A day out, whether it’s with family, as a couple, or with friends, doesn’t have to be costly. One Magazine’s Jake Tucker looks at some of Devon’s popular attractions that don’t have to cost you a penny!
House of Marbles
The Old Pottery, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9DS
www.houseofmarbles.com
Rediscover the magic of marbles and explore the 4000 year old history of glass and glassmaking. Perfect for young and old, the House of Marbles offers fun for everyone. Watch master glass workers over an elevated viewing platform to learn how glass is made, rediscover early childhood games dating back to the 1600’s, or simply marvel at the intricate and interactive marble runs – including ‘Snookie’, the largest marble run in the UK! There’s also a historic trail for the adventurers where you can explore museums of glass, listen kilns and much more. With no entrance fee and free parking, the House of Marbles offers a fantastic, fun day out for everyone at zero cost!
The Donkey Sanctuary
Sidmouth, EX10 0NU
www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
Meet some of the 500 donkeys at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary and learn all about these furry friends at this family-fun site. Donkeys absolutely love to meet new people and each one has a unique personality and their own story. There’s also a whole range of activities for children including craft making and donkey hunts, as well as talks and information from the knowledgeable staff to give an insight into these loveable animals. Don’t miss out on their special ‘Carols by Candlelight’ event on the 11th December for an enchanting evening of carols surrounded by thousands of candles.
As a registered charity the sanctuary firmly believe that visitors should be able to see its work, and the donkeys, free of charge so no admission fees or parking charges apply. Donations of course are warmly welcomed!
RAMM – Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Exeter, EX4 3RX
www.rammuseum.org.uk
Explore the stunning new displays, galleries, and fabulous exhibitions to undercover Exeter and Devon’s exciting history. Winning museum of the year in 2012, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum provides an interesting and educational day out just away from the hustle and bustle of Exeter’s busy city centre. Meet Gerald the giraffe and his friends in the global nature exhibition, discover the development of western civilisation in the Ancient Worlds gallery, or learn about the Egyptian process of mummification. Entry to the museum is free and normal opening times are Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, but closed on bank holidays.
Top tip: Extend your history trip out into the city by marvelling at Exeter’s Roman city walls, the Medieval Rougemont Castle gatehouse and Exe Bridge, and of course Exeter’s famous cathedral.
Red Coat Guided Tours
Abode Exeter & Custom House
www.exeter.gov.uk/guidedtours
Discover the history of Exeter on foot as you wind through the streets of one of the oldest cities in England on your very own guided tour – for free! With themed tours running daily and no booking required, you can explore a variety of the city’s hidden treasures with one of the knowledgeable Red Coat tour guides. With over 15 unique tours to choose from you can rediscover the forgotten parts of Exeter’s north-west corner, walk the city’s roman walls, get spooky with chilling tales about Exeter’s ghostly history or learn more about the oldest pound lock canal in the country at the historic quayside. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and depart from either Abode Exeter, or Custom House on the quay. Visit the website for more details on the whole range of tours.
Geocaching
All around Devon!
www.geocaching.com
Not strictly an attraction I know, but geocaching has grown hugely in popularity now that the smartphone has become so common and with over 25,000 geocaches in Devon awaiting your discovery, there’s bound to be some near you! Completely free, it provides a great way for the family to explore new places and work together as a team. So what is it?
Geocaching is the modern day equivalent of treasure hunting. It can add a bit of extra excitement to a family walk to help tempt out family members that are after a bit more of an adventure. Geocaches range in difficulty from simple finds along a bridleway, to the more complex finds that involve solving puzzles and going a bit more off of the beaten track. Be sure to take a pen and some treasures of your own that you’re happy to swap with for when you find your own to keep the fun going for others. So what are you waiting for? Get your walking boots on and find some caches near you by visiting www.geocaching.com
