Local Info
The Surroundings
There is something to interest everyone within a very short drive from Home Farm (which is only three miles from Honiton, gateway to the West Country) and is therefore well placed for those wishing to break their journey to the more westerly parts of the region.
Close at hand are some fine National Trust properties such as Killerton and Knightshayes Court. Of general interest nearby are amusement and wildlife parks, model villages, working museums and farms, abbeys, castles, steam railways, fishing villages, cliff walks, bird sanctuaries and much more.
Home Farm is set in four acres of grounds for you to relax in and enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. But, it is also an ideal base for the more active and energetic with swimming, riding, tennis, fishing and other sports found nearby, as well as exhilarating cliff walks. Golf enthusiasts are well catered for with six challenging courses within easy reach.
The Country town of Taunton, with good shops and art galleries, and the Cathedral City of Exeter are both half an hour drive away. There are numerous seaside resorts such as Sidmouth, Seaton and Beer close by.
Welcome to Honiton
Honiton stands in delightful country of rich farmland watered by the river Otter and several of it's tributaries. Steep sided hills rise between Honiton and the sea, and narrow winding roads lead to villages that are as charming and interesting as any in Devonshire.
Many miles of footpaths offer splendid walking opportunities for the country lover. Honiton is a pleasant and residential market town with a population exceeding 11,000, the principal shopping centre for a large part of East Devon. One of the centres of the medieval West country cloth trade, Honiton later became famous for it's lace, renowned the world over.
Disastrous fires in the 18th century destroyed many of the older buildings. Fortunately the rebuilding has created a town centre of distinction that is still largely 18th century.
Honiton Golf Club
Honiton Golf Club is a lovely course set high in the hills to the east of Honiton town with splendid views across to the Blackdowns. Established in 1896 the greens are maintained in excellent condition as are the fairways. The fourth tee is the first technical challenge with a number of others starting out tight.
Although in the hills the course itself is relatively flat to play, but it does boast beautiful views in all directions, and benefits include smart clubhouse facilities with a friendly atmosphere.
Honiton Golf Club
Middlehill,Honiton,EX14 9TR
Tel:+44(0)1404 44422
Fax:+44(0)1404 46383
No. of holes: 18
Length: 5897 yards Par 69 SSS 68
Ladies: 5392 yards Par 73 SSS 73
Course Type: Parkland
Visitor Green Fees: Weekday £26 Weekend £30
Website http://www.honitongolfclub.co.uk/
Wilmington Hayes Gardens and Waterfowl Collection
Wilmington, Devon, EX14 9JZ
Tel: +44 (0) 1404 - 831751
Tudor-style mansion (not open) within 83 acres of mature gardens and woodlands.
The reclaimed gardens, created in 1911, 'beautiful in all seasons,' contain spectacular hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, camellias and numerous acres and oaks. Several ponds, lakes, topiary (over 300 yards), arboretum and woodland walks with pure, rare breed domestic waterfowl, including black swans, mandarin ducks, shelducks and barnacle geese.
Opening times (this year): 14 May-4 Jun, Sun, 1400-1700.
Admission: 3.00 (Adults) 1.00 (Children)
The Village of Dalwood
The village of Dalwood, first recorded in 1195 formed part of the Royal Demesne of the Saxon and Norman Kings. The first. Fair was granted to the then Lord of the Manor, Robert de Chantermerle, by Edward III in 1345. An illuminated copy of the Fair Charter in Latin and English (produced and presented by the late Mrs Anne Hemming of Dalwood) and a photocopy of the original entry in the Rolls, can be seen in St Peter's Church.
The Church of St Peter dates from the 14th Century, but most of the building is l5th Century work in local stone. In the 19th Century, the building was extensively restored. The ladies of the Parish have arranged the floral decorations in-the Church.
The Tucker's Arms is reputed to have originated at about the same time as St Peter's Church, as a building to house the artisans constructing the Church. It is a typical Devon longhouse.
The Methodist Church on the outskirts of the village was opened in 1868 by Bible Christians and was amalgamated into the Methodist Church in 1932. Extensive modernisation and renovation work during 1995/96 has resulted in more flexible and up to date premises.
Dalwood is situated about three miles west of Axminster, off the main A35 road from Honiton. It lies between two ridges of the Blackdown Hills, in the valley of the Corry Brook, a tributary of the River Yarty. The population is about 500. The Baptist Chapel at Loughwood dates from the 17th century, now owned and maintained by the National Trust and well worth a visit.
The village fair has been held since the 1200s. It is a traditional country fair raising money for charity & giving all a good time!
Otter Nurseries
Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary
Tel:01404 815815
One of the best Garden Centers in the country is a family run business in beautiful East Devon, with an acre undercover, ideal whatever the weather. Relax and enjoy a coffee or delicious home-cooking in their famous restaurant which seats over 240 people - a winner of many awards and known throughout 10 counties. Free car parking.
Opening Times
Monday-Saturday 9:00-5:30
Sunday10:30-4:30
Late Night Thursday 8pm until December 2007
Website http://www.otternurseries.co.uk
Seaton Tram Way
The Perfect day out
Superb Views
Bird-watching paradise
Discounts for families and groups
Wheelchair access by arrangement
Drive a Tram! Lessons available
The three-mile route runs through East Devon's glorious Axe Valley, between the coastal resort of Seaton, the small village of Colyford and the ancient town of Colyton. The single journey takes 25 minutes from end-to-end.
2007 OPENING DATES
Daily: 1st April - 4th November
Weekends Only :4th November to 24th December-31st March 2008
Special Bird-watching trips and "Santa Specials" alo available
Fares vary, depending on journey. Guide Prices: Adults £3-£7.15 Children £2.35-£5.55
Seaton Tramway
Riverside Depot
Harbour Road
Seaton
Devon
EX12 2NQ
United Kingdom
Phone: 01297 20375
Fax: 01297 625626
Email: sales@tram.co.uk
Website http://www.tram.co.uk
The Donkey Sanctuary
Sidmouth, Devon EX10 ONU
Tel: 01395 578222
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary for a little peace and tranquility. We have taken into care over 7400 donkeys - many rescued after being cruelly treated or neglected. The Donkey Sanctuary is the largest Sanctuary in the world dealing specifically with donkeys and mules. A donkey is never refused admission to the Sanctuary and all are guaranteed loving care for the rest of there natural lives.
You can find us on the A3052 just outside Sidmouth towards Lyme Regis.Follow the brown tourist signs
We are open from 9.00am - dusk 365 days a year
ADMISSION AND PARKING FREE
Reg. Charity No. 26418
Website http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Branscombe
Branscombe on the coast between Seaton and Sidmouth is one of the prettiest villages in England with its numerous delightful thatched cottages. The beach offers ample parking, a thatched, licenced Restaurantwithsecluded rock garden, and a shop with its own bakery and off sales
To the east and west of the beach, rock pools emerge at low tides to provide a great adventure for children and the clean, clear sea is ideal for swimming. Mackerel fishing trips and motor boats are available for hire. For those wishing to make Branscombe a base, high standard, self-catering chalet accommodation can be found right on the beach.
Allhallows Museum
High Street, Honiton, Devon, EX14 2HP
Tel: +44 (0) 1404 44966
The Chapel of Allhallows is the oldest building in the town. The rest of the museum occupies part of the site of Allhallows School. The museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Honiton lace and related artifacts, 1620 to the present day.
Also displayed is the Spriggs collection of comparative laces. The museum displays notable aspects of local history of the town and surrounding countryside such as the infamous record as a 'rotten borough' and the growth of local industries including Honiton pottery.
Opening times
Easter-September Mon-Fri 9:30-4:30 Sat 9:30-1:00
October Mon-Fri 9:30-3:30 Sat 9:30-12:30
Closed Sundays
Admission: Adults £2 Accompanied Children Free
Website http://www.honitonmuseum.co.uk/
Dunkeswell Memorial Museum
Flightway Business Park Unit C4
Dunkeswell
Devon
Nr Honiton
EX14 4PG
Tel: +44 (0) 1404 891943
E-mail: dmmsecretary@clara.co.uk
Website www.dunkeswellmemorialmuseum.org.uK
Registered Charity: 1052892
Dunkeswell Memorial Museum is dedicated to all the Veterans of United States Fleet Air Wing 7 and RAF personnel who served on the only American Navy air base commissioned on UK soil during World War II.
The USN FAW7 was operational from mid 1943 to the end of European hostilities in 1945. Through the perseverance of a small group of people who became fascinated by what history happened here sixty years ago, the museum now gives the opportunity for visitors of all ages to discover the importance and very special roles that the American servicemen of US Navy Base Dunkeswell played during World War 2
Opening Hours:
1st March-31st October
10am to 6pm except Tuesdays
1st November-end February
10am to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays only
Christmas Period
Closed from 18th December to 2nd January
Admission:
Adults £2
Children under 16 - £1
Amenities:
Stair lift and wheelchair available for disabled persons
