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Quick LinksLocal Knowledge – April 2026
Oakdown Holiday Park · Sidmouth · East Devon
Local Knowledge – April
Easter trails, a guided walk through Sidmouth’s history, community theatre and a serious coastal hike, all within easy reach this April.
April is Easter month at Oakdown. The park is properly open for the season by the time the school holidays land, with plenty close by for families — and further out for anyone after a proper day’s walking on the coast path.
Below is our pick of what’s worth doing in East Devon and West Dorset this month, gathered from the people who actually run these places.
On this page
Easter Trails at the Donkey SanctuaryEastern Town Guided WalksEvita at the Manor PavilionBeer to Lyme Regis Coast PathDog Friendly & AccessibleGood to Know
East Devon
Easter Trails at the Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary runs two trails through the Easter holidays this year. The Easter Wildlife Hunt runs from 1 to 16 April, helping children identify local wildlife habitats around the grounds. The Easter Nature Trail runs a little longer, from 1 to 21 April. Children collect stickers along the way on both trails and claim a small chocolate prize at the end.
Postcode EX10 0NU — about 0.4 miles from the park, an eight-minute walk along our own field trail. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk · 01395 578222. Dogs on leads are welcome across the grounds. The sanctuary is highly accessible, with wheelchair hire, step-free paths and disabled parking all available.
East Devon
Eastern Town Guided Walks
Sidmouth Museum launches its guided walking programme for the year on 16 April, starting with a tour of the town’s Eastern quarter. The walk runs from 10:30am to 12:30pm and covers Sidmouth’s transition from a working fishing village to a Regency seaside resort, told by people who know the town’s history properly.
Postcode EX10 8LS — Church Street, Sidmouth, about 3.2 miles west of the park. £2.50 per person. Dogs on leads are generally welcome on these public street walks. The walk is described as not strenuous, taking 1.5 to 2 hours of slow walking on town pavements, though you should be prepared to stand for periods along the way.
East Devon
Evita at the Manor Pavilion
Sidmouth Musical Theatre stages Evita at the Manor Pavilion Theatre from 6 to 11 April, one of the town’s regular community theatre productions and a good option for an evening that doesn’t depend on the weather.
Postcode EX10 8RP — Manor Pavilion, about 3.2 miles west of the park. Registered assistance dogs only inside the theatre. The venue is fully accessible, with dedicated seating for guests with limited mobility.
West Dorset
South West Coast Path — Beer to Lyme Regis
For anyone wanting a proper day’s walking, this 8.5-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path starts at the white chalk cliffs of Beer, cuts through the dense undergrowth of the Axmouth Undercliff Nature Reserve and finishes on the fossil beaches of Lyme Regis. It’s one of the more dramatic sections of the whole path. April’s longer daylight makes it a realistic full-day option.
Start: Beer — about 4.8 miles east of the park. Finish: Lyme Regis — about 11.5 miles east. www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control along the cliff paths.
Accessibility note. This section is classified as challenging, severe to strenuous in places, with highly uneven surfaces and several steep climbs. It is not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or anyone who finds steep or uneven ground difficult.
At a Glance
Dog Friendly & Accessible This Month
Best for Dog Owners
The Donkey Sanctuary trails and the Eastern Town guided walks both welcome dogs on leads. The coast path walk to Lyme Regis is dog friendly too, but dogs need to stay under close control on the cliff sections.
Easiest Going This Month
The Donkey Sanctuary is highly accessible with step-free paths and wheelchair hire. The Eastern Town walk is gentle but involves standing. The coast path to Lyme Regis is the opposite: challenging, uneven and not suitable for limited mobility.
Good to Know
A Few Practical Questions
Is the Donkey Sanctuary busy over Easter?
The Easter trails run for two to three weeks rather than a single day, so there’s no need to visit on the busiest days to catch them.
Can I bring my dog to Evita at the Manor Pavilion?
Only registered assistance dogs are permitted inside the theatre.
Is the Beer to Lyme Regis coast path suitable for children?
It’s a genuine 8.5-mile hike classified as challenging, with steep climbs and uneven ground, so it suits older children and confident walkers rather than young families.
How much does the Eastern Town guided walk cost?
£2.50 per person. It runs for around 1.5 to 2 hours of gentle walking on town pavements.
What’s a good family day out this April?
The Donkey Sanctuary’s Easter trails are the easiest option, being on our own doorstep, highly accessible and dog friendly, with a chocolate prize at the end to keep younger visitors motivated.
Want to see what’s on in other months? Our full Local Knowledge guide covers the whole year near Oakdown.
Bring the family this Easter
Book your April break and be on the doorstep of the Donkey Sanctuary’s Easter trails.
