstop to enjoy the views and atmosphere. If you haven’t packed a flask, you can pick up a hot drink in a nearby café. When you’re ready, take the path next to the canal and into the Riverside Valley Park which is just across the road from our homes at Cavanna @ Elm Park. Further along the canal path is the Double Locks pub where you can stop for a bite to eat. There is also a huge garden at the back of the pub with lots of space for the children to run and play.
Walking from Cavanna @ Elm Park to Exeter Quay takes just under 1 hour and to the Double Locks pub, a 40-minute walk. Getting to Exeter Quay from Equinox I & II should take around 20 minutes by car. However, you might want to consider using public transport to get into the city centre and enjoy the walk down to the quayside.
Exe Estuary Trail
Fancy taking a day trip out on two wheels? The Exe Estuary Trail provides an exciting opportunity to walk or cycle on a newly constructed, level route from Exmouth to Dawlish Warren. There are plenty of points along the trail to park and begin cycling or walking and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife! If you reach Dawlish Warren, stop in at the arcade and try your luck on the penny machines!
The closest access point to the trail from Cavanna @ Elm Park is just before the swing bridges on Bridge Road and will take only 8 minutes to reach by bike. This point is also the closest for homeowners at Equinox I & II but there are several places to unload bikes and park nearby. Take a look at the map here to plot your route.
Pottery painting at Something Lovely
Something Lovely is an independently owned and run pottery studio located in Libra Court in the seaside town of Sidmouth. Book a session online to avoid disappointment, and prepare to relax, unwind and get creative Whilst you’re in Sidmouth, take a walk along the seafront and over to Jacob’s Ladder. If you have time, squeeze in an ice cream break at Taste of Sidmouth, you won’t be disappointed!
Travelling to Sidmouth from Cavanna @ Elm Park and Equinox I & II will take around 30 – 35 minutes by car. There is also a scenic bus route to Sidmouth from Exeter City Centre which you might enjoy taking. You’ll save on parking costs too!
Greendale Farm Shop
If you’re looking for a great location to catch up with friends over lunch or a mid-morning coffee with the kids, head over to Greendale Farm Shop located on Sidmouth Road in Exeter. As well as a fantastic restaurant and farm shop, they also keep an array of animals to admire for free. Animals on the ‘farm trail’ include ponies, donkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, wallabies and an ostrich! You’ll also find an immobile tractor and fire engine for little ones to sit in and place safely. There is so much to do here so wrap up warm and enjoy the day.
Greendale Farm Shop is a short 10 – 15 minute drive from Cavanna @ Elm Park and Equinox I & II
The cost of eating out will quickly add up during half term, so here is a range of warm picnic ideas to organise and prepare for the week ahead.
Chilli pitta pockets
Cook up a mince or meat-free chilli and pop it in a flask to keep warm until lunchtime. Pick up a packet of pitta breads from the supermarket, cut in half and pour in the chilli for a warming and cutlery free lunch.
Sausages
Cook sausages in the oven on the morning of your day trip, pack finger rolls and sauces into your rucksack along with napkins, plates, cups and drinks. When the sausages are ready, wrap them in a few layers of tin foil and then inside a nest of tea towels for extra insulation!
A few other items to remember for your picnic include:
– Something to sit on (ideally waterproof)
– A warm blanket to wrap around your shoulders
– A bin bag to collect litter and take home
– Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for sticky fingers
– Extra cutlery
– Kitchen roll for spillages
– A Tupperware box for any leftovers
Have a fantastic half term holiday!
More people than ever have been holidaying in the South West this summer so it’s no surprise that many are looking to turn their staycation into a reality by relocating here. If you’re searching for your dream home, visit our development pages today to register your interest in a Cavanna home.
