Sandy Cross Barn
20642.4 miles N of Budleigh Salterton / Sleeps 6 + cot
7 Nights from £620 - £1425
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearest pub
The Digger's Rest (3 ½ miles)
A unique country pub that provides some of the most excellent food in the area at sensible prices. It is a pub of two halves with the modern side that was a skittle alley in times past, and the traditional pub on the other.With sofas, newspapers, tea and coffee, it is a lovely place to relax and make use of the free WiFi.
Nearest beach
Exmouth Beach (4 ¾ miles)
This sandy beach is easily accessed from Exmouth seafront, with plenty of parking and facilities nearby. At low tide, there are rock pools to explore and the forbodingly-named Conger Rocks. It's dog-friendly October to end-April and there are donkey rides and swing boats in the summer - a perfect beach for young families with calm, shallow waters and soft sand.
Mrs Adams August 2017
Fantastic sandy beach
It's easy to park - with a long and short stay area, and a long prom - ideal for strolling as well as a good sandy beach. It's also easy to walk into the town for a change of scenery and a bite to eat. And there's mini-golf!
Nearest walk
Otter Valley Wildlife Walk (2 ½ miles)
Less than a three mile easy stroll around the valley, which is managed as a nature reserve. A particularly good walk for young children who can spot many types of wildlife along the river.
Nearest town
Budleigh Salterton (2 ½ miles)
Budleigh Salterton lies on the very western tip of the Jurassic Coast and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by open countryside and woodlands, with rich red cliffs rearing up either side of the town, Budleigh Salterton is a blissful escape from the 21st century. The pebbly beach has room for everyone with two and half miles of seafront with beachside cafes and even some classic beach huts available to hire.
Mrs Lloyd September 2016
Pretty and Unspoilt
This little seaside town with its pretty pebble beach and red cliffs heralding the Jurassic coastline is a lovely place to stop for a stroll along the beach, to enjoy a cream tea, or to devour an ice cream from the Ice Cream Parlour where you will be spoilt for choice. The high street has not been spoilt by the ravages of time and modern living, still peppered with independent traders . At the east end of the beach the river otter reaches its destination as it meanders into the sea; the walks along it's banks to Otterton and beyond a real delight
Also nearby
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens (1 mile)
There's plenty to keep you busy here, with 63 acres of stunning gardens, historic glass houses and a woodland railway. Not to mention an Italian garden, Mediterranean and rose gardens, fernery, hermitage garden, pinetum and arboretum. Bicton also boasts 25 champion trees - the tallest/largest of their kind in Britain. At a dizzying 41m, the Grecian fir is the tallest ever recorded. Outdoor and indoor play areas, mini golf, a restaurant, shop and garden centre make it a great day out for all the family. Accepts Tesco Clubcard Days Out Vouchers.
Mrs Lloyd November 2010
Bicton Park Gardens
We have visited the gardens several times now and there is much to enjoy whatever the season, from the glory of these majestic peaceful gardens on shimmering sunny days to frosty winter visits to Santa's Grotto. Our experience and that of our guests has always been extremely enjoyable, whether accompanied by the more seasoned or the youngest of our relatives. There is lots to see with the 18inch guage railway a must, the glasshouses and the lovely agriculural museum. If you plan to visit more than once then the annual membership is worth considering, as it also provides you with free access to Morwellham Quay and 5% discount in the shop and restuartant.
February 2009
Glorious Glasshouses
The glasshouses are very impressive. You will find many rare palms in the beautiful 19th Century Palm House, while the Arid House contains weird and wonderful cacti and the lush Tropical House abounds with exotic blooms. There is certainly lots to see here.
February 2009
Great family day out, with plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Woodbury Park Golf and Country Club (2 miles)
An 18 hole championship course, nine hole course and driving range set in picturesque parkland in the Devon countryside. For those who prefer pampering to putting, there is a luxury spa and leisure complex.
Mrs Lloyd November 2010
The 20 metre pool, sauna and jacuzzi are well worth a visit and are set in beautiful surroundings; ideal for visiting families with young children and the keen lane swimmer alike. The small gym contains plently of equipment and all the latest technology. The Championship golf course boasts both 18 and 9 hole courses with manicured greens and beautiful scenery; the views are simply stunning. If all this isn't enough to keep you busy then, squash, tennis and fitness classes are also avilable to visitors. If relaxing is more to your taste then the onsite Bodyzone and Hairdresser may offer exactly what you are looking for. A very popular carvery is on offer every Sunday and meals can be enjoyed daily in either the Conservatory or Atrium Restaurants.
A la Ronde (3 ½ miles)
English eccentricity at its inimitable best. In the 18th Century two spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Palmer, went on a grand tour of Europe. When they returned to England they had this quirky 16-sided house built and decorated the interior with a fascinating collection of mementoes from their travels. The shell-encrusted gallery is reputed to contain nearly 25,000 shells. Get into the spirit of things while you're here by dressing up as a Regency Lady or Victorian Gentleman.
Mrs Lloyd November 2010
A unique sixteen-sided house extraordinarily decorated with feathers, mirrors, seaweed, cut paper and shells. The house is full of personal detail and facinating items. The views of the Exe Estuary are stunning from the house and Garden
Connaught Gardens (4 ¼ miles)
In a lovely setting overlooking Sidmouth and the bay, these gardens offer a fine range of plants which thrive in the temperate climate. A leafet with a guided walk is available from the attached Web site. The Clock Tower Cafe serves light refreshments throughout the day.
Mrs Lloyd September 2016
Simply delightful throughout the year these gardens are divided into 'rooms' each planted to perfection. The vista could not be bettered with the sea appearing far below and between the creative planting out to the horizon providing the perfect backdrop. A superb little cafe sells everything delicious to encourage you to sit down and savour the delightful planting around you. Jacob's ladder tempts you down to the waters edge with it's pebbled and sandy beach but for those of us less agile the gardens can be accessed almost on the level from Manor car park. Most weekends throughout the summer a band will be playing and occasionally outdoor theatre performed. These lovely gardens are really worth a visit
The Donkey Sanctuary (6 ¾ miles)
The focus here is on the animals, so there are no rides or play parks, just rescued donkeys to see and stroke. The Donkey Sanctuary is dog-friendly and admission is free.
Mrs Wise July 2016
Dinky Donks
Lovely to visit, and as it's free you can spend as little or as long as you like. Not just donkeys, there are some walks / trails to follow and a good cafe.
Mr Mills April 2012
A great family day out, free entry, free parking, all facilities on site are good - from eating to toilets, beautiful grounds. Only downside is reliant on reasonable weather as mostly outdoors.
June 2009
A wonderful day out for all the family - go on a fine day as you can walk a long way. A great bonus is that it is FREE to visit and there is no pressure on visitors to pay anything - but you will want to help this super charity.
February 2009
The donkey sanctuary is a brilliant day out for families. We have been here on numerous occasions and it is a joy to see the smiles on the childrens faces as they interact with the donkeys. We are always made to feel very welcome and the staff are very well informed.
January 2009
One of the largest in the world. Great for children and adults will enjoy it too.
- J M Wynne
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