This summer marks 25 years since we started making natural beds & mattresses on the banks of the River Exe in Devon. So, we asked our local team for their 25 favourite sustainable local businesses. This week, we’re showcasing five of our favourite things to do, including a lovely present from our friends at Pennywell Farm.
Pennywell Farm
Voted Devon’s best family attraction, Pennywell Farm is the biggest activity farm in the South West. It’s home to over 150 animals, and offers visitors a different hands-on activity every half an hour, such as animal feeding, pig racing, tractor rides, and a firm Naturalmat team favourite: miniature piglet cuddles. Although Pennywell is primarily a family attraction, they’re hosting an adults-only Farmyard Fizz evening on the 15th June with unlimited drinks and animal cuddles. For a Naturalmat upgrade to a 7-day pass for the price of one, use code NM25 at checkout!*
*FREE 7-Day Pass Upgrade. 7 days for the price of 1. REMEMBER TO COLLECT YOUR VOUCHER ON ADMISSION. Expires 7 days after the date of your first visit, (the date you have booked), inside our open season. Your first visit must be the date you have booked. Only valid with Day Ticket purchases Expires 3.11.24.
The Clay Yard
Set in the beautiful river-side location of Steamer Quay and a 10-minute walk from the centre of Totnes, The Clay Yard is a school of ceramics that offers pottery classes, experiences, private bookings and specialist ceramic masterclasses taught in a fully-equipped, brand-new studio. There is something for everyone, at every skill level. With a special focus on sustainability, the studio is equipped with energy-efficient kilns and sustainably sourced glazes and clay. The geology of Dartmoor provides many of the materials used in ceramics, so just like us, The Clay Yard is focused on locally sourced suppliers!
Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix is a vibrant multi-artform venue in the heart of Exeter’s city centre. Their aim is to nurture the local art scene by supporting artists, musicians, theatre companies, filmmakers and creatives at every stage of their career and practice. The result is hundreds of art-centred events happening locally every year, which vary from live music to creative courses, classes and workshops - a truly eclectic mix to satisfy all tastes. Thanks to the Phoenix, there is something to do every day in Exeter.
Bowling Green & Goosemoor Marshes
We are incredibly lucky to have Bowling Green and Goosemoor right next to our Topsham workshop, in one of the best bird watching spots in the Southwest. Here, you can watch spring and autumn migrating birds, and winter flocks of waders, ducks and geese feeding and resting, all up close and from the comfort of the Lookout hide. An elevated track offers a panoramic view of the Marshes, with viewpoints along the way that offer great chances of spotting wetland birds. The track is highly frequented by the Naturalmat team on our lunchtime walks and cycles to and from work.
Pebblebed Vineyard Tours
In recent years, Devon has been thriving as a wine growing region. Pebblebed is produced right by our Devon workshop, at Darts Farm, where they craft award-winning sparkling and still wines just a few metres from where their vines grow. They’re one of the very few ‘single estate’ wine producers in the country, with both their winery and vineyard in one place. Lucky for us, they offer tours & tasting sessions from May until September, where they take you through the picturesque vineyards, pour you some delicious English wine, and serve a selection of local cheese and artisan charcuterie.
