Old Hayes

Old Hayes sits just outside Budleigh Salterton, a modest historic site that rewards a bit of curiosity but won't detain you for hours. It's essentially the remains of an old settlement - crumbling stone walls, overgrown paths, the bones of what life looked like centuries back. The walk there is pleasant enough, and the site itself has that quiet, slightly melancholy feeling of places abandoned long ago.

History buffs will get more from it than most. If you're the type who enjoys piecing together how people actually lived - the layout of buildings, the logic of fields - you'll find something to think about. But if you're hoping for dramatic ruins or grand structures, you'll be disappointed. This is subtle stuff, the kind of place that works best when you've done a bit of research beforehand.

The location works well for a broader ramble around the area. Pair it with a walk along the nearby coastal paths or a proper exploration of Budleigh Salterton itself - the town has genuine charm that Old Hayes lacks. If you're staying at Ladram Bay Holiday Park, it's barely twenty minutes away. Same goes for Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park, though both are just far enough that you wouldn't make it a casual afternoon thing.

Go if you're already in the area and keen on local history. Don't make a special trip. Allow an hour including the walk, less if you're just having a quick look around.