Here are some suggestions of attractions and places to visit in the area. They are listed by distance from the park. For further information visit our comprehensive tourist information centre in reception.
Horse Riding at Woodhouse Farm Riding Stables, Hawkchurch
Woodhouse Farm Stables is a fully licenced and insured family run business offering a very friendly welcome to everyone. From 4 years old and above, complete beginners, novice or experienced riders. Ride across some of Devon, Dorset and Somerset’s most beautiful countryside, trek through farmland, woodland and bridleways, enjoying some wonderful views on the way.
Address: Woodhouse Farm stables, Hawkchurch, Axminster, Devon EX13 5UF
Approx distance – 2 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.woodhouseridingstables.co.uk
Contact: 01297 639202 or 07977381379
Lyme Regis Golf Course
Lyme Regis Golf Club, founded in 1893, is recognised as being one of the finest golf courses in the south west. The cliff top course has wonderful coastal views, stretching from Portland in the east to Start Point in the west. The course provides a stiff challenge for golfers of all abilities. The ‘Greens Restaurant’ is highly recommended.
Address: Timber Hill, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3HQ
Approx distance – 2 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.lymeregisgolfclub.co.uk
Contact: 01297 442 963
Lyme Regis Fishing Trips
A holiday near Lyme Regis is not complete without a day’s mackerel fishing. The Marie F and Sunbeam are two custom built fishing boats that regularly set out from the end of the harbour in search of mackerel or more exotic fish. This is a good day for all to be had at sea.
Harry May Boat Trips has two traditional wooden fishing boats that go out fishing every day from Lyme Regis Harbour.
Three hour Deep Sea Fishing Trips
They leave the harbour at 8.30 am and return at 11.30 am, all fishing gear and bait included. Your catch is gutted and filleted ready for your barbecue.
One hour Mackerel Fishing Trips
All day long, both boats go out regularly on one-hour mackerel fishing trips, all fishing gear included.
If you have any questions or want to book a trip call Harry on 07974753287 or visit his website at www.harrymay.com
Axe Valley Bird & Animal Park
This is a small and friendly zoo situated in the beautiful countryside of the Axe Valley in East Devon. “We pride ourselves in being child-friendly and believe that any age group will love our animals. We are, however, primarily aimed at families with children under 12 years of age.”
Address: Summerleaze Farm, Kilmington, Axminster, Devon EX13 7RA
Approx distance – 4 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.axevalleypark.co.uk
Contact: 01297 34472
St Candida and Holy Cross
People have been travelling on pilgrimage to St Candida and Holy Cross church since mediaeval times to ask Saint Wite for help. The shrine of Saint Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey, and that of St Wite in Whitchurch Canonicorum, are the only two saints shrines’ to have survived intact the ravages of the Reformation. Known as the Cathedral of the Vale, this Grade 1 listed church offers great peace and tranquillity and is still a place of pilgrimage in today’s busy world.
Address: St Candida and Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6RJ
Approx distance – 6 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.cathedralofthevale.co.uk
Burrow Farm Gardens
Thirteen acres of landscaped gardens with beautiful colour throughout the year. Set in idyllic countryside between Axminster & Honiton offering year-round displays. Explore the gardens, then stop for a coffee or glorious Devon cream tea.
Address: Burrow Farm, Dalwood, Axminster, Devon EX13 7ET
Approx distance – 7 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.burrowfarmgardens.co.uk
Contact:01404 831 285
Seaton Tramway
Young and old will delight in this rather special trip running from Colyton to Seaton, alongside the Axe Estuary. Over 20 trams of all colours and designs are in use. The tram stops halfway along the journey in the village of Colyford, just by the local pub. Seaton’s tram station puts you right in the heart of the town and the seafront is only a short walk away.
Address: Riverside Depot, Harbour Rd, Seaton EX12 2NQ
Approx distance – 8 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.tram.co.uk
Contact: 01297 203 75
Forde Abbey
This delightful Cistercian Abbey was converted to a family home in 1543 and contains the beautiful Mortlake tapestries, woven from the internationally famous Raphael cartoons, which are now housed in the V&A. In addition to the main house tour, there is a tea room in the old undercroft, a good plant nursery and an award-winning herd of Red Devon cattle. Together with over 30 acres of carefully planted gardens and lawns, there is always something to enjoy.
Address: Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset TA20 4LU
Approx distance – 9 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.fordeabbey.co.uk
Contact: 01460 220 231
Pecorama
One of Devon’s leading tourist attractions set on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer. Peco is the foremost manufacturer of model railways. A fun day out for everyone with plenty to do and see. This visit can be combined with a visit to Beer Quarry Caves, shown below.
Address: Mare Ln, Beer, Seaton, Devon EX12 3NA
Approx distance – 11 miles from Monkton Wyld dHoliday Park
www.pecorama.co.uk
Contact: 01297 21542
Beer Quarry Caves
This vast man-made complex of underground caverns was created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer Stone. The quarrying dates back to the Roman era. Enjoy an hour-long guided tour through the quarry and see how different ages left their mark whilst cutting the stone.
The quarry supplied stone for 24 cathedrals, including Exeter, St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey. The Tower of London, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle have all used Beer Quarry stone.
Address: Quarry Ln, Beer, Devon EX12 3AT
Approx distance – 11 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.beerquarrycaves.co.uk
Contact: 01297 680 282
Donkey Sanctuary Devon
Take in the scenery of the rolling countryside with walks around the fields where you can meet the donkeys, who greatly love the attention from visitors! Donkeys of all ages are resident at Slade House Farm. The Donkey Sanctuary is an international charity. A lovely day out for all to be had.
Address: Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0NU
Approx distance – 15 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Contact: 01395 578222
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Spanning nearly 300 years of horticultural history, these magnificent grade 1 listed gardens are set in the beautiful Otter Valley. The landscaped park combines 18th-century tranquillity with modern amenities and provides all-year-round fun and a great day out for everyone.
Attractions include historic glasshouses, a countryside museum, a woodland railway ride, a nature trail, a maze, mini-golf, indoor and outdoor children’s play complexes, a restaurant and a shop.
www.bictongardens.co.uk
Address: Bicton, East Budleigh Salterton, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BJ
Approx distance – 22 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
Contact: 01395 568 465
Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens
Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens were first established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester, as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle. They now cover 30 acres and are filled with exotic and sometimes rare plants from across the world. Holding many events over the course of the year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Why not combine your trip with a visit to the adjacent Swannery?
Address: Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4LA
Approx distance – 23 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/gardens
Contact: 01305 871 387
Abbotsbury Swannery
Abbotsbury Swannery is unique and the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting mute swans. From mid-May to the end of June you can see the newly hatched chicks and hundreds of cygnets around the pathways.
Why not combine your trip with a visit to the adjacent Subtropical Gardens.
Address: Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4LA
Approx distance – 23 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery
Contact: 01305 871 387
Raceworld Indoor Karting
A great place to enjoy affordable motorsports. Suitable for those aged 12 and over and above 1.55m tall. A fun, 350-metre track; whether you’re a complete beginner or avid karter, there will be something for everyone!
Address: Unit 4, Greendale Business Park, Sidmouth Road, Woodbury Salterton, Exeter, Devon EX5 1EW
Approx distance – 25 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.raceworld-karting.co.uk
Contact: 01395 233 397
Quad World
Multi-award-winning Quad World where everyone can join in the fastest growing sport in the UK. Established for over 20 years, a great place for all abilities to discover the fun of Quad Biking, including one-to-one tuition for beginners.
Address: Exeter Rd, Exeter, Devon EX5 4LB
Approx distance – 26 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.quadworld.co.uk
Contact: 01392 881 313
Crealy Adventure Park
Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is an award-winning family theme park boasting over 60 rides and attractions. With spectacular live entertainment shows and animals galore, it’s no wonder that Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is regularly voted one of the best days out in Devon.
Address: Sidmouth Rd, Exeter, Devon EX5 1DR
Approx distance – 26 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.crealy.co.uk
Contact: 01395 233 200
A la Ronde – National Trust
Enter a magical world, a sixteen-sided house inspired by the incredible adventures of two fiercely independent spinster cousins, Mary and Jane Parminter, who went on a tour around Europe. From walls lovingly decorated with hundreds of feathers and shells to quirky diamond shaped windows, this house is truly unique. Plenty to interest everyone.
Address: Summer Ln, Exmouth, Devon EX8 5BD
Approx distance – 27 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/a-la-ronde
Contact: 01395 265 514
World of Country Life
Ride on the deer train or take goats for a walk. A chance to get up close in the pet centre or burn off some energy in one of the three soft play areas. There is a museum of farming and a Victorian street to see, as well as a vintage car and motorcycle collection. Something for everyone, which makes for an energetic and fun day out.
Address: West Down Lane, Sandy Bay, Exmouth EX8 5BY
Approx distance – 28 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk
Contact: 01395 274533
Killerton House – National Trust
Killerton is one of the largest National Trust properties with a 6,400-acre farming estate. Killerton House is open to the public and there are extensive woodland walks. See the National Trust website for further details.
Address: Killerton House, Exeter, Devon EX5 3LE
Approx distance – 28 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Fleet Air Arm Museum is devoted to the history of British naval aviation. It has an extensive collection of military and civilian aircraft, aero engines, models of aircraft and Royal Navy ships, especially aircraft carriers. There are four large display halls plus other smaller exhibits. The museum houses the first British built Concorde.
Address: BA22 8HW
Approx distance – 27 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.fleetairarm.com
Contact: 01935 840565
Stuart Line Cruises
Since 1968, Stuart Line Cruises has been listed as one of the “top family attractions in Devon”! With boat trips sailing the coast around Exeter, Exmouth, Torquay and Sidmouth, we give hundreds of thousands of happy passengers the chance to see the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, cruise the beautiful River Exe, or visit a picture-postcard South Devon town.
Address: Exmouth Marina, Exmouth EX8 1DS
Approx distance – 30 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk
Contact: 01395 222 144
Bovington Tank Museum
The exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare from WW1 to the present day. The 6 large halls enable you to come face to face with vehicles that have seen action all over the world, with interactive displays and voice recordings of those who fought. There are over 300 vehicles which are regarded as the best in the world.
Address: The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset BH20 6JG
Approx distance – 37 miles from Monkton Wyld Holiday Park
www.tankmuseum.org
Contact: 01929 462359