Antonia’s guidebook
Favourite Beach
One of our favourite local beaches is Saunton Sands (30 mins drive), with miles of yellow sand it rarely gets too packed (though traffic in peak summer hols can be off putting!), it has lots of parking, toilets and a café at the back of the beach, there’s easy access with a buggy and you can walk dogs here all year round. It is popular with surfers too.
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Saunton Beach
One of our favourite local beaches is Saunton Sands (30 mins drive), with miles of yellow sand it rarely gets too packed (though traffic in peak summer hols can be off putting!), it has lots of parking, toilets and a café at the back of the beach, there’s easy access with a buggy and you can walk dogs here all year round. It is popular with surfers too.
Another fab beach and one of our closest doggy friendly beaches - to access the quieter end of Westward Ho! you can park at Northam Burrows (for £5 for the whole day). It has miles of yellow sand meaning it doesn’t ever get too crowded. At the north end there’s a visitor centre which often provides kids worksheets and activities, and nice cafe (that serves cold beer and cider on tap) with toilets. There’s pebbly dunes and grass at the back and golden sand on the beach. Can be windy/ wavy on the beach - wind surfers and kite surfers can often be seen here. There’s a life saving hut in the centre of the beach with flags to indicate where to swim.
At the southern end of Northam Burrows Country Park, you can find the Pig and Olive pizza shack - well worth a visit!
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Northam Burrows Country Park
Sandymere RoadAnother fab beach and one of our closest doggy friendly beaches - to access the quieter end of Westward Ho! you can park at Northam Burrows (for £5 for the whole day). It has miles of yellow sand meaning it doesn’t ever get too crowded. At the north end there’s a visitor centre which often provides kids worksheets and activities, and nice cafe (that serves cold beer and cider on tap) with toilets. There’s pebbly dunes and grass at the back and golden sand on the beach. Can be windy/ wavy on the beach - wind surfers and kite surfers can often be seen here. There’s a life saving hut in the centre of the beach with flags to indicate where to swim.
At the southern end of Northam Burrows Country Park, you can find the Pig and Olive pizza shack - well worth a visit!
Just along from Ilfracombe, Hele bay is a beautiful calm beach that is definitely worth the visit. Part shingle part sand, great for swimmers and paddle boarders, kayakers and dogs (who are allowed all year round).
Possibly our new favourite beach.
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Hele Bay
Just along from Ilfracombe, Hele bay is a beautiful calm beach that is definitely worth the visit. Part shingle part sand, great for swimmers and paddle boarders, kayakers and dogs (who are allowed all year round).
Possibly our new favourite beach.
The Tunnels Beaches are tucked away with a discreet entrance at the top of Ilfracombe town.
For a modest entrance fee (£2.50-£3) you can walk through the Victorian cliff tunnels to access the beautiful sheltered beach, and at low tide you can enjoy the tidal pool. There is a cafe and toilets so you can easily spend a day here.
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Tunnels Beaches
Bath PlaceThe Tunnels Beaches are tucked away with a discreet entrance at the top of Ilfracombe town.
For a modest entrance fee (£2.50-£3) you can walk through the Victorian cliff tunnels to access the beautiful sheltered beach, and at low tide you can enjoy the tidal pool. There is a cafe and toilets so you can easily spend a day here.
Woolacombe is another stunning beach (approx 40 mins drive).
The main beach can get busy in the school summer holidays, so we tend to go to Putsborough at the other end of the bay in high season.
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Woolacombe
Woolacombe is another stunning beach (approx 40 mins drive).
The main beach can get busy in the school summer holidays, so we tend to go to Putsborough at the other end of the bay in high season.
Another beautiful beach with parking just across the road as well as the shops, pubs and eateries of Croyde town.
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Croyde Bay
Another beautiful beach with parking just across the road as well as the shops, pubs and eateries of Croyde town.
Another lovely beach where paddle boarders and kayakers flock to. As well as being a sheltered cove that’s great for swimming, it has rock pools and caves to explore. Shops, water sports equipment hire places, and cafes at the back of the beach make it an easy day out.
Combe Martin Beaches, Wielka Brytania
Another lovely beach where paddle boarders and kayakers flock to. As well as being a sheltered cove that’s great for swimming, it has rock pools and caves to explore. Shops, water sports equipment hire places, and cafes at the back of the beach make it an easy day out.
Activities
River Taw
Explore the river Taw on foot - just a few hundred meters from the bottom of our gate!
Just outside of Barnstaple (20 mins drive), the Broomhill Estate features over 200 sculptures set into acres of enchanting gardens. There is a great café and smart restaurant up at the boutique hotel, making it a great day out for all. Our children really enjoy exploring the gardens and reacting to the sculptures that take all shapes and sizes. They allow dogs on leads in the grounds too!
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Broomhill Art Hotel
Just outside of Barnstaple (20 mins drive), the Broomhill Estate features over 200 sculptures set into acres of enchanting gardens. There is a great café and smart restaurant up at the boutique hotel, making it a great day out for all. Our children really enjoy exploring the gardens and reacting to the sculptures that take all shapes and sizes. They allow dogs on leads in the grounds too!
The Tarka Trail is a designated footpath and bridle way with cycling lanes spanning 180 miles across North Devon including Barnstaple, Biddeford, Ilfracombe and more. A large section follows an old converted railway and provides very gentle cycling for all abilities.
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Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail is a designated footpath and bridle way with cycling lanes spanning 180 miles across North Devon including Barnstaple, Biddeford, Ilfracombe and more. A large section follows an old converted railway and provides very gentle cycling for all abilities.
We love this varied local dog walk from our front door, along the green lane and up to Pitt Wood, out the other side and around the small lanes between local farms. There are two routes to explore, the green route is around 1.5 -2 hours and the red route approx 2.5 hrs
Both routes start at Rosie Banks, head along the lane to the main Road the B3227. Cross straight over onto the 'green lane' a pedestrianised green path. keep walking quite a way, until you hit a fork in the pathway, take the immediate left through the steel gate, up hill. Follow the path up hill through the woods until you hit a style. Go over the style past the sweet farm house on your left. You are now back on tarmac road. At the top you can either go left or right, take a left for the shorter green route, or right for the longer red route shown.
Pitt Wood
We love this varied local dog walk from our front door, along the green lane and up to Pitt Wood, out the other side and around the small lanes between local farms. There are two routes to explore, the green route is around 1.5 -2 hours and the red route approx 2.5 hrs
Both routes start at Rosie Banks, head along the lane to the main Road the B3227. Cross straight over onto the 'green lane' a pedestrianised green path. keep walking quite a way, until you hit a fork in the pathway, take the immediate left through the steel gate, up hill. Follow the path up hill through the woods until you hit a style. Go over the style past the sweet farm house on your left. You are now back on tarmac road. At the top you can either go left or right, take a left for the shorter green route, or right for the longer red route shown.
A stunning and bracing coastal walk from Hartland Quay to Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall. There’s a pub and carpark at Hartland Quay, so handy for food and refreshments after the walk.
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Hartland Quay
A stunning and bracing coastal walk from Hartland Quay to Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall. There’s a pub and carpark at Hartland Quay, so handy for food and refreshments after the walk.
If you fancy a paddle board lesson for beginners or a guided SUP paddle on the river for more experienced paddlers- I can highly recommend Amy at Adventure Boardsports.
You’ll need to book in advance as she needs to plan the trip with the tides. She provides the board, you need to come with a wetsuit / or suitable clothing.
A 1.5 hour lesson for 2-6 people is £50 per person.
Minimum age 12 years old.
https://adventureboardsports.co.uk
Adventure Boardsports
If you fancy a paddle board lesson for beginners or a guided SUP paddle on the river for more experienced paddlers- I can highly recommend Amy at Adventure Boardsports.
You’ll need to book in advance as she needs to plan the trip with the tides. She provides the board, you need to come with a wetsuit / or suitable clothing.
A 1.5 hour lesson for 2-6 people is £50 per person.
Minimum age 12 years old.
https://adventureboardsports.co.uk
Beautiful and extensive varied gardens with fab play areas for kids and a wonderful cafe. They often have special trails and activities for children in the holidays.
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RHS Garden Rosemoor
Beautiful and extensive varied gardens with fab play areas for kids and a wonderful cafe. They often have special trails and activities for children in the holidays.
Farm-themed fun park with rides, soft play, animals and more
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The Big Sheep.
Abbotsham RoadFarm-themed fun park with rides, soft play, animals and more
A theme park set within a castle with rides, shows, play areas and landscaped gardens
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Zamek Watermouth
A theme park set within a castle with rides, shows, play areas and landscaped gardens
Quince Honey Farm, South Molton (15 mins drive), is a working honey farm and a day out for all the family. With guided tours, bee talks, large indoor soft play, café, outdoor play areas and beautiful gardens, there is something for everyone.
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Quinceʻ Farm
Quince Honey Farm, South Molton (15 mins drive), is a working honey farm and a day out for all the family. With guided tours, bee talks, large indoor soft play, café, outdoor play areas and beautiful gardens, there is something for everyone.
Mix of wild life park and dinosaur theme park- my kids (3 &5) love it.
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Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Mix of wild life park and dinosaur theme park- my kids (3 &5) love it.
Quirky collection of tanks and army memorabilia by a private collector / enthusiast. Very close to our place it can provide an intriguing local outing!
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Cobbaton Combat Collection
Quirky collection of tanks and army memorabilia by a private collector / enthusiast. Very close to our place it can provide an intriguing local outing!
About 50 mins drive away, this is one for architectural enthusiasts - a Contemporary castle, set in impressive grounds with stunning walking tracks.
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National Trust - Zamek Drogo
DriveAbout 50 mins drive away, this is one for architectural enthusiasts - a Contemporary castle, set in impressive grounds with stunning walking tracks.
Pinkery Pond on Exmoor is a great spot for Wild Swimming. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but that usually means the place won’t be mobbed.
Park at the Pinkery Centre for outdoor Learning.
Pinkworthy Pond
Pinkery Pond on Exmoor is a great spot for Wild Swimming. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but that usually means the place won’t be mobbed.
Park at the Pinkery Centre for outdoor Learning.
Learn about apple juice and cider making, walk around the orchard in Great Torrington with friendly owners and hosts Chris and Anne. Check the website / call for more info
Honey Wood Orchard
Learn about apple juice and cider making, walk around the orchard in Great Torrington with friendly owners and hosts Chris and Anne. Check the website / call for more info
Lots of water-based activities in Bideford (approx 30 mins drive). Activities include a ‘total wipeout’ style course, wakeboarding, doughnuts, wild swimming and paddle boarding. They hire all kit, including wetsuits.
Pre book online.
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North Devon Wake Park
Lots of water-based activities in Bideford (approx 30 mins drive). Activities include a ‘total wipeout’ style course, wakeboarding, doughnuts, wild swimming and paddle boarding. They hire all kit, including wetsuits.
Pre book online.
A unique family day out, or fun day out for adults - this theme park allows you to spin high in the air, seated in the bucket of a digger!
Check online for full details
https://www.diggerland.com/
Diggerland Devon
A unique family day out, or fun day out for adults - this theme park allows you to spin high in the air, seated in the bucket of a digger!
Check online for full details
https://www.diggerland.com/
A fab local arts centre in Torrington with interesting plays, screenings, shows and family activities.
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The Plough Arts Centre
9-11 Fore StA fab local arts centre in Torrington with interesting plays, screenings, shows and family activities.
Rainy day solutions- trampoline park!
https://www.air-extreme.co.uk/
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Air Extreme Trampoline Park
1 Lauder LnRainy day solutions- trampoline park!
https://www.air-extreme.co.uk/
If you are in Barnstaple with children - rock park is worth a stop if little ones need to run off some steam - the playground is fairly good, it’s right on the river - so a pretty location, and there’s a little pop up cafe that sells coffees, snacks and ice creams.
A little further on there is a small skate park too.
Rock Park
1881 Ladies' MileIf you are in Barnstaple with children - rock park is worth a stop if little ones need to run off some steam - the playground is fairly good, it’s right on the river - so a pretty location, and there’s a little pop up cafe that sells coffees, snacks and ice creams.
A little further on there is a small skate park too.
Of all the soft plays, this is my personal favourite- it’s not too big, the food is edible / nice, and easy to keep an eye on your kids.
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The Quay Cafe
Of all the soft plays, this is my personal favourite- it’s not too big, the food is edible / nice, and easy to keep an eye on your kids.
Great museum in Exeter covering everything from natural history to art to Lego!
You can get the train from Umberleigh to Exeter Central (just under an hour) and it’s 5 mins walk from the station.
Check website for changing exhibitions.
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Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Queen StreetGreat museum in Exeter covering everything from natural history to art to Lego!
You can get the train from Umberleigh to Exeter Central (just under an hour) and it’s 5 mins walk from the station.
Check website for changing exhibitions.
A family theme park in Bideford/ Clovelly (45 mins drive) with dodgems, roller coaster, rides, two indoor soft plays, giant slides, a ninja worrier course, birds of prey shows as well as other entertainment. A great day out for £15 per head. Take a picnic to make it more affordable, and get a re-entry ticket on your way out and you can return for a fraction of the price!
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The Milky Way Adventure Park
A family theme park in Bideford/ Clovelly (45 mins drive) with dodgems, roller coaster, rides, two indoor soft plays, giant slides, a ninja worrier course, birds of prey shows as well as other entertainment. A great day out for £15 per head. Take a picnic to make it more affordable, and get a re-entry ticket on your way out and you can return for a fraction of the price!
Really fun roller rink with special kids/ family sessions, adult roller disco and more. £10 per person per session plus £2.50 skate hire, or bring your own skates!
Stoppers Roller Rink, Barnstaple
Stoppers Roller Rink
Really fun roller rink with special kids/ family sessions, adult roller disco and more. £10 per person per session plus £2.50 skate hire, or bring your own skates!
Stoppers Roller Rink, Barnstaple
Food scene
Our lovely friendly local village pub is walking distance and serves really tasty pizzas (including vegan, gluten free etc) and pub food Tuesday - Sunday.
They welcome dogs, so you can walk the hound there, have a pint and a bite to eat and stroll back along the river.
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The Rising Sun Hotel
Pound Lane EndOur lovely friendly local village pub is walking distance and serves really tasty pizzas (including vegan, gluten free etc) and pub food Tuesday - Sunday.
They welcome dogs, so you can walk the hound there, have a pint and a bite to eat and stroll back along the river.
Has a nice conservatory seating area, a pub garden with playground, serves hearty pub grub.
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The Bell
Has a nice conservatory seating area, a pub garden with playground, serves hearty pub grub.
A foodie heaven- it’s lovely and cosy inside and the food is top notch - we’ve been here to celebrate birthdays - a real treat.
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Pyne Arms
A foodie heaven- it’s lovely and cosy inside and the food is top notch - we’ve been here to celebrate birthdays - a real treat.
Relaxed eating in 1st floor bistro at the back of Saunton Sands beach. Great for nice burgers, salads, fish and chips etc.
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Beachside Grill
Relaxed eating in 1st floor bistro at the back of Saunton Sands beach. Great for nice burgers, salads, fish and chips etc.
Seasonal pop up beach cafe serving Sri Lankan curry
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Barricane Beach Cafe
Woolacombe RiseSeasonal pop up beach cafe serving Sri Lankan curry
Yummy pizza at Westward Ho! Or pop up in Umberleigh on Wednesday evenings.
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Pig and Olive, Westward Ho!
1 Pebbleridge RdYummy pizza at Westward Ho! Or pop up in Umberleigh on Wednesday evenings.
Special food in a wonderful location overlooking the beach at Instow.
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The Boathouse, Instow
Marine ParadeSpecial food in a wonderful location overlooking the beach at Instow.
Surprisingly good authentic Thai Food, some of the best we’ve ever had (including on trips to Thailand!)
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Torridge Inn
136 Mill StSurprisingly good authentic Thai Food, some of the best we’ve ever had (including on trips to Thailand!)
The New Inn
West RoadFab Sunday Roast and live music
Chichester Arms
East StreetNice pub serving hearty pub grub
The Exeter Inn
A charming local pub that does a fantastic Sunday Roast.
Targ Barnstaple Pannier
Butchers RowThe Cheese Larder
12 Broad StShapland & Searle Ltd Butchers
123 East StSuper cute cafe open 9:30-3 (ish) just along below Watermouth Castle and along the road from Combe Martin.
The kitchen of the cafe is within the docked boat and outdoor seating overlooking the harbour / bay is a lovely spot. Dogs are welcome. Great vegan / dairy free options too!
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STORM IN A TEACUP * BOAT CAFE * ILFRACOMBE
Super cute cafe open 9:30-3 (ish) just along below Watermouth Castle and along the road from Combe Martin.
The kitchen of the cafe is within the docked boat and outdoor seating overlooking the harbour / bay is a lovely spot. Dogs are welcome. Great vegan / dairy free options too!
Birthdays & special occasions with us
We love to make a fuss of birthdays, anniversaries, engagements or helping you to show your loved one how special they are.
Want us to help you make your loved one feel extra special on their birthday, your anniversary, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day?
We can arrange a Devonshire cream tea, a posey of flowers, balloons, a birthday banner, bubbles, wine or a pair of gin and tonics, to help make your stay that bit more memorable.
Get in touch to discuss what you’d like and we can let you know what the additional cost would be.
Umberleigh
Want us to help you make your loved one feel extra special on their birthday, your anniversary, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day?
We can arrange a Devonshire cream tea, a posey of flowers, balloons, a birthday banner, bubbles, wine or a pair of gin and tonics, to help make your stay that bit more memorable.
Get in touch to discuss what you’d like and we can let you know what the additional cost would be.
Going out
As a mum of two small kids I’m not exactly finger on the pulse of nightlife hot spots, that said I think it’s fair to say people don’t holiday to Barnstaple for the banging nightlife! Here are a few places I’ve either been to or heard are ok.
Wine & cocktail bar that regularly hosts drag acts. We haven’t yet been but have heard good things from friends who have.
Masquerade Barnstaple
98 High StreetWine & cocktail bar that regularly hosts drag acts. We haven’t yet been but have heard good things from friends who have.
Escape Down The Rabbit Hole
1 market streetBar/ bistro that is popular in summer and sometimes has live music.
Claytons & The Glasshouse
2 Cross StPleasant enough bar & restaurant.
Latitude 48
96 High StreetLively bar that serves food, drink and cocktails & has a pool table.
Porady dla podróżnych
Co spakować
Bring wellington boots or Crocks
Weather can be very changeable here. Even in summer months the fields will be wet with dew in the mornings so you will want some slip-on waterproof shoes to walk between the caravan and the camp facilities.
Co spakować
Bring a torch
To limit light pollution we have no outdoor lighting in the fields or outside the caravans so you may wish to bring a torch. Alternatively we can lend you one in return for a small deposit.
Co spakować
Bring beach towels
We provide a bath towel and hand towel for each guest for use in the bathroom facilities. Please bring your own beach towels.
Co spakować
Binoculars
Pack your binoculars if you have some so that you can enjoy close up views of birds and wildlife.
Zarezerwuj, zanim wyruszysz
Check out our Instagram!
You are welcome to see the development of our small nut farm and get a feel for what we are about on our Instagram feed @thehappynutters
Zarezerwuj, zanim wyruszysz
Devonshire cream tea
Fancy a traditional Devonshire cream tea, delivered to your hut? We can book this in if you message us in advance or let us know once you are here.