Occombe Farm, Devon
Explore a working organic farm, get close to local wildlife, sample authentic Devon food and discover new experiences on our many events and workshops. If you love food and the countryside, you'll love Occombe Farm. Traditional Westcountry breeds graze out fields; livestock roam freely across the nature reserve; the land is farmed without pesticides and fertilisers; and the food sold and served in our Farm Shop and Café is locally produced and of the highest quality.
Visitor Centre
Our new Visitor Centre opened in March 2006 and houses our Farm Shop, Butchers, Organic Bakery, Café and Education Centre. The only one of its kind in Torbay, the Farm Shop is brimming with good quality Devon produce along with organic and fair-trade goods. Visit our resident butcher for the finest cuts of local and organic meat including Ruby Red beef and Dorset Down lamb reared on the farm.
The Bake House
The mouth-watering scent of freshly baked bread will greet you each morning as our baker makes breads, cakes and pastries in our unique organic craft bakery. Watch him at work from the café and enjoy a panoramic view over the farm whilst sampling delicious foods from Devon.
Nature Trail and Wildlife
Wander through orchard, woodland and meadow on our 2km trail and discover the many wildlife species on Occombe's nature reserve. Catch a glimpse of rare farmland birds from the bird hide, view live wildlife pictures captured on cameras across the site and pick up an audio guide for commentary as you walk. The trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Events
From wildflower walks to sheep-shearing and bread-making, the farm hosts over 50 events each year. Visit the website for details.
Educational Visits and Tours
Occombe is run by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust which runs educational visits across many sites in Torbay and has very experienced staff. A variety of activities are offered at Occombe all year round. These are delivered by Trust staff, fully risk assessed and linked to the national curriculum. Topics include:
- Learning how to bake bread in the bakery with the Occombe baker
- Mapping the farm
- Food miles and fairtrade
- Farmyard trail
- Farmland birds, visiting the bird hide
- Mini-beasts
- Wildflower/tree/autumn fruits nature trail
- Letterboxing
- Habitat studies
- Literacy and numeracy activities
There is more detail on the Occombe Farm website.
Arranging a visit
The farm is open 9am-6pm 7 days a week. You can book a group visit by calling 01803 696258 or emailing
julian@countryside-trust.org.uk. You can book a group meal or buffet by calling 01803 5520022. For group visit costs please visit the website.
How to get there
From the M5 Once you reach Newton Abbot, travel down the A380 heading for Torquay until you come to a main roundabout where the A380 turns right on the Torquay ringroad for Paignton and Brixham. Take the right turn onto the A380 and follow it until you come to the second roundabout. Here take the first exit on your left onto Preston Down Road. Occombe Farm car park is a further 300 metres on your left hand side. Parking is free of charge. From the A38: Exit A38 at junction for Totnes/Paignton and follow signs through Dartington and Totnes for Paignton. After 8 miles you reach a major set of traffic lights with directions left for the A380 ringroad and right for Brixham. Go left and follow the ringroad, going straight over at the first roundabout and at the second take the last exit on your right onto Preston Down Road. Follow directions as above. Car parking for our disabled visitors: Follow the directions as above until you reach the farm entrance. Park in the farmyard which is the same level as the Farm Shop
By bike: Find your route on the
Sustrans website
Contact details