Hello to all our lovely readers and greetings to those who are visiting for the first time. Today we wanted to bring you a post all about Ilfracombe, a little seaside town on the North Devon Coast. Discover why it is one North Devons gems and find out why you might just want to visit it.
Explore
Ilfracombe is a beautiful harbour town that boasts fantastic views, food and attractions making it a great choice for those visiting on holiday. The town is surrounded by stunning coastal cliffs and beaches. To one side you have Hele Beach and Sandy Bay while the other side leads to Lee Bay and Woolacombe. In addition to these beautiful beaches, you have the famous Tunnels Beaches. The Tunnels Beaches are small private cove beaches that are accessible via hand-carved tunnels! It is also a beautiful wedding venue due to its secluded location and picturesque views. The area was a victorian hotspot and each tunnel would take you to a different beach. In the victorian era, there was a ladies’ beach and a gentleman’s beach. To learn more about Tunnels Beaches, admission and more click here.
Ilfracombe is also home to one of Damien Hirst’s statues, Verity, a beautiful and unique statue that is made from stainless steel and bronze and stands at 20.25 metres tall at the entrance to the harbour.
Furthermore, the food in Ilfracombe is something that attracts visitors alone. There are lots of fantastic restaurants, cafes, tearooms and pubs.
Key Attractions
As well as the beaches, the art and the food, Ilfracombe has some fantastic attractions to visit too. Up first is the Ilfracombe Aquarium, located in the old lifeboat house. The main attraction is currently closed due to renovations but will reopen February 2021, however, the cafe with its harbourside view and Funky Fish gift shop is open.
Watermouth Castle is another great family attraction with the victorian castle full of treasures, displays and a theme park for those wanting some adventure. It is currently closed but hoping to be open soon in the future.
The Ilfracombe Museum is a great spot for those wanting to delve deeper into the history of Ilfracombe. They have an amazing collection from natural history, archaeology, art and more. Again, unfortunately, due to Covid-19 this museum is temporarily closed but keep your eyes peeled for when they reopen. Plus you can currently view their collections online, just click here.
Finally, Chambercombe Manor is an interesting place to visit. A property steeped in history and beautiful gardens. Plus, for those feeling particularly brave you could visit one of the paranormal events at the manor as it is well known for its paranormal phenomena.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and who knows, perhaps a trip to the North Devon Coast is something you might just have to plan. If so, be sure to take a look at our accommodation in North Devon to see if you can find something you fancy.
has quietened down and you are left with quieter beaches and walking routes, yet are still blessed with warm waters and often some warm September and November sun. That is why we thought it would be a great time to chat with you about the South West Coast Path.
What is it?
The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked footpath! During the 19th Century it was used as a coastguard patrol route to restrict smuggling. The entire route covers 630 miles, from Minehead on the edge of Exmoor to Poole Harbour. The entire route is one epic challenge for the long-distance walker, however, because many of the walks are split into segments it makes shorter walks that are also fantastic.
Somerset and Exmoor
Today we are going to look at the section between Somerset and Exmoor. It starts at Minehead and ends at Combe Martin, stretching over 25 miles which actually only makes up 5% of the entire National Trail. The Exmoor coast holds outstanding beauty and has quite a few titles too! In England and Wales, it holds titles for; the highest coastline with it rising to an impressive 433M at Culbone Hill, the highest cliff with Great Hangman peaking at 244m and the longest stretch of coastal woodland between The Foreland and Porlock. One final and very impressive fact about Exmoor’s coastline is that it has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world with the tides rising and falling as much as 15m! It is only second to Fundy Bay in Canada.
Key spots
We wanted to share with you some of our favourite spots along the way. First up Culbone which is a beautiful 5.2 mile walk starting at the Porlock Weir Car Park. The wonderful walk showcases England’s smallest church which is only accessible by the coastal path. The walk has some fantastic woods and of course a beautiful coastline, which on a clear day provides amazing views across the Bristol Channel.
Our second spot we just had to share with you is the Valley of the Rocks. The stunning formation is a U shaped valley that sits parallel to the sea. The theory is that during the Ice Age the East Lyn River was diverted from its usual route due to an ice sheet and the Valley of the Rocks was created. It is quite a spectacular view and something not to be missed.
Finally, is Lynton and Lynmouth, it is two beautiful villages which are connected by a cliff railway. The railway is the highest and steepest, totally watered powered railway in the world, so one not to be missed. The two picturesque villages are filled with history, shops and good food. There is a brilliant circular route around the coastal path and down into the point where the two rivers meet which you can follow to the shore. Lynmouth is the village at the bottom, while Lynton sits above.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and have been inspired to head down to Devon to Explore Exmoor’s coastal paths. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for our future blogs on the other areas of the South West Coastal Path. Plus, if you need somewhere to stay we have lots of beautiful accommodation nearby from Self-Catering cottages to cosy Bed and Breakfasts, just click here to learn more.
Wow, where does the time fly! Here at Devon Farm Holidays, we cannot quite believe that it is already September. Although we are sad to see the summer months of June, July and August head off into the sunset we know that Devon is a spectacular place to enjoy autumn. So much so that we thought we would share with you some of the wonderful things you can do in Devon this autumn.
Woodland Walks
If there is one thing that we all love about Autumn, it has to be the colours and where better to see the stunning reds and oranges then on a woodland walk. Devon is blessed with an abundance of beautiful woodland walks including Halson Nature Reserve which is managed by the Devon Wildlife Trust and located near Great Torrington. The lovely walk has paths through woodland and meadows and has a pretty river where you might just get the chance to spot an otter! Another brilliant woodland walk is Plymbridge Woods, Plymouth. These woodlands are run and maintained by the National Trust. The pretty woodland covers a valley which opens out onto the moors of Dartmoor. For those of you who might be heading towards Okehampton then the Abbeyford Woods is another excellent choice. This wood is maintained by the Forestry of England and is the perfect destination for an autumnal walk. There are lots of routes and there is a beautiful river where you could lay out a blanket for a picnic. Finally, if you find yourself in East Devon then head over to Holyford Woods. It is a local Nature Reserve and is located in a picturesque valley near Seaton. There are lots of walking routes available and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
Dartmoor & Exmoor
Dartmoor and Exmoor are two beautiful National Trust spots at any time of the year but there is something quite magical about them both in the Autumn time. As we hit September both areas turn from beautiful greens to stunning purples and oranges. The views are spectacular and very picturesque, plus with the huge range of walking routes to enjoy there is endless fun on these interesting moors. Once done exploring, there are lots of pubs dotted around Dartmoor and Exmoor which are just perfect for warming up your toes and digging into some delicious local produce.
National Trust
The National Trust still has many sites open in Devon during the autumn period including Arlington Court in North Devon which is open throughout September and October. It is a beautiful National Trust site with a beautiful house and grounds. A particular interest in the estate is the Carriage Museum in the old stables. For those of you who are in the South Devon area then Coleton Fishacre is another brilliant National Trust site to visit. Currently, they have kept the house closed but the beautiful gardens, cafe and shop are open throughout September and October. The garden itself is RHD accredited and has beautiful viewpoints out to sea. In addition to these two beautiful National Trust Houses, there are lots of others that are open during September and October while many others keep their grounds open all year. For more information on these sites click here.
Bigger Surf
As Autumn rolls in so does the waves and the Coastlines of the South West become a surfers paradise. North Devon is renowned for its surfing beaches including the likes of Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe. Although we all love a summer beach day, the surf can lul in the summertime however autumn calls for bigger swells with the added benefit of warm waters! However, if surfing is not your thing the beaches make for beautiful walks and lots of them will be dog-friendly this time of year.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and if you are thinking about booking an autumn trip away be sure to look at our accommodation. Both our self-catering cottages and bed and breakfast accommodation sites are nestled away in the Devonshire countryside. They are all very private, comfortable stays and many have fireplaces that are perfect to snuggle up to after a day in nature.
Hi everyone! We hope you are all well, we are back again this week with another blog for you to read. This time we wanted to share with you a place that we think is fantastic for the whole family and a must on your to-do list for Devon and that is Knightshayes.
What is Knightshayes?
Knightshayes is a stunning Victoria era house and gardens owned and run by the National Trust (if you are members make sure to remember your cards). The house itself was designed by the famous architect William Burges and was designed during the Gothic Revival period. The house is filled with quirks and curiosities, from the medieval great hall to the library filled with books. In addition, there is the music room with its magnificent ceiling which has been restored to its former glory.
As well as the beautiful house, Knightshayes is blessed with beautiful gardens and grounds. The Formal and Woodland gardens are some of the finest gardens in Devon with a unique and extensive range of plants. In front of the great house are terrace beds which look across a beautiful view towards Tiverton. This part of the formal garden includes herbaceous borders, yew hedges and soft planting schemes within. The Paved Garden is romantic with purples and grey colours throughout, the perfect place to sit and relax. The Pool Garden is enjoyed just as much by the adults as it is the children as you can spot frogs, tadpoles and Koi Carp in the ponds as well as pretty water lilies. Finally, a firm favourite within Knightshayes is the Kitchen Garden. It is a garden steeped in history, having been created at the same time as the house. Burges (the architect of the time) style can be seen within the great garden through the turrets and the style of the walls. Unfortunately, the garden began to go into decline during the First World War and declined further by the Second World War. However, it was still used during those times for supplies in the main house which was turned into a hospital! Sadly, by the 1970s it has become overgrown again and abandoned due to the expense in maintaining it. Then in 1999, a project was undertaken to restore it to its former glory and by 2003 it was magnificent and still is today.
In addition to the formal gardens, Knightshayes is the perfect destination to go for a walk in the beautiful array of parkland and woodlands that surrounds the great house. You can enjoy a stunning collection of Douglas Fir Trees that are just on from the Kitchen Garden or head out further across the grounds to explore the fantastic collection of mature trees.
Things to do
As well as exploring the gardens and the great house there are lots of activities to enjoy while visiting Knightshayes. First of all, you can bring your canine companion with you as the parklands and woods are dog-friendly, click here for their handy guide on bringing your dog to Knightshayes.
In addition to walking this autumn, Knightshayes has put on a family trail. This is a self-led trail with a map that can be collected from reception from the 7th of September. Within this trail, you can complete some of the ‘50 things’ challenge including ‘Go wellie wandering’ and ‘Create some wild art’.
Amenities and how to get there
The cafe at Knightshayes is still open and serving a limited range of light snacks and hot drinks. Light snacks include freshly made sandwiches and hot snacks, cakes and bakes, crisps and confectionary and icecream. Social distancing measures have been undertaken and payment is only available via card.
As well as stopping off for a bite to eat do not forget to visit our gift shop and plant centre. They are open 11 am – 4 pm and are filled with goodies to take home and remind you of your trip to Knightshayes.
Prebooking is not essential but is advised. Knightshayes is located in Bolham, Tiverton and is only 7 miles from the M5 exit 27. For more information on how to get there click here.
Hello to all our lovely readers and welcome back to our blog! All of us here at Devon Farm Holidays hope you are all well. It has been fantastic to be back open and doing what we love, sharing our slice of Devon with you all. This week we want to share with you some of the open attractions in West Devon.
Activities for the Children
Keeping the little ones entertained can sometimes be a bit of a task but with two fantastic places we have lined up it might make it that little bit easier.
Tamar Valley Donkey Park
For little ones who love to meet animals then the Tamar Valley Donkey Park is the perfect choice. Not only is it set in some stunning countryside they have lots of animals for your children to meet, groom and feed. There are of course lots of donkeys to meet as well as ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, pigs and goats. They are now open daily until the 6th of September, after which they have varied opening times so please check their website. You must pre-book online before attending, for more information click here.
Miniature Pony Centre
Another fantastic attraction in West Devon that the children are bound to love is the Miniature Pony Centre. Situated in the magical location of Dartmoor it is a wonderful location for a family day out. The miniature ponies are of course a firm favourite on site, but they also have miniature donkeys, heavy horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, insects, birds, pigs and goats! There is lots to explore at the farm with daily events and entertainment and their cafe that serves light lunches, treats and of course the famous Devon cream tea. Booking online prior to attending is required which you can do so by clicking here.
The Gardens
The Garden House
For those looking to explore a beautiful garden in the depths of Dartmoor then you will love The Garden House. Each garden provides a different feel and look with an abundance of planting. Children love the garden trial and exploring the secret pathways. You can also treat yourself to a scrumptious homemade lunch or cream team or purchase a plant for your own garden. They are only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11-3pm and you do not need to book prior to attending. However, for more information please click here.
Stone Lane Garden
A spectacular 5 acre woodland and water garden that is situated on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. The gardens are famous for their national collections of Birch and Alder trees. The beautiful gardens include a variety of planting and other unusual and beautiful trees. Stone Lane Garden also has a sculpture exhibition between May and October every year which showcases West Country artists. No prior booking is required but you can still learn more about the gardens by clicking here.
For the whole Family
Okehampton Castle
For those of you who might have English Heritage cards then Okehampton Castle must be on your lists of places to visit in West Devon. It is the remains of the largest castle in Devon and it is situated in a beautiful countryside setting on a wooden spur above the gushing River Okement. You can enjoy an audio tour which brings the castle to life and provides you with a rich history of the castle. There is also the perfect riverside picnic area and stunning woodland walks nearby. It is required that you book online before visiting which you can do so here.
Meldon Viaduct
For those wanting to get some exercise in then walking or cycling to the Meldon Viaduct is a fantastic family activity. The viaduct was built in 1874 and spans 165 meters over the remains of mineral mines. The views from the viaduct span across the Meldon Dam and reservoir to the South West. The route is pretty flat and accessible for most abilities. No prior booking is required but for those of you who did not bring the bikes, you can hire bikes from the Granite Way Cycles by clicking here.
Lydford Gorge
One family attraction not to be missed is the National Trust site of Lydford Gorge. It is the deepest river gorge in the South West with a 30m high waterfall! Popular with families due to its a variety of walks to suit all abilities and time scales, however sturdy footwear is recommended for all routes. Currently, the full Lydford Gorge trail and the Devil’s Cauldron trail is closed however the Waterfall trail is still open for visitors who pre-book which you can do so online by clicking here.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog post and if you are now thinking that a trip to Devon is on the cards then be sure to take a look at our stunning accommodation and book yourself a lovely family holiday. Click here for our accommodation.
Hello to all our lovely readers, welcome back to our blog. We hope you are all well, did you catch last week’s blog? It was all about the open attractions in South and East Devon, a very interesting read for those looking to come on holiday in the area. If you did not manage to read it click here and we will take you to it. This week however we are back with dog friendly blog posts, chatting to you about the dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, summer edition.
Soar Mill Cove, near Salcombe
For those looking for a little adventure and to give the dog a good run then explore Soar Mill Cove. A small sandy cove that can only be accessed by foot from the South West Coastal Path. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
South Milton Sands, Thurlestone
Another beautiful beach is South Milton Sands which has stunning scenery and is an area of natural beauty. Dogs are allowed all year round and with a lovely stretch of sand, they can run to their heart’s content. One of Thurlestones key attractions is the Thurlestone Rock, an arch-shaped rock that sticks out from the sea and can be seen from the beach.
Beesands, near Kingsbridge
A beach that is perfect for a beach holiday is Beesands, near Kingsbridge, a large, mile-long shingle beach which is backed by country fields. Beachgoers enjoy regular pastimes such as surfing, body boarding and fishing. The beach is dog friendly all year round making it an excellent choice for a family holiday.
North Sands, Salcombe
If you happen to find yourself in Salcombe and want to get your toes in the sand, then head down to North Sands which is a 15-minute walk from the town. It is a great family beach with a good sandy stretch and is a good swimming beach thanks to the bay and rock pools nearby. This beach is again dog friendly all year round.
Ness Cove Beach, Shaldon
One for the explorers, Ness Cove Beach is a dog-friendly shingle beach. It is only accessible via an original Smuggler tunnel, making it quite the adventure to discover the beach. It is dog friendly all year round and it is a very secluded, picturesque beach with the cliffs providing shelter.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and discovered some dog friendly beaches in South Devon that you can explore while on holiday. If you are inspired to get away to South Devon, click here to see our dog-friendly accommodation in Devon.
Hello to our lovely readers and welcome back to our farm blog. This week we are back again to bring you another blog on the open attractions in East and South Devon. There is so much to see and do in Devon so planning your trip ahead can help for a stress-free holiday.
Attractions for Children
Woodlands
One attraction that the children are bound to love is Woodlands, one of Devon’s largest theme parks. The theme park is split into zones with each zone bringing adventure and fun. The zones include the Sea Monster zone outdoors and indoors which includes a range of different rides, soft play and more. There is the Cyclone zone filled with amazing water style rides and the Ninja zone with sand diggers and towers. Furthermore, there is the circus zone with its bouncy castle, soft play and entertainment lawn plus a whole load more zones! Woodlands really is the perfect place to take children because there is so much to do and see, they will never get bored. All you have to do in light of COVID-19 is to book online in advance which you can do here.
Pennywell Farm
A firm favourite in Devon is that of Pennywell Farm which is now open again and you just have to book online in advance, click here to do so. Pennywell Farm is a wonderful attraction for children with heaps of activities to keep them entertained. They run different activities every half an hour which are displayed on the activity board. A bell will ring every half hour to signal an activity change which you can choose to take part in or simply enjoy your surroundings. A main highlight at the farm is, of course, the miniature pigs. You can sit down and give them a cuddle in the barn.
Paignton Zoo
Going to the zoo is always an activity high on the children’s list and they will not be disappointed with Paignton Zoo. They have a huge amount of animals including lions, rhinos, orang-utans, monkeys, cheetahs, birds, zebras, giraffes and more! As well as all the animals, the adults might be happy to know that Paignton Zoo is also a botanical garden! The gardens include mature trees, waterside planting and herbaceous borders, something for any keen gardener to enjoy. You must book online before attending, to learn more about pre-booking and the zoo click here.
Crealy
A final attraction in East Devon that the children will enjoy is Crealy Theme Park. Another venue that is filled with excitement and adventure. Crealy includes an abundance of rides from water rides at the Neptune’s Sea Cups and the Soak Zone to thrilling rides like the Vortex and Twister. Other more gentle rides like the Dino Jeeps and Safari Express can be enjoyed by those wanting an adrenaline break! Unfortunately, none of the indoor adventure areas are open and you must book in advance of attending, which you can do so here.
Gardens
Connaught Gardens
Connaught Gardens is located in Sidmouth on the coastal headland which provides you with breathtaking seas views. The gardens include mature trees, a formal garden with lawn areas and seasonal planting. The garden also includes a rockery with alpines and specimen shrubs, informal gardens with herbaceous borders and trees, finally a beautiful terrace with traditional brick. The terrace includes a bronze plaque to commemorate the opening of the gardens by the Duke of Connaught in 1934.
Killerton House Gardens
Although Killerton House is still not open the gardens, parkland, cafe, shop and plant sales are now open all of which are fantastic areas to enjoy. The gardens are something that any keen gardener will enjoy with its array of planting. The plants include rhododendrons, magnolias, champion trees and formal lawns. As well as the garden, Killerton House has fantastic parkland which you can explore and can take the dog on the lead. You do need to book the day before which you can do by calling them on 03442491895 or click here to book online.
Attractions for the whole family
Seaton Tramway
Something that the whole family will enjoy is a trip to Seaton Tramway. The tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon’s stunning Axe Valley. The fantastic tramway travels alongside the River Ace estuary and through two nature reserves. The tramway is dog-friendly so feel free to bring your canine companions along with you. There are a couple of cafe stops and a gift shop to enjoy as well. You do need to book online in advance, to do so click here.
Thelma Hubert Gallery
A place to visit for those who love the arts is the Thelma Hubert Gallery, a grade two listed townhouse. Filled with different crafts, exhibitions and a permanent collection of artist Thelma Hubert’s works. The gallery is now open but does have different opening times so please click here for more information.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog if you would like to know more about our accommodation, visit our main site by clicking here.
For many of us when we go on holiday to the UK we want to be able to take our canine companion with us. Here at Devon Farm Holidays, we have an excellent selection of dog-friendly accommodation but you might be wondering where you can go with your dog while on holiday. Therefore, today we are going to share with you the dog-friendly beaches North Devon, summer edition.
Saunton Sands
One beach that is a firm favourite with dog owners and beachgoers alike is Saunton Sands. Its long sandy stretch makes it a great choice for a long dog walk to tire out the pup before sitting down to relax. The beach is dog friendly all year round and with such a long beach there is plenty of space in which to spread out over. The beach has a large car park, toilets, surf shop and cafe which means you can stay well fed and watered throughout the day.
Beaches in North Devon
Westward Ho!
Another wonderful beach is Westward Ho! Located near to Bideford and Appledore this amazing beach is famous for its pebble ridge which protects the car park and golf course behind. This beach is also dog friendly all year round but does have a no dog zone to the left-hand side of the beach when facing the sea during the summer months. Usually, in the car park, you will find food and drinks vans and of course the famous Hockings Ice Cream, which if you have not had one before you are in for a real treat, trust us and get one! As well as the beach, the lovely town of Westward Ho! has an arcade, crazy golf and lots of places to grab something to eat.
Putsborough
One beach that is popular with surfers as it is a very sheltered cove which produces fantastic clean waves is Putsborough. It has a large car park on the cliff which overlooks the beach (providing stunning panoramic views) and includes toilets and a cafe. The left-hand side of the beach is a no-dog zone in the summer but the entire right-hand beach is dog-friendly. Therefore there is lots of space to walk the dog and sit down to relax.
Woolacombe
Our final beach to show you today is Woolacombe, which if you carry on walking from Putsborough you will reach! Woolacombe is another very dog-friendly beach. Again, during the summer months, like many of the beaches it has a no-dog zone to the right of the beach as you face the sea. However, everything else is good to go and with such a long stretch of the beach your dog can truly be ‘free’. Woolacombe beach has a small town behind the beach which includes boutique shops, eateries and more which adds to your beach day trip. There is a large car park in the centre of the town which is in easy walking distance to the beach. The beach is another great spot for surfers and swimmers so you can have great fun in the sea.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and if you would like to know more about the dog-friendly accommodation we have on offer here at Devon Farm Holidays click here.
Hello to all our lovely readers. We hope you have been enjoying our content recently. We have loved writing about our wonderful county of Devon again and sharing our favourite places with you. For example, two of the recent blogs we have shared with you some of our favourite walks on Dartmoor and Exmoor. If you missed these and want to catch up on them click here. This week however we have something a little different for you, The Big Butterfly Count.
What is it?
You might be wondering what on earth is The Big Butterfly Count? Well, it is a UK-wide survey/event created by the Butterfly Conservation group that helps them to determine the health of the different species. This event was first launched in 2010 and it has quickly become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies. In 2019 over 113,500 individuals took part in the survey and between them, they submitted 116,009 counts of butterflies and moths from across the UK as you can complete the survey more than once.
Why take part in the survey?
If you are thinking why would I want to take part in this survey? Well, butterfly and moth’s numbers have been decreasing significantly since the 1970s. We all love to see these beautiful creatures in our gardens and that in itself is a great reason for wanting to help them. However, butterflies are actually a vital part of the ecosystem. They are good pollinators and an important part of the food chain. Furthermore, declines in butterflies are also an early warning for other wildlife losses. This is because butterflies are key biodiversity indicators for scientists because they react quickly to changes in their environment. If numbers start to decline then scientists can look into why this might be and help to resolve the issue.
Therefore, by taking part in the survey you are helping to contribute to the work scientists do to help preserve and look after our wonderful countryside, nature and ecosystems.
How to take part.
It is a very easy process to take part in this survey, all you need to do is sign up on the Butterfly Conversation website and download their handy identification chart to help you see what types of butterflies you have. Sit in a corner of your garden, preferably in sunny weather as butterflies love this. Stay for 15 minutes and count how many species of butterflies you see. If you do not have a garden spot you can also count them in parks, fields and forests. Submit your results on the Butterfly conversation website and receive a certificate for taking part. You can do as many counts as you like, just make sure to submit your results by the 9th of August.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog. We would love to hear about your butterfly counts and if you manage to get any photos be sure to put them up on Facebook and Instagram and tag us in the post.
If this was not quite what you were looking for click here to see the rest of our blog posts.
With holiday accommodation now open and many of us keen to get a holiday booked in it can be hard to know what is actually open now lockdown restrictions have eased. Today we wanted to help with that by bringing to you the attractions that are open in North Devon. Plus keep your eyes peeled as we will also release blogs on attractions in other areas of Devon over the next couple of weeks.
Attractions for the Children
Exmoor Zoo
One place that all children love to visit is the Zoo and Exmoor is the perfect place to go. Now open from 9am for visitors the only thing you have to do is book a ticket slot on the day of your choice online before attending, which you can do here. Exmoor Zoo has an abundance of animals from African wild dogs to Cheetahs and of course the Exmoor Beast! You can also take part in activities at the Zoo including watching feeding times, meet the reindeers and more.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Another great attraction for animal lovers is Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Again this is now open but you have to book your tickets/slot online here. Combe Martin Wildlife Park has a great collection of animals including African Lions, Wolves, Seas Lions and Meerkats, to name just a few! Plus they also have some animals which you cannot see anywhere else…. Dinosaurs! The park has over 19 animatronic and static dinosaur models dotted around the park and they bring great joy to children.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
A fun-filled day is to be experienced when going to the adventure park called The Milky Way. Children can jump on the dodgems, run around the maze, become a pro at minigolf or meet the birds of prey at the North Devon Birds of Prey Centre or their outdoor show. There is also a selection of other rides to be enjoyed. Again, you must book online in advance and ticket spaces are going fast so make sure to book in advance. Click here to book online and to read their further COVID-19 information.,
The Big Sheep
Our final children attraction site we have for you today is the famous Big Sheep. The attraction is so pleased to be back open and offering safari walks, scavenger hunts for the young children, their animal barn with baby animals, daily shows and have their cafe open serving delicious cakes. Some of their roller coasters are now also open again. Please click here to book your slot in advance.
Gardens
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
If you want to explore beautiful gardens and grounds then look no further then Hartland Abbey and Gardens. Currently, the grounds and gardens are now open along with the display of filming memorabilia, gift shop and tea rooms. However, they regret to inform that their wheelchair access to the toilet and exhibitions, shop ect remains closed as it is through the main house which is also closed for now. They recommend that visitors bring their own gloves and hand sanitiser for peace of mind while enjoying the walks where a gate may need to be opened and shut. To read more about what’s on offer and their COVID-19 information click here.
RHS Rosemoor
RHS Rosemoor is one of North Devon’s garden gems. It is filled with a variety of gardens to suit all tastes and to be admired by all. They have amazing fruit and vegetable gardens to the famous Rose Gardens plus the new Cool Garden with its amazing sloping paths, stonework and running water. That is not all, there are another 21 other garden areas to explore of different styles! To attend these gardens you need to book a slot in advance and these are selling out quick so book online now.
Arlington Court
A place that the whole family will enjoy due to is fantastic gardens and grounds which are now open but only by pre-booking online which you can do here. Within the gardens, there is the stunning Victoria Garden which is a formal garden that includes herbaceous borders, colour annuals and a beautiful water fountain. The grounds and parks surround the house and include clever planting designed to frame views of the great house. The parkland also includes a wilderness pond which is a beautiful spot for a picnic with the family. You then also have the extended grounds of Arlington Court including the woodlands. You can enjoy a range of walks through these grounds and can bring a dog on a lead. Plus you might get a chance to spot the red deer who live on the grounds.
Marwood Gardens
Another beautiful garden that needs to be on your list to visit is Marwood Gardens which is located near to Barnstaple and is now open. The garden was started by Dr Smart in 1949 where it was simply a house and grounds. It was heavily neglected at the time with no mains water, drainage and electricity. However, over the years that Dr Smart lived and worked there, with the help of some gardeners, they created the beautiful gardens we have today. They include several ponds, an impressive display of champion trees and a wonderful display of camellias and rhododendrons. The gardens are open along with outside seating areas for the tearoom but to read their full information around COVID-19 click here.
Attractions for the Whole Family
Dartington Crystal
Famous for its high-quality glass items, Dartington Crystal’s factory is an amazing place to visit to see how the experts make such amazing products. The visitor centre is now open where you can learn about the story of Dartington Crystal, see the experts at work and even give some craft activities a go yourself. The site also has a shop where you can purchase Dartington glass along with some other great baking/cooking items. Although they are open they do have restricted opening times and some activities are not available so please check their website here for more information.
Quince Honey Farm
Although the main attraction at Quince Honey Farm is not open the gardens, restaurant and shop are, so if you would like a good place for a cup of coffee, a stroll around some pretty gardens and a good look through a well-stocked gift shop head to Quince Honey Farm. To read more about them click here.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
If you are looking for something a little different to do with the family then head to the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. It is the world’s highest and steepest railway which is completely water-powered. The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and as you head up or down you get to witness stunning coastal views. There is a Cliff Top Cafe which offers delicious cream teas to be enjoyed before heading back down. For more information click here.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog, if however it wasn’t quite what you were looking for give the reads of our blogs a read here.
