Pooches Paddock

A dog-themed play area just outside Exeter that's exactly what it says on the tin - a paddock where pooches can properly run about. It's the sort of place you'd stumble upon by accident and think, why haven't we brought the dogs here before?

The setup is straightforward: open space, safe fencing, room for dogs to chase each other silly without leads. There are usually a few benches dotted about for owners to sit and watch the mayhem unfold. On a decent day it's genuinely pleasant - not fancy, just functional and well-maintained. Your dog gets exercise, you get peace of mind, everyone's happy.

If you're staying at Yeatheridge Farm Caravan Park or Sunsets & Marshmallows nearby, this is worth factoring in as part of your routine. Five minutes in the car and your four-legged companion has burned off energy before dinner. Particularly good if you've got multiple dogs - they'll tire each other out while you sit down with a cup of tea.

The paddock works best in drier months. Winter rain turns it into something of a mud bath, which some dogs love and some owners absolutely don't. Allow 30-45 minutes depending on your dog's stamina and how social it is with other dogs. There's no obvious café or facilities, so come prepared.

Not a destination in itself, but a genuinely useful stopping point if you're in the area with dogs. Beats driving to a proper park when this scratches the itch.