in THE AREA
Our favourite excursions
Lundy island excursion, take the ferry from Bideford Quay and spot puffins in this old pirate kingdom
Clovelly, heritage fishing village where time stands still, nestling at the bottom of a steep cobbled path
Hartland Abbey, fabulous stately home and gardens, film location and home to the Stucley family, who built the Moreton estate
RHS Rosemoor, gardens and fun for all ages, great cafe
Appledore, charming fishing village with lovely quayside cafes and its own book festival
Our favourite beaches
Westward Ho!, a bit of everything
Instow on the estuary, dog walks, dunes and delis
Croyde, surf's up!
Woolacomb, pick your bay
Saunton, sand and beach huts
Our favourite eating places
The Pig on the Hill, local pub with large garden and great local food
The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham pub
Cafe Du Parc, lovely French Bistro in Bideford's Victoria Park
John's, deli and grocer in Appledore and Instow
Riverbank Bistro, east end of Bideford's ancient bridge
Our favourite walks
Tarka trail, bikes and hikes on the old railway line
Abbotsham Cliffs, right on the doorstep
Southwest coast path, epic scenery, more than 600 miles around the coast from Minehead to Poole
Hartland peninsula, seals, puffins, shipwrecks and Lundy Island views
Northam Burrows, dunes and views across the estuary
Our favourite family days out
Ultimate Adventure Centre, just along the road, outdoor adventure and high wires
Big Sheep theme park, right next door
Tarka trail, hire a bike and head north to Instow or South to Torrington and treat yourself to lunch at The Puffing Billy
Arlington Court, National Trust stately home, gardens and carriage museum
Westward Ho!, beach, fish and chips, ice-cream
Our favourite rainy day plans
Atlantic Village, Outlet shopping and giant children's adventure park
The Big Sheep, still fun in the rain, especially for little ones
Barnstaple, Funderzone soft play, Air Extreme trampoline park, cinema and much more
Rock and Rapid Adventures, award winning climbing centre, South Molton
Bideford's pannier market and Burton Gallery two spots in the local town offering art, craft, retail therapy and good things to eat
Our favourite courses
Stained glass workshops, fantastic award-winning workshops for groups or individuals, run by amazing artist and teacher Gigha in her Bideford studio.
Pottery classes and workshops for adults and children at the Tarka Pottery and ceramics studio, painting, clay modelling or have a go at throwing a pot. Based near Great Torrington.
Rowan tree studio runs regular workshops in soap, candle and beauty product making at their Clovelly studio, and sewing courses at several local venues.
Printing workshops in Appledore, fabric or paper printing courses available in this beautiful fishing village