We have compiled an overview of attractions and places to visit that will give you a wide experience of all that the West Country has to offer. Whether you are looking for an active holiday with surfing, horse-riding, cycling and watersports or just relaxing on the many beaches, leisurely walks and enjoying the wonderful countryside, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We have only listed those that are reachable within an hour or so, though of course there are some wonderful places to discover further afield such as Land's End (2 hours) and St. Michael's Mount. We have included the weblinks so you can discover more information about any attractions listed. The cottages will have an informative selection of tourism leaflets to peruse when you are here and we will be only too pleased to offer help and advice to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible.
Our nearest and most frequented place to visit is the spectacular coastline of North Cornwall. With many beaches along the coast including Crooklets and Summerleaze at Bude, Widemouth Bay, Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth and Duckpool, there is something for everyone. All have stunning scenery and access to fantastic clifftop walks as part of the South West Coastal Path.
A great tourist coastal town with an abundance of activities for all ages. With two beaches in the town, seawater swimming pool, the Canal and Breakwater, Bude has much to offer. You can learn to surf and enjoy many activities at Adventure International (www.adventure.uk.com). There is also crazy golf, tennis courts, childrens play areas and just outside the town you will find the Splash Pool with wave machine and slide and Harlequinns with an indoor childrens soft play area, ten-pin bowling and Go Karting.
With 300 miles of beautiful coastline you will find the perfect beach whether you wish to surf, swim, sail, relax or go for a clifftop walk with stunning views. Choose from Westward Ho, Croyde, Woolacombe and Ilfracombe to name a few.
Discover the historic, unspoilt village of Clovelly with steep cobbled streets leading to the tiny 14th Century harbour. With a visitor centre, craft workshops and Kingsley Museum, Clovelly has much to offer, visit www.clovelly.co.uk
In the north-west corner of Devon you will find Hartland. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity with 12 miles of coastal scenery, Hartland Point & Quay, Hartland Abbey and Docton Mill Gardens. Visit www.hartlandpeninsula.com for more information.
On the edge of Dartmoor, has over 730 acres of water. It"s a place where you can walk, cycle, fish, sail and has a Visitor Centre, cafe and childrens play area.
Tamar Lakes offer something for everyone, with it’s Upper & Lower lakes. You can hire water craft, walk or fish, There’s a tea-room, play area for children, Visitor Centre, cafe and nature reserve.
On the edge of Bodmin Moor, offers something for everyone. You can walk, fish, sail and bird watch or relax with a cream tea in the tea room. There are two play areas and plenty of open space for games and picnicking
Visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk for details on all South West lakes.
Cycling is a great way to see Devon at its best with nearly 150 miles of National Cycle Network in Devon.
The Granite Way is a truly spectacular and mostly traffic free route through rural Devon with fantastic views of Dartmoor. From Okehamtpon to Lydford, The Granite Way is part of the National Cycle Network route number 27 "Devon Coast to Coast". Visit www.nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk
Over 30 miles of the Tarka Trail is available to cyclists between Braunton and Meeth, using the old railways of North Devon. Passing through the largely unspoilt countryside as it was described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel "Tarka the Otter" first published in 1927. Visit www.devon.gov.uk/tarkatrail
The Big Sheep is an all weather attraction at Bideford. With the famous sheep racing & show, train & tractor rides, dog & duck trialling and indoor playground, it’s a fun day out for all the family. See www.thebigsheep.co.uk
The Milky Way is also near Bideford and is an adventure park with indoor play area, roller coasters, live shows and much, much more. Visit www.themilkyway.co.uk
The Miniature Pony Centre is located on Dartmoor and you can get up close and personal with the miniature ponies and donkeys. There are daily shows, animal feeding, indoor and outdoor play areas and lots of other things to do and see. Visit www.miniatureponycentre.com
Becky Falls Woodland Park also on Dartmoor has much to suit all ages with animals, wildlife discovery trails, nature trails and much more. Visit www.beckyfalls.com
The Eden Project has the largest rainforest in captivity where you can explore the Eden jungle in the giant Rainforest Biome. Discover a global garden with plants that make the products we use everyday. With Visitor Centre, education building and places to eat, the Eden Project is a wonderful day out. For more information visit www.edenproject.com
RHS Rosemoor, situated in the beautiful Torridge Valley, is an enchanting garden of national important. With both formal and informal gardens, shop, restaurant and plant sales centre, Rosemoor is sure to delight. Visit www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
Docton Mill Gardens at Hartland is set in a stunning valley just 1000m from the coast and famous Waterfall at Spekes Mill Mouth. Visit www.doctonmill.co.uk
Hartland Abbey is set in a stunning valley with a charming house, enchanting gardens and beautiful woodland walk leading to a wild Atlantic Cove and cottage, the film location of “Barton Cottage” in BBC’s 2008 TV adaptation of Sense & Sensibility. Visit www.hartlandabbey.com
Tapeley Park at Instow, near Bideford, has four distinctly different themed areas set in a 60 acre site. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the woodland paths, a labyrinth made from large chunks of granite, animals and childrens play area.
Launceston Steam Railway links the historic town with the hamlet of New Mills. Hauled by Victorian Steam Locomotives, you can ride in open or closed carriages and can break your journey for a riverside picnic, to explore the footpaths or the Farm Park at New Mills (www.newmillsfarmpark.com). Visit www.launcestonsr.co.uk
Experience the golden age of steam. The restored Great Western Railway Station at Bodmin General is the line’s headquarters with a buffet and souvenir shop. On most days you can view locomotives being restored in the Engine Shed. Visit www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk
There are many National Trust places to visit in Devon & Cornwall reachable within the hour. These Include Arlington Court, Lanhydrock, Cotehele, Buckland Abbey, Lydford Gorge, Finch Foundry and Castle Drogo. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk for further information.
The castles of Tintagel, Okehampton and Launceston are all owned by The English Heritage and make for a great visit.
Tintagel Castle is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur and has a spectacular location on Cornwall"s dramatic Atlantic coastline. Climb the rugged trail to reach the island and explore the ruins of this ancient castle.
Okehampton Castle stands in a stunning setting amid the foothills of Dartmoor. With free audio tour, woodland walks and riverside picnic area, explore the former home of one of Devon&s most powerful families.
Launceston Castle is set on a large natural mound dominating the surrounding landscape. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk
We are happy to accept dogs at Staddon Barns. We know how difficult it can be to find suitable carers whilst you are away, and also know that many of you wish to bring your dog on holiday, afterall they are part of the family and deserve a break too!!
There is plenty of outside field space for dogs to roam, there is an off-road bicycle/walking track nearby. Holsworthy Woods are less than 5 minutes drive, Roadford Lake within 20 minutes and of course there are glorious coastal walks along the South West coastal path.
Summerleaze (on a lead), Widemouth Bay (South Beach only), Northcott & Sandymouth
Dog bans apply on the following beaches from Easter Day to 1 October:
Widemouth Bay (North Beach only), Crooklets and Crackington Haven
