Claire
Apr 22 min
Updated: Apr 3
We have just upgraded to a caravan, primarily as our boys are getting bigger and we now have the dog, but we have kept our camper van for towing for now as I couldn't bear to part with him!
Ahead of our holiday later in half term we wanted a quick test run to tow the van before we head off further afield later on. Sadly our first campsite in Dorset called to cancel as the weather in March in the UK has been pretty much constant rain and it was waterlogged so we had a day to find an alternative, which was difficult.
Lo and behold Farway Countryside Park came to our rescue, and after our very short stay here, I have to say we lucked in, we were sorry to leave. The site itself is based in Farway and within an area of outstanding beauty, is only 15 minutes from the Coast.
Our first day we did a circular walk from Beer, over the cliffs on the South West Coastal Path to Branscombe Beach, where we paused for lunch and a play before walking back through Hooken under cliffs back to Beer. This was a 3 mile walk but very hilly so not necessarily and easy walk.
Branscombe beach is a`pebble beach with lots of rocks for rock climbing, which the kids loved. The beach has a cafe called the Sea Shanty which has lots of seating indoors and out, and a shop, which was handy as my mum hurt her knee and we needed painkillers! We only had some hot drinks and ice creams as we had packed our lunch for today.
As my mums knee hurt I stayed at Branscombe with my Mum and the dog and my eldest and husband walked back along the under cliffs to get the car to collect us.
That night the campsite had a BBQ with music, despite the wet ground from recent weather, it was heaving, lots of fun for all of us and the views were amazing overlooking the East Devon hills and valleys.
The next day we wanted to take Digby dog for a walk in Colyton along the River Coly. Despite the wetness and muddiness underfoot it was a wholesome walk. Taking you to a local dairy, walking across and adjacent to the Seaton Tramway, before following the river back to Colyton. I think Digby loved this walk most of all as so much river fun, but it was good to smell the lush green pastures of Devon and start to feel that sun heating our faces.
We found our walk on the 'Visit Colyton' website, this one was Walk 8.
We had booked our Easter Sunday roast at The Kingfisher Public House. The pub was lovely and welcoming and dog friendly. This may have been the best roast dinner I have had, it was very well cooked, on hot plates, lots of gravy and generous portions. I can't recommend this place enough.
We left East Devon with a heavy heart, two days wasn't enough but at least we know there is more to explore and come back to including an excellent roast dinner; and that towing a caravan wasn't as scary as we first thought.