Kate W
19 February 2019
The quintessential British market town with a long history and beautiful countryside location, Crediton could be just the escape you’re looking for. It’s close to the fantastic cathedral city of Exeter and well-connected due to its location on the Devon train network, yet this market town is secluded in the rural landscape. With a few independent shops to browse through and plenty of pubs and cafes to dine in, it’s a great little town for a true country getaway.
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About
History
Crealy Theme Park
Golf
Birdwatching
Accommodation
Food and drink
Exeter
South Devon coast
About the town:
Boutiques and independent stores line the main street in the centre of sleepy Crediton. It’s a quaint market town so expect a book store, flower shop, boutiques clothes store and charity shops offering a ‘mishmash’ of vintage treasures and contemporary finds. The old town hall houses Crediton Museum while Crediton Arts Centre down the road offers a variety of films, music and theatre performances; check ahead to see what’s on while you’re there.
The history:
Opening in 2009, on the 1100th anniversary of the founding of a cathedral in Crediton, the town museum has regular exhibitions and research facilities including archives, registers and old maps of the town. They led an investigation into Crediton’s WWI era, which has brought about the creation of illustrated themed walks around the town and as you explore you can read about the people who lived and died during this period of history.
Crealy Theme Park:
For young families, Crealy Theme Park is a fantastic holiday treat. It’s an award-winning family-friendly day out with over 60 rides (claiming to have the most rides in Devon), live entertainment shows and animals for the children to visit.
Jump onboard the rollercoaster or rocking pirate ship, ride a Dino Jeep through their Jurassic Jungle or let little ones run wild in the Adventure Centre. There’s fun for all the family at this Devon family-friendly theme park.
The golf:
If you would enjoy spending your days putting shots in the beautiful Devon hillside, make a visit to Downes Crediton Golf Club just a couple of miles from the town centre. They have a tree-lined parkland 18-hole course to follow set amongst peaceful countryside surroundings and have a calendar of events and competitions that run throughout the year.
After a full day out on the course, you can relax in their restaurant and bar facilities enjoying a hot meal and a sweet treat for afters. A delightful way to spend a day or two.
The birdwatching:
The River Exe flows from Exmoor Nature Reserve in North Devon down through the city of Exeter and culminates in a fantastic mix of marshland and open water that provides a haven for birdlife. As a result, the river bank has been divided up into at least three major wildlife reserves, perfect for bird spotting.
Bowling Green Marsh is one of the closest, located in Topsham (20 miles from Crediton), and species spotted here include the black-tailed godwit, avocet and wigeon. By the coast, you can find The Maer (26 miles) and Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve (25 miles) where a variety of wildfowl and wading bird can be sighted, varying from flocks of dunlin and grey plover to skylarks.
For a fantastic way to see these birds, take a boat tour or the River Exe and birdwatch from the water. Stuart Line offers birdwatching cruises, the RSPB offer avocet cruises to spot these beautiful birds that often congregate along the river, and there are plenty of other boat tours available for birding enthusiasts.
The accommodation:
This market town is overflowing with options for cosy holiday cottages and welcoming home-from-homes, we have family-sized cottages with entertainment for adults, kids and the dog, we have romantic getaways for couples looking to escape into the lush countryside or hide in a bolthole in this market town, and we have big houses for big groups getting away together. Pick a luxury property with a hot tub, a warm and welcoming escape with a cosy wood burner or a summer escape with a garden providing the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee and evening meals alfresco.
If you’re feeling inspired to take a trip to discover this fantastic market town take a look through our cottages in Crediton. If it’s the excellent Mid-Devon locations that you are looking for then peruse through our collection of cottages throughout Mid-Devon.
The food and drink:
A busy farmer’s market is held in the town, check for dates on their website, where you can buy fresh local produce home-grown in Devon countryside. A visit here will allow you access to the freshest produce as the offering, of course, changes with the seasons. Take a look and see what you can find to cook up a few special meals during your Devon holiday.
Eateries line the high street including chip shops, pubs, an Indian takeaway, a kebab shop and various delightful cafes where you could sit outside and enjoy a tasty coffee and cake on a sunny day.
For those lazy days, you’ll need to stock up on delicious holiday treats so pop into the bakery and butchers to ensure you have all the supplies you need for home-cooked breakfast and light lunches to keep you filled throughout your trip. A local shop provides any extras you may need throughout your stay.
Families with young kids, venture 10 miles to The Waie Inn, a pub perfect for families on their Devon holiday which offers a variety of surprising entertainment alongside its food offerings. On-site you’ll discover a play barn where kids can have a fantastic time while the adults relax and enjoy a well-deserved coffee break. They also have a swimming pool which you are welcome to stop by, another place that is great fun for little ones. It’s not just a pub, it’s all about family fun.
Exeter:
Only 10 miles from Crediton, the fantastic cathedral city of Exeter has an ancient history and excellent entertainment – perfect for days out in the city. Explore the underground passages which date back to the 14th century which are open to visitors who can have guided tours and learn a little of the history of this remarkable city. Of course, the magnificent Exeter Cathedral is the jewel in the architectural crown of this pretty region and Devon’s capital.
Shopping and dining is a must when in Exeter. Head to Princesshay shopping centre for big names or walk towards the quayside down Fore Street for boutique and independently-owned stores, as well as delightful cafes. You’ll also find a few Michelin-starred establishments scattered across Exeter, and plenty of gastropubs and fine dining restaurants.
The South Devon coast:
When on holiday in Devon it’s essential that you stop by one of our region’s famous sandy beaches. Head to the southern shores of Sandy Bay that is 27 miles away, Budleigh Salterton which is 28 miles or Sidmouth, a seaside resort that’s a 25-mile drive from Crediton.
If it’s sunny, enjoy a bucket and spade trip to the seaside and if it’s cooler explore the marvellous coast via the excellent South West Coast Path which runs through delightful beachside towns and offers fabulous views out to sea.
Take a trip to this quaint market town, excellent for families and adult-only groups with plenty of entertainment on offer, lots of foodie delights and the cathedral city of Exeter nearby for days out.
If you’re already planning your escape to Crediton in the hills of Devon, take a look through our collection of cottages in Crediton and further afield throughout Mid-Devon.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.