PLACES OF INTEREST
There are numerous places to visit within a short distance, here are just a few:
Dartington Crystal furnaces - Great Torrington
1646 Exhibition - Great Torrington
Arlington Court, Nr. Barnstaple- National Trust Mansion with exhibition of model ships, pewter, tapestry etc.
Cobbaton Combat Collection, Chittlehampton- Military museum.
The port towns of Barnstaple and Bideford- with their ancient pannier markets
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon- The Square, Barnstaple
Bucks Mills- Pretty National trust village with quiet pebble beach and walks through the ancient woodlands.
Clovelly- private owned picturesque 16th century village and harbour, where time has stood still.
Hartland Point/Quay- for breathtaking views and access to the coastal path.
Hartland Abbey- Ancient Abbey and gardens
Tintagel- Home of the legendary King Arthur
Bude- Great Beach For the surfers among you!
Croyde- as above
RHS Rosemore- Royal Horticultural Society Gardens, open all year
Appledore- lovely village famous for its shipbuilding yard
Watermouth Castle,Nr.Ilfracombe- haunted dungeons, model railway and much more.
The Gnome reserve and wild flower garden, W.Putford- 1000 gnomes in 4 enchanted acres!
SHOPPING
Atlantic Village Nr, Bideford off A39- Over 30 factory outlets. Designer goods at excellent prices. Also has an adventure playground for the kids while you shop.
Bideford Football club- Car boot sale every Saturday from 9.30, open air summer market on Wednesdays
FOR THE KIDS
Cobbaton Combat Museum, Chittlehampton
The Big Sheep, off A39 Nr. Bideford- A fun day out with sheep racing, pets corner, pottery painting, sheep show and indoor adventure playground.
Milky Way, Off A39 nr. Clovelly- great Theme park with covered play area
Coombe Martin- Zoo and Dinosaur Park!
LOCAL BEACHES
Bucks Mills- stony
Peppercombe-stony
Westward Ho! - Miles of sand. From May to October dogs can only be walked on the far end of the beach. Enter Northam Burrows country park and drive along the pebble ridge until you reach the car park at the far end (near the golf course.). The beach can be accessed by the concrete path over the pebble ridge or from the dunes. Once over the bridge turn right for the dog allowed areas.
There are many other fine sandy beaches to bathe, catch the sun, surf, swim or just walk Croyde, Saunton Sands and Bude just to mention a few.
WALKS
There are several walks directly from the village along the meandering country lanes where numerous birds and wildlife can be spotted in the fields and hedgerows. There is also a lovely walk from the Hoops Inn (on the A39 at Horns Cross), see attached sheet.
Other good walking places which are children/dog friendly are:
Bucks Mills- The South West coastal footpath can be accessed from here and at
Peppercombe beach, both are within a few miles.. You can also walk through the ancient woodlands which surround the village, where you might even spot a deer!
Hartland Quay and Lighthouse- Access to the coastal path and spectacular views.
DAY EXCURSIONS
The many attractions Cornwall has to offer are also easily accessible. Why not spend a day visiting The Eden Project, picturesque St.Ives, St.Agnes, Lands End or Padstow (home of Rick Steins famous seafood restaurant( about 1.5 hrs drive), just to mention a few.
LUNDY ISLAND-
Take the ferry from Bideford to isolated Lundy island. Enjoy spectacular coastal views, cliff top walking and marvel at the numerous species of birds, including the puffin and if you are lucky, seals. There is also a helicopter service available, during the summer. (make sure you have your credit cards ready!)
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
SWIM: From the many beaches. If the weather is not kind, try the indoor pool at Northam leisure centre. There is also a gym available to non members.
SURF: Bude, Croyde, Woolacombe, are all recommended for the trendy surf dudes amongst you!
RIDE: There are several local stables close by.
CYCLE: The famous 27 mile TARKA TRAIL runs close to Parkham for picturesque, safe traffic free cycling or walking. Alternatively why not experience the many beautiful peaceful country lanes which surround the village. Cycles can be hired in Bideford.
SAILING: From the many local ports or beaches
FISHING: From the beaches or for the more adventurous sea fishing trips can be taken from Clovelly and Appledore.