Smallicombe Farm

Enjoy picking a freshly laid egg for your breakfast from the resident hens, cuddle the guinea pigs and become acquainted with the resident sheep, cows, pigs and ducks then play chase with Dizzy the dog.

The owners are keen for little ones to help with feeding the farm animals, if they show an interest, and full farm experience mornings can be arranged for those who want to throw themselves into farm-life.

Smallicombe is renowned for its prize winning Rare Breed pigs and as they farrow throughout the year there are usually litters of cute piglets, which are a delight to all. For those super keen to own their own rare breed pig courses are available.

Lambing takes place at Smallicombe in February, where you easily spot newborn lambs and their mums.

Take the fairy farm trail along the river and over bluebell-carpeted woodland. Spend the afternoon playing pooh sticks in the brook, going ape on the rope swings, building dens, or grab a net and bucket and head to the pond. The small play area near the dining room is perfect for toddlers with a sandpit and slides, whilst the larger area has a pirate ship, climbing wall, basket swing and sunken trampoline - great for older children. You can also borrow badminton and croquet sets, swing-ball and kites for some outdoor family fun. The indoor playroom has something for all ages from table tennis to tots toys, a dolls house to DVDs - a great escape on rainy days.

Alternatively roam the woodlands and spot rare wildlife in their native habitat. Roe deer can often be seen in the morning and early evening grazing in the fields on the edge of the woodlands - watching them quietly graze is wonderful antidote to a busy life.

Smallicombe Farm benefits from a very quiet and peaceful location, but it is also not too far from the coast and some excellent days out. Honiton and the Jurassic coast are close by and you’ll have the chance to explore the regency town of Sidmouth and enjoy Lyme Regis famous for the French Lieutenant’s Woman film.