Although our move to Devon was based more on the needs of my family than by my desire to start Little Acorn Furniture it has certainly proved to be an ideal location for my venture. With a strong forestry and craft industry and long history of traditional rural skills and enterprises there is no shortage of fascinating and relevant attractions for visitors to the area to enjoy.
Take a walk from Clifford bridge following the river teign through Fingle wood (finglewoods.org.uk). You can explore to find the ancient hill fort and may be lucky enough to see Horse logging in action. Stop for a rest at the historic Fingle Bridge Inn (www.finglebridgeinn.co.uk) where you can enjoy a drink or meal by the river before you continue following the river through the woods to visit the National Trust’s Castle Drogo (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo). Also worth a visit is the nearby Finch Foundry also owned by the National Trust it really os like stepping back in time and the perfect complement to Green Wood course (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/finch-foundry)
The picturesque Dartmoor town of Moretonhampstead is just eight miles away and offers a wide range of accommodation and activities for families including the fantastic New Green Hills Art Gallery as well as being an ideal starting point to explore Dartmoor National Park (visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk).
For the full out doors family experience visit nearby Forestry Commision centre at Haldon Forest where you can mountain bike or segway your way around haldon hill, with trails suitable for all ages and a fantastic Gruffalo trail for the little ones Haldon has everything you need for a family adventure (www.forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestpark).
The range of activities available is endless with horse riding at Haldon Riding School, boat and Train rides from Dartmouth and the bustling historic city of exeter all just a short drive from the workshop.
I would recommend visiting one of the nearby beaches, Exmouth has a great family beach and is large enough never to feel to crowded in the summer months, further afield two beaches of particular note are Big Bury, Bantham and Salcombe.
So whether it’s history, art, the countryside or cities and beaches you are looking for it is all within easy reach.