Local Area Information
WEST DOWN AND BEYOND
Within a few minutes drive or a 15 minute walk of the cottage, is the village of West Down. Here, you will find a small convenience store, church and pub serving food. The Crown has a large garden, pool table and many board games are available for customer's to use. In the winter months, you will find a cosy log fire. Dogs are welcome at The Crown.
WOOLACOMBE AND PUTSBOROUGH BEACH
Relax, surf or walk this 3 mile stretch of award winning sandy beach all the way to Putsborough beach where you can grab a refreshment or ice cream in the beach cafe. Parking is available at both Woolacombe and Putsborough. Most of the beach is dog friendly in the high summer with only a small section at each of the far ends of the beach not accessible to dogs during these months. In low season the beach is entirely dog friendly. Surfing is available at both beaches.
ILFRACOMBE TOWN AND HARBOUR
Ilfracombe is around three miles from the cottage. Discover Ilfracombe’s little gems, step back in history in its famous Victorian tunnels, wonder around its bustling harbour or climb the hill to St Nicholas’s Chapel. Choose from the plenty of bars and restaurants in Ilfracombe or grab fish and chips or an ice cream at the harbour. Ifracombe has its own cinema showing the current popular films.
THE SOUTH WEST COASTAL PATH
Choose from a short stroll or a challenging walk up and around the Tor’s from Woolacombe to Ilfracombe or a coastal walk from Croyde to Baggy Point. Stunning scenery along the dramatic North Devon coast. Ordnance survey maps are available to use at the cottage.
LUNDY ISLAND
Lundy Island is an unspoilt peaceful island that is owned by the National Trust and home to incredible wildlife, a small village and a 13th century castle. Perfect place for nature lovers, sightseeing and walking. Day trips by boat are available from March to October from Bideford and Ilfracombe.
ROSEMOOR GARDENS
A Royal Horticultural Society garden in Torrington, Devon, Rosemoor is a beautiful place to explore for the whole family. With seasonal events and activities throughout the summer in particular, there’s also a beautiful kitchen garden for lunch.
THE TARKA TRAIL
The Tarka Trail is a 180 figure of eight route in North Devon and is centred around Barnstaple. The route can be started any point but locally at nearby Ilfracombe. Between Braunton and Meeth, this 30 mile section of the Tarka Trail of cycling and walking terrain that uses the old railways of North Devon is flat and tarmacked . It’s one of the country's longest continuous traffic-free walking and cycling paths and is ideal for families or less experienced cyclists. The route can be broken down into manageable sections and along the route cycles can be hired.
CROYDE SURF ACADEMY
Looking to learn to surf or just want to potter along the coast on a stand-up paddle board (SUP). Croyde Surf Academy specialise in SUP, offering guided tours and intro days, as well as instruction in other areas of surfing. An enjoyable way to explore the North Devon coast whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, looking for a guide.
MORTEHOE MUSEUM
Located in the centre of Mortehoe village, this little gem on North Devon’s coastline, Mortehoe Museum lies on the Heritage Coast and is at the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Telling the history of the surrounding village, the museum is also the starting point for seasonal tractor and trailer rides.
CLOVELLY
A beautiful village set on a steep hill on the coast, Clovelly has a history dating back to the Domesday Book when it was owned by the King. There are lots of delightful local activities to get involved with – silk workshops, meeting birds of prey, angling and boat trips on the water, spa treatments and even a little retail therapy. There are a few tea shops and a pub by the quaint harbour. You can choose to walk down (and up) or transport is also available.
MILKY WAY ADVENTURE
A selection of rides, slides, adventures and shows, Milky Way Adventure Park is located near Clovelly and is an all weather fun day out for the whole family with something for all age groups. There’s a café and a restaurant on site, they cater to parties, and prices vary throughout the year according to the season.
LYNTON AND LYNMOUTH
Wonder around the quaint shops at Lynton then either walk or get the funicular railway down to Lynmouth. Stop and enjoy fish and chips by the sea wall or walk along the river to beautiful Watersmeet for lunch or afternoon tea.
THE BIG SHEEP
The BIG Sheep is a great family attraction with a collection of adventures, games, rides and activities plus animals, live shows and entertainment. Open seven days a week until the end of October. During the winter it is open but with reduced attractions.
EXMOOR ZOO
Located in a valley, in rural North Devon, just outside Ilfracombe is Exmoor Zoo. A delightful day out for all, where you can encounter the usual zoo animals as well as the not so usual ones including the fabled "Exmoor Beast". Plenty of activities run throughout the day which will keep the whole family entertained.
COOMBE MARTIN WILDLIFE AND DINOSAUR PARK
Set in a beautiful valley near Coombe Martin is this family run park where you can explore the lives of dinosaurs including the UK's only full size animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex. Take the Dino express train and experience an earthquake, then meet the park's animals such as meerkats, primates, reptiles and lions.
EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK
HEDDON VALLEY
Nestled on the Exmoor coast is this wooded valley leading to a rocky cove. Challenging walks and a delightful pub.
WOODY BAY STATION
Take a drive out towards Lynton and Lynmouth and just before you reach them is Woody Bay Station. There’s a cafe, shop and you can take a ride on the stream train, taking in the fantastic views of Exmoor. Something for all the family to enjoy.
