It is not just cosy accommodation and hearty meals that our
farms provide for your family but also the most fantastic outdoors space – and
lots of it!
There is no doubt that having the ability to explore and
enjoy the freedom of the countryside is a huge attraction for the families that
come to stay on our farms, but did you know there is more that the great
outdoors can offer your children than the space to run and play?
Sensory Joy
Being outside puts all 5 of our senses into use – sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing. For children, there is so much to be learnt from this sensory experience. The calls of different birds, the texture of contrasting plants and the formation of the varying clouds in the sky – each day provides a new sensory joy to behold.
Appreciating Nature
Did you know that the average Brit spends 22 hours indoors, equating to around 90% of their day*? It is easy to see why some of us can become so disconnected to nature. Spending time in our natural environment is not only great for our health but it helps us understand the impact we have on this environment as individuals and why it is so worthy of our care.
Better Self-awareness
Having the space to explore as they wish helps children develop a sense of independence. This self- awareness lets kids monitor their inner and external world in a safe manner, meaning that risk taking can be done in a conscious and thoughtful way. Allowing children to develop this foundation of emotional intelligence is so important.
Inspiring Imagination
The inspiration is endless! Outdoor play enables kids to connect meaningfully with their setting. There is no need for indoor voices when you play outside and kids can move in a way that an indoor environment just cannot allow. Grab your kids, add some open-air space and watch the imaginative and inventive play flow!
Sleepyhead
From spending a day with the animals to a simple alfresco picnic, however your days are spent on our farms and their surrounding areas, one thing is guaranteed – a better nights sleep for everyone. The physical exertion mixed with spending less time looking at the artificial light that comes from our screens is a winning combination that not only helps little ones fall asleep quicker but also helps them sleep for longer. United with our comfortable rooms all this will hopefully provide the whole family with some peaceful nights to savour.
As Autumn creeps in after the Summer, Devon woodlands are ablaze with colour. Walking through the woods and forests in Devon is a beautiful experience, and most are dog-friendly so your four-legged friend can join you too. Just remember your flask of tea!
2 – Quieter Beaches
Most tourists leave Devon at the end of the summer holidays in September and don’t return until the following July, leaving the county peaceful once again. The beaches are waiting to be explored, and on some occasions you can have the whole stretch to yourself.
As a general rule the Autumnal weather in Devon is usually better than any other time of year. The rain falls less, the clouds part more and the sun usually has his hat on. The temperatures may be a little lower but at least it’s not raining, right?
5 – Better Surf
Devon is the only county with two coastlines, and in Autumn both the South and North coast are great for all abilities of surfers. With hurricane season in full swing in the Atlantic, it only seems natural that the bigger waves make their way to the Devon coastlines. Autumn means warmer water too after heating up over the summer, so you can leave your winter wetsuit at home!
6 – Dartmoor
Dartmoor is beautiful throughout the seasons, but during Autumn the bracken and gorse change from green to orange, the heather is making its final appearance and the Autumn light brings everything to live. No matter the weather, there’s always an adventure to be had on the moors.
7 – Foraging
Blackberries, sloes, ceps, chestnuts and more laden the hedgerows and woodlands. It’s a wonderful day out exploring beautiful places and perhaps stumbling upon a wild snack or side dish for dinner makes it even more exciting for all the family.
8 – Bonfire Night Celebrations
Bonfire night is no ordinary evening in Devon, every village and town have their own traditions. In Ottery Saint Mary, men and women run with flaming tar barrels on their backs through the streets. There’s mulled wine, candy floss and other late night treats available, what more could you want?
9 – Pub Culture
Pubs really come to life in Devon when the nights start drawing in and everyone comes together around a few pints inside, rather than on the beach. Most pubs have big roaring fires, sea views and menus filled with hearty home cooked food. The perfect place to relax with friends and family.
Coming away to Devon and want to learn a new skill? Why not give surfing a go? It is an amazing sport that so many enjoy across our coastland. Knowing where to start with surfing can be a little hard so we have provided you with a handy selection of surf schools in Devon that can guide you on your first few surfs.
North Devon
Croyde Surf Academy
Our first surf school is Croyde Surf Academy, which is situated on the hill above Croyde beach which makes for a spectacular setting. The Surf Academy offers beginners courses, improver courses and private lessons. As well as surfing courses, Croyde Surg Academy offer paddleboard lessons and coasteering lessons. For more information on their lessons click here.
North Devon Surf School Westward Ho!
If you are looking to go with a group with lots of experience, then the North Devon Surf School is an excellent choice as they have been running surfing lessons since 1988. The surf school has a purpose building surfing centre that is only 50 metres from the beach. The family-run business offers lessons from a half-day through to 10 sessions or private lessons. They also offer paddleboard lessons and equipment hire. For more information click here.
Surf Saunton
Another excellent choice for a surfing lesson is Surf Saunton which is located at Saunton Sands beach. The surf school offers beginner lessons, 3 sessions, private sessions and group sessions. As well as the regular surf lesson, Surf Saunton has some other interesting lessons. They have a Land Rover Tour where they take you in their 11 seater Land Rover up the 3 mile beach and pick the best spot to surf! They offer Yoga and surfing for those who want to relax post surfing. For more information click here.
Wanting to head out for a surf? Why not check out our accommodation in North Devon and book a break this way.
South Devon
Discovery Surf School Bigbury-on-Sea
If you head to the Discovery Surf School at Bigbury-on-Sea then you will be heading to one of the best surf schools in the UK according to Coast Magazine. The surf school is a family run business that is dedicated to providing top quality surf and SUP coaching. If you are looking for coaching then they have something for everyone from beginner’s classes, children’s classes, two-day classes, camp days, family sessions, advance sessions, private lessons and more! They really do have something for everyone. As well as surfing they offer paddle boarding, kayaking and equipment hire. For more information click here.
Bantham Surfing Academy
At Bantham Surfing Academy you can enjoy a beginner surf lesson where you will learn the basics on the ground before jumping in the sea and putting your new skills to practice. If you were looking for a more 1 on 1 support, then private lessons are a great choice for you and your family. As well as surfing, the surf school offers paddleboard lessons, kayaking and the hiring of equipment. For more information click here.
Welcome back to our Farming blog, this week we wanted to share with you all about the Moor Otter Trail, but first have you read our two latest blog posts? One was all about some of our favourite ice cream shops in devon while the other was giving you the latest from the farms. Back to this week however and we wanted to share this amazing event with you so you can enjoy it on your holiday in Devon.
What is the Moor Otter Trail
The Moor Otter Trail is a public art project that connects people together on a journey of discovery. 81 Otters with their cubs have been decorated and released all across Dartmoor to create 4 art trails. They have been placed so that you can discover them while enjoying the outstanding countryside that makes are Dartmoor and learn all about Dartmoor and its people’s history.
Why Run the Event
The event is being run to showcase the stunning area of Dartmoor and at the end, the Otters are auctioned off to find new homes. This raises valuable funds for conservation and access projects in the park.
How to get involved
If you would like to get involved in this fantastic event then click here to see the Moor Otters Trail Map. This will show you the 4 main trail routes as well as where the 81 Moor Otters have been placed. On the Otter Trail, they encourage you to be as sustainable as possible using public transport, carshare, cycle or walk the routes to help reduce your carbon footprint.
If on your travels you fall in love with one of the Otters and want to do more to help the environment then you can even bid on one of them! Click here to learn more. Or to make a donation click here.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed todays blog and we would love to know if you get involved with the event so be sure to tag us in your social media posts.
Hello to all our readers, new and regulars! Today we are writing something a little fun in honour of #NationalIceCreamDay. We wanted to share with you some of our favourite ice cream shops in Devon. Why? Because what is a holiday to the Southwest without delicious ice cream!
Hockings
A residing favourite among our accommodation providers is that of Hockings Ice cream, the delicious, very creamy ice cream is made here in North Devon. The company that is situated in Appledore has been making ice cream since 1936 and now have 16 vehicles that travel across North Devon selling their famous ice creams. If you want to get yourself one of these delicious icecreams then see their van locations below:
Appledore, Bideford, Torrington and Westward Ho ! 1st week March – last week October
Ilfracombe May to September
Sainsbury’s Barnstaple June to September
Braunton Burrows school holidays
Salcombe Ice Cream
Another popular choice among our South Devon members is that of Salcombe Ice Cream. The ice cream shop is located in Salcombe and makes their own ice cream using a traditional method and using milk from the local farm. The Ice Cream company is run by two families and started back in 1979. There are lots of delicious flavours available some of which include Peppermint Chocolate Flake, Popcorn, Honeycomb, Chocolate orange, Bubblegum and so many more, plus if you are not a fan of ice cream then they also sell sorbet! To find their locations see below:
Island Street Salcombe
Boat Float Dartmouth
The Quay Kingsbridge
Dartmouth Ice Cream
A great place to visit for all things sweet while in South Devon is Dartmouth Ice Cream. The shop has been making and selling ice cream since 1928 making it one of the oldest ice cream companies in the Southwest! The ice cream is made on their onsite dairy and sold in their quaint shop in Dartmouth. If you like to be spoilt with choice then you are in luck as at Dartmouth Ice Cream they have a recipe book of 50 different ice cream and sorbet flavours. As well as ice cream the shop also sells scones, fudge, biscuits and hampers.
Otter Valley Ice Cream
If you are near Honiton, then Otter Valley Ice Cream and Field Kitchen needs to be on your list of places to visit. It is a family run business which runs their own farm and started an ice cream shop back in 2010. 8 years later they opened their Field Kitchen. Both their ice cream menu and their kitchen menu is filled with delicious options.
Surfing Cow
Another great place to get delicious and very creamy ice cream is the Surfing Cow near Plymouth. There is an excellent range of flavours including Rasberry Ripple, Mascarpone and Caramelised Fig, Honeycomb and so many more. The scrumptious ice creams are made on their farm where they milk their own Jersey Cows. You can buy their ice cream from their farm shop.
Fleur and Mimis
For those wanting something sweet then Fleur and Mimis near Barnstaple is an excellent choice. It serves everything from delicious ice cream to waffles! There is most definitely something for everyone at this amazing sweet shop.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s post. If you know of anymore ice cream shops that you love in Devon be sure to give them a shout out and tag is in your post using:
Hello and welcome back to our lovely readers and a warm welcome to any newcomers. It is all go here in Devon with the opening of all accommodation including Bed and Breakfast and of course life on the farms is as busy as ever. We thought we would catch you up on updates from the farm. First, however did you get a chance to read our previous blog? It was a great guide on our favourite family-friendly beaches. Click here to give it a read.
Huxtable Farm
Up first is Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast located in North Devon near to Barnstaple and South Molton. The stunning property has 3 rooms and sleeps between 1 and 9 people. As well as being busy running the bed and breakfast the owners Jackie and Antony have also been busy on the farm. Their Jacob ewes have just been shorn and they use the wool to make items and lots of fleeces for spinners and falters which can also be purchased. To see more about their products click here.
As well as the sheep their Penhen has hatched her eggs! If you would like more information on Huxtable Farm and what they can offer click here.
Pickwell Barton
Our next farm that has been busy is Pickwell Barton, located in North Devon close to Braunton and Croyde. Pickwell Barton is a stunning self-catering property with 3 cottages to choose from sleeping between 2 and 6 people. Recently on the farm the sheep were happy to be rid of their warm fleeces! Shedding the ‘weight’ for their summer bodies, they are ready for their beach day now! A note from the owner Jane, ‘Sadly, it costs the farmer more t0 shear them than what the fleece is worth, if you can please everyone support British Wool products when buying your jumpers, carpets, duvets or even loft insulation.
For more information on Pickwell Barton and the accommodation they have to offer click here.
Lower Campscott Farm
Our final farm update is from Lower Campscott Farm. Another farm and accommodation site located in North Devon near to Woolacombe and Ilfracombe. The beautiful site has 8 self-cottages sleeping between 2 and 40 people! As well as welcoming guests back to the site Kathy and Tony the owners have also been busy on the farm.
They have recently expanded their small animal area, making room for some more hens that were rescued by The British Hen Welfare Trust. They have settled in naively and are loving their newfound freedom on the farm. They are inundated with fresh eggs meaning there are plenty to go around for all of our guests to have for breakfast after their morning farmer’s round.
For more information on holidays at Lower Campscott Farm click here.
Hello everyone and welcome back to our blog page. We hope you are all well? Did you read our recent post about Lukesland Gardens, a beautiful garden to visit with something for the whole family? Click here to give it a read. This week we wanted to share with you some of our favourite beaches in Devon for a family day out.
Making sure you have everything you need for a beach day and keeping all family members happy can sometimes be a little challenging. Visiting the right beach with the right facilities can make all the difference so on this blog we will share some of our favourites with you.
Woolacombe / Putsborough
If you are in the North Devon area or close to it then Woolacombe and Putsborough are two excellent family-friendly beaches to choose from. The two long sandy beaches connect in the middle making for one large beach. Putsborough has a large car park, a good size cafe and large toilets.
Woolacombe, on the other side has a lovely town which has lots of restaurants, cafes and shops. There is a car park next to the beach as well as facilities available.
Both beaches boast long sandy stretches, meaning lots of space for the little ones to run around and make sandcastles.
The beaches are dog friendly but do also have sections where dogs cannot go.
Croyde Bay
Another fantastic beach to visit if you are in or near North Devon is Croyde Bay. Situated within Croyde itself this beautiful beach is a great spot for a family beach day. There is a large car park at the edge of the village which has toilets and shower facilities, an essential with children. The village of Croyde is a short walk away, there are lots of cafes, restaurants and a fantastic ice cream shop.
When the tide seeps away it leaves behind lots of pools, making it a great beach for rock pooling with the children.
The beach is not dog friendly during the summer months. There are lifeguards between May to September, Easter Weekend, all October weekends and October half term.
Saunton Sands
If you are after that long stretch of sand, then you could not get much better than the beautiful beach of Saunton Sands. A particularly popular beach for families with a cafe, toilet and shower facilities all available. It has a large car park and good access down to the sand.
The beach is dog friendly all year round.
Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months.
Blackpool Sands
If you have booked yourself a holiday in the stunning South Devon area, then we recommend you visit Blackpool Sands. It is one of the prettiest beaches around with its turquoise waters and dramatic coastline.
Despite its name, it is actually a shingle beach. There are some facilities available including a cafe and toilets.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Lifeguards patrol the beach all year round.
There is limited parking available surrounding the beachfront.
Beer Beach
Another beautiful, sheltered beach to visit for a family day out is Beer Beach. Surrounded by nearby cliffs, the landscape makes for a picturesque spot. Even on a windy day this stunning beach is that little bit more sheltered which makes it an excellent choice for a family beach day.
There is limited parking by the beach but lots more in the town. Within the town, you will find shops, cafes and restaurants.
The access to the beach is excellent, dogs are not allowed on the beach and there are no lifeguards present.
Exmouth
A beach which has become one of the countries longest established holiday destinations is of course Exmouth and for good reason. It is perfectly designed for a wonderful family beach day. It has a long sandy stretch of beach making it great for playing on, long beautiful sand dunes and lots of facilities. There is a wide promenade with shops, restaurants and cafes.
There is lots of car parking space, good accessibility and lifeguards during the summer season.
It is dog-friendly but restricted to certain spots in the summer months.
Bantham Beach
If you are looking for a beach with a view, then Bantham beach is an excellent choice. It has iconic views looking out to Burgh Island. It is also an excellent choice for a family beach day with its large expense of sand to play in and rocks for climbing and rock pooling.
The accessibility is not as great for this beach but there is plenty of parking. Lifeguards patrol during the summer months and at weekends during the offseason.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach between May and September.
Bigbury on Sea
Our final beach of choice is Bigbury on Sea for its shallow waters and soft sand. The beach can be quite tide dependent but is the perfect beach on low tide. There is a good range of facilities including a beach shop, toilets and cafe.
The beach is not dog-friendly. There is a car park located right by the beach.
Hello and welcome back to all our lovely readers. We hope you are all well? Did you get a chance to read last week’s blog? If you like animals, then you might want to give it a go. It is all about Alpacas and Alpaca walking with Lydford Gorge Alpacas, click here to read. Back to this week, the flowers are blooming and the summer sun is beginning to shine on us. This makes it an excellent time of year to get outdoors and explore the beautiful gardens we have here in Devon. One of our members at Oldaport Farm recently visited Lukeslands Gardens so we thought we would share this wonderful place with you all.
Location
If you are wanting a picturesque spot to enjoy the fresh air, then visit Lukesland Gardens. Set within 24 acres this family-run garden is nestled away in the Dartmoor National Park. Set in the valley of Addicombe Brook the garden is popular for its shrubs and specimen trees. The site is not far from Ivybridge and for more detailed directions click here. Adult tickets cost £6 while children under the age of 16 and wheelchair users go free. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
History
To provide a bit of history on the beautiful property that is now Lukesland Gardens, during the middle-ages the site was used by tin streamers who worked the valley leaving piles of stone and gravel along its sides. This can still be seen now on the moors and fields above the gardens. Furthermore, it is believed that there was once a house in what is now the formal part of the garden which they believe to have been Tudor. According to records the home was quite large with seven bedrooms but vanished from records!
The current house was built in 1862 and a Victorian Gothic Style by W.E.Matthews who wanted a base for hunting on the moor. In 1875 it was sold to James and Barbara MacAndrew who, while owning the home extended the house and built the lodge at the entrance. In 1930 the house was passed onto the Howell family and over the past 75 years, they have improved the gardens to what they are today.
The Gardens
Whatever time of the year you visit the gardens you will see clear water in the stream that cascades over the waterfall and lies calmly in the ponds. One of the amazing features at Lukesland Gardens is the numerous islands and bridges which makes the garden a fun visit for the whole family. The garden boasts an amazing collection of champion trees of which when last counted in 2015 there were 4 National Champion trees, 4 English Champions and 25 Devon Champions.
As well as the garden there is a tearoom serving homemade soup and delicious home bakes.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog. If you would like more information on the gardens, click here.
Hello and welcome back to all our lovely readers. We hope you are all keeping well. This week we have something a bit different for you, a guest blog from Helen at Lydford Gorge Alpacas.
1.Background on yourself
My name is Helen and I moved to Devon 2 years ago specifically to start my new business working with animals. I made a massive life change to do this and purchased my property specifically to be able to walk my alpacas straight from the farm without needing to drive them anywhere.
It is just me that runs the business, I literally do everything!
2. What you offer customers
I offer a unique animal experience which allows people to really get up close to these incredible creatures.
Most people who come for an Animal Encounter are surprised and say it was not what they expected as they thought they would just see the animals from afar in their field.
The Animal Encounter experience allows you to spend quality time with these animals where you can hand feed them, touch and stroke them. You also get to enjoy some animal enrichment activities with the animals such as hosing them when it’s warm (they love to play in the water), put some alpaca cat nip powder down which they like to roll in or we might put a mirror out which they find very exciting. The animals are very friendly which means you have lots of opportunities to touch them, some will be quite happy for you to sit down next to them and the sheep are also the same! Most people say they have never even touched a sheep let alone get to cuddle one.
Animal Encounter sessions are exclusive for your party, so you get a private viewing. That means I can cater for people’s individual needs and am able to offer people with learning or physical disabilities a safe and sheltered environment with no crowds or being worried about other people.
I have step-free access from your car to the paddock with hard surfacing just inside the gate. I can place seating here, inside a low height penned area which means you can sit comfortably in a wheelchair but have full access to the animals including being able to stroke them.
For Alpaca Treks I offer a really unique experience as it’s a half day (3 hours) with the alpacas where we spend up to 2 hours walking with them on a stunning moorland trek in Dartmoor National Park. After the trek you get time to spend with them in their paddock on a mini animal encounter. Treks are limited to 5 alpacas so that you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the experience without feeling like you are on a coach tour. This means in most cases you will have the trek to yourself and your party.
As I run everything myself, I offer a very personal and hands on service which covers every aspect from the moment you book to the follow up after your experience.
I am located in a beauty spot directly opposite Lydford Gorge which has the highest waterfall in the South West. This means you can make a full day out here without having to drive anywhere. There is also a bus stop right outside the farm entrance with buses to Tavistock and Okehampton, so you can visit without needing a car.
I spend an enormous amount of time with my animals which has resulted in helping develop their characters and personalities. Animal welfare is my primary goal and my business fits around them and not the other way round.
My reviews on Facebook and Google really showcase what people think about their visit.
3. Any special offers you might have
I don’t have any special offers on currently as I am so busy, but I will be launching a new experience ready for customers to enjoy from 1st June. This will be to add on a luxury picnic-style afternoon tea to their Alpaca Trek or Animal Encounter experience.
The afternoon teas will be provided by Mime in Tavistock and will feature a special alpaca cake. If you add the tea on you also get an extra hour with the animals who will be in a small paddock next to the orchard where you will enjoy your tea.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed todays blog and perhaps have discovered something new you would like to do in Devon. If you have not booked a holiday yet, then why not give Devon a go? Click here to see our full range of holiday accommodation.
Hello and welcome back to all our lovely readers. We hope you are all well. This week we wanted to bring you a blog that would help those of you who are coming to Devon on Holiday or are thinking about it as a holiday destination but do not know what’s open. Over at Devon’s Top Attractions, they produced a brilliant announcement showcasing the open attractions in Devon. Keep reading to discover where you might like to visit while on holiday in Devon.
Attractions Re-opening on the 12th of April and Onwards
Babbacombe Model Village – Outdoors
Becky Falls
Blackpool Sands
Canonteign Falls
Clovelly
Crealy Theme Park – Outdoors
Dartington Crystal
Diggerland
Exmoor Zoo
RHS Rosemoor
River Dart
Pennywell Farm
Wildwood Escot
Attractions Re-opening on the 17th May onwards
Bicton Park
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Lundy Island
Powderham Castle
Quince Honey Farm
South Devon Railway
Watermouth Castle
Woodlands Family Theme Park
Bygones
Coldharbour Mill
Exeter Cathedral
The Big SHeep
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Milky Way Adventure Park
World of Country Life
Seaton Jurassic
Further Information
Wow, what a large range of attractions to visit this year in Devon. If you want to keep up to date with the latest attractions and events be sure to visit Devon’s Top Attractions website. If you are thinking that a holiday to Devon sounds like a good idea then be sure to take a look at our range of high-quality accommodation.
