The Area
Woodbury, Devon
Woodbury is a small rural village in East Devon, ideally located close to miles of stunning coastline and beautiful countryside. The village offers a local shop, post office, fish and chip and Chinese take away, two pubs, church and play parks.
From Woodbury, it is a short 10 -15 minute drive to the sandy beach of Exmouth or to the unique smooth pebbles of Budleigh Salterton with plenty of other beaches just a little further, including Sidmouth, Beer and Branscombe. The beaches offer everything from walking, swimming, rock pooling to kayaking, paddle boarding or sailing for the more energetic. Woodbury is also just down the hill from Woodbury Common, part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which offers vast open countryside for walking or biking. The wilds of Dartmoor are only a half hour drive away. Other leisure activities close by include golf at Woodbury Park Golf & Country Club or cycling the Exe Estuary trail.
The historic city of Exeter is just a few miles from Woodbury and is a fascinating city to visit for it's cathedral, city walls and underground passages as well as boutiques and restaurants etc. The region is well known for its food and drink, with regular local farmers' markets and farm shops and a huge range of cafes, pubs and restaurants to choose from.
No matter what you love to do, the area offers something for everyone at all times of year.
Things to do
Walking
From short circular woodland routes to longer trails, there is plenty of walking in the area.
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The South West Coast path is just 10-15 minutes away and the wilds of Dartmoor just a half hour drive.
A walk on nearby Woodbury Common can also take in Woodbury Castle, an Iron Age Hill Fort, and a chance to explore the Pebblebeds, created 240 million years ago and now a haven for wildlife.
Cycling
The River Exe cycle trail runs both sides of the beautiful Exe Estuary, linking the seaside towns of Exmouth on one side all the way round via Exeter to Dawlish on the other side, a total of 17.5 miles. The trail is within an easy 2 mile cycle from Wren's Nest along quiet country lanes.
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For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are countless trails on Woodbury Common, just a 2 mile cycle from Wren's Nest.
Golf
Just a couple of minutes up the road is Woodbury Park Golf Course, offering two stunning courses for visitors to enjoy with extensive views over the Devon countryside: the 18-hole Oaks course and 9-hole Acorns course.
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Other nearby golf courses at Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Exminster also welcome visitors.
Places to visit
Exeter
A small city that packs a big punch, the Cathedral and University city of Exeter is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England. Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans, Exeter's history is rich and long. Visitors can explore it's magnificent cathedral, underground passage and beautiful Quayside, as well as its diverse eateries, boutiques, theatres and Arts Centre.
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Historic Houses
Devon has a number of historic castles, stately homes and gardens that are open to the public, including a number of National Trust properties. Just a few minutes from Wren's Nest is A La Ronde, the quirky 16-sided 18th century house with fascinating interior, and Powderham Castle sits in a unique setting amongst an ancient deer park on the banks of the River Exe just the other side of Exeter.
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Food & Drink
Devon's food and drink is one of the key reasons people visit the area. There are fantastic farm shops close to Woodbury and farmers' markets in nearby Budleigh and Exeter. Options for eating out include everything from classic country pubs, farm shop & beach cafes and a floating bistro on the River Exe to fine dining at Michelin starred restaurants. More information and recommendations available in Wren's Nest for guests' use.
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Beaches and Wildlife
Exmouth
The seaside town of Exmouth with its 2-mile long sandy beach offers a great day out for visitors. The sandy beach is ideal for a spot of sunbathing or swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking and is also home to world famous kitesurfing spots. The coastline from Exmouth towards Dorset is part of the designated World Heritage Site called the Jurassic Coast - and makes a fascinating area to walk and explore. The town itself offers plenty of eating out and entertainment options and Stuart Line cruises run boat trips from Exmouth along the coast - well worth a day out!
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Budleigh Salterton
Just further along the Jurassic Coast, and still only a 10 minute drive from Wren's Nest, is Budleigh Salterton, a charming and unspoilt town with interesting shops, galleries and cafes. Budleigh sits in a breathtaking bay with a long beach of rounded pebbles and safe, clean water for swimming. The bay stretches along to the mouth of the River Otter and beyond are the majestic 400+ feet cliffs - a wonderful area to walk and explore.
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Wildlife
The Exe Estuary is famous for its wildlife – in particular the huge number of birds which over-winter in the area (including avocets, black-tailed godwits, bar-tailed godwits and brent geese). There are various reserves with public hides for viewing wildlife, and the RSPB and Stuart Line Cruises run bird watching cruises from November through to March.
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The River Otter is also home to England's first wild breeding Beavers in 400 years, as well as kingfisher and otters.
