Restlands farm

Restlands Farm sits just outside Exeter and is one of those proper working farms that actually lets you in to see what's going on. It's a genuine working operation, not a theme park version of farm life, which means you get the real thing - animals, fields, and the actual rhythm of rural Devon.

The farm operates as a visitor attraction where families can get up close with livestock and see how a traditional farm functions. Children tend to engage well here because it's hands-on rather than passive - you're not just looking through a fence. The animals are the main draw, and depending on the season and what's happening on the farm, there's genuine variety in what you'll see. Younger kids (under ten) will get the most out of it. Teenagers might find an hour enough, though if they're genuinely interested in agriculture or animal welfare, it could hold their attention longer.

Access and timing aren't perfectly clear from available information, so ring ahead or check their current opening hours before making the trip. It's worth combining with nearby Woodland Springs Touring Park if you're basing yourself in the area - the park sits just five miles away and gives you a proper base for exploring Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Unlike some farm attractions that feel squeaky-clean and over-managed, Restlands has the slightly muddy, unglamorous feel of actual farming. That's either its charm or its drawback, depending on what you're after. Worth the detour if you've got younger children who haven't spent time around real farm animals.