Lime Kiln (Aka "The Flats")

The Lime Kiln at The Flats, just outside Exeter, is one of those places that rewards curiosity more than it rewards casual wandering. You're looking at the industrial bones of Devon's past - a proper working kiln from centuries back, when limestone was roasted here to make lime for mortar and agriculture. The structure itself is substantial enough that you can't miss it, though calling it a major attraction would be overselling things.

What you actually get is a chance to stand in front of something genuinely old and imagine the labour involved. No visitor centre, no interpretation boards that I could find, which means you either know what you're looking at or you spend twenty minutes puzzling it out. That's either brilliant or frustrating depending on your mood. History types will find it worthwhile; families with restless kids might get bored after ten minutes.

The site is free to access and takes roughly thirty minutes to properly examine, though you could knock it out in half that if you're just passing through. It works as a short stop rather than a destination in itself - pair it with a walk along the nearby Exeter waterfront or pop over to Devon Heaven Hideaways or one of the other parks within a few miles if you're staying locally.

Best visited on a dry day when you can actually get close without squelching. Don't expect facilities or refreshments - bring what you need. It's honest and unpretentious, which is precisely why some people will love it and others will wonder why they bothered.