Things to do in North Devon

Posted on October 2, 2019 by admin

Here at Devon Farm Holidays, we thought we would give you a glimpse into some of the amazing activities Devon has on offer. This time we are focusing our search specifically on North Devon with its rugged coastline and rolling hills.

Something for the children

Fun activities for children in North Devon including, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, Quince Honey Farm, Exmoor Zoo and The Milky Way.

When it comes to keeping children entertained there is lots of fun to be had in North Devon. Up first is the very popular attraction called The Big Sheep. The perfect place to keep your little ones entertained with something for everyone and in all weathers. The site includes an indoor playground, outdoor rollercoaster rides, a petting farm and lots of cafes to refuel. As well as lots to do for the children, The Big Sheep also has a brewery and gin distillery, ideal for the adults!

Quince Honey Farm is another fantastic attraction to visit with the children, located near South Molton, a traditional market town that’s filled with quirky features and interesting facts. Quince Honey Farm has been producing honey products since 1949 and has now become one of Britain’s leading honey farms. The farm has over 60,000 bees, with visitors being able to learn everything about honeybees. You can also take part in talks to learn how to become a beekeeper. In addition to the wonderful world of bees, there is also a soft play area to let the little ones blow off some steam.

If you have been to North Devon before you may have heard of the Exmoor Beast. You can go and see him in the flesh at Exmoor Zoo. A fabulous family day out with a wide selection of animals on show as well as a range of talks and petting zones.

The Milky Way is a great stop for the children, with something for all ages. Whether you want to go crazy on the rides, get adventurous on the Jumping Jupiters or sit back and enjoy one of their shows.

Finally, if your little ones are not quite tired out they could go and visit Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park. This is a zoo with a twist, as well as all your normal zoo animals you can find dinosaurs too. The amazing life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are a real showstopper which children love. Along with the animals, there is also a large indoor soft play area for the wetter days.

If you are thinking that staying close by is a good idea, here at Devon Farms we have a wonderful selection of beautiful accommodation spots on Exmoor. Be sure to take a look and learn more.

Something for the Shoppers

If you are a keen shopper and love to find new boutiques or antiques, North Devon has a lot on offer. Barnstaple is one of the best towns for your high street brands including New Look, TKMaxx, Marks and Spencer and more. The town also boasts an abundance of cafes and restaurants where you can sit back and relax after a shopping session. If you are looking to catch a bargain then perhaps Atlantic Village should be on your list. Located in Bideford, Atlantic Village is an outlet centre with lots of discounted products on offer. If you are looking for more boutiques and antiques you might want to give Bideford and South Molton a try. They both have lots of quirky shops on offer, filled with an abundance of one of a kind items.

Lots of placing for shopping in North Devon including, Barnstaple, Bideford and South Molton. — Barnstaple and Bideford

Outdoor lovers

If you are an outdoor lover then North Devon is an excellent destination for you. For the walkers, we have the outstanding beauty of Exmoor, a delightful combination of rugged moors and softer farmland, creating a walker’s paradise. Exmoor includes charming spots such as Lynton and Lynmouth, a must-stop for walkers after a spectacular view. For those of you who are desperate to get your toes in the sand, North Devon spoils you with the choice of beaches. There is everything from long sandy stretches, rocky coves to surfer’s paradise. The garden lovers are also in for a treat when coming to visit North Devon. RHS Rosemoor has a spectacular range of gardens to get stuck into, including their latest cool garden. In addition to Rosemoor, Marwood is another beautiful spot hidden away on the outskirts of Barnstaple.

Saunton Sands beach and a beautiful countryside shot of Exmoor — Exmoor and Saunton Sands Beach

If you are now thinking a trip to North Devon is on cards be sure to take a look at all the charming accommodation spots we have on offer here at Devon Farm Holidays.

Posted in Attractions, Uncategorized Tagged with: activities, activities for children, Barnstaple, beaches, Bideford, Exmoor, family days out, shopping, South Molton

West Down Guest House – Farm Insights

Posted on September 12, 2019 by admin

Farm Insights is a series of posts that enable you to get to know our farm B&B’s and Self-Catering accommodation sites that little bit better. You already see pictures of their accommodation, gardens and facilities but wouldn’t it be lovely to know who the people are behind the accommodation? Now with this series you can do exactly that, and decide whether it could be your next spot for a trip to Devon.

West Down Guest House – North Devon

To start us off on this series we have West Down Guest House in North Devon near South Molton, Great Torrington and Barnstaple. West Down is owned by Brenda and Roger who love running their bed and breakfast in the rural Devon countryside.

Beautiful pictures of the gardens and chickens at West Down Guest House — Beautiful photos of the gardens and chickens at West Down

Their Accommodation

West Down B&B Guest House has three different rooms to choose from including;

Woodpecker – A two-bedroom suite detached from the main house, providing an abundance of room and privacy. The main bedroom includes a king-size bed and a comfy chair to sit back and relax in. The room also has an interconnecting door to the single bedroom which makes it the perfect suite for a family. There is also a bathroom which includes a bath with an overhead shower which can be accessed independently from both rooms. This room also has disability access.

Woodpecker room located at West Down Guest House, North Devon — Woodpecker Room

Swallow – This room offers wheelchair friendly disability access, including a ramp directly from the carpark, a wet room shower with movable stools and frame over the sink. The bed is queen-sized but can be separated out to become two singles on request to facilitate wheelchair access.

Photos of Swallow room, a disability friendly room at West Down Guest House — Swallow Room

Marwood – This beautiful airy room consists of a king-sized bed to rest in after a busy day of fun in Devon. The bedroom also includes an ensuite with a lovely shower, two comfy chairs to sit back and enjoy a cup of tea in and spectacular views from the window.

Beautiful shots of the Marwood room at West Down Guest House in North Devon — Marwood Room

History on the owners

The owners of West Down Guest House B&B, Brenda and Roger have been working in hospitality for 50 years as of next year! When staying with them you can rest assured that they know what they are doing. In fact, Brenda and Roger won the North Devon Marketing Bureau Supper Service award for West Down B&B both in 1997 and 2008.

To give you a bit of insight into the history of Brenda and Roger’s lives and careers, Brenda came from Bristol and Roger from Gloucester. Roger owned and ran a construction business and Brenda was a secretary at Bristol University. This was before they went on to run a pub in Thornbury, Bristol. They then made the move down to Devon in 1986, where they bought a property which in 1987 became a B&B as well as a racing yard. This was called West Down WhiteChaple near South Molton.

In 2003 they moved again, however Devon was where they regarded home so stayed in the county. Wanting to keep the B&B going, they took the name West Down with them to where they are now near South Molton and Great Torrington. When we asked Brenda and Roger why they liked running a B&B they said ‘it has to be the people, we love meeting new people and welcoming back our regulars who have now become good friends’.
Brenda and Roger have truly become part of the Devon community with Roger becoming the president for North Devon Show next year and Brenda taking an active role in North Devon Farms and Devon Farms.

As for West Down B&B Guest House which is set in 25 acres (where they are now) it too has an interesting history with it being a market garden in the 60’s. It is also one of the few B&B’s that still do evening meals each night.

Photos of the conservatory and the lounge at West Down Guest House in North Devon — Conservatory and Lounge at West Down

Favourite place or activity

We asked Brenda and Roger what their favourite place or activity was near them and they said;

‘Well it’s hard to choose just one so we didn’t! We narrowed it down to our three favourite places which are RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Clovelly and Lynton and Lynmouth. However we really just love all of Devon, there is something about the way of life, the people and of course the outstanding beauty of the natural scenery.’
Be sure to take a look at West Down B&B on our website to find out more details about their accommodation and even their availability.

Posted in Bed and Breakfast, Uncategorized Tagged with: B&B, Bed and Breakfast, devon, Devon Farms, Devon holidays, Farm Insights, North Devon

Ramblers Guide to Devon

Posted on August 28, 2019 by admin

If there is one thing that Devon provides in abundance, is that of rolling hills, dense woodlands and vast landscapes. This makes it the perfect destination for walkers seeking their next adventure. The article below outlines some of the places we think are just perfect for ramblers.

North Devon

Saunton Sands, Baggy Point and Woolacombe

If being by the sea is what you are after for your trip to Devon then you are in luck. North Devon boasts some excellent long beaches that are perfect for a walk especially if you are wanting to bring your doggy companion as these are dog-friendly beaches all year round.

Saunton Sands is a perfect long beach for a dog walk. Photo Credits to Kate Price

Heddon Valley

Heddon Valley provides you with the best of everything, from ancient woodland to coastal views. If you are after a walk with varied scenery this is one to consider. There are lots of different routes to take at Heddon Valley but if you are one to enjoy a circular route then Heddon’s Mouth circular route is a great choice.

Heddon Valley Walk, photo credits to Kate Price.

If you are planning your next trip to North Devon and have not found anywhere to stay be sure to take a look at the fantastic accommodation we have on offer here at Devon Farm Holidays in North Devon.

Dartmoor

Lydford Gorge

Lydford Gorge provides something for everyone of all abilities. If you are a bit of a daredevil and seeking your next adventure, then walking to the Devils Cauldron is a must with its gushing waterfall. If you are after a more relaxed walk then there are a couple of other routes including a tramper trail.

The amazing Lydford Gorge, photo credits to Kate Price

Hound Tor

If you are a true rambler you will be itching to get out onto the rugged countryside of Dartmoor. We are here to ease that itch with the well-known Hound Tor and if you are a fan of history and medieval settlements, then this walk is just perfect for you. Near the summit of the Hound Tor there are the ruins of a medieval settlement, which rumour has it, ghosts live in!

By Phillip Capper (PhillipC) from Wellington, New Zealand – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=562677

Here at Devon Farm Holidays, we have lots of excellent accommodation around Dartmoor. Keen walkers who want to explore lots of Dartmoor will find somewhere they can rest their feet in the evening.

Exmoor

Watersmeet

This walk holds outstanding beauty, from gushing rivers, ancient woods to the crashing of the sea against the rocks. If you want a walk that encompasses a bit of everything Devon has on offer, then you need to go to Watersmeet. Its circular route starts in the town, soon climbing the cliffs of the coast before descending into woodland and reaching the point where the rivers meet.

By Mark Percy, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14102903

Simonsbath

This beautiful walk shows the rugged beauty that is Exmoor, following the river Barle through the moorland. A perfect destination for a hot summer’s day as there are plenty of spots to stop off for a dip.

By Richard Mascall, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9179968

Exmoor is a great place to stay and we have lots of idyllic accommodation that might take your fancy.

South Devon/ English Riviera

Dartington Hall

With 880 acres of woodland, rolling hills and flowing rivers, Dartington makes a brilliant stop for ramblers of all abilities. An added bonus of these walks is that if you are interested in Dartington’s history you could take a quick pit stop to view the Hall itself and perhaps stop off for a cream tea!

By Herbythyme – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8339556

Salcombe to Hope Cove

Salcombe is renowned for its outstanding beauty and clear seas and what better way to see them than from the headlands. Either headland provides a lovely walk, or if you are feeling more adventurous you can catch a ferry from Salcombe and walk directly up the valley at Mill Bay.

By Rodw – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2542175

South Devon is a fantastic location to book your next holiday and here at Devon Farm Holidays we have some beautiful accommodation spots so be sure to take a look.

East Devon

Branscombe to Beer

This picturesque walk provides you with breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. Starting in the village of Branscombe the walk includes some history of the village, taking you past the old forge, bakery and manor mill.

By Stephen Lea – Photograph by Wikipedian, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1301828

Newton Poppleford & River Otter Circular

This pretty walk starts in the Woodbury Castle car park taking you through to Woodbury village before meeting the beautiful River Otter for a quick cool off.

By Tony in Devon – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34391712 –

There are lots of charming places to stay in East Devon, many of which Devon Farm Holidays has on offer, so take a look and perhaps book your next trip to Devon.

Exeter/Heart of Devon

Killerton House

Killerton House is a stunning 1778 National Trust house that boasts some exquisite gardens and grounds for walking. Whether you want a little stroll around the gardens followed by a lovely cup of tea or a longer walk around the grounds, Killerton House has it all.

By Barrie Cann, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14222203 –

Castle Drogo

Another fantastic location if you are interested in history. Castle Drogo is steeped in history and is truly a magnificent sight. As well as the castle itself, it hosts extensive grounds for fantastic walking, including that of the Teign Gorge walk.

By WyrdLight.com, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45363907 –

Exeter and the surrounding areas make for a perfect trip away with lots of activities on offer. Be sure to take a look at the accommodation we have on offer to see if we could help secure your next holiday trip.

Posted in Attractions, walks Tagged with: accommodation in devon, devon, devon walking, devon walks, ramblers guide to devon, walking holidays, walking holidays in devon

RHS Rosemoor’s exciting new garden in North Devon

Posted on August 21, 2019 by admin

Rosemoor's new Cool Garden in North Devon

Rosemoor, North Devon’s new Cool Garden

RHS Rosemoor is one of North Devon most beautiful spots that is a must to visit when on holiday in Devon. For garden lovers, it has something for everyone, from Mediterranean gardens to traditional vegetable, cottage gardens and dense woodland walks. What makes Rosemoor that bit more special is the other activities they have available. For the children, there are adventures to be had in the play areas and often activities run by Rosemoor itself. For the adults, there are often experiences available such as wicker basket making, as well as lots of spots for refreshments. But the latest addition to Rosemoor is that of its cool garden.

RHS Rosemoor Gardens

The New Garden

This new ‘Cool Garden’ has been designed by a Gold medalist at Chelsea Flower Show, Jo Thompson. The garden is a beautiful combination of water, stonework and excellent planting. All of which sweeps you around the circular garden. When the pictures in these photos were captured the water was still and the garden was peaceful and tranquil. You did however get the impression that when the water was on and flowing through all the sections of the garden the atmosphere would change and it would feel like a different garden. The garden itself would almost come alive and the movement of the water was part of the living garden. The planting has been done in a very clever format. Although the garden is actually very open plan the combination of the way the water guides you around along with the different heights and layers of plants actually makes you feel a little more enclosed and protected. The garden is very clever, providing you with lots of movement and lots to admire.

Long grasses in Rosemoor’s new garden

Where is RHS Rosemoor

RHS Rosemoor is in North Devon and is located near to a historic town called Great Torrington. To find out more about Rosemoor and to plan your visit be sure to check out their website. This quaint town is also a great stop off on the way or way back from the gardens. Great Torrington hosts the fantastic 1646 Museum, a heritage museum and archive that has lots of interesting facts about Great Torrington and some exciting reenactments.. In addition, Great Torrington has pretty shops, great walks and superb food from the local pub, delicatessen and bakery. Furthermore, Great Torrington is home to Dartington Crystal, the renowned glass factory. You can scoop up some bargains at their onsite shop, grab a coffee from their cafe or even get a tour of the factory.

Where can you stay

Here at Devon Farm Holidays, we have plenty of outstanding places to stay. Whether you fancy a stay on Exmoor, Dartmoor or near the Coast all have fantastic Self-Catering or B&B accommodation and are all commutable to RHS Rosemoor.

Posted in Attractions, gardens, Uncategorized Tagged with: devon, Devon Farms, Devon holidays, gardens, Holidays, North Devon, RHS, RHS Rosemoor

Best events in Devon to keep your summer sizzling

Posted on August 14, 2019 by admin

August is well underway and many of you will already be on holiday in Devon but for those of you looking for a last-minute break Devon Farms has a wide variety of holiday accommodation for you to enjoy. Each property is unique but all are run to the same high standard.

When it comes to events and activities Devon has a lot on offer including agricultural shows, food and drink festivals, flower shows and more. Just take a look at our schedule, of some of the best events in our opinion and see if anything takes your fancy.

Photos of the events you could consider going to this summer in Devon.

Events in Devon

Thursday 15th August	Chagford Show	Click here for more information
Friday 16th – Sunday 18th August	RHS Rosemoor Flower show	Buy your tickets here
Saturday 17th August	Newton Abbot Racecourse Country Show	Click here to learn more
Saturday 17th August	Kingsbridge Farmers Market	For more information on this event click here
Wednesday 21st & 22nd August	Salcombe Gin Taster Sessions	Click here to book
Thursday 22nd August	Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show	For more information click here
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th	River Cottage Festival	Buy your tickets now
Monday 26th August	Lustleigh Show Newton Abbot	Click here for more information on the show
Monday 26th August	Hawkchurch Village Fair	Click here to learn more
Tuesday 27th August	Captain Coconut and his amazing show – Rosemoor	Click here for more information on the event
Wednesday 28th August & Thursday 29th August	Salcombe Gin Taster Sessions	Click here to book
Thursday 29th August to Saturday 31st August	Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta	Click here for more information
Friday 30th August & Saturday 31st August	Dartmoor Summer Foraging Courses	Book Now
Saturday 31st August	Nourish Festival Bovey Tracey	Learn more
Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September	Autumn Artisan Food Fair RHS Rosemoor	For more information about this event click here
Thursday 5th September	Exeter Food Market	Learn more
Saturday 7th September	Chardstock Street Fayre	Click here for more information on the event
Saturday 7th September	Kingsbridge Farmers Market	For more information on this event click here
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September	Plymouth Seafood Festival	Learn more
Wednesday 18th until Sunday 21st September	Barnstaple Fair Carnival	Click here for more information
Friday 20th September & 27th September	Exeter Food Market	Learn more
Saturday 21st September	Kingsbridge Farmers Market	For more information on this event click here

Events to keep your summer sizzling in Devon

Where to Stay

If you have not got anywhere booked to stay then make sure to check out our Self-Catering and B&B accommodation in Devon. We have lots of properties to offer, all of which provide beautiful scenery, comfortable stays and fantastic hosts.

View our luxury B&B accommodation in Devon.

View the beautiful self-catering accommodation we have on offer click here.

Posted in Country Shows, Events, Food & Drink, Uncategorized Tagged with: accommodation, activities, agricultural shows, country shows, devon, Devon Farms, events, family days out, farmers markets, festivals, food and drink, North Devon

Okehampton show – the 3rd ever female president

Posted on August 6, 2019 by admin

Ruth Maile, Okehampton, East Hook Holiday cottages

Okehampton Show Ground

2019 is to see another fantastic agricultural show at Okehampton on the 8th of August. It is one to have in the diary for a day of family fun. Located on the northern edge of Dartmoor’s National Park, Okehampton is a beautiful part of the country and a perfect day out for anyone staying in one of our Devon Farms B&B’s or Self-Catering accommodation.

A prize winning cow at the Okehampton show in Devon

Prize Winning Bull

What’s There ?

There is something for everyone at Okehampton show; from prize winning animals of all species and varieties to the horse show which has horses and ponies of all sizes and breeds. The fun doesn’t stop there, if you are a foodie you are in for a treat with chances to taste copious amounts of food and drink over various stands . If crafts are your thing then we think you will be impressed by the marvellous creations of local products, something that might just be crying out for you to take home.

Cow showing at Okehampton Show

What’s New ?

Well one thing that’s new for this year’s show is a new president, Ruth Maile. Ruth is one of our very own Devon Farms members who runs East Hook Holiday Cottages. Ruth is the show’s 3rd ever female president. She has lived at her family farm in Okehampton her whole life so not only is farming in her blood but so is her love for Okehampton. This makes her an excellent choice for the president of Okehampton show. If you would like to know more about Ruth’s holiday cottages just click here.

Ruth Maile

Get your tickets now

If you are thinking that Okehampton show sounds like something you and your family would like to visit then get your tickets now. You can purchase tickets on the day but by ordering online you get them cheaper (more money for a delicious ice cream).

If you would like to know more about the show then just check out Okehampton show’s website by clicking here.

Horse showing competitions at Okehampton show in Devon

Horses showing

If this event sounds like something you might be interested in but missed out this year, you can always come next year. Book ahead to stay in one of our lovely Devon Farm B&B’s or Self-Catering accommodation, just click here to see all the accommodation we have on Dartmoor.

Posted in Cows, Events, Horses Tagged with: activities, animals, cows, Dartmoor, devon, events, family day out, horses, Okehampton, Okehampton Show, showing, things to do in devon

North Devon Show

Posted on July 3, 2019 by admin

It will soon be time for the North Devon Show.

Wednesday 7th August

This is North Devon’s premier agricultural spectacle.

The annual event is a celebration of North Devon’s agricultural roots. A host of livestock classes occupy the arenas throughout the day with Alpacas, Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Show Jumping and an Open Dog Show. There are attractions, displays, demonstrations and trade stands for all.

The show site is a completely level area of approximately 50 acres with an adjacent car parking area of 42 acres with good access on to the A377.

The show site is situated on the A377 five miles south of Barnstaple, opposite the Murco petrol station between Chapelton and Umberleigh. Parking for cars is free. The car parks will be well signposted and marshals will be on site all day to direct you.

There is so much to see and do for all the family, and with many welcoming and comfortable places to stay there is every reason to come to North Devon.

We will look forward to seeing you there!

Posted in Uncategorized

D-Day

Posted on May 30, 2019 by admin

D-Day in Devon

Devon D-Day in 2019 is a summer-long commemoration of the American GI presence in north Devon in 1943-44, during the preparations for the D-Day landings of World War II.

10,000 American soldiers were stationed on the north Devon coast as World War II moved towards its final months, using the area’s beaches, estuaries and sand dunes to perfect an amphibious assault capable of overcoming the ‘Atlantic Wall’ – a network of heavy fortifications all along the coastline of German-occupied Europe.

As Engineer Lieutenant Colonel Paul W Thompson, the person chosen to organise the soldiers’ training, recalled: ‘If Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton, surely the sands of the north Devon beaches contributed importantly to the success of the assault over the Normandy beaches’.

The area’s topography so closely resembled the Normandy coastline that it provided the perfect stand-in for it, helping prepare the American forces who would undertake the landings on the beaches codenamed ‘Omaha’ and ‘Utah’ on 6^th June 1944.

Find out which D-Day events are happening here.

Re-enactors at Cobbaton Combat collection. Re-enactors will feature in the 2019 event at Saunton Sands

75 years later, in summer 2019, the experiences of GIs, and the north Devon communities they lived among, will be marked at significant coastal locations from Hartland in the West to Mortehoe in the East.

Bringing all of the activities and events together, a new World War II heritage trail will link towns, villages, coastal heritage sites and museums, enabling visitors to tour all of the important locations during a stay in north Devon. An illustrated booklet will accompany the trail and be available from museums, visitor centres and Tourist Information Centres across the area.

Along Saunton beach on the weekend of 15^th and 16^th June, a large-scale living history event will bring the story of D-Day to life. Re-enactors in a ‘Little Normandy’ camp will create a German bunker and trench system, while a ‘Little America’ American camp will have stations along the beach, representing the engineering and 22^nd infantry units that trained in north Devon. In ‘Little Britain’, re-enactors representing the Women’s Auxillary Air Force will set up a radar map room. A finale will feature an assault on the German defences of Little Normandy by GI re-enactors.

For the first time, 2019’s commemoration at Saunton Beach will include a new educational day on Friday 14^th June, inviting schools to learn about the key role that north Devon played in preparing for D-Day.

Devon D-Day event 2013, the 70th anniversary of the setting up of the Assault Training Center

Elsewhere, in the village of Braunton, the Parish Hall will host a 1940s style GIs’ Tea Dance, complete with refreshments and a Big Band. Tickets will be on sale for this special community event.

Exhibitions capturing the human stories, the military training experiments and the role of the landscape itself, will feature throughout the summer, with main exhibitions at Braunton and District Museum and North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore. Smaller displays will be showing at Combe Martin Museum, Ilfracombe Museum, Barnstaple Guildhall and Northam Burrows Visitor Centre.

Alongside the Devon D-Day exhibitions themselves, a display of original paintings by Braunton-born artist Brian Chugg (1929-2003) will tour to Braunton Parish Hall, Ilfracombe Museum, Combe Martin Museum and Northam Burrows Visitor Centre. The Aftermath of War will feature Chugg’s paintings of beach defences along the north Devon coast and training mock-ups used by American soldiers on Braunton Burrows.

Photo – Courtesy of Tony Koorlander

There will also be one or two secrets and surprises along the way. For now, these are staying under wraps. Keep watching.

Devon D-Day is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with additional financial support from North Devon Council, North Devon Coast AONB Sustainable Development Fund and North Devon Marketing Bureau.

Posted in Uncategorized

Music in Devon

Posted on May 7, 2019 by admin

Festivals & Cider during your Farm Stay

Now that the days are longer and increasingly warmer we’re all getting in the mood to listen to some live music, enjoying delicious Devon food and locally produced Cider.

Devon has a variety of small music festivals, which have incredibly loyal audiences and fantastic artists performing – Here are a few for your diary and a link to local accommodation B&B, Self Catering

May 2019;

10, 11 & 12th May Dart Music Festival

24-27th May Bude & Stratton Folk Festival

May Ashburton Blues Festival

May Lemonfest, Newton Abbot

June 2019

21st,22nd & 23rd June Gold Coast Oceanfest, Croyde

21st-23rd June Shaldon Classical Music Festival

21st-23rd June Teignmouth Folk Festival

31stMay- 2nd June Kingsbridge Music Festival

July 2019

19-20th July Chagstock, near Chagford

August 2019

2nd– 9th August Sidmouth Folk Festival

16th -18th August Beautiful Days Festival – Escot Park near Fairmile, Ottery St Mary

August Landmark Beer & Music Festival, Ilfracombe

September 2019

20th -22nd September AbbFest, Newton Abbott

It’s not all music at these events though, Oceanfest in North Devon which is set right on the beach in Croyde has children learning how to play beach volleyball and at the Lemonfest, in Newton Abbot, the street food market is very popular where you could find Thai, Moroccan, posh pasties and a traditional hog roast.

Just over the border in to Cornwall is the Eden Project which has become renowned for its ‘Eden Sessions’. Artists like Stereophonics (20thJune), Nile Rodgers & CHIC(21 June),

Family having fun at a festival

and Kylie Minogue (2nd& 3rdJuly) are all set to perform there this summer.

As well as these larger events, there are numerous much smaller events and literally hundreds of pubs across the Devon who welcome live music. Open mic nights are very popular too, so bring your best singing voice and join in with us locals; we’re a very welcoming bunch in Devon and might even buy you a drink.

Posted in festival, Uncategorized

A ‘Blue Monday’ in Devon often means blue skies and blue sea!

Posted on January 26, 2019 by admin

January 21st is dubbed ‘Blue Monday….apparently the gloomiest, most depressing day of the year!

We awoke to try and glimpse the total eclipse of the Super Blood Wolf Moon, followed by the sun rising over the Devon hills, illuminating the grazing sheep and sparkling off the calm seas.

We certainly do have blue days in Devon… blue skies, blue sea and wide horizons where the two meet. Living by the coast engages all your senses and we constantly appreciate each daily gift and ever-changing view and are looking forward to sharing it all with our guests in the year ahead.

So, if you need something to look forward to in 2019 book yourself some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Our cottages are an ideal retreat and somewhere to spend time with family, friends, loved ones – or even just with the dog!

Our special offers are available until the end of March with short breaks from just £210.

https://www.devonfarms.co.uk/special-offers-on-holidays-in-devon/

Posted in Uncategorized

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West Down Guest House – North Devon

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North Devon

Saunton Sands, Baggy Point and Woolacombe

Heddon Valley

Dartmoor

Lydford Gorge

Hound Tor

Exmoor

Watersmeet

Simonsbath

South Devon/ English Riviera

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Salcombe to Hope Cove

East Devon

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Newton Poppleford & River Otter Circular

Exeter/Heart of Devon

Killerton House

Castle Drogo

The New Garden

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Top quality self catering and friendly bed & breakfast
accommodation on our working farms...