Things to do with the kids in East Devon
Summary
Ice cream parlour and basic café menu with outdoor seating
Children’s playground and recreation field
Separate playground for tots and toddlers
Family-friendly 9-hole golf course/pitch and putt
Near to beaches
Dogs welcome on leads outside cafe (but not in shop or in play area)
Buggy friendly
Facilities: Toilets, parking, café, convenience shop, playground
Free on-site parking
Open daily 8am-8pm in high season, check website for low season opening hours
I love hunting out places that are off the beaten track, mainly because I dislike doing battle with the summer crowds on the Jurassic Coast. So when I when I got a sniff on Facebook of a ‘new’ (to me) ice cream venue tucked away on a golf course and campsite near Sidmouth I thought it must be checked out immediately!
Oakmead golf course is just off the A3052 between the Branscombe turning and Sidmouth – if you’ve driven that road before you’ll probably have seen the big green and gold sign. But, like me, you might not have realised that it’s open to the public.
There’s plenty of parking (free), and inside Oakmead's Café & Shop you’ll find a freezer full of the usual Magnums and Twisters etc, as well as a cabinet of more adventurous ‘proper’ ice cream with flavours such as Nutella and Cadbury Caramel (complete with chunks of Dairy Milk Caramel on top.)
You can also get tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes and food from the basic breakfast and lunch menu.
Seating is outside on picnic benches (presently set out to allow for social distancing), and some tables under cover on a deck.
Bonus feature – there’s a great little adventure playground suitable for approx age 4+ right next to the cabin, and a long strip of grass perfect for a ball game or frisbee! There’s a separate playground elsewhere on the site which is better suited to younger children and tots, ask in the shop for directions.
While you’re there, you can try a round of golf on the 9-hole course, or pitch and putt – children are welcome, and equipment hire is free of charge. A round of golf course is £7 for an adult and £4 for a child – I don’t know anything about golf but as far as visitor attractions go, I thought that sounded like good value!
There’s lots to do nearby if you want to extend your trip – pick any of the beaches along that stretch of coast; Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer and Seaton are all within a 15 minute drive. Or, for a lovely short circular woodland walk, head inland and to Blackbury Camp – only 10 mins away by car.
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