PawPrints Hazelmere Farm

You'll know PawPrints Hazelmere Farm the moment you spot the hand-painted signs leading off the back roads near South Brent. It's a working farm that's opened its gates to visitors keen on getting up close with animals - the sort of place where you'll actually interact with the creatures rather than just peer at them from a distance.

The farm keeps a rotating cast of friendly animals depending on the season. Expect to spend a couple of hours here, mucking about with goats, helping with feeding times, and letting kids burn off energy in proper outdoor spaces. It's genuinely hands-on rather than the sanitised petting zoo experience you get elsewhere. The owners clearly know their animals and aren't shy about sharing what works and what doesn't.

Families with younger children will get the most from this - teenagers often find it a bit tame unless they're genuinely into farm life. The whole thing hinges on whether you're happy getting your hands dirty and accepting that animals don't perform on schedule. Bring wellingtons even in dry weather.

It works brilliantly as a half-day detour if you're based at Ashbourne Woods or Hidden Hill Devon, both just five miles away. Either of those luxury glamping spots would make a proper comfortable base for exploring the South Hams, with PawPrints filling a morning before you head off to the coast or inland trails. Phone ahead to check what animals are around and whether they're taking visitors - farm life doesn't run to strict timetables.