top tips when visiting Hawkchurch
- activities
- family-friendly
- food and drink
- holidays
Enjoy the best of both worlds with a coastal and countryside holiday when you visit Hawkchurch Resort & Spa in Axminster.
Located in Axminster, Devon, Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is a relaxing escape for everyone. Perfect for exploring the Jurassic Coast, unwinding at the spa, or just checking out all that South Devon has to offer. And whether you’ve booked a holiday here or you are just starting to plan this blog has everything you need to help plan your time at the resort. If you have any other questions about the resort before you visit, check out our Hawkchurch FAQ page.
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what to do before checking in?
Check in is from 4pm on the day of arrival but we suggest you make your way to the area before then and explore a little bit. Coney’s Castle is just a 5-minute drive away from the resort and makes a great few hours out. You can enjoy a walk around the grounds with views of the countryside or find out all about history around the Iron Age hillfort. Coney’s Castle is part of the National Trust and is less than a mile away from Lambert’s Castle which is another hillfort, and both can be explored in one day. Lambert’s Castle dates back around 2,500 years and was constructed by the local tribe and more recently from 1709 to 1947 an annual fair was held there.
what are the top things in the area?
There is plenty to keep you busy in the local area and we have done the research for you and put together this list of five things to do that are under 15 minutes away from the resort. Each thing listed below is perfect for families, couples, and groups so there is something for everyone.
1. The Tunnel Tree Tops
6 min drive from resort
Take to new heights and swing from the tree tops at The Tunnel Tree Tops. This adventure course consists of three zip wires and 11 rope and wooden elements 25 feet in the air. The course starts on the ground but as you go through you will climb higher and higher into the trees. It’s a great experience that tests your balance and endurance. It’s great for almost everybody to get involved with too so long as you are 6+ years old and at least 1.2 metres tall.
2. Axe Valley Wildlife Park
9 min drive from resort
Known for being a hidden gem of East Devon, Axe Valley Wildlife Park is a small and friendly zoo which provides its visitors with a fun and memorable day out. Enjoy wondering around the park and meet the different animals that live here like meerkats, bush dogs, zebra, and more. There are also various talks throughout the day which you can go to and learn all about the animals. The park has a café on site where you can enjoy fresh sandwiches, pizzas, savoury snacks, ice creams etc.
3. Jurassic Coast
10 min drive from resort
The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile-long stretch of coastline that goes between Dorset and Devon. In 2001 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an incredibly popular tourist destination that you must visit whilst you’re in the area. You can do a range of things along the Jurassic Coast from fossil collecting to a coastal walk and even a day at the beach. One of the most iconic parts of the Jurassic Coastline is Durdle Door which is an hour away from the resort but worth the drive.
4. Forde Abbey and Gardens
14 min drive from resort
Forde Abbey and Gardens is a historic country house and gardens which is set within 30-acres. There is so much to do which will keep everyone entertained from the plant nursery where you can shop for new garden plans to various events that are on throughout the year. There is also a coffee shop and a gift shop where you can get a bite to eat or treat yourself to something from local producers and craftsmen. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy in the gardens.
5. Little Orchard Alpacas
14 min drive from resort
Who doesn’t want to enjoy an alpaca experience? With the Little Orchard Alpacas, you can enjoy an alpaca woodland trek, an alpaca orchard amble, or a meet the alpacas tour so there is something to suit everyone. They can also be added to events like weddings and birthdays! It’s a fun, unique and memorable experience that would be the perfect addition to your holiday.
closest shops for essentials?
The accommodation at Hawkchurch is self-catering so you will find everything you need in the kitchen to create some delicious meals. So, it is always handy to know about all the closest shops to the resort for when you need to pick up a few things.
- Hawkchurch Community Shop – 3 min drive from resort
- Tesco Superstore – 10 min drive from resort
- Axe Convenience Store – 9 min drive from resort
- Sainsbury’s – 19 min drive from resort
- Co-op Food – Axminster – 10 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
Although our lodges at Hawkchurch are self-catering it doesn’t mean you wouldn’t want to go out for a meal at some point during your holiday. Below you will find a few places that you can add to your plans when you want to head out for a bite to eat.
1. River Cottage Kitchen & Store
7 min drive from resort
Whether you are looking for somewhere for breakfast, lunch or just a cake and a hot drink the River Cottage Kitchen & Store is the perfect place. Just a short drive away from the resort you can enjoy a range of delicious food options on their seasonal menu that uses produce from their own farm and local growers. It’s also a dog-friendly place which means everyone can come and enjoy some time here.
2. The Community Waffle House
9 min drive from resort
The Community Waffle House is a 100% non-profit café and community space that is on a mission to fight loneliness and unwantedness. The menu has plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink from sweet waffles to jacket potatoes and delicious coffee, you will find something to suit everyone. They also have events like the weekly live music programme with various local bands and musicians performing.
3. The Cow & The Bean
8 min drive from resort
Perfect for burger lovers, The Cow & The Bean is a restaurant in the centre of Axminster that offers a huge range of beef, chicken, and veggie burgers as well as fries, milkshakes, and delicious sides. So, if you are out for the day and fancy an incredible smash burger this is the place to go. Some of the showstoppers include the garlic ad bacon cheeseburger, the honey chicken and brie burger and the vegjalapeno burger.
4. Renoo’s Thai Food Restaurant
8 min drive from resort
Enjoy good quality food with a great taste at Renoo’s Thai Food Restaurant. The menu consists of all the classics like Pad Thai, Green and Red Curry and more as well as a “bring your own” drinks policy so you can enjoy any drinks you like as you tuck into your meal. As well as dining in they also have the option of taking it away and enjoying the food at your holiday lodge.
5. Axminster Inn
10 min drive from resort
The Axminster Inn is a classic country pub that has been crowned the Exeter and East Devon CAMRA branch Pub of the Year for 2022. The menu has all the classic pub dishes you’d expect to find as well as kids menus and Sunday lunch. There is also a dog-friendly terrace so you can come here and enjoy a drink outside with your four-legged friend in the warmer months. They also have different events on throughout the month so keep an eye out on what’s on when you visit.
best beaches in the area?
Since Hawkchurch is in Devon you won’t be far from plenty of beaches. But it can be hard deciding which you want to head to in the area since there are so many. Below we have listed two of the beaches we think are the best and make the perfect day out.
Charmouth Beach
10 min drive from resort
Just a 10-minute drive away from the resort and right on the Jurassic Coast is where you’ll find Charmouth Beach. A large stretch of sand that is the perfect beach day during low tide. It’s known for its fossils which many visitors spend the day collecting in the area. There is plenty in the area too from picnic areas, cafes, and beach shops so you can enjoy a full day here during your holiday in Devon.
Seaton Beach
18 min drive from resort
Seaton Beach offers views along the Jurassic Coast and beyond and is a pebble beach that stretches over a mile long. Whether you are wanting to enjoy some water sports, sitting and relaxing or wandering around the area it’s a great day out for all. There are also plenty of places to get some food and bits and bobs in the local town just behind the beach.