Sandridge Barton’s free Vineyard Nature Trail that's fun for kids and great for adults too
Some of the greatest childhood memories are made when exploring outside, which is why Sandridge Barton’s free Vineyard Nature Trail looks sure to be top of parents’ bucket lists this year.
The trail starts from Sandridge Barton’s Visitor Centre at Lower Well Farm and is great fun for kids, and informative for adults too. It's set in the countryside on the edge of the River Dart close to Stoke Gabriel in south Devon where an idyllic landscape of wildlife, trees, hedgerows, and woodland is also home to 32 acres of vineyards which produce grapes for Sandridge Barton Wines and the well-known Sharpham Wine.
As children scurry about searching for wildlife, parents can learn why this rolling countryside is perfect for growing grapes. Fascinating interpretation boards offer insightful information on grapevines, while children are encouraged to see if they can spot any creepy crawlies and to try the half dozen brass rubbings, including grapes, fossils and cows, which are set in the vineyard.
Stonyfield is a unique site as it boasts South Devon’s only raised limestone bed, a key feature in some of the world’s best wine regions such as Burgundy, St-Émilion and parts of the Southern Rhone. It was planted in May 2021 and the first harvest of grapes is expected to take place in 2024.
The trail is 1.3 miles long and takes about 40 minutes to complete, and after there are refreshments to be enjoyed at Sandridge Barton, where a gorgeous outdoor area has plenty of space to sit and soak up this beautiful place.
Created with funding from South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the trail starts at Sandridge Barton (Lower Well Farm, Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Devon, TQ9 6RL) where parking is free. Well-behaved dogs are welcomed.
If you’d like to try the brass rubbings, head to the visitor centre before starting your walk to collect paper and crayons.
To find out more visit sandridgebarton.com and to stay up to date ‘like’ or ‘follow’ Sandridge Barton Wines on Facebook, ‘follow’ @sandridge_barton on Instagram and @SharphamWines on Twitter.
