Your holiday, your experience
Things to do
A stay at Meadow Barn Farm is a great opportunity to share new experiences and spend long days out and about. Set in East Portlemouth, across the estuary from Salcombe, we’re perfectly placed for you to enjoy the very best of this stunning region we call home.
Whether you’re happy sticking close to the farm or you can’t wait to get on the water and try something new, there’s something for everyone right on our doorstep. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your share of sunny days during your stay, but there are just as many things to do in South Devon on a wet day as there are in the sunshine.
On the farm
There’s plenty to do right here on the farm, so there’s never a dull moment even when you don’t feel like going far. Life at Meadow Barn Farm is all about making the most of the great outdoors. It’s the perfect place to turn your phone off and enjoy those small adventures that mean so much. Say hello to our friendly resident animals, including pigs, sheep and chickens. They’re always happy to see new faces, and kids love being able to pop by and see what they’re up to.
We grow lots of veggies in our kitchen garden where guests are welcome to help themselves. Picking your own ingredients is a lovely way to get kids excited about being in the countryside, and you’ll have a delicious meal to show for it.
If you’re going to be cooking a hearty meal, then you may want to walk it off afterwards. There are some gorgeous nature trails around the site, and they’re perfect for all ages. The farm’s a great place for bird spotting too, so if you pack a picnic and find a quiet spot to sit, you're bound to spot some of the area’s spectacular birdlife.
Nearby woodlands offers the perfect chance for some tree-bathing, with sun-dappled trees dancing slowly to the sounds of nature. If the kids insist of shattering the peace, why not indulge them in some old school den-building?
On rainy days, consider ordering a
Naturemake Kit from our friend Naomi. Based locally, Naturemake Kits provide all the materials you need to make amazing nature inspired home creations.
Over the water
Just over the water, there are countless things to do in Salcombe for families, couples and solo travellers. If the pull of civilisation is too much to bear, there are plenty of shops, cafes and pubs to keep you busy, while Salcombe is also the gateway to more coastline, beaches and water adventures. The best way to take in the spectacular scenery on either side of the estuary is on foot, so we’d suggest picking up the nearby South West Coast Path for views that’ll take your breath away.
Speaking of the coast, you’ll probably want to put at least a few hours aside to enjoy one of the area’s beaches. Whether you’re after a big sandy beach or a sleepy cove, you’ll find a whole selection of beautiful beaches just minutes from Salcombe itself.
If you’re after things to do in Salcombe that’ll get the old adrenaline pumping, then it’s the perfect place to try something new. There’s something about this part of the country that makes you feel you can do anything, so how about some Stand Up Paddleboarding?
The team at Salcombe Paddleboarding offer lessons for the whole family, and they’ll make sure you get the hang of it safely and make memories along the way. If you’re a seasoned SUP fan, hire a paddleboard and be on your way. Alternatively, learn to harness the wind by booking a sailing lesson with Salcombe Dingy Sailing.
For a totally different experience, what better way to appreciate the region’s coast than by traversing its cliffs with an Adventure South coasteering experience.
Further afield
While there is lots to do on and around the farm, there are so many fantastic things to do in South Devon that it’s well worth venturing a little further afield too. For one of the most iconic local landmarks, head over to Start Bay, near historic Dartmouth. You’ll be able to walk the mile long peninsula that juts dramatically out to sea and discover the Start Point Lighthouse. The walk up to the lighthouse is one of the most picturesque in Devon, and there are plenty of spots for that family selfie along the way.
If the kids have been nagging you to try surfing during your time in Devon, Bantham is a popular place to learn.
Bantham Surfing Academy offers private surf, SUP, kayaking and body boarding lessons. You’ll have your own instructor, so your family can learn at your own pace. Bantham is one of the region’s best-loved beaches, so you’ll be able to make memories in a stunning setting.
The South Hams is known for its fine wine and cheese, and Sharpham Vineyard & Cheese Dairy is a great day out. Book yourself a casual group wine tasting and self-guided tour or opt for the two-hour guided walk with wine tastings and cheese along the way. The vineyard and its river trails welcome walkers during trading hours, so you can always wander through the vines and enjoy the scenery.
Just 5 miles from Dartmouth, you’ll find family fun aplenty at
Woodlands Adventure Park. Woodlands is Devon’s largest theme park, and it’s packed with rides for all ages. If you're looking for a calmer day out, we love
Otters and Butterflies, near Buckfastleigh. This friendly otter and butterfly sanctuary gives guests the chance to get up close to its friendly residents, and it’s easy to while away a few hours watching the otters at play.
Some of our favourite things to do...
- Explore the local area by bike and if the hills put you off, try hiring an electric bike onsite from Bearland.co.uk.
- Go wild swimming
- Make the 60-minute country walk to the The Millbrook Inn for a delicious pub lunch
- Pay a visit to Slapton Ley to feed the ducks and see the American Sherman Tank that was recovered from the sea at Torcross
- Head to the coast for some rock pooling at East Prawle or Mattiscombe Sands
- Visit the local museums at Salcombe and Kingsbridge for a fascinating look at the region's seafaring and rural heritage
- Hire a boat for the day and head to Kingsbridge (try Whitestrand Boat Hire or Boat Hire Salcombe
- Discover the spectacularly located Start Point Lighthouse, take a tour inside and uncover its rich history
- Catch the passenger ferry to Kingsbridge and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way
- Book your kids on an award-winning outdoor activity day with Forest and Beach
- Enjoy the sub-tropical gardens and stunning views from Overbecks National Trust Gardens
- Take the foot ferry to Salcombe for a traditional pasty and an ice-cream from Salcombe Dairy
We're here to help
We’ve only touched on a few of the many things to do in Salcombe and the surrounding area. However you like to spend your break, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your time at Meadow Barn Farm. As locals, we know everything there is to know about the best places to go and the best things to do while you’re here with us, and we’re always happy to help.