This secluded spot oozes peace and tranquility.
Finished to perfection, you will instantly feel at home in this gorgeous little hut.
Younger guests will absolutely love the quirky bunk-beds.
You'll find Otter's Holt nestled at the end of a quaint country lane.
The sumptuous king-size bed is snuggled to the left of the hideaway.
With a wood-burner to keep you cosy, no matter the season.
The top bunk-bed folds up, creating extra living space during the day.
The super sweet kitchen area, complete with everything you'll need during your stay.
Idyllic breakfast moments await at Otter's Holt.
The shower-room is beautifully presented, perfect for freshening up after a countryside ramble.
Plenty of spots to relax, unwind and soak up your tranquil surroundings.
Serve up some delicious crispy-based pizzas with use of the DeliVita oven (please note this is shared with the other guests onsite).
Then dine al fresco!
The snug fire-pit area is a magical feature.
Day or night, this seating area is perfect.
Follow the track to your peaceful paradise...
There are also two other hideaways on site; Beaver's Lodge Safari Tent and Rancher's Hut, both sit quietly behind Otter's Holt.
The breathtakingly beautiful Jurassic Coast is less than 15 minutes away!
Beer beach isn't far and is perfect for a family day out.
Visit stunning Shaldon for aqua blue waters and a whole array of wonderful eateries!
Explore the long sandy beach at Teignmouth and the historic pier.
For some retail therapy head into the Cathedral City of Exeter.
Around 40 minutes away you will find gorgeous Dartmoor. For keen walkers, be sure to pack your hiking boots!
Otter's Holt Shepherd's Hut
3013Ottery St Mary | Sleeps 4 (no children under 3)
From £88 per night
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
First registered as a public house in 1820, this is a traditional pub with restaurant area and roof terrace for alfresco drinks. Food is cooked fresh to order using high quality ingredients.
Nearby beach
This is a wide sandy and shingle beach with good access and parking nearby. Jacobs Ladder leads down to the beach from Connaught Gardens, a lovely place to take in the view. A great family beach, you'll find lots of facilities and cafes nearby. Dogs are allowed year round at the easterly end of the beach.
Nearby walk
Start at Newton Poppleford Church, between Exeter and Sidmouth, for quiet countryside and good views across the Otter Valley. A circular route of 6.25 miles starts towards the west of the village before linking with the East Devon Way and crossing the River Otter.
Nearby town
One of the oldest towns in Devon, Ottery St Mary pre-dates the Domesday Book by some margin. Nestling in the Otter Valley, Devon’s rolling countryside spreads in every direction. Just a few miles to the south are the beaches of the south coast, perfect for days out. Ottery St Mary has a number of mystifying annual celebrations that are always great fun to witness: Tar Barrel Rolling in November (the barrels are on fire!), the spectacular carnival and Pixie Day, when local bellringers are taken captive by ‘pixies’, with a fete, live entertainment and a fireworks display.
Also nearby
17 wooden barrels are coated in tar, set alight and carted shoulder-high through the streets of the town. Yes, on fire. It’s been a tradition since 1605-ish and probably started to brace the town for the imminent invasion of the Spanish Armada.
January 2011
Amazing!
This really is a spectacular event. The atmosphere is electric as locals hurtle through the streets with the flaming barrels hoisted onto their backs. Thousands of people come to witness the tradition each year - if you don't like crowds, then this is probably not the event for you, but you can take refuge by the huge bonfire, which has to be one of the largest and most impressive in the South West, if not the country.
The focus here is on the animals, so there are no rides or play parks, just rescued donkeys to see and stroke. The Donkey Sanctuary is dog-friendly and admission is free.
November 2024
Fun for all ages
Lovely day out, young and old thoroughly entertained and well worth a visit
October 2019
Liz Riley
Loved this place! So well-kept and loads of gorgeous donkeys to stroke. Good cafe too.
July 2016
Dinky Donks
Lovely to visit, and as it's free you can spend as little or as long as you like. Not just donkeys, there are some walks / trails to follow and a good cafe.
April 2012
A great family day out, free entry, free parking, all facilities on site are good - from eating to toilets, beautiful grounds. Only downside is reliant on reasonable weather as mostly outdoors.
June 2009
A wonderful day out for all the family - go on a fine day as you can walk a long way. A great bonus is that it is FREE to visit and there is no pressure on visitors to pay anything - but you will want to help this super charity.
February 2009
The donkey sanctuary is a brilliant day out for families. We have been here on numerous occasions and it is a joy to see the smiles on the childrens faces as they interact with the donkeys. We are always made to feel very welcome and the staff are very well informed.
January 2009
One of the largest in the world. Great for children and adults will enjoy it too.
- J M Wynne
In the heart of the pretty village of Tipton St John, this pub offers a warm log fire in winter and plenty of outside seating in summer in the beer garden. The menu blends classic British with rustic French, courtesy of the French owners.
September 2019
Philip A. Wooster and Jean Wooster
We lunched at this pub. (We have eaten there previously).
Extensive menu to choose from. Food well prepared and presented.
Outside tables, some under cover. (Dogs allowed outside)
You will find a lovely relaxed area downstairs with comfy sofas and upstairs a light and airy dining area. Food is prepared in an open kitchen which adds to the vibrant and lively atmosphere!
November 2020
Great food and atmosphere
Coping well with Covid restrictions, had great atmosphere .
A short menu, included the most delicious fish sharing platter to start, and amazing sea bream main course.
Hope they can open up again soon....
October 2019
Lovely pub
Although we didn't eat, the food looked excellent, the beer was good and the general ambience wonderful. Would highly recommend
November 2017
Birthday celebration!
Ten of us enjoyed a delicious 3 course meal (the smoked chicken starter was particularly good) with fantastic wines at The Holt. There were plenty of waiting staff who made us feel very welcome.
There's plenty to keep you busy here, with 63 acres of stunning gardens, historic glass houses and a woodland railway. Not to mention an Italian garden, Mediterranean and rose gardens, fernery, hermitage garden, pinetum and arboretum. Bicton also boasts 25 champion trees - the tallest/largest of their kind in Britain. At a dizzying 41m, the Grecian fir is the tallest ever recorded. Outdoor and indoor play areas, mini golf, a restaurant, shop and garden centre make it a great day out for all the family. Accepts Tesco Clubcard Days Out Vouchers.
November 2024
Great place well worth a visit
Lovely grounds with very enjoyable train which also very useful for lesser mobile visitors to see al on offer. Good cafeteria at more reasonable prices than many local eateries and pubs. Also very interesting countryside museum. All ages seemed very happy for a good day out
August 2023
Lovely amazing gardens
Lovely impressive gardens, amazing range of flowers/plants. The glass houses are outstanding. Been there several times at different times of the year always something new to see. Restaurant has good range of food. Gift shop well set out with great range of things, always come back with something for my garden. Great range of plants to buy too. Everywhere clean and tidy and well kept, credit to the team who work here.
November 2010
Bicton Park Gardens
We have visited the gardens several times now and there is much to enjoy whatever the season, from the glory of these majestic peaceful gardens on shimmering sunny days to frosty winter visits to Santa's Grotto. Our experience and that of our guests has always been extremely enjoyable, whether accompanied by the more seasoned or the youngest of our relatives. There is lots to see with the 18inch guage railway a must, the glasshouses and the lovely agriculural museum. If you plan to visit more than once then the annual membership is worth considering, as it also provides you with free access to Morwellham Quay and 5% discount in the shop and restuartant.
February 2009
Glorious Glasshouses
The glasshouses are very impressive. You will find many rare palms in the beautiful 19th Century Palm House, while the Arid House contains weird and wonderful cacti and the lush Tropical House abounds with exotic blooms. There is certainly lots to see here.
February 2009
Great family day out, with plenty to keep the kids entertained.
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