Things To Do Around Cadhay

Walks, Coast and the Jurassic Coastline

Cadhay sits at the heart of some of the finest walking country in the South West. The Otter Valley, Woodbury Common and the South West Coast Path are all within easy reach, as are the wilder landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor, where rock climbing, canoeing and orienteering are popular pursuits.

The nearby coastline is one of the most remarkable in the world. The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site stretches for some 95 miles across East Devon and West Dorset, with rocks that record 185 million years of the Earth’s history. From the red sandstone cliffs of Exmouth and the smooth pebblebed shore at Budleigh Salterton, to the chalk white cliffs of Beer and the fossil-laden Undercliff at Lyme Regis, each stretch tells its own story. The coastal towns of Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Branscombe, Beer, Seaton and West Bay are all within comfortable reach, whether you are hunting for fossils or simply enjoying a traditional day by the sea.

East Devon is fantastic all year round. We have put together a small guide to highlight some of what the area has to offer in the autumn.

Family Days Out and Local Attractions

There is no shortage of days out for families within a short drive of Cadhay. Escot, Bicton Park, Seaton Tramway, The Donkey Sanctuary and Crealy all make for excellent outings, while Otterton Mill is a perennial favourite for its arts and crafts, food and the lovely riverside walks nearby.

Cadhay is located just outside Ottery St Mary, an attractive market town on the River Otter, around ten miles from Exeter and six miles from the sea at Sidmouth. Mentioned in Domesday in 1086, it is the birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and home to one of the most unusual events in the Devon calendar. Every year on Guy Fawkes Night, the town’s famous Tar Barrels are set alight and carried through the streets by local residents. It is a genuinely extraordinary sight. Beyond that, Ottery is a peaceful and beautiful town with excellent independent shops, including some of the best local food and one of the finest wine merchants in the South West.

Sport, Activities and Gardens

East Devon is well set up for an active stay. In addition to walking, the area offers cycling along quiet, near traffic-free lanes, swimming at Sidmouth and Honiton, watersports on the Exe, and golf at Honiton, Woodbury and Budleigh Salterton. Leisure centres at Ottery St Mary and Honiton offer fitness suites, a dance studio and more.

For those who love gardens, Cadhay’s own grounds are a wonderful starting point. RHS Rosemoor is within reach, and a number of private gardens in the area open regularly under the National Garden Scheme. Details are available locally.

Food, Drink and Staying In

Devon has quietly become one of the best regions in the country for food and drink. Outstanding independent food shops, local producers, excellent pubs and restaurants are all virtually on the doorstep. Whether you are after a relaxed pub lunch, a long dinner or simply stocking up on local produce, you will not be short of options.

If the weather turns, there is plenty to enjoy closer to home. The properties have cosy woodburners and plenty of space to unwind. Children love a game of hide and seek in the Manor House, and there is table tennis in the East Attic. For history enthusiasts, the National Trust properties of Montacute, Barrington Court, Killerton, Castle Drogo and A la Ronde are all within reach and well worth a visit.

Helen, Cadhay’s house manager, knows the area intimately and is always happy to offer recommendations for your stay.

Looking to stay at Cadhay?

Whether you’re planning a relaxing countryside escape, a special celebration, or a peaceful break in beautiful East Devon, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team to find out more about availability, accommodation options, and how we can help make your stay truly memorable at Cadhay Manor.

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