Destination: Devon - 6 Things To Do And Places To See

Something For The Wanderers

Take a stroll through Dartmoor National Park and its wild, open, moorland full of rare wildlife and deep river valleys. We recommend visiting one of Dartmoor’s many Tors such as Haytor Rocks where you can find some of the most breathtaking views.

Highland Cattle, Brentor Church and Sourton Tor on Dartmoor - by Emily Fleur Photography

Something For The Adventurers

Haldon Forest promises more than never-ending tree top views and peaceful strolls, it also has a range of activities for you to enjoy whether adventuring alone or with friends and family. This beautiful park has a selection of walking trails to chose from, several of which are accessible. You can even hire a mountain bike and explore one of 7 trails, ranging in grades of difficulty. Or take to the high rope course with the family at Go Ape, finishing with a swing on the zip wire.

Haldon Belvedere can be seen in the far distance when standing on the balcony at Rockbeare Manor, our countryside wedding venue in Devon. We're very lucky to be in such a picturesque spot, and to have the opportunity to have all of these beautiful places on our doorstep. Whilst our events and wedding venue is just 8 miles from the centre of Exeter in Devon, 4 miles from Exeter airport, and 5 miles from the M5 motorway, we're cocooned in countryside as far as the eye can see.

Something For The Family

If a day at the beach is what you had in mind you could visit Exmouth. It's just 10 miles from Rockbeare Manor and is a family friendly seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, which offers plenty of walking and cycling routes too. It is also home to the award winning Fish & Chip shop Krispies, crowned the best fish and chip shop in the UK!

A little further afield but one of our favourite waterside towns is Dartmouth. It's an incredibly picturesque South Devon destination with lots of hustle and bustle and well known for its Royal Regatta and Food Festival. It's well worth a visit. 

Dartmouth - on the banks of the River Dart, South Devon

If you prefer a peaceful, secluded spot where you are likely to have the beach to yourself, you could travel further South and visit one of South Devon’s hidden gems such as Moor Sands or Lannacombe Beach. Here you will see the West Country at its most rugged and unspoilt, with some of the best scenery in the area.

Something For The Foodies

We are definitely spoilt for choice in terms of great places to eat in the Exeter area, but we love:

• The Pig - just outside of the market town of Honiton. If you have ever stayed or eaten at one of The Pig locations you will know what to expect and won't be disappointed. Luxurious but relaxed surroundings, a kitchen garden, fabulous local food and an imaginative wine list that must be explored!



Sunset at The Pig, in Gittisham, Devon

• The Jack in the Green - Our most local pub, just a couple of miles from Rockbeare Manor and a definite Devon dining institution! There is always a warm and friendly welcome from Paul and the team and the food is always top-notch, and beautifully presented. Matthew has been the Head Chef at the Jack for 26 years now and his dishes continue to surprise and excite.

• The Holt - We love The Holt! It's in the market town of Honiton and the food there is outstanding, often feeling like a fine-dining experience but in incredibly relaxed surroundings. For something more casual, they offer a huge selection of delicious Tapas dishes, perfect for sharing. 

All the above eateries have space for larger groups if you want to arrange a get-together with lots of family and friends, either the night before, or day after your wedding. 

Something Local

Spend an afternoon at Darts Farm, a national award-winning Farm Shop which is sure to give you a unique shopping experience and the best food and drink the region has to offer. Not to mention it is based just outside of the charming, quaint and historic estuary town, Topsham where you can stroll along the River Exe and take in the beautiful views.

From Topsham you could hop on the passenger ferry and take a trip across the Exe to discover some lovely walks, as well as two local waterside pubs, The Turf (one of our personal favourites!) and Double Locks. 

There are short or long cruises available to discover the wildlife of the Exe estuary or even over to the sandy beaches of Exmouth.

Great food at The Turf Hotel, River Exe

Another firm favourite has got to be the River Exe Cafe, and award winning restaurant, which literally floats on the River Exe!

The River Exe Café is a seasonal, family, and dog-friendly restaurant open from 1st April until the 30th September each year.  The restaurant offers a wide range of locally sourced food and drink and is surrounded by amazing views.

The River Exe Café, pictured below, can be accessed by boat: Either a Puffin Water Taxi from Exmouth Marina, or on your own boat.

Something Cultural

Last but not least is the vibrant city of Exeter, famous for it’s connections to Harry Potter and its delicious cream teas, this historic city is sure to captivate you with it’s stunning architecture and delicious eateries. You could enjoy a high tea overlooking the impressive medieval Cathedral or perhaps take an Underground Passage Tour, one of Exeter’s top attractions. You might prefer to explore the Quayside by kayak or peddle boat before venturing to one of it’s many restaurants, cafes and bars. 

When you attend a wedding at Rockbeare Manor, our Devon wedding venue you will be spoilt for choice and captivated by the variety and beauty that this stunning county has to offer. Devon really is the perfect place for a destination wedding in the UK, and we're very lucky to have a little part of it to ourselves.

If you are recently engaged and looking for your dream wedding venue then please do get in touch, we would love to chat through your wedding ideas with you.