Wildlife holidays in East Devon

View across the countryside from Primrose Farm

From a cottage near Upottery, you can explore woodland in the Blackdown Hills and wetlands towards the coast. Primrose Farm gives you an Otter Valley setting for the stay; the reserves below offer different habitats for a day out.

Woodland, water and seasonal change

Otterhead Lakes combines woodland with the water running through the old estate. Choose the published loop that suits your group and keep dogs on leads.

Combe Wood is another woodland choice near Honiton. Its spring flowers give the outing a seasonal focus. Stay on the paths and leave plants where they grow.

Explore a wetland habitat

At Seaton Wetlands, the landscape changes to marshes and reedbeds beside the River Axe. Hides let you watch without entering the birds' habitat. This is a reserve visit, separate from the lake and outdoor space at Primrose Farm.

For an outing centred on identifying birds, use our birdwatching page. It covers the seasonal and practical differences between the Axe and Exe estuary options.

Taking dogs changes the plan

Seaton Wetlands excludes pet dogs. Dogs staying in Stargazer or Greenfields cannot be left alone in the cottage. Choose a permitted woodland outing together, or arrange for someone to remain with the dog while others visit the reserve.

Choose your cottage

All three cottages sleep four and have a kitchen. Compare the bedroom layouts and outdoor arrangements, then search for your dates. Our seasonal page connects these ideas with other East Devon outings.