Overview

Looking for a fun and family-friendly farm holiday destination in the Devon countryside? Look no further than Smallicombe! With accessible self-catering cottages and a scrumptious farmhouse breakfast platter delivered right to your door, you’ll be able to spoil yourself while surrounded by the beauty of the South Devon Coast and the famous Jurassic Coast.

Activities

Families looking for a fun and memorable experience should consider Smallicombe Farm, where children can pick fresh eggs from the resident hens for breakfast, spend time cuddling guinea pigs, and get to know the farm’s resident sheep, cows, pigs, and ducks. Dizzy, the dog, is always ready to play chase and run around with children.

The farm owners encourage young ones to get involved in feeding the animals and even offer full farm experience mornings for those who want to immerse themselves in farm life fully. Smallicombe Farm is renowned for its prize-winning Rare Breed pigs, and those passionate about owning their own can even take courses on how to do so.

In February, guests can witness lambing season, where they can spot adorable newborn lambs with their mothers. The farm also offers a fairy farm trail along the river, complete with bluebell-carpeted woodland, rope swings, and a pond where children can catch some fish. Toddlers can enjoy the small play area near the dining room, which has a sandpit and slides, while older children can let their imaginations run wild on the pirate ship, climbing wall, basket swing, and sunken trampoline in the larger area. Families can borrow badminton and croquet sets, swing ball set, and kites for outdoor fun. The indoor playroom caters to all ages with table tennis, tot toys, a doll house, and DVDs.

If you are interested in spending a whole morning with the animals, arrange a Farm Experience morning. Or why not book a traditional Swedish wood-fired hot tub for a relaxing soak in warm, chemical-free water overlooking the unspoiled Devon Valley? Or toast marshmallows over a roaring firepit or read a book in the hanging tent. The large outdoor play area features a basket swing, slide, climbing wall, sunken trampoline, and tractor. The toddler play area includes a sand table, playhouse, play kitchen, little slides, and a rocking horse.

Food

The self-catering properties have everything you need, including fully equipped kitchens. For a tasty family meal, head to the farm shop to pick up some rare breed meat and eggs produced on the farm. Or, if you’re feeling lazy, treat yourselves to an award-winning breakfast that will be delivered right to your door – what a great way to start the day!

Enjoy cooking and dining al fresco at the communal BBQ area or pizza oven during warm summer evenings. Smallicombe offers a variety of delicious local food options, from homemade cream tea and locally produced apple juice on arrival to a scrumptious full English breakfast delivered to your cottage door. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try creating your own pizzas in their outdoor kitchen using the Ooni pizza oven.

For an authentic taste of Smallicombe, try their mouth-watering rare breed pork sausages, selection of meat cuts, and homemade or local products.

Accommodation

The old stone barns at Smallicombe have been tastefully converted into delightful and modern self-catering accommodation, complete with four-star ratings.

There are four characterful self-catering cottages on offer at Smallicombe, with each providing ample space and all the necessary amenities for families of different sizes. The Granary, which sleeps four, is wheelchair-accessible and has a wet room and a double or twin bedroom with a roll-in shower. The cottage also features a secluded garden that offers much-needed privacy.

Cider Barrel, on the other hand, can sleep up to six, with its two storeys, three bedrooms, and private garden. The Hay Loft, designed for two adults, offers a luxury penthouse with an en-suite bathroom, perfect for couples. Lastly, the Inglenook, with a maximum occupancy of two adults and a cot, is ground-floor accommodation adjacent to the farmhouse and perfect for a small family or a couple with one child.

The Cider Barrel is a newly renovated cottage that boasts a large open-plan living area downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs, perfect for accommodating large families or families and grandparents. The Hay Loft is a Gold award-winning accommodation that features a modern and well-planned oak kitchen, a spacious living area with deep sofas, and spectacular views across the valley.

The Inglenook is a quintessential country cottage that offers a homely and comfortable experience. It has an ancient bread oven and an inglenook fireplace, and the bedroom can be configured as a spacious, super king or twin. This cottage has a separate kitchen overlooking the pastureland, perfect for preparing hearty meals.

Nearby

Smallicombe Farm’s peaceful location provides an escape from busy city life, yet it is close enough to Honiton and the Jurassic coast for some excellent days out. Regency towns Sidmouth and Lyme Regis, famous for the French Lieutenant’s Woman film, are also nearby.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for those who love animals and nature. With hundreds of rescued animals and scenic walking trails, a day spent here promises to be educational and enjoyable. Additionally, there is a fun maze and play area for kids to explore and a restaurant to refuel after all the excitement.

Take a short drive to Lyme Regis for a day spent at the beach, where kids can indulge in rock pooling and crabbing. Meanwhile, Seaton Wetlands is perfect for cycling enthusiasts, with its 4km of level cycle trails and hidden wildlife-watching spots.

Families who are fascinated by history and the Jurassic Coast will love visiting the interactive Seaton Jurassic Centre, where they can explore the hidden wonders of the area and travel back in time.

For an unforgettable day out, Wildwood Escot is an extraordinary experience for nature lovers and those who enjoy the great outdoors. Crealy Theme Park is another must-visit destination, with over 60 rides and attractions spread across 100 acres of scenic Devon countryside.

East Devon’s Burrow Farm is a hidden gem that promises to transport visitors to a beautiful, secluded 13-acre garden filled with rare trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Pecorama and Seaton Tram are two of the top family-friendly destinations offering a great day out. There are plenty of activities to fill your days while on holiday in Devon, including walking, water sports, biking, and beachcombing.

One of the most picturesque walks in the area is the 40-mile East Devon way that starts from Exmouth and leads to Lyme Regis. The walking route is made up of footpaths, bridleways, and county lanes, offering plenty of scenic views along the way. Guests can avail themselves of a booklet with details of the walk, including relevant sections of the ordnance survey maps, for the perfect day walk experience.

Summary

Smallicombe is the perfect spot to spoil yourself and your loved ones while basking in the beauty of the South Devon Coast and the famous Jurassic Coast.