Two delightful days out in Devon with the Club’s Great Savings Guide

Embark on two fun-filled adventures in Devon with the Club’s Great Savings Guide

Shaldon Zoo Wildlife Trust

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Nestled above Shaldon village, and only a hefty pebble skim or two away from the beach (a smugglers’ tunnel runs through the hill beneath!) Shaldon Zoo claims to be one of, if not the, smallest zoo in the UK. But the Wildlife Trust that runs it aims to make a big difference: Shaldon Zoo specialises in looking after and breeding some of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world.

This year will be the zoo’s 40th birthday, and on my visit I was shown around by Jo, one of only five full-time staff at the zoo – the rest of the work enthusiastically done by a small army of volunteers. The main focus of the zoo seems to be mammals, like the Owston’s palm civet (seen in only five zoos outside of Vietnam, and whose population has declined by 50% in recent years) but it’s also home to endangered birds, reptiles and amphibians.

A rope-fenced wooden walkway leads you past the various enclosures and houses. Benefitting from its situation in the hillside woods, the zoo is full of lush greenery that transport you to more exotic climes, especially if you’re lucky enough to be there on a sunny day. The downside of the location is that occasional steps mean the paths are not always accessible by wheelchair.

We were lucky enough to catch a couple of feeding times (visitors can feed their favourite animals by booking a ‘keeper for the day’ experience) and I was as transfixed watching the antics of the impish meerkats and springy lemurs as I had been on any zoo visit as a boy. In the amphibian room, there’s an activities table for younger companions, while the keen-eyed can search for the elusive blue poison dart frog among the walls of cases. It took some time for my eyes to adjust to the darkened gloom of the nearby reptile room, but I was determined to catch a glimpse of a pygmy slow loris - the only venomous primate in the world.

You may want to shield the eyes of any young visitors as you exit the reptile room into the joyfully busy gift shop (you can say it’s to protect them after emerging from the dark, but we both know it’s your wallet that’ll need protecting). Or indulge yourselves and be reconciled that every penny spent benefits the Trust and the rare animals they look after.

The zoo doesn’t have its own parking or cafe, but your entrance ticket gets a discount in the snazzy, modern cafe in the adjacent Town Council car park. I didn’t see any specific motorhome areas, but the car park has over 300 spaces and no height restrictions.

Or, if you want to make a day out to/from Teignmouth, you can use the Teignmouth-Shaldon ferry, allegedly the oldest passenger ferry in England, and smuggle yourself up the tunnel from the beach to the zoo.

Members receive a 20% discount on full priced gift aid tickets with the Great Savings Guide. Find our more here

Stay at: Steamer Quay, Ramslade, Dornafield, Hillhead, Exeter Racecourse, Stover Club Campsites

Canonteign Falls

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The clue’s in the title - Canonteign Falls’ biggest attraction is the highest waterfall in South West England. But there’s so much more to this historic Victorian estate, not far from Exeter, than just its headline act. From energetic woodland walks to dinosaur spotting among giant ferns, solving a modern maze or contemplating poetry around a giant oak tree (hugging encouraged) - you could easily lose yourself, and half a day, here.

The thirty minute or so hike up to the waterfall is a well laid out trail, that’s just steep and rugged enough to feel ‘outdoorsy’ without risk of much more than a stubbed toe (stout shoes recommended). There are plenty of benches to stop at, where you can appreciate the surrounding woodland and be serenaded by running water, which I always find calming. Posts share informative tidbits, like how to tell the difference between native and Spanish bluebells (the slopes are alive with them in May), or why locally mined Devon slate is linked to a geological time period named after the county.

Near the top, the path leads through a nationally recognised fern collection (the estate is a RHS partner garden) and on up to Buzzard Point, giving vertiginous views down onto the spout of the waterfall and across the treetops. The lower half of the estate is much more gentle by comparison. Open, grassy slopes surround several interconnected lakes where you can amble between Poets’ Corner, a giant maze, and a mysterious stone circle - or just sit peacefully in wild flower meadows and watch the swans drift past on the lake.

There’s plenty more still for children (be they in age or just spirit): discovering fairy houses in the trees (I found six) and dinosaurs among giant ferns, separate play areas and an assault course, a sensory green ship inspired by Quentin Blake, and (at least on the day I was there) face painting by the well stocked and very welcoming cafe and shop.

A word to the wise though, reward yourself with the cafe’s delicious fresh cream tea (you can even swap the tea for Prosecco!) AFTER you’ve walked the Falls. Just saying!

• Parking is free, with a large dedicated area for motorhomes.
• Dogs are welcome, on leads.
• Open 10am-4pm (10am-5pm on Bank and School Holidays)

Members can save 15% on admission through the Great Savings Guide. Pre-booking required, find out more here.

Stay at: Steamer Quay, Ramslade, Dornafield, Hillhead, Exeter Racecourse, Stover Club Campsites

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Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes and pre-booking where relevant, as well as terms and conditions for all offers. Please check site and attraction opening dates and times before visiting/travelling.