Escot

...Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth and Escot Park at Ottery St Mary (both in Devon). Therefore, pup in tow, we duly set of one sunny July day to explore the possibilities of a good day out at Escot Park.

== WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT ESCOT? ==

Situated in East Devon, Escot is the home of Kennaway family, and has been for over two hundred years. However, instead of doing the usual thing and opening their Georgian Stately House ...
...The part of Escot open to the general public is an area of parkland, where they have played on the great natural beauty of the area, and complimented rather than spoiled it. They’ve done a very nice job of making a delightful country park for families to enjoy nature at its best.

We decided to visit as I rather liked the sound of the maze at Escot, and the gardens and surrounding woodlands sounded pretty interesting too. Added to which ... more

A couple of months ago we hired a cottage in Somerset for a week from Hoseasons. We had a very relaxing time and the weather was surprisingly good for a UK holiday. We took our dog, Tattie, along with us and she enjoyed all the new sights, sounds and smells. However, one of Hoseasons’ rules (and with most other on holiday rental companies, I hasten to add), is that you never leave your pet unattended in the property whilst you go out. This can pose somewhat of a problem, as you are forced to take your pet with you everywhere you go…and a lot of places you may wish to visit are not going to be dog friendly. Therefore, before we set off I did a bit of research into the area, and made a list of places in Somerset (and nearby Devon) that would accept visitors with dogs. Sadly Wookie Hole and Cheddar Gorge were no-go areas for us and our pupster, but I did find a couple of other possibilities, namely the Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth and Escot Park at Ottery St Mary (both in Devon). Therefore, pup in tow, we duly set of one sunny July day to explore the possibilities of a good day out at Escot Park.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT ESCOT?

Situated in East Devon, Escot is the home of Kennaway family, and has been for over two hundred years. However, instead of doing the usual thing and opening their Georgian Stately House to the public (or handing it over to the National Trust to do the same thing), the family have opened up part of their 250 acres of parkland to the general public instead. Indeed, you can only visit the house by appointment or through a private function such as a wedding or a conference. The part of Escot open to the general public is an area of parkland, where they have played on the great natural beauty of the area, and complimented rather than spoiled it. They’ve done a very nice job of making a delightful country park for families to enjoy nature at its best.

We decided to visit as I rather liked the sound of the maze at Escot, and the gardens and surrounding woodlands sounded pretty interesting too. Added to which the Tattie Monster got in for 50p, so that was her entertained for the day. She did have to remain on her lead throughout her visit, but this proved a wise move, as the second* thing she did was try and eat the male peacock she came across (*the first thing she did was a massive pile of dollop in the car park…so vast in size and weight it almost needed a small forklift track remove it…moving swiftly on…..).

The helpful lady in the admission booth did give us details on some of the walks around Escot, one of which allowed dogs to off the lead. However, it was a very hot day and we didn’t fancy a 45 minute walk around the border of the estate when we had the whole of the woodlands to explore. Added to which the off-lead walk would have taken us past a rather large lake….and Golden Retrievers such as the Tattie Monster are incapable of passing water without wallowing in mud and/or swimming, which would have been a right old kerfuffle.

BIRDS AND BEASTIES

Escot is home to a number of different furry and feathered friends. There are plenty of stunning looking male peacocks strutting their stuff (although one nearly did loose his tail feathers thanks to our over-exuberant pup). We were lucky enough to spot one with his tail fully extended as he preened in front of a female. As well as the peacocks, there are a series of cages housing many different types of birds of prey (the owls were very interesting), as well as a regular falconry displays in the summer months.

Near the entrance is a petting area / pets corner, where you are allowed to stroke and handle the rabbits and guinea pigs. As it was an extremely hot day when were there, every creature seemed to be asleep in their hutch or cage; obviously too hot too forage for food or tourists. Even the otters decided not to come out and play, despite their large pond to play in. You can see the otters being fed twice a day at Escot, so maybe we might have seen them if there was some food on offer.

There are plenty of other animals to see too. The red squirrels were very cute looking, and safely enmeshed in a cage in case any passing grey squirrels decided to have a go. Right in the heart of the woodland in some nicely shaded areas are enclosures housing wild boar. There is also another enclosure for several Vietnamese pot bellied pigs.

I must say that all the birds and animals seemed very well cared for in clean and spacious cages or enclosures. Escot even run a pet hotel on site where you can leave your rabbits, guinea pigs and gerbils (sadly no dogs or cats can be left there, which was a shame as we were tempted to offload ASBO dog and earn ourselves some respite). Also on site is an Aquatic Centre and a Pet Shop.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The woodland area is very pleasant indeed, and it was lovely to get into the shade on such a hot day. Escot have made the most of their woods, and have designed some lovely children’s play areas out of the existing trees and plants. It’s all very natural looking, and Escot have done a brilliant job of complimenting rather than spoiling the natural environment. For example, an old piece of wood has been sculpted into a stunning dragon shape, which is big enough for children to climb over, and surprisingly life like it is too! Swings on ropes suspended from ancient trees abound, and there’s a huge wooden seat (called The Giant’s Seat) which you can climb up on and look over the surrounding land.

Around every corner, is something new and rather magical for children (and adults) to discover. There’s a huge wooden pirate ship to climb aboard or a bug shaped slide with all sorts of ropes and bridges to climb over. There is also a very scary looking structure called a Drop Slide. I climbed to the top to have a go, but it was much too high and the drop too sheer for me to attempt it. Instead I was put to shame by some fearless 7/8 year olds who followed me up there (and I’m not so sure I should have been attempting it anyway, as I think it was just for kids….that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it).

The plants and trees are all very mature and well-established, with some lovely looking specimens. The Cedar of Lebanon was huge, the magnolias stunning and the Acers beautiful .There’s an unusual looking cork tree, which Escot have strung up with (empty) bottles and corks so children will know what it’s used for.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

As I suspected it would be, the highlight of my visit was the maze. The Escot maze was designed by someone called Adrian Fisher and was built by estate staff in 2004 using around 4,000 beech plants. They’ve even put in some switch gates so that they can change the route periodically - good if you’re a regular visitor. They recommend allowing at least half an hour to solve the puzzle and make your way out. Despite several “flying” bridges in the midst of the maze, we really could not work it out. You’d have thought the bridges would have given you a clearer insight into where you should be heading….but it just wasn’t that simple. We gave up after half an hour and ended up going out through the entry point. It was great fun though, and a very good maze - not quite as good as the ones at Hampton Court and Hever Castle, but well up there with the best.

If you have children then they will love all the different play areas they’ll come across in the woods (we enjoyed them…and we’re both old enough to know better!). In addition to the woodland play areas, there is an indoor play barn (great if it’s raining).

Another big draw for the kids is “letterboxing”, and there were lots of children racing around doing this on the day we were there. Letterboxing is where children are given a card and various clues which lead them to an ink pad and rubber stamp. If they stamp all the boxes on their clue card they get a certificate at the entrance kiosk. The clues take everyone round the whole of Escot so you certainly get your money’s worth.

FOOD AND DRINK

We stopped off at The Coach House Restaurant after our amble through the woods, as we were rather hot and rather tired (not to mention frustrated by our stupidity in the maze…). I had a very nice scone and cup of tea, and the other half shared his fairy cake and biscuits with ASBO dog. It’s a very nice courtyard area with seating inside and out. It was fairly reasonably priced and the portions were generous. There’s also a site Farm Shop adjacent to the cafeteria, which we didn’t visit.

However, if you want to do your own thing and take a picnic, there are plenty of benches in the grounds - both in the woodlands or in the grassed areas.

WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD?

I can’t really think of any huge downsides to Escot. It’s clean, tidy and there is plenty to do and see. The only slight off-putting thing are the toilets in the woodlands. They’re billed as “eco toilets”, so they’re just a hole in the ground you have to hoover over. My partner wandered into one and can swiftly back out again, having declined to avail himself of the facilities. I decided they must be really grim if he’d been put off…as men can basically go anywhere! He said the aroma was a little ripe, to put it politely….However, do not fear, there are some clean, “normal” toilets by the entrance kiosk, and I used these instead.

RECOMMENDATION

A good day out with plenty to see and do, and at a price that’s not going to break the bank. It’s nice way to get back to nature and appreciate all that it has to offer. Escot have done a really good job of working with their environment and improving rather than spoiling it - and that’s something you don’t see too often nowadays. Escot is very quiet and very peaceful - which is lovely. There were plenty of people visiting (afterall it was a sunny July day), but the site is so large, peace and quiet were only ever a few steps away.

I’d say that this site would appeal to all ages. Adults can admire the trees, plants and beautiful views, and children can go wild in the woodlands on a variety of swings, slides, ropes and bridges. And as for the maze…that appeals to all ages…even if it is impossible to fathom.

Recommended.

OPENING TIMES AND ADMISSION CHARGES

Escot is open every day from 10am (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day) until 5pm in the Winter (1st November to Easter) and 6pm in the Summer (Easter to 31st October).

Entrance is via a large walk in “shed” which also doubles-up as a gift shop. Access to the Aquatic Centre, Wetlands and the Coach House Restaurant is free.

Adult £ 6.95
Concessions £ 5.95
Children £ 5.95
Family (2+2) £24.00
Dogs 50p
Children under 3 FREE

CONTACT DETAILS

Escot Park can be easily found as it’s located just off the A30 between Exeter and Honiton in the village of Ottery St Mary.

Parking is plentiful and free. Disabled access is good with specially designed routes through both the woodlands and the maze. We saw someone being pushed about in their wheelchair in the woodlands, and there were plenty of mothers with babies in buggies negotiating the pathways throughout.

Escot
Escot Park
Ottery St Mary
Devon
EX11 1LU

Tel: 01404 822188

Email: info@escot-devon.co.uk
Website: http://www.escot-devon.co.uk

Please note that visits to Escot House are by appointment only.
 

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