Local Attractions

Our Lodge provides a great base for visiting the numerous attractions of North Devon. Those wishing to venture further can reach Lands End in just under 2.5  hours meaning that day trips to the whole of Devon and Cornwall are possible. The following is a list of attractions that you might like to consider. Approximate car journey times are shown in brackets and there are links to relevant websites where these exist.
 

• Local Area

• Local Towns

• Beaches

• Gardens

• Family Attractions

• Activities

Local Area

Hartland Forest Golf Club (on site) - click here
Hartland Forest is a par 71, 18 hole golf course of nearly 6,000 yards with extensive water hazards and offers good sport for golfers of every skill level including beginners. The course is gently sloping with no hills. No handicap certificates is required and there is no requirement to book tee times. You can hire golf clubs, trolleys and buggies. There is a golf shop but no teaching professional. Balls and tees can be purchased and drinks and snacks are available. The course opens at 8am.
To review the course map - click here.

Hartland Abbey (15 minutes) - click here
This is the lived in family home of the Stucley family who are the direct descendants of William Abbot who received it from Henry VIII in 1539. Prior to this it had been a monastery of the regular canons of the Order of St Augustine of Hippo who lived and gardened in this lovely spot from the 12th century. If you like gardens and houses this is a must.

Docton Mill (20 minutes) - click here
The gardens and mill at Docton Mill are well worth visiting. We especially like the cream teas that they serve. This mill is mentioned in the Domesday book and has been fully restored into a working mill that now generates power for the house. Docton mill is less than a mile from the sea, close by the famous Speke waterfall and Hartland Quay.

Atlantic Village (20 mins) - click here
Atlantic Village offers a unique blend of outlet shopping and exciting visitors attractions, in the Atlantis Family Adventure Park. With over 35 outlet shops in a beautifully covered mall to choose from, offering up to 50% OFF on a host of famous brands, plus regular entertainment, live events and all the amazing attractions in Atlantis Family Adventure Park, you have all the ingredients for a great day out.

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Local Towns

Barnstaple
This is the main shopping centre for North Devon. It is an ancient port and was the first town in England to be given borough status in 1272. Barnstaple has a theatre and cinema as well as a lively night life with night clubs, pubs and restaurants.

Bideford
In the 16th century Bideford was Britain's third largest port. The town has a thriving shopping centre and a number of cafes and pubs. Its narrow streets lead down to the tree lined quay which bustles with fishing and pleasure boats.

Bude
The town is situated adjacent to fine sandy beaches which boast some of the best surfing in England. It is a traditional seaside resort and has been welcoming visitors since Victorian times. Bude has a wide selection of shops including a large supermarket.

Clovelly - click here
Set into a steep hillside, Clovelly is one of the most famous villages in the world. The single cobbled high street winds its way down the hillside through traditional whitewashed cottages festooned with fuchsias and geraniums. Traffic is banned from the high street with visitors parking at the top of the hill adjacent to the Heritage Centre. A Land Rover service ferries visitors up and down the steep hill via a back road, to the harbour-side Red Lion Public House.

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Beaches

Constantine Bay
This wide, sweeping arc of gently shelving soft pale sands is backed by large marram-covered dunes. Low headlands with rocky outcrops stretch seaward on either side. Few facilities are available at the beach.

Crooklets Beach, Bude
There are three miles of beaches in the area and Crooklets beach is estimated to be a close second to Australia's Bondi Beach.

Croyde Beach
This award winning sandy beach is just around the corner from Saunton Sands, and is easily accessible. There is plenty of car parking and it is excellent for swimming, surfing, windsurfing etc. The beach is manned by lifeguards. At one end of the beach there is equipment hire, a shop, refreshments and toilets. From here the beach is wheelchair accessible.

Hartland Quay & Hartland Point
The coast around Hartland Point is one of Britain's most treacherous. At least 36 ships were wrecked on the 4 miles centred on Hartland Quay between 1800 and 1920. A small museum tells it all, and also has displays on the little port itself and its smuggling days, natural history, and the incredibly contorted rock layers hereabouts. Six circular walks start from the museum. The beach at Hartland Quay is rocky with numerous pools. There are lovely views from Hartland Point although you are unable to climb down to the beach below.

Saunton Sands
3 miles of flat sand backed by massive sand dunes. This is an excellent surfing beach and is ideal for all water sports. The beach is manned with lifeguards and is wheelchair accessible. Shop and toilet etc. are at the car park end of the beach - although you can get away from the crowds by just walking further along the beach. Try to arrive early as car parking space is limited and can fill up on busy days.

Summerleaze Beach, Bude
North of Newquay, Bude is the largest 'surf city' and is visited by high numbers of surfers throughout the year. Summerleaze beach gets very crowded in high season.

Trevone Bay
A lovely sandy beach set in a cove. It is situated in an area of great geological interest.

Treyarnon Bay
Treyarnon boasts one of the most unspoilt beaches in North Cornwall. Its sandy bay lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty next to Constantine Bay. It is also one of the cleanest beaches. The coastal path provides some of the most spectacular views in North Cornwall.

Widemouth Bay
This is a long sandy beach which is very popular with surfers. There are rock pools at low tide where children can while away many hours with shrimping nets and crab lines.

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Gardens

The Eden Project (1 hr 15 mins) - click here
This is a bit of a drive but is well worth it. The Eden Project is an educational charity with 2 giant bio-domes (greenhouses) recreating a rainforest and a temperate climate. Lots of walking (there is a shuttle train pulled by a tractor to take you up and down the hill) and the obligatory restaurant and shop. Check out the website for special deals on entry.
 

The Lost Gardens of Heligan - click here
60 acres of restored gardens. Originally created by the Tremayne family in the 16th century these gardens were abandoned after the first world war. The gardens are now restored to their Victorian glory. The gardens are not far from the fishing village of Mevagissey, well worth a visit as well, Try the Cornish pasties from the shop near the harbour and visit the local museum which has a quiz for children.
 

RHS Gardens Rosemoor (40 mins) - click here
65 acres of enchanting gardens and woodland. There are also regular events such as art exhibitions and workshops, horticultural lectures and walks, family events, craft fairs and musical events. Throughout the summer there is something on nearly every weekend.  Check their website for details.
 

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Family Attractions

Big Sheep Theme Park (20 mins) - click here
Big Sheep Theme Park is open all year and includes:
Dog trials, laser shooting, tractor rides, garden centre, sheep shearing, lamb feeding, horse whispering, mountain boarding, duck trials, pony rides, sheep races, indoor play area, nursery barn sheep show, sheepy shop, pottery and brewery.

Milky Way Adventure Park (15 mins) - click here
Milky Way Adventure Park includes:
Roller coaster, dodgems, space adventure, play area, bird of prey centre, ferret centre, falconry experience, pets corner, under 5 play area, archery, laser shooting, golf nets, putting green, Devon farm history area, Lynbarn railway and a 3000 square metre maze.

 

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Activities

Bird Watching - Lundy (Day Trip) - click here
Take a day trip to the island of Lundy. The boat leaves early in the morning from either Bideford Quay or Ilfracombe and returns in the evening giving you enough time on the island to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy bird watching, painting, sketching or simply walking. The island is only three and half miles by half a mile in size and stands proudly in the centre of England's only statutory marine nature reserve. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the island.
Boat Trip Booking Office - Tel: 01271 863636
Lundy Field Society Website - click here

Horse Riding - Gooseham Barton Riding Stables (20 mins)
This is a licensed riding stable and is approved by the British Horse Society. Around 35 horses and ponies are kept on the farm. They range in size from approximately 11hh to 17hh, and cater for everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced rider. All rides are escorted by a member of staff, who will make your riding as varied and interesting as possible. They have some gentle ponies which are ideal for small children wishing to experience a 1/2 hour leading rein ride around the farm.
Tel: 01288 331204

Leisure & Swimming Facilities - Penstowe Manor (15 mins)

Quad Biking at North Devon Quads (40 mins) - click here
Quad biking is a fantastic leisure activity for all the family from 6 years up. Boasting the longest track in the Southwest they provide all the safety gear including top of the range racing helmets with no additional rental fees so there are no surprises. Qualified instructors give you full training before you start. Our daughter loves it!

Sailing - Tamar Lakes (30 mins) - click here
The two Tamar Lakes are fairly near Bude and offer a variety of activities including watersports, angling, walking and relaxing. The watersports centre at Upper Tamar offers sailing, windsurfing and kayaking for individuals, families and groups. Visitors can benefit from tuition from qualified instructors, hire equipment or launch their own craft.

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