Exeter Dog Field

A grassy field on the outskirts of Exeter where dog owners gather to let their pets run loose - that's the Exeter Dog Field in a nutshell. It's nothing fancy, just a proper bit of open ground where dogs can chase each other without a lead, and owners stand around chatting while their animals burn off energy. The atmosphere's genuinely friendly; you'll find everything from border collies to daft labrador puppies here most days.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Castle Brake is just 3.8 miles away - and you've got a dog that needs a good run, this saves you a trip to the countryside. It takes maybe 20 minutes to half an hour, depends how energetic your dog is and how chatty you feel. Fair warning though: it's a working field, so conditions can get muddy after rain, and there's no facilities beyond the open space itself.

Really only worth the detour if you've got a dog with you. Without one, you won't find much to occupy you - it's not scenic in any meaningful way, and it's not the sort of place to linger. For families staying at Devon Heaven Hideaways or Cuckoo Down Farm Glamping who've brought a pooch along, though, it's genuinely useful. Gets the dog knackered so you can enjoy the evening in peace.