Great Things to Do from West Tosberry Farm

Explore the Coast website

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Check out the Explore the Coast website from North Devon AONB

Eating In with Chef Sargie

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Dave Sargent and wife, Kirsty - known as Chef Sargie

You can now rent a chef for groups of 6 people or more - Dave Sargent is well known in Bude for his cooking. Contact him on: http://www.sargies.co.uk/rent-a-chef

The Hoops Inn

2011-12-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

If eating out, you may fancy trying the Hoops Inn, a thatched country pub on the A39 with a signifiant smuggling and seafaring heritage. Visitors allegedly included Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Richard Grenville. Run today by Gerry and Dee Goodwin, the atmosphere is relaxing (we were sat today by the lovely open fire) and the food substantial. The Hoops uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients depending upon seasonal availability. I enjoyed a mushroom stroganoff with wild rice and parsnip chips, while my relatives had smoked salmon sandwiches, and Parkham cheese sandwiches. Daughter (no veggie burger on the kids' menu) had chips and baked beans, the best chips we've had in ages! My only quibble is that I'd like to see more vegetarian offerings but food in Devon/Cornwall has some catching up to do on the vegetarian front.....

Let the Activities Come to You

2011-11-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Leisure Events, is based in Bideford and owner, Simon Mugglestone, provides mobile activities, mostly to corporate groups, but increasingly to private groups who have booked groups of cottages and who would like to do some activities onsite.
For example he is providing a Falconry Experience session nearby for a Hen Party and an Archery/Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting session for a client celebrating a 50th Birthday.
So, if you are booking some cottages for a big family/friends event, why not also consider looking at Phoenix Leisure Events to add to the fun and book a group event to really remember?

More Ideas for Things to Do............

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Why not check out the Hartland Peninsula Association for ideas for more great things to do when you're here......

Bude..........

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Bude is the place to go this week as there is the Jazz Festival and also Lifeboat week both happening simultaneously.............check it out! Lifeboat Day itself is on 29th, Bank Hol Mon.

The Milky Way

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Recent visitors recommended to us The Milky Way near Clovelly, which is a children's adventure park, with 5 major rides, lots of other things to do, and shows by Merlin from "Britain's Got Talent". Taking two 10 year olds there for a day in the summer holidays, I managed to get through about £60 but it did keep everyone going for over 7 hours. The girls especially enjoyed the roller coaster (smaller version also available for younger children) and the dodgems, and we all enjoyed the Clone Zone (bit like a roller coaster ghost train). In terms of eating, I'd recommend the greater variety and pleasanter atmosphere of the Thatched Cottage rather than the fast food Galactic Cafe overlooking the indoor play area which is more of the burger and chips variety. In the Thatched Cottage, you can sit in a conservatory area, have stone-baked pizzas, ploughmans, scones, sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, pasta, etc., a somewhat healthier option...........but each to their own.

I enjoyed the bird of prey demonstration and the girls enjoyed trying their hand at archery (costs extra) and ceramic painting (ditto). I balked at the expense but actually in terms of hours spent and rides/activities undertaken, it wasn't bad value. They went on the roller-coaster 5 times, for example, the zip wires twice, the dodgems twice, the Clone Zone twice, the maze, the train twice, etc, etc

Eating Out

2011-07-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

We haven't tried everywhere in the area but as I work in Bude, then I can recommend Urchins Bistro and Cafe, G's cafe (great for veggies/vegans), both situated on Queen Street. The new Strand Hotel has a pizzeria and brasserie (not yet sampled). The Olive Tree by the canal in Bude provides lovely food, and the Inn on the Green is good for pizzas, etc., as is Elements. At Widemouth Bay, there are lovely cakes at the Trelawny Tea Room.

We have all enjoyed a Ploughmans at the Bush Inn, Morwenstow, but the portions are substantial. Try the one with the selection of Cornish cheeses. The nearest restaurant is the West Country Inn. We enjoyed a family meal there recently but a bit low on vegetarian choices and the food was slow to arrive (at least it seemed freshly cooked!). Everyone who comes seems to recommend the Hart but we haven't been as we are veggie and it is pretty meaty. People seem to recommend Wroes cafe but since waitressing in a supermarket cafe as a teenager, I have not wanted to repeat the experience of eating in one. I'm sure Wroes is fine and it does good milkshakes, I'm told. Hartland Primary School is soon to open its Community Kitchen so fine things may be available there - watch this space!

Anyone recommend anywhere else? You can now get a cream tea in Hartland Village at the Anchor but I haven't tried one..........for fab local produce try the farmers' markets.......1st Sunday of the month in Hartland Parish Hall. The farm shop also provides some lovely home-made items.......

Cheap Ways to Entertain the Family from Bude TIC........

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This is directly grabbed from the Bude Tourist Information Board website but has some great ideas for things to do cheaply as a family.......their website

is here but to save you time, here is the appropriate page.......

Crabbing

The Shore Crab is dark green, and is very common along our coast in rocky areas. They are easy to catch, and doing so is a great way for kids to spend a few hours exploring the rocky outcrops of Bude’s beaches. The equipment needed to go crabbing is cheap and easy to find! A basic crabbing line, fishing net and bucket will cost just a few pounds.

Whilst you are crabbing, you will come across a whole host of wildlife. Dog and Cat fish, colourful Sea Urchins, Common and Sand Starfish, Edible Crab, Shrimps and all sorts of shell fish such as Cockles and Mussels .

Bude TIC sell all the equipment needed to go crabbing, along with reference books to help identify the wildlife you will find on the beach.

Most of our beaches have rock pools, all you need to do is go out and explore. The area around the Breakwater on Summerleaze Beach, the right side of Crooklets Beach, Black Rock Beach at Widemouth Bay and Northcott Mouth are all popular locations. Please study the tide times very carefully. Looking into rock pools is great fun and the time passes quickly – so it is easy to get cut off by the tide.

Click here for Rick Stein’s recipe for Shore Crab Bisque.

Pitch & Putt

Open daily, for just a few pounds you can play 9 holes at Bude Pitch and Put, located between Sainsburys and Crooklets Beach.

Crazy Golf

Opposite the Tourist Information Centre, the Recreation Grounds offer Crazy Golf at £1.70 (adults) and £1.30 (children). Here you can play squash, tennis and other racket sports.

Walk on Water

At Crooklets Beach, for just £3 you can get inside a giant plastic ball and actually walk on water.

Play Parks

Behind the TIC building is a large, enclosed play park with swings, slides etc and a large grassed area.

At Crooklets Beach, there is a "sunken Pirate ship", and a small play park at Summerleaze Beach.

Skatepark

At Crooklets Beach there are large ramps for skateboarding.

Bude Nature Reserve

A walk around the Nature Reserve, behind the TIC building and adjacent to the Canal is free, and you will see all sorts of wildlife! Bude TIC sell wildlife guides for under £4 to help you identify your sightings.

Boating

Hire a rowing boat or pedalow and follow the Bude Canal. Prices are around £8, and you can travel a fair way up the Canal.

If the Weather takes a turn for the worse…Cheap Things to do on a Rainy Day

Swimming at Splash Leisure Pool, opposite Morrisons

Bowling, Kids’Play Zone, pool table & air hockey at Harlequinns.

Visit the Bude Recreation Ground and play squash, pool or table tennis.

Go and see the lighthouse at Hartland point, refreshments available at Hartland Quay.

Visit the Bude Heritage Centre at the Castle by the canal.

Drive to Widemouth Bay and stop in the top car park overlooking the bay to watch the waves.

Go for a drive and visit small villages in the area, you could visit: Crackington Haven, Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Port Gaverne and many more little bays along the way – so small they’re not on the map!

Visit a National Trust Property: Cotehele, Lanhydrock, The Old Post Office in Tintagel.

Visit an English Heritage site: Tintagel Castle, Launceston Castle, Penhallam, The Arthurian Centre near Camelford.

Check at the Bude Visitor Centre to see if there are any special events on in the area.

Go surfing (you will be wet anyway!) or enjoy a wet walk followed by a cosy cream tea while you dry off.

Country Fayre 26th June 11.30am-5pm

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Taken from the Hartland Abbey website:

Come and enjoy the beautiful gardens of Hartland Abbey.

On the Sunday we’ll have an array of wonderful local arts and crafts for sale.
A great Farmers Market with local producers of meats, cakes, cheeses, herbs, plants & flowers. Falconry display on horse back by Jonathon Marshall, TV's David Kennard and 'Misty' the sheepdog and the Parelli Horse Diplay. Beautiful pottery and local photography of the surrounding land and seascapes.We’re delighted to have traditional Devonshire Cream Teas available throughout the afternoon. Plus a traditional merry-go-round for the kids and the young at heart, bouncy castle for the little ones, a delicious BBQ, stalls, sideshows, and much more. A great afternoon out for all the family.

Family Fun Dog Show 1.30pm - Main Arena

1. Most handsome dog

2. Prettiest bitch

3. Puppy under 18 months

4. Child handler

5. Dog most like owner

6. Veteran over 7 years

7. Scruffiest mutt

8. Best turned out dog & owner

9. Dog agility

One week in Summer - Hartland's Music & Arts Festival

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July 10th-17th sees the 'One Week in Summer' festival. This year's festival features the wonderful Welsh harpist, Glenda Clwyd, and a young oboist, Lydia Griffiths plus the Force Five Wind Quartet from Cornwall. Glenda Clywd is a world class performer playing all genres from classical to folk, to jazz to present day hits.

July 12th 7pm St Nectan's Church - Schools concert - Hartland Primary School and The Small School
July 13th 7.30pm Force Five Wind Quintet - sea shanties, American folk, Tango and classical
July 14th 7.30pm Hartland Town Band with Torridge Male Voice Choir
July 15th 7.30pm Glenda Clwyd with Lydia Griffiths
July 17th 11am Celtic Communion
July 17th 7.30pm Hartland Chamber Orchestra including Susan Northrop on flute, Glenda Clwyd on harp for Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto

All at St Nectan's Church

Dog-Friendly

2011-05-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

A good number of visitors now bring their dogs with them on holiday and have requested information on dog-friendly places.
Sandymouth Beach is one of Suggs' favourites - dogs are allowed there all year round (so long as you clear up any poo).
The Inn on the Green at Crooklets in Bude allows dogs in the outside seating area and in the pub part (not the restaurant area).
The inside cafe at Clovelly also allows dogs which is unusual.
You can take your dog walking in the Hartland Abbey grounds. Also, the field behind our own cottage Cobblestone, is ours and is great for exercising your dog. I'll add to this as we receive more feedback from dog owners.......

Eating Out......

2011-04-19T23:45:00.000-07:00

We have some great local eateries on our doorstep. The Hart Inn in Hartland always gets good reviews. Nearby is also the West Country Inn, which I hear has had its best year ever, and the Anchor Inn which also offers take-away pizza without travelling all the way to Kilkhampton.
Further afield, try Bude. For a great cafe during the day there is G's on Green Street, which caters for all tastes from vegan to a full on meat feast. The Olive Tree is also popular, the Inn on the Green likewise, as is Elements up at Widemouth Bay. But seek out places and try them for yourselves.......and let us know if you discover any gems!

Great Weather - Plenty To Do

2011-04-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the great links to the right hand side of this blog for wonderful things to do in and around Hartland, taking in both Devon/Cornwall.......

Farmers' Markets

2011-03-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Make a note in your diary - April 4th is the first Hartland Farmers' Market of the season.........

http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/news/Hartland-Farmers-Market-opens-season/article-1956783-detail/article.html

Amazing Things to Do........

2011-03-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

It is said that the best things in life are free and today's walk on the footpath down to Widemouth Bay today (free parking with spectacular views from the top) was testimony to that........use your time at West Tosberry to enjoy time together as a family, to walk the dog on the sea shore (or even the kids!) to stroll, paddle, feel the sun on your face on one of our beautiful warm days........to take, as they say, time to smell the roses..........

The sea calls - come live in my heart and pay no rent... (Unknown)

Jazz fans, check this out..........Bude Jazz Festival

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http://www.budejazzfestival.co.uk/programme.html

Events from the North Devon Website - 2011

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Sun 6 - Sun 13 Feb 2011	SNOWDROP SUNDAYS	Hartland Abbey & Gardens Hartland, Bideford, North Devon
Sun 20 Mar 2011	DAFFODIL SUNDAY	Hartland Abbey & Gardens Hartland, Bideford, North Devon
Fri 22 - Mon 25 Apr 2011	BLUEBELL DAYS	Hartland Abbey & Gardens Hartland, Bideford, North Devon
Sat 23 - Mon 25 Apr 2011	Clovelly Letter Days	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Sun 1, Mon 2 May 2011	BLUEBELL DAYS	Hartland Abbey & Gardens Hartland, Bideford, North Devon
Sat 28 - Mon 30 May 2011	Clovelly Celebration of Local Ales and Ciders	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Thu 7 Jul 2011	BBC ANTIQUES ROADSHOW	Hartland Abbey & Gardens Hartland, Bideford, North Devon
Sun 17 Jul 2011	Clovelly Maritime Festival in aid of ND Hospice	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Mon 25 Jul 2011	Woolsery Agricultural Show, Clovelly Court	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Sat 30, Sun 31 Jul 2011	Lifeboat Weekend in aid of the R.N.L.I.	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Sat 20 Aug 2011	Clovelly Gig Regatta	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Sun 4 Sep 2011	Lobster & Crab Feast, in support of The National	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Sun 20 Nov 2011	Clovelly Herring Festival	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon
Sun 4 Dec 2011	Christmas Lights at Clovelly	Clovelly (Visitor Centre) Clovelly, North Devon

Ideas...........for different age groups

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If you are a couple.....

There are plenty of local walks but you also won't want to miss Docton Mill, Hartland Abbey, St Nectan's Church, RHS Rosemoor, the Eden Project, a boat trip to Lundy, Clovelly, Bude canal and beaches and gentle walks in Brownsham Woods or more spectacular ones to Speke's Mill

If you have teenagers.......

Try the treasure trail, or opt for a visit to the Big Adventure. Try surfing and other watersports for which the area is renowned, try shopping at Barnstaple or Atlantic Village, try canoeing, zorbing, a boat trip to Lundy, swimming with seals, cycling on the Tarka trail or water sports at Tamar Lakes near Kilkhampton.

If you have young children........

The beach is great free entertainment of sand castles, rock pooling and general play but you might also try crabbing, the treasure trail, bike riding on the Tarka trail, horse riding at Gooseham, swimming in your own pool in a safe environment or special trips out to Dartington Crystal for glass painting, a boat ride to Lundy or the Big Sheep and the Milky Way

Great Things to Do From West Tosberry Farm

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Although the cottages are fully equipped, don’t forget the free pleasures of walking, kite flying on windy beaches, rock pooling, storm watching, star gazing, sunset chasing and just generally enjoying the open air

It is well worth bringing wellies on holiday with you to fully enjoy what’s available, even if the weather is inclement. We hope you will have a fun time here......remember, the North Devon coastline and indeed, the whole of the Hartland Peninsula, is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, containing rare birds like peregrine falcons which nest along the Hartland peninsula. Many beaches around here are National Trust owned so if you are a member, please bring your card to save on car parking charges.

Appledore

Dawn spent many a family holiday in Appledore, near Bideford, is Charles Kingsley’s “Little White Fishing Village” by the River Torridge which is becoming quite a cultural centre, with the annual high-profile Appledore Book Festival taking place in autumn. About 13 miles away, it is worth a visit. Activities include crabbing from the quay, but there is also the North Devon Maritime Museum and Appledore Lifeboat Station. Best tied in with a visit to Westward Ho! perhaps, or the lovely Northam Burrows, wide expanses of sand, often used for kite surfing.

Check out www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk - for excellent events and well-known names. If you know you are coming then, it is worth becoming a 'friend' for priority booking.

Arlington Court/National Trust Coach Museum EX31 4LP

Out past Barnstaple is Arlington Court, a stately home owned by the National Trust, with three gardens and which also houses the National Trust’s Carriage Museum, with the opportunity to try a carriage ride round the grounds. If you wish to have a carriage driving lesson, perhaps for a special occasion, then these are offered April-Nov (9.30-11am) and need to be booked in advance. Lessons are currently £90 per person or £150 for two which includes admission to the property all day and a cream tea. Tel: 01271 851123. Dawn spent a birthday outing here recently and enjoyed lovely walks, a homity pie lunch, and a demonstration of harnessing.

Atlantic Village and Atlantis Adventure Park

Shopping remains a major British activity so you could do worse than visit for the designer outlet centre just off the A39 towards Bideford combined with fun for children with the jumping pillows, gold panning, adventure golf, mystery maze and indoor fun with slides, soft play, bouncy giant slide, etc. EX39 3QU www.atlantisadventurepark.co.uk There are plans afoot to extend this shopping village, and a Nike outlet has just opened. Beware as the short-term parking is for up to 2 hours only and you will get a ticket if you outstay this time. Free, longer stay parking is also available.

Barnstaple

Bar means mouth of a river and staple means the site of a market. As North Devon’s principal town, Barnstaple has a variety of things to do and is home to a pannier market. Obviously, it is a great place for shopping and eating out. Barnstaple has a regional museum within easy access of the shops, and with changing exhibitions. EX32 8LN For rainy days, there is also a cinema, and a theatre. Trains to Exeter also run from here. If you are used to city life, Barnstaple is a vibrant but still attractive centre.

Bideford

Pannier market open Tues 8am-3pm and sat 8am-3pm. The market opened in 1884 and originally housed a fish market, butchers and corn merchants. The pannier is the wicker basket used by farmers’ wives. 24 new shop units now comprise Butchers Row, which used to be off-limits to all but butchers but has now been opened up to a variety of traditional shops. Bike and kayak hire available at www.bidefordbicyclehire.co.uk(including tandems, buggies, tag-alongs and trikes). The heritage trail takes you via the long bridge over the River Torridge, to the old quay, and via the shopping streets/churches. The Burton Art Gallery is worth a visit and houses a love French cafe 'Cafe du Parc' for tasty, reasonably priced food.

Big Sheep

The Big Sheep is an all weather attraction to cater for all age groups. Situated just off the A39 near Bideford, it is a family attraction including many children’s activities, a brewery, shop, garden centre and outdoor laser gun centre. In keeping with its name it also includes sheep racing and dog trials. Now they also have The Real Farm Shop, open daily 10am - 6pm, free entry, at the top of the BIG Sheep car park in Abbotsham. Tel: 01237 472366 Also handy if you have shopping to do as it is close to Atlantic Village, home to Asda and various outlet stores. Around Christmas time The Big Sheep hosts farmers' markets and other events.

Boscastle

Beautiful Boscastle was devastated by totally unexpected flash floods in 2004, where a torrent of ten feet deep water swept through the village following heavy rain. It has since been rebuilt with new harbour walls and the tourist information centre showing news footage of the floods. While not exactly local, it is definitely worth a visit. Look out for cottages roofed with local Delabole slate and the Witchcraft Museum at the harbour housing the world’s largest collection of occult artefacts. The Museum was lovingly restored after the floods. For cyclists, Boscastle is on the tough North Cornwall Tor; for less energetic pursuits, try the South West Coast Path. Historically, Thomas Hardy was an enthusiastic visitor. For TV buffs, the area was used in the filming of Doc Martin. April sees Boscastle Walking Week. Information from: Visitor Centre 01840 250010

A few miles south of Boscastle is Trebarwith Strand, a broad bay of sand reached via a slippery slate causeway, and which disappears when the tide comes in. From there you can see Gull Rock, just offshore, home to razorbills and guillemots.

www.visitboscastleandtintagel.com

Bradworthy Transport Museum

In nearby Bradworthy, this fairly recent museum is open all year (10am-5pm in season) and is based at EX22 7RW, near Holsworthy. It is a private collection of Ken Wilson containing over 100 historic vehicles comprised of lorries, vans, cars, motorbikes, tractors and farm equipment dating back to 1914, including some rare vehicles. The museum is owner, Ken Wilson’s, passion and each vehicle has been painstakingly and lovingly restored. www.bradworthy-transport-museum.co.uk

Bude

Dawn loves Bude (being Community Publisher for the website, Bude People). We find Bude delightful, and it is a pleasant drive along the A39 for 13 miles. Miles of golden sandy beaches and a thriving town centre makes Bude an attractive town to visit. A good holiday resort, and activity holiday centre, Bude is also undergoing a regeneration of its canal system. Originally a thriving port, Bude started life as a chapel, known as Bede’s Haven, and it has grown into a charming town with many influences from different eras. However, it remains compact, so readily explorable on foot. In terms of supermarkets, Bude has a small Sainsbury’s and a large Morrisons, and all the major banks are here, bar HBSC (nearest Holsworthy). Near Sainsbury’s is Northcott Beach which has good body boarding waves. Late August sees the Bude Jazz Festival. Bude Castle and Heritage Centre: tel 01288 357302

For music lovers, Bude & Stratton Folk Club meets at 8pm on alternate Sundays at the Falcon Hotel, Bude, in the Carriage Room. www.budefolk.com

The Bude Jazz Club meets fortnightly on Sunday evenings at the same venue. Charge £7 for guests. Bude Jazz Festival takes place in August: Tel: 01288 356360

Bude Community Cinema is on www.budecinema.org.uk and shows a film at the Parkhouse Centre once a month.

Splash Leisure Pool near Morrisons in Bude has a wave machine and flume, cafe, shop, Jacuzzi and sauna Tel: 01288 356191
The castle at Bude provides an opportunity to learn about the natural and human heritage of Bude and surrounding areas. Free entry to the exhibition gallery. There is an award-winning restaurant and gift shop. www.bude-stratton.gov.uk The Castle Restaurant (AA Rosette for Cilunary Excellence) is headed by Kit Davis, Master Chef, who prides himself on use of local produce.

Coastal Walking

See www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath - we are within walking distance of the coast path if you are a serious walker, with Spekes being nearest to us. Walks vary but most are undulating; for less taxing walks try the Heritage Walks info in your cottage.

Clovelly

One of the most famous villages in the world, Clovelly, the beloved village of Charles Kingsley, is set into a steep hillside, a relatively short drive away from West Tosberry. The cobbled high street drops 400ft in half a mile, down to the harbour, with 16^th century cottages lining the route. Traffic is banned so you need to park at the visitor centre at the top. Donkeys were used and a couple of token donkeys may still be found, but most goods are transported by sledge on Fridays. No holiday cottages are allowed in the lower village to preserve its original state. The street is steep, slippery and uneven and unsuitable for wheelchairs. Sensible footwear is advisable. Entry prices can feel a bit steep for larger families but the place is probably worth a visit, at least once! Clovelly is the only safe harbour for fishing boats between Boscastle and Appledore but has declined in use, alongside the herring industry, now containing only a handful of small craft. It is now quite commercialised but tourism is big business in this part of Devon where there is little other viable way of making a living. The guides at Barnstaple Museum will tell tales of Barnstaple cannibals and there is a great read by local author, Liz Shakespeare, who wrote of a girl from Clovelly ending up in the Bideford workhouse, so a colourful history, factual and fictional.

Cobbaton Combat Collection

This is an under-cover exhibition, based out near Barnstaple, encompassing the largest collection of military vehicles and wartime memorabilia in the south west, with items from the 1939-45 war and later wars including ARP. Home Guard and civilian life displays. Thousands of smaller exhibits from Boer War to Gulf War, collectors’ items, clothing, de-activated guns and outdoor kit. EX37 9RZ www.cobbatoncombat.co.uk

Croyde

Croyde Bay lies on beautiful coastline in North Devon, with stunning cliff top views and secluded sandy coves. The village of Croyde rests snuggly at the end of a sheltered valley with a stream running along its main street. Croyde Bay is ideal for those who require a quiet 'away from it all' day out with picturesque walks along the coast to the rocky headland of Baggy Point. Croyde village itself is a charming little hamlet of pretty thatched cottages, though popular, so parking can be difficult. The village has many places to eat, buy gifts and hire beach equipment - including surfboards. Many parts of the village date back to the 17th century, giving Croyde much of its old world charm, the picture-postcard Devon village.In 1939, Baggy point was given to the village by Constance and Florence Hyde. The 240 acres of land that constitute Baggy Point is now operated by the National Trust -who ensure that Baggy Point remains one of the most beautiful and unspoilt headlands on the British coastline. In 1799, His Majesty's ship Weasel sank just off of Baggy Point with the loss of 105 men and one woman.

Dartington Crystal

Home to the famous Dartington Crystal, situated not far from Bideford in Great Torrington, you can undertake factory tours and children may enjoy activities like glass painting. You may visit the blowing room where you see from the viewing gallery pieces hand made by a team of 4-11 glass makers depending on the complexity of the item, each member of the team having their own specialised skills. Prices are reasonable with children having free entry. www.dartington.co.uk

Docton Mill Gardens

Docton Mill Wild Flower Gardens are situated in North Devon (UK) in a stunning valley, 1000m from the coast. The Garden started in the 1930s but fell into disrepair in the 1970s. 1980 saw the Mill renovated and Garden cleared with extensive planting and the creation of a new Bog Garden and borders; vast numbers of trees were planted. The start of the new Millennium saw developments including a new Magnolia Garden with large Herbaceous borders, Woodland Garden and Greenhouse area enabling more extensive plant propagation.The Wild Flower Gardens theme is to make everything as natural as possible. In spring there are displays of narcissi, primulas, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas with bluebells covering the woods. In summer the garden abounds with roses, there is a rosebank of Felicia and Pax and adjacent to this is the herbaceous border. In this field there are 25 varieties of magnolia - truly a garden to give variety throughout the seasons. Also has a very good tea room. This is close to West Tosberry/Hartland. You will see the signs.

Duckpool

Duckpool is at the foot of the Coombe Valley, near Welcombe, in N Cornwall, and is cut in two by a meandering stream. In very wet conditions, the rocks can be treacherous so be warned. The rocks are spectacular (the web page calls it ‘almost Jurassic’). Great for rockpooling and dog walking, but be warned there are no lifeguards here. Worth a visit though.

The Gnome Reserve

Visitors have recommended The Gnome Reserve near Bradworthy which we have yet to visit. A good place to take young children, gnome hats are issued and fishing rods, so a chance for some truly embarrassing photos. Also, lovely wildflower gardens - see the link on the right hand side of this site.

Hartland Abbey

Hartland Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII and has since been used as the historic home of the Stucley family. It was used on television for ‘Sense and Sensibility’, and ‘The Shell Seekers’ was also filmed there. House and garden opening times are usually 12-5pm from April until October. EX39 6DT. Rumour has it that Antiques Roadshow will be filmed here in summer 2011. In February are Snowdrop Sunday walks, March are daffodil walks and May brings bluebells.....the most recent claim to fame is of course its use as the venue for Prince William's stag do with surfing at nearby Spekes.........

Hartland Point

Is the lighthouse that stands 325ft above sea level and was built in 1874. It has at various times been under threat as the sea has taken its toll on the rocks. It was manned until 1984 but is now automated. The point marks the western limit of the Bristol Channel to the east and the Atlantic to the west. Vehicular access is very difficult and it can be awkward terrain for people who are not steady on their feet. On 31 December 1982 the Panama-registered, Dutch owned MS Johanna was driven aground on rocks less than 400 m from the lighthouse during strong gales. The cargo ship was carrying wheat from The Netherlands up the Bristol Channel towards Cardiff. Four of the crew were rescued by a helicopter from RAF Chivenor. Three officers were taken off later in the day by the RNLI lifeboat from Clovelly. The decaying remains of the hull can still be seen.

Hartland Quay

We never tire of Hartland Quay, originally a haven for mariners. The sixteenth century quay has long since disappeared, but the Shipwreck Museum explains the amazing geology and natural history of the place. At low tide, there is a beautiful sheltered cove, with a sandy beach and rocks which are great for rock pooling. Good views of Lundy on a clear day. The beautiful, yet dramatic coast and cliff formations are breathtaking. The sea ranges from calm, blue, ocean to huge raging breakers. The Hartland Quay Hotel is a good stopping off point for lunch, and it has an outdoor seating area overlooking the sea for spectacular views. Walk the coastal footpath (very pleasant, if at times muddy circular walk from Hartland Quay to Stoke), breath the exhilarating fresh air, see the beautiful wildflowers and seabirds, and spot dolphins and seals in summer. Indoors, the Wreckers’ Retreat bar contains relics from wrecks, including the ‘Green Ranger’ vessel wrecked in 1962, whose crew was rescued by the men of Hartland. The coasts of North Devon and Lundy hold 10 wrecks for every mile, so while ships would try to give the area a wide berth, fog was the enemy. The bar welcomes children and caters for all taste; not surprisingly, fresh fish meals are available. Hartland Quay has been the location for a number of films. In 1950 it was the backdrop for the filming of Robert L Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’ starring Bobby Driscoll as Jim Hawkins and Robert Newton as Long John Silver. Other clifftop films include Nigel Havers in ‘A Question of Doubt’, ‘War Zone’ directed by Tim Roth and ‘Soloman Kane’. It is most recently known for Top Gear and the ‘caravan over the cliff’ episode!

The area is designated as ‘Heritage Coastline’ and as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The cliff walks are next to none and with their extensive coastal panoramas and wealth of wild flowers are on a par with walking anywhere in Europe. Explore the history of Hartland Quay and its spectacular coastline inside the Hartland Quay Museum. The museum’s many colourful displays tell the story of four centuries of shipwrecks, of the locally based, heroic life saving services, and of the men and ships which traded from Hartland Quay over the centuries. The coastline along this part of the coast is treacherous with a small rocket house built to house life-saving equipment. The AONB literature tells us that the grassy area at the top is known as The Warren because rabbits were farmed here in the past (this declined in the late 19th century). What we thought was a folly or ruin which stands alone on the field is known as The Pleasure House - apparently, it was probably a refreshment stop for the owners of Hartland Abbey and their guests when out on carriage drives.

Hartland Village

Close to home is one of the largest royal manors in the Saxon time of King Alfred. The village is set in the heart of the Hartland Peninsula landscape and has 3 churches, 3 pubs, several shops, an antique emporium, medical centre, dentist, vet and many skilled craftspeople. There is also a chip shop and pizzas available at the Anchor! Unfortunately, there is no bank in Hartland although the Post office does have a cash machine for basic accounts, and cashback is available with purchases from the Pop-In store. There is free on street parking and at Hartland Square. The village has a thriving community with regular events such as farmers’ markets and arts and craft fairs taking place, and has its own town band. August sees the annual Carnival (for pix see the Facebook site – Country Cottage Plus at West Tosberry Farm)

Holsworthy

Holsworthy is about 17 miles from the cottages and has a church (door sadly locked - sign of the times?), a pannier market on Wednesdays and a small museum of local artefacts which is worth a visit (50p adults, free for children). A market town centred on farming, there are often huge cattle markets just outside the town near Waitrose. Nearby lie various villages, restaurants and a golf course.

Instow

A low-key estuary resort, this is a rather pretty place (great for dog-walking on the beach) near Bideford, across the river from Appledore and probably worth a visit if in the area, as it has a sandy beach and dunes, and a wonderful delicatessen where you can buy all sorts of things, including old-style cottage loaves which I remember from childhood. From here you can enjoy watching the Atlantic waves and look out to Lundy Island, or across the estuary to Appledore.

Kilkhampton

Just over the border into Cornwall stands Kilkhampton, a small village with a few shops and pubs (and takeaway pizza!) It is on the A39 towards Bude. It dates back to beyond Saxon times and the remains of a motte and bailey castle may still be seen via a short cross country walk. Its church is over 450 years old, dedicated to St James, on a pilgrims’ route which leads ultimately to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. The route started in Wales, leading to Clovelly, Morwenstow, Kilkhampton, Jacobstow, Boscastle, Trevalga and Fowey where they embarked for Santiago. The memorial stone outside the church is dedicated to those from the village who lost their lives in the 1914-19 Great War. Ample parking, shops and toilets, though there often seems to be traffic bottlenecks in high season.

Lundy Island

There are day cruises to Lundy from Bideford but sailings can be affected by bad weather or sea conditions. A day trip offers a chance to enjoy the North Devon coast from the sea via a 267 passenger vessel, MS Oldenburg, which has a bar, buffet, shop and information centre. The voyage takes under 2 hours. The coast of Lundy is spectacular. The island has a history of Barbary piracy during the 1600s but also has a church, an old lighthouse, a 13^th century castle and other fascinating buildings, alongside the wildlife: seals, puffins, deer, Lundy ponies. Lund-ey is Norse for Puffin Island. The crossings tend to be busy so it is wise to book in advance and please note that dogs are not allowed on the island.www.lundyisland.co.uk, bookings on 01271 863636. At one time, Lundy became the base for Thomas Benson, one time MP for Barnstaple and a notorious smuggler who shipped slaves for the New World to Lundy making them build the infrastructure for his smuggling, including tobacco processing. 14 convicts made a desperate bid for the mainland and he was discovered. Despite being a character who ordinarily might have received a hanging, he escaped to Portugal and made his fortune, so rumour has it.

Merry Harriers

The Merry Harriers Nursery is basically a garden centre with a popular restaurant, renowned cream teas, and is near the pretty village of Woolsery. EX39 5QH

Milky Way

With 85,000sq ft of indoor fun, plus outdoor activities such as a roller coaster, this is a nearby activity, great for rainy days, if you have children. There is an adventure play area with assault courses and slides built for both adults and children, and there are live shows and displays, including falconry/birds of prey. All attractions are included in the entry price. www.themilkyway.co.uk just off the A39 in Bideford direction from West Tosberry.

Mouth Mill Cove

A free National Trust car park at Brownsham leads to a pretty one-mile woodland walk down to Mouth Mill, a very quiet location dominated by Black Church Rock with its two vast windows carved out by the tide. Access to the South West Coast Path to either Clovelly north or Hartland Point south, but in spring the woods are very pretty of their own accord. A great bird nesting area.

Northam Burrows

Northam Burrows countrypark near Westward Ho! Has 1.5 miles of sandy beach, protected by a ridge of huge pebbles. There are also 263 hectares of marshland, sand dunes and salt marsh. Good to visit when combined with Instow/Appledore/Westward Ho! Dogs allowed on the beach (please clean up) and a kite-surfers paradise.

North Devon Farm Park

This is a real working farm in the beautiful Devonshire countryside with children’s play areas, animal encounters, nature trails, tearooms and angling. EX32 0NN www.devonfarmpark.co.uk

Pony Picnics

This attraction offers friendly pack ponies who will take you on a gentle, 2 hour circular trek ‘on foot’ through the countryside. No previous horse experience required as no riding is involved. After the walk is a Devonshire cream tea of home-made scones with clotted cream and jam. www.ponypicnics.com

RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Based at Great Torrington – EX38 8PH - this is a 65 acre garden with formal and informal gardens, woodland walks, water features and open spaces. In spring, the 70,000 bulbs planted come into flower, in summer there are over 2,000 roses and an explosion of other colourful flowers, in autumn, the attraction is mainly the changing tree colours and in winter, the focus is on evergreens, grasses and perennials. It is nestled within a wooded Devon valley. Free entry for RHS members: www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

Sandymouth Beach

Head towards Bude from Kilkhampton and you will see a sign off the Atlantic Highway to the right towards Sandymouth. At low tide this is a stunning beach (dogs allowed, but please clean up after them) which we frequently visit. It’s great for surfing and bodyboarding but also good for rockpooling and beach combing, there are also some great walks. The coastal path towards Northcott Beach in Bude is well worth a try. It is very sandy, well-sheltered with large car park, cafe and toilets. You don’t have to wander far from the entrance to the beach to have relative solitude. There is a seasonal lifeguard and it is advisable to swim/surf in the designated area. Beware that at certain points, the tide can come in very quickly, so do watch your tide times.

Spekes Mouth

Speke’s Mouth Mill and waterfall is a 20 minute walk from Hartland Quay, with a long, curved sandy beach. It is a stunning location but is very steep and may be reached on foot by keen walkers, from West Tosberry Farm

St Kitts Herbery

A herb farm with an amazing selection of herb plants, varieties of chocolate (such as lavender), toiletries, tinctures and creams made on the premises. Based off the A39 near Bude (Camelford side) www.stkittsherbery.co.uk

Stoke – St Nectan’s Church

St Nectan was a Celtic hermit and missionary, with Welsh and Irish connections. A well, a hundred metres from the church, is the reputed site of his hermitage. The impressive church, in the hamlet of Stoke, is in the Perpendicular style, but subjected to restoration. It is renowned for its oak screen, window glass, Norman font, and organ. What first strikes the visitor is the 39 metre high tower, the highest in North Devon and second highest in the county. The tower may have been intended as a sea mark on a particularly dangerous stretch of coast.

Stratton

En route to Bude you pass through Stratton and it is worth taking time to stop off. A civil war battle, the Battle of Stamford Hill, took place there on 16th May, 1643 and this is commemorated annually. The royalists won, forestalling the roundheads' invasion of Devon. The village itself is a pretty 17th century village community of white houses and 3 pubs and a church. In the courtyard of The Old Tree Inn lies a full-size painting of the 17th century Cornish giant, Tony Paine (7ft 4in). From here there are footpaths along the old Bude canal to Bude.

Tamar Lakes Country Park

Based at EX23 9S off the A39 road towards Launceston, the lakes offer a variety of water craft: pedalos, surf skis, rowing boats, Canadian canoes. Also, first class coarse fishing and bird watching is available, plus children’s activities.

Tarka Trail

Bike hire to tackle this 21 mile scenic traffic free cycle track is available from Tarka Trail Cycle Hire next to Barnstaple Station 01271 324202. The trail is from historic Barnstaple along the shores of the estuary of the rivers Taw and Torridge, past Fremington Pill, onto Isley Marsh (RSPB reserve), to Instow with views to Braunton Burrows, to Bideford and its 14^th century bridge and down to Great Torrington via a long tunnel. There are other routes or part routes one can enjoy. The trail is named after Henry Williamson’s ‘Tarka the otter’.

www.tarkabikes.co.uk

Tintagel

Tintagel is stunningly situated along the N Cornish coast, a place of legend and myth, birthplace of the legend of King Arthur. The ruins if the 12th century castle are open (English Heritage) and attracts thousands of visitors annually. The Old Post Office was originally a 14th century yeoman's farmhouse, now restored by the National Trust. If visiting, then walk out along Glebe Cliff to St Materiana's, a Norman church in a spectacular setting high on the cliff top; there is also coastal walking. The main street contains the usual array of shops with some specifically focusing on alternative religions.

Torrington 1646

Torrington 1646 is a historical tourist attraction which makes history fun. Travel back to the 17^th century with costumed characters and experience life in Torrington during the English Civil war. EX38 8AA

The Ultimate High

This is an outdoor adventure area – EX39 5AP – which is great for teenagers and includes mountain boarding, mountain biking, coasteering, high ropes, kayaking and surfing. They’re not cheap activities but there are plenty of challenges. Based next to The Big Sheep, which may be handy for those who also have younger children.

Westward Ho!

Name of the popular Charles Kingsley novel written in the mid 1800s, this resort is popular because of its two miles of flat, compacted sandy blue flag beach, and array of traditional beach huts, but also numerous activities like kite-surfing and para-karting. Stunning views across the Torridge Estuary towards Saunton are an added bonus, though some visitors find it a little tacky compared to the other parts of N Devon.

Wilderland Herb Farm

Not far from West Tosberry just off the A39 is Wilderland Herb Farm found at www.wilderlandherbs.org I can vouch for the quality of the plants having bought some to create my own small herb garden. The blackberry sage grows like wildfire! A small business set up 5 years ago, the company featured on Channel 4’s ‘Life Begins Again’ showing the struggle to survive the first year.

Woolacombe

Situated at the end of a long, steep valley (combe) down to the coast, Woolacombe is attractive for its three mile long, south-west facing sandy bay, between Morte Point and Baggy Point. Part of the beach is available for dog owners, but the area nearest to the centre is a dog-free beach. It is a blue flag beach and very clean with easy disabled access and areas for safe swimming in the clean waters. Surfing is popular here due to the Atlantic breakers which roll in. Its companion village is Mortehoe, up the hill, which has a dramatic history of wreckers and smugglers. Woolacombe village is lively with pubs and restaurants, ice cream and waffles.