What better way to unwind from hustle and bustle of a day shopping at the award-winning Exeter Christmas Market than lacing up the boots and heading out for a walk around the serene grounds which surround Cofton.
The restored paths are maintained but are still wild enough to evoke the feeling of being an intrepid explorer leading the way through previously unexplored depths.
A short amble up into the wood and the mouth of the River Exe begins to bellow out from behind the trees, summoning you to meet it at the coast. Soon, the only sea visible is the one of fallen leaves, which sweeps you along effortlessly. The tranquillity of the trees is only broken by the spattering of paw prints from our woodland friends.
The path tumbles down and reveals Eastdon Cottages, whose quaint and charming exterior belies the warmth and comfort the recently refurbished interiors provide. Set into the rolling hills, these postcard settings are quite the relief from the stresses of Christmas.
A crisp coastal breeze reminds of your transition between turf and surf as you approach the picture perfect Cockwood Harbour. You’re so close you can almost taste the warm mince pies and gingerbread latte in Amelia’s Pantry, where you can put your feet up and proudly look across at the wooded hills which have just been conquered.
If that’s not enough to warm you up, why not dip your toes in our heated indoor pool, sauna or steam room at Ashburn Springs? Have you tried our hot tub holidays? There’s no feeling like heading back to your Fernworthy holiday home and chilling out (not literally) in the hot tub.
What better way than to burn off some of those Christmas treats than exploring the trails on the idyllic Exe Estuary and South Devon Coastline. In addition to the private trails situated within Cofton’s grounds you can venture further and see for yourself why the South West Coastal Path makes up the most popular routes in the region.