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Quick LinksLocal Knowledge – February 2026
Oakdown Holiday Park · Sidmouth · East Devon
Local Knowledge – February
What’s worth doing near Oakdown in February, from Donkey Sanctuary trails to a look around historic Bridport.
February is a quiet month at Oakdown. The park itself doesn’t open for the new season until 18 March, but the coast and countryside around us are very much open for business and this is often our own favourite time to get out and explore it. If you’re taking advantage of the February half-term break, there’s plenty within a short drive to fill a few days.
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. None of it requires booking weeks in advance, which is rather the point of coming here in February.
On this page
Donkey Sanctuary TrailsObservatory ToursSidbury PantomimeBridport ShoppingDog Friendly & AccessibleGood to Know
East Devon
Donkey Sanctuary Trails
The Donkey Sanctuary sits directly on our own field trail, about fifteen minutes on foot from the park gate along level ground. Their “A Forever Home Winter Trail” runs until 9 February, so if you’re visiting in the first few days of the month there’s still time to catch it. From 10 February the sanctuary launches Strawberry’s Hoofprint Trail, which runs through to 29 March and shows children how donkeys keep their feet happy, with a small prize to claim along the way. On 17 February the sanctuary’s restaurant, The Kitchen, marks Pancake Day with a special menu.
Postcode EX10 0NU — about 0.4 miles from the park, an eight-minute walk or two-minute drive. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk · 01395 578222. Dogs on leads are welcome across the grounds and inside The Kitchen restaurant, provided they stay under the table. The sanctuary is highly accessible, with step-free paths, wheelchair-friendly routes and a small number of wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to pre-book — though it’s a working farm, so sturdy shoes are worth packing.
East Devon
Norman Lockyer Observatory Tours
High on Salcombe Hill, the Victorian Norman Lockyer Observatory opens its telescopes and planetarium to the public on 5 and 19 February. It’s a proper local institution, largely volunteer-run — a good option for an evening that doesn’t depend on the coast path staying dry. February evenings are dark early, which suits stargazing well.
Postcode EX10 0NY — about 2.5 miles from the park, roughly an eight-minute drive. Salcombe Hill also has an easy-access clifftop trail on well-maintained gravel paths, leading to a toposcope and benches, worth a walk either side of your visit.
East Devon
Sidbury Pantomime
The village of Sidbury puts on its traditional pantomime from 25 to 28 February, a proper community affair and one of the small local events that never quite makes it into the big tourist guides — which is exactly why it’s worth knowing about. It’s the kind of low-key, indoor evening that suits half-term week well, whatever the weather is doing outside.
Postcode EX10 0QE — about 3.5 miles north of the park, roughly a ten-minute drive.
West Dorset
Winter Shopping in Bridport
Bridport is a proper market town with well over two hundred independent shops. February is a good month to explore it without the summer crowds. Look out for Snooks the Hatters, trading since 1896, plus RJ Balson and Son, a family butcher’s founded in 1515 and widely regarded as the oldest continuously trading family business in the country.
Postcode DT6 3LF — about 21 miles east, roughly a 35-minute drive. Dogs are welcome on the town’s streets. Pavements are flat and accessible, though many of the shops are historic buildings and some have a step at the threshold.
At a Glance
Dog Friendly & Accessible This Month
Best for Dog Owners
The Donkey Sanctuary trails welcome dogs on leads throughout the grounds and inside The Kitchen restaurant. Bridport’s town streets are dog friendly too, making it an easy stop if you’re travelling with your dog.
Best for Accessibility
The Donkey Sanctuary is highly accessible, with step-free paths and wheelchairs available to pre-book. The Salcombe Hill clifftop trail near the observatory is gentle going too, on well-maintained gravel.
Good to Know
A Few Practical Questions
How far is the Donkey Sanctuary from Oakdown?
About 0.4 miles, roughly an eight-minute walk from the park gate along our own field trail.
Is Bridport dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on Bridport’s town streets, though individual shop policies vary, so it’s worth checking before you go inside.
When does the season at Oakdown open?
The park opens for the new season on 18 March, which makes February a good month to plan ahead or book a look-around.
Is the Norman Lockyer Observatory accessible?
The public tour dates are 5 and 19 February. The neighbouring Salcombe Hill clifftop trail has an easy-access gravel path, though it’s worth checking directly with the observatory about access to the building itself.
What’s good for families this February?
Strawberry’s Hoofprint Trail at the Donkey Sanctuary and the Sidbury Pantomime are both aimed squarely at half-term week, one outdoors and one indoors, so between them you’ve got the weather covered either way.
Want to see what’s on in other months? Our full Local Knowledge guide covers the whole year near Oakdown.
Come and explore East Devon with us
Book ahead of the 18 March season opening and be among the first back on the park.
