2021 has not had the promising start we hoped for but brighter times are ahead. With this in mind, rather than making any new year’s resolutions we’ve been thinking about what places we would like to visit when circumstances allow. Since moving to Devon three and a half years ago (time flies!) we have explored far and wide – north and south coast beaches, Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, waterfalls, various National Trust attractions, different animal parks and many more!

However, there are many places we are yet to discover so we logged onto the Visit Devon website and searched for places with the following criteria – to be unique to Devon, embrace the outdoors and create holiday memories to last forever.  Below are the top 3 places we plan to visit this year. We’ll post about our adventures so you can decide if you would like to venture there when staying with us.

1) River Dart Country Park We can’t believe we haven’t yet managed to visit this multi-award winning 90 acre picturesque parkland with a range of activities to do from a commando assault course to an observation tower to a pirate ship amongst many other adventure playgrounds. Matt may also take on one of the ‘dare devil activities’ – canoeing, kayaking, zip wire or high ropes. There are many spots we can also enjoy a picnic by the river. We can’t wait to visit and embrace the great outdoors!

2) Clovelly A beautiful picturesque fishing village, steeped in maritime atmosphere and history and was once owned by the Queen of England. It clings to a 400 foot cliff in North Devon and has no vehicular traffic on its steeply cobbled street, just donkeys and sledges. There are two Inns to choose from for a well-earned pub lunch after exploring the village and quay. With four annual festivals “Seaweed” in June, “Maritime” in July, “Lobster and Crab” in September and “Herring” in November we just need to decide when to visit!

3) Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway The UK’s only fully water powered railway it remains the world’s highest and the steepest fully water powered railway, one of only three examples left in the world and provides stunning coastal views. A traditional Devon cream tea in the cliff-top café will hopefully help persuade Emma to jump on board and overcome her fear of heights on this adventure!

There was much excitement in deciding where we plan to visit and it really lifted our spirits in thinking ahead to the spring and summer.

We’re also making a few enhancements to our glamping tents and site over the winter months so follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for our latest updates.

We’re hoping to re-open as planned at the end of March and are really looking forward to welcoming our glampers for season 3 at Valleyside Escapes and preparing for our 2021 adventures!