Hello to all our lovely readers, welcome back to our blog. We hope you are all well, did you catch last week’s blog? It was all about the open attractions in South and East Devon, a very interesting read for those looking to come on holiday in the area. If you did not manage to read it click here and we will take you to it. This week however we are back with dog friendly blog posts, chatting to you about the dog-friendly beaches in South Devon, summer edition.
Soar Mill Cove, near Salcombe
For those looking for a little adventure and to give the dog a good run then explore Soar Mill Cove. A small sandy cove that can only be accessed by foot from the South West Coastal Path. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.
South Milton Sands, Thurlestone
Another beautiful beach is South Milton Sands which has stunning scenery and is an area of natural beauty. Dogs are allowed all year round and with a lovely stretch of sand, they can run to their heart’s content. One of Thurlestones key attractions is the Thurlestone Rock, an arch-shaped rock that sticks out from the sea and can be seen from the beach.
Beesands, near Kingsbridge
A beach that is perfect for a beach holiday is Beesands, near Kingsbridge, a large, mile-long shingle beach which is backed by country fields. Beachgoers enjoy regular pastimes such as surfing, body boarding and fishing. The beach is dog friendly all year round making it an excellent choice for a family holiday.
North Sands, Salcombe
If you happen to find yourself in Salcombe and want to get your toes in the sand, then head down to North Sands which is a 15-minute walk from the town. It is a great family beach with a good sandy stretch and is a good swimming beach thanks to the bay and rock pools nearby. This beach is again dog friendly all year round.
Ness Cove Beach, Shaldon
One for the explorers, Ness Cove Beach is a dog-friendly shingle beach. It is only accessible via an original Smuggler tunnel, making it quite the adventure to discover the beach. It is dog friendly all year round and it is a very secluded, picturesque beach with the cliffs providing shelter.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and discovered some dog friendly beaches in South Devon that you can explore while on holiday. If you are inspired to get away to South Devon, click here to see our dog-friendly accommodation in Devon.
Hello to our lovely readers and welcome back to our farm blog. This week we are back again to bring you another blog on the open attractions in East and South Devon. There is so much to see and do in Devon so planning your trip ahead can help for a stress-free holiday.
Attractions for Children
Woodlands
One attraction that the children are bound to love is Woodlands, one of Devon’s largest theme parks. The theme park is split into zones with each zone bringing adventure and fun. The zones include the Sea Monster zone outdoors and indoors which includes a range of different rides, soft play and more. There is the Cyclone zone filled with amazing water style rides and the Ninja zone with sand diggers and towers. Furthermore, there is the circus zone with its bouncy castle, soft play and entertainment lawn plus a whole load more zones! Woodlands really is the perfect place to take children because there is so much to do and see, they will never get bored. All you have to do in light of COVID-19 is to book online in advance which you can do here.
Pennywell Farm
A firm favourite in Devon is that of Pennywell Farm which is now open again and you just have to book online in advance, click here to do so. Pennywell Farm is a wonderful attraction for children with heaps of activities to keep them entertained. They run different activities every half an hour which are displayed on the activity board. A bell will ring every half hour to signal an activity change which you can choose to take part in or simply enjoy your surroundings. A main highlight at the farm is, of course, the miniature pigs. You can sit down and give them a cuddle in the barn.
Paignton Zoo
Going to the zoo is always an activity high on the children’s list and they will not be disappointed with Paignton Zoo. They have a huge amount of animals including lions, rhinos, orang-utans, monkeys, cheetahs, birds, zebras, giraffes and more! As well as all the animals, the adults might be happy to know that Paignton Zoo is also a botanical garden! The gardens include mature trees, waterside planting and herbaceous borders, something for any keen gardener to enjoy. You must book online before attending, to learn more about pre-booking and the zoo click here.
Crealy
A final attraction in East Devon that the children will enjoy is Crealy Theme Park. Another venue that is filled with excitement and adventure. Crealy includes an abundance of rides from water rides at the Neptune’s Sea Cups and the Soak Zone to thrilling rides like the Vortex and Twister. Other more gentle rides like the Dino Jeeps and Safari Express can be enjoyed by those wanting an adrenaline break! Unfortunately, none of the indoor adventure areas are open and you must book in advance of attending, which you can do so here.
Gardens
Connaught Gardens
Connaught Gardens is located in Sidmouth on the coastal headland which provides you with breathtaking seas views. The gardens include mature trees, a formal garden with lawn areas and seasonal planting. The garden also includes a rockery with alpines and specimen shrubs, informal gardens with herbaceous borders and trees, finally a beautiful terrace with traditional brick. The terrace includes a bronze plaque to commemorate the opening of the gardens by the Duke of Connaught in 1934.
Killerton House Gardens
Although Killerton House is still not open the gardens, parkland, cafe, shop and plant sales are now open all of which are fantastic areas to enjoy. The gardens are something that any keen gardener will enjoy with its array of planting. The plants include rhododendrons, magnolias, champion trees and formal lawns. As well as the garden, Killerton House has fantastic parkland which you can explore and can take the dog on the lead. You do need to book the day before which you can do by calling them on 03442491895 or click here to book online.
Attractions for the whole family
Seaton Tramway
Something that the whole family will enjoy is a trip to Seaton Tramway. The tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon’s stunning Axe Valley. The fantastic tramway travels alongside the River Ace estuary and through two nature reserves. The tramway is dog-friendly so feel free to bring your canine companions along with you. There are a couple of cafe stops and a gift shop to enjoy as well. You do need to book online in advance, to do so click here.
Thelma Hubert Gallery
A place to visit for those who love the arts is the Thelma Hubert Gallery, a grade two listed townhouse. Filled with different crafts, exhibitions and a permanent collection of artist Thelma Hubert’s works. The gallery is now open but does have different opening times so please click here for more information.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog if you would like to know more about our accommodation, visit our main site by clicking here.
For many of us when we go on holiday to the UK we want to be able to take our canine companion with us. Here at Devon Farm Holidays, we have an excellent selection of dog-friendly accommodation but you might be wondering where you can go with your dog while on holiday. Therefore, today we are going to share with you the dog-friendly beaches North Devon, summer edition.
Saunton Sands
One beach that is a firm favourite with dog owners and beachgoers alike is Saunton Sands. Its long sandy stretch makes it a great choice for a long dog walk to tire out the pup before sitting down to relax. The beach is dog friendly all year round and with such a long beach there is plenty of space in which to spread out over. The beach has a large car park, toilets, surf shop and cafe which means you can stay well fed and watered throughout the day.
Beaches in North Devon
Westward Ho!
Another wonderful beach is Westward Ho! Located near to Bideford and Appledore this amazing beach is famous for its pebble ridge which protects the car park and golf course behind. This beach is also dog friendly all year round but does have a no dog zone to the left-hand side of the beach when facing the sea during the summer months. Usually, in the car park, you will find food and drinks vans and of course the famous Hockings Ice Cream, which if you have not had one before you are in for a real treat, trust us and get one! As well as the beach, the lovely town of Westward Ho! has an arcade, crazy golf and lots of places to grab something to eat.
Putsborough
One beach that is popular with surfers as it is a very sheltered cove which produces fantastic clean waves is Putsborough. It has a large car park on the cliff which overlooks the beach (providing stunning panoramic views) and includes toilets and a cafe. The left-hand side of the beach is a no-dog zone in the summer but the entire right-hand beach is dog-friendly. Therefore there is lots of space to walk the dog and sit down to relax.
Woolacombe
Our final beach to show you today is Woolacombe, which if you carry on walking from Putsborough you will reach! Woolacombe is another very dog-friendly beach. Again, during the summer months, like many of the beaches it has a no-dog zone to the right of the beach as you face the sea. However, everything else is good to go and with such a long stretch of the beach your dog can truly be ‘free’. Woolacombe beach has a small town behind the beach which includes boutique shops, eateries and more which adds to your beach day trip. There is a large car park in the centre of the town which is in easy walking distance to the beach. The beach is another great spot for surfers and swimmers so you can have great fun in the sea.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and if you would like to know more about the dog-friendly accommodation we have on offer here at Devon Farm Holidays click here.
Hello to all our lovely readers. We hope you have been enjoying our content recently. We have loved writing about our wonderful county of Devon again and sharing our favourite places with you. For example, two of the recent blogs we have shared with you some of our favourite walks on Dartmoor and Exmoor. If you missed these and want to catch up on them click here. This week however we have something a little different for you, The Big Butterfly Count.
What is it?
You might be wondering what on earth is The Big Butterfly Count? Well, it is a UK-wide survey/event created by the Butterfly Conservation group that helps them to determine the health of the different species. This event was first launched in 2010 and it has quickly become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies. In 2019 over 113,500 individuals took part in the survey and between them, they submitted 116,009 counts of butterflies and moths from across the UK as you can complete the survey more than once.
Why take part in the survey?
If you are thinking why would I want to take part in this survey? Well, butterfly and moth’s numbers have been decreasing significantly since the 1970s. We all love to see these beautiful creatures in our gardens and that in itself is a great reason for wanting to help them. However, butterflies are actually a vital part of the ecosystem. They are good pollinators and an important part of the food chain. Furthermore, declines in butterflies are also an early warning for other wildlife losses. This is because butterflies are key biodiversity indicators for scientists because they react quickly to changes in their environment. If numbers start to decline then scientists can look into why this might be and help to resolve the issue.
Therefore, by taking part in the survey you are helping to contribute to the work scientists do to help preserve and look after our wonderful countryside, nature and ecosystems.
How to take part.
It is a very easy process to take part in this survey, all you need to do is sign up on the Butterfly Conversation website and download their handy identification chart to help you see what types of butterflies you have. Sit in a corner of your garden, preferably in sunny weather as butterflies love this. Stay for 15 minutes and count how many species of butterflies you see. If you do not have a garden spot you can also count them in parks, fields and forests. Submit your results on the Butterfly conversation website and receive a certificate for taking part. You can do as many counts as you like, just make sure to submit your results by the 9th of August.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog. We would love to hear about your butterfly counts and if you manage to get any photos be sure to put them up on Facebook and Instagram and tag us in the post.
If this was not quite what you were looking for click here to see the rest of our blog posts.
With holiday accommodation now open and many of us keen to get a holiday booked in it can be hard to know what is actually open now lockdown restrictions have eased. Today we wanted to help with that by bringing to you the attractions that are open in North Devon. Plus keep your eyes peeled as we will also release blogs on attractions in other areas of Devon over the next couple of weeks.
Attractions for the Children
Exmoor Zoo
One place that all children love to visit is the Zoo and Exmoor is the perfect place to go. Now open from 9am for visitors the only thing you have to do is book a ticket slot on the day of your choice online before attending, which you can do here. Exmoor Zoo has an abundance of animals from African wild dogs to Cheetahs and of course the Exmoor Beast! You can also take part in activities at the Zoo including watching feeding times, meet the reindeers and more.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Another great attraction for animal lovers is Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. Again this is now open but you have to book your tickets/slot online here. Combe Martin Wildlife Park has a great collection of animals including African Lions, Wolves, Seas Lions and Meerkats, to name just a few! Plus they also have some animals which you cannot see anywhere else…. Dinosaurs! The park has over 19 animatronic and static dinosaur models dotted around the park and they bring great joy to children.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
A fun-filled day is to be experienced when going to the adventure park called The Milky Way. Children can jump on the dodgems, run around the maze, become a pro at minigolf or meet the birds of prey at the North Devon Birds of Prey Centre or their outdoor show. There is also a selection of other rides to be enjoyed. Again, you must book online in advance and ticket spaces are going fast so make sure to book in advance. Click here to book online and to read their further COVID-19 information.,
The Big Sheep
Our final children attraction site we have for you today is the famous Big Sheep. The attraction is so pleased to be back open and offering safari walks, scavenger hunts for the young children, their animal barn with baby animals, daily shows and have their cafe open serving delicious cakes. Some of their roller coasters are now also open again. Please click here to book your slot in advance.
Gardens
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
If you want to explore beautiful gardens and grounds then look no further then Hartland Abbey and Gardens. Currently, the grounds and gardens are now open along with the display of filming memorabilia, gift shop and tea rooms. However, they regret to inform that their wheelchair access to the toilet and exhibitions, shop ect remains closed as it is through the main house which is also closed for now. They recommend that visitors bring their own gloves and hand sanitiser for peace of mind while enjoying the walks where a gate may need to be opened and shut. To read more about what’s on offer and their COVID-19 information click here.
RHS Rosemoor
RHS Rosemoor is one of North Devon’s garden gems. It is filled with a variety of gardens to suit all tastes and to be admired by all. They have amazing fruit and vegetable gardens to the famous Rose Gardens plus the new Cool Garden with its amazing sloping paths, stonework and running water. That is not all, there are another 21 other garden areas to explore of different styles! To attend these gardens you need to book a slot in advance and these are selling out quick so book online now.
Arlington Court
A place that the whole family will enjoy due to is fantastic gardens and grounds which are now open but only by pre-booking online which you can do here. Within the gardens, there is the stunning Victoria Garden which is a formal garden that includes herbaceous borders, colour annuals and a beautiful water fountain. The grounds and parks surround the house and include clever planting designed to frame views of the great house. The parkland also includes a wilderness pond which is a beautiful spot for a picnic with the family. You then also have the extended grounds of Arlington Court including the woodlands. You can enjoy a range of walks through these grounds and can bring a dog on a lead. Plus you might get a chance to spot the red deer who live on the grounds.
Marwood Gardens
Another beautiful garden that needs to be on your list to visit is Marwood Gardens which is located near to Barnstaple and is now open. The garden was started by Dr Smart in 1949 where it was simply a house and grounds. It was heavily neglected at the time with no mains water, drainage and electricity. However, over the years that Dr Smart lived and worked there, with the help of some gardeners, they created the beautiful gardens we have today. They include several ponds, an impressive display of champion trees and a wonderful display of camellias and rhododendrons. The gardens are open along with outside seating areas for the tearoom but to read their full information around COVID-19 click here.
Attractions for the Whole Family
Dartington Crystal
Famous for its high-quality glass items, Dartington Crystal’s factory is an amazing place to visit to see how the experts make such amazing products. The visitor centre is now open where you can learn about the story of Dartington Crystal, see the experts at work and even give some craft activities a go yourself. The site also has a shop where you can purchase Dartington glass along with some other great baking/cooking items. Although they are open they do have restricted opening times and some activities are not available so please check their website here for more information.
Quince Honey Farm
Although the main attraction at Quince Honey Farm is not open the gardens, restaurant and shop are, so if you would like a good place for a cup of coffee, a stroll around some pretty gardens and a good look through a well-stocked gift shop head to Quince Honey Farm. To read more about them click here.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
If you are looking for something a little different to do with the family then head to the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. It is the world’s highest and steepest railway which is completely water-powered. The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and as you head up or down you get to witness stunning coastal views. There is a Cliff Top Cafe which offers delicious cream teas to be enjoyed before heading back down. For more information click here.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog, if however it wasn’t quite what you were looking for give the reads of our blogs a read here.
Welcome back to all our lovely readers. The other week we brought you a blog all about some of the beautiful walks you can enjoy on Dartmoor. Well, this week we wanted to talk to you about Devon’s other fantastic National Park, Exmoor. Exploring Exmoor is a fantastic activity to do while on holiday in Devon this year. It is peaceful, relaxing and a great way to explore the stunning countryside that makes up Devon and Exmoor. Unlike Dartmoor, Exmoor is a little softer in looks, it is made of moor, farmland, woodlands, rivers and coastline.
Lynmouth National Trust Circular Walk, Exmoor
One of the most famous Exmoor walks will be that of the Lynmouth circular walk via Watersmeet. Lynmouth is a stunning fishing village, sandwiched in the middle of Exmoor. The sweet town is filled with fantastic, boutique shops and food places which makes it a fantastic tourist spot. Lynmouth also has the twin town of Lynton which sits 500ft above. Lynton is another picturesque village and you can get there from Lynmouth by the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. This alone is a great family activity and a stunning way to see beautiful views over Lynmouth. For those wanting to feel the waves between their toes, there is a small pebbled beach at Lynmouth which you can walk along. However, for those wanting to get their walking boots out, there is a brilliant circular route that goes via Watersmeet. Starting in Lynmouth you begin your ascent up the North Devon Coastline, providing you with some beautiful views, before turning into the rolling farmland and finally into woodland where you will find Watersmeet. This is a National Trust site which serves tea, coffee and food. The walk continues to meander following the river back to Lynmouth.
Tarr Steps, Exmoor
Another one of Exmoor walks that has been enjoyed by many is that of Tarr Steps. It is Famous for its ‘Clapper Bridge’ which is the longest and oldest of its kind in Great Britain, dating back hundreds if not thousands of years! There are two walks that can be enjoyed at Tarr Steps depending on your energy levels! There is a short circular route which takes you across the river, around some of the beautiful woodland that surrounds the Tarr Steps and then back over the river using the Clapper Bridge. For those feeling a little bit more adventurous, there is a longer circular route to be enjoyed. Starting at the lovely pub situated at Tarr Steps, you walk right down the Tarr Steps, following the river for around 2 miles. You will reach an area of open grassland where you want to turn right across the grassland and into the woods. Continue on this path and through several gates until you reach Withypool. Pass the Royal Oak Inn, or even pop in for a half-way drink and then cross over the Withypool bridge. You will walk uphill towards Hawkridge which will provide you with stunning views of Exmoor. Keep walking until you reach Westwater Farm before turning onto the path signalled Tarr Steps.
Valley of the Rocks, Exmoor
One of the Exmoor walks which showcases the moors stunning, rugged coastline is the Valley of The Rocks. The theory suggests that the River Lyne used to go through the valley but then changed its course to reach the sea at Lynmouth. There are several spots where you can stop and go for a climb to enjoy the stunning views over the sea. However, one walk to be enjoyed starts at the Exmoor National Park car park at the eastern entrance to the valley. Once parked you cross the road and follow the footpath directly ahead which follows the western section of Hollerday Hill. The path will reach a T-juntion at which you will turn left and stroll along the South West Coast Path with stunning views of the sea to the right. During your walk along the coastline, you may spot a feral goat or two! During the walk, you will reach a roundabout style spot where you can descend down a path to a secluded shingle beach, the perfect spot for a picnic. Back on the path, you will descend towards Lee Abbey, steer left from the mansion and start a gentle incline, as you approach a woodland,take a sharp left and follow along the bridle path. When you reach a switchback, leave the bridleway and go straight ahead along a trail that zig-zags through the heather to join a path leading east above South Cleave. Stay on this path and it will lead back to the car park where you started.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed this blog and have been inspired to grab your walking boots and head out onto Exmoor. If you want to learn more about our accommodation click here, or alternatively read our previous blog about walks on Dartmoor.
The UK has lots of amazing locations to escape for a great holiday, but there is something about Devon that is just magical. We might be biased as the people who live here, but we feel there is nowhere better. Don’t believe us? Well then take a read of our blog to discover why Devon might be next on your holiday list.
The Accommodation
Firstly, here at Devon Farm Holidays, we provide some extremely high-quality, comfortable holiday accommodation. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation, we have a wide selection, from single cottages secluded on their own to holiday venues which have several cottages, a perfect choice for a big family holiday. Additionally, here at Devon Farm Holidays, we have a range of beautiful Bed and Breakfasts, all with comfortable rooms and delicious farmhouse breakfasts. Finally, we even have some camping spots for those who would like to get the family camping this year for something different.
The Beaches
When it comes to beach holidays and beach days, you cannot get any better than Devon. It has such a variety of beaches across every coastline, which makes it the perfect destination for the whole family. In North Devon, you have the surfing beaches, perfect for the adventurous ones in the family or an activity couples break. The likes of Croyde, Woolacombe and Putsborough are great spots or even Saunton Sands for the longboarders. However, there are areas on Woolacombe, Putsborough and Saunton Sands that are calmer and just right for those just looking for a dip in the sea. Finally, if you are on a family holiday, then Westward Ho! Is a must stop with its big stone wall, long sandy beach and of course the arcade. Then on the East coast, you have the dramatic Jurassic coastline, with its sharp lines and gentle seas. Enjoy beaches such as Branscombe and Sandy Bay as well as Seaton and Beer Beach. They all boast long stretches, gentle waves and great places to explore.
The Countryside
A great bonus about Devon is that you could be on the beach in the morning and by the afternoon you could be walking through woodlands or moorland. Everything is relatively close to each other in Devon, yet still provides a feeling of space. Although Devon has some of the most amazing beaches, its countryside does not like to be outdone. In Devon, we are blessed with the green rolling hills, dense woodlands and of course the famous Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. If you want to get out into the countryside and explore, then there are lots of great walks available. Lynton & Lynmouth have an amazing Exmoor walk, starting in the village before rising onto the cliffs, bending round into the countryside, before descending into the woodland and strolling back by the river, not before enjoying a scrumptious coffee and cake at the National Trust Cafe! Another great moorland walk is of course on Dartmoor and is the Lydford Gorge, a place where you can enjoy a good walk, with several routes for different abilities and come face to face with an amazing and powerful waterfall. For those wanting a walk with extraordinary sea views then Salcombe to Hope Cove in South Devon is a must. You can catch a ferry from Salcombe and you can walk straight up the beautiful valley at Mill Bay, this then opens up as you reach the top and start the lovely walk to Prawl.
The Farms
As our name suggests, many of our holiday accommodation providers are situated on farms. For many people and as our previous guests have told us this is a brilliant addition to a holiday. Many of our guests have the chance to meet the animals, go on farm tours, learn about the profession and even feed the animals. For children it is wonderful, you can see it light up their face as they meet lambs in the spring or feed chickens in the autumn. For adults, many of the previous guests have found it interesting to learn about the animals and the farmers.
The Gardens
Many of the gardens are now open and welcoming visitors but do check to see if you need to book in advance. When it comes to gardens, you are spoilt for choice in Devon. There is a range of National Trust and RHS gardens to choose from. Up first is the famous RHS Rosemoor Gardens, a stunning garden which boasts a variety of planting and has a shepherd’s hut for takeaway tea and coffee and the lovely garden centre section is also open. For East Devon a must-visit is the Bicton Botanical Gardens, it has over 64 acres to explore. The main highlight of the garden, however, is the tropical house with its 18,000 panes of glass which was built 20 years before Kew Gardens! Finally, if you are visiting South Devon then head to Killerton House. It has a fantastic selection of mature trees which makes it the perfect garden for those who love trees.
The Attractions
Many of the attractions in Devon are very excited to have opened their doors to visitors once again. However, please be aware that each will have individual restrictions so please take a look at their website before attending. Many attractions are requesting guests to pre-book online before arrival. Devon has a variety of attractions, from roller coaster rides for the children to craft making for the adults. In North Devon, you have the likes of The Big Sheep Family Attraction, Dartmoor Zoo and the Milky Way which are perfect for a fun-filled day with the children. For the adults, you can head to Quince Honey Farm to learn all about the life of bees or ride the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff railway which is opening on the 18th July. If you are visiting South or East Devon, Crealy is another excellent activity centre for children. Alternatively, for the whole family, you could head to Paignton Zoo or Pennywell Farm, again many are requesting pre-bookings online before attending. For the adults, you could head to Devons Gin School in Dartington and create your very own unique bottle of gin!
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed this blog and can now understand why we think Devon is the best place to come away on holiday (we may be a little biased). For more information on what else you can get up to in Devon be sure to keep up to date with our blog. Alternatively, for information on our accommodation head to our website. Also when you book with Devon Farm Holidays you book direct with the accommodation. Which means no booking fees!
With many of our Holiday Accommodation providers opening up on the 4th of July, lots of us will be looking to get some holidays booked in. However, you might be thinking – what can we do while away on holiday? Well, here in Devon you are spoilt with an abundance of outdoor activities including wonderful walks. This week we wanted to share with you some of the amazing walks or cycle routes for you and your family can enjoy on Dartmoor.
The Granite Way
The Granite Way is a beautiful cycle or walking route that starts at Okehampton in Devon. The walk stretches to 11 miles, but you can choose to turn back at any point that suits you. It is a flat route that wheelchair users can access. It is widely enjoyed due to its fantastic views of Dartmoor and named the ‘Granite Way’ due to the abundance of granite formations you see along the way that makes Dartmoor so famous. The route largely follows the old Southern Railway line towards Lydford.
Princetown Audio Walks
For something a little different, you can enjoy a guided audio walk across Princetown, Dartmoor. It is a 6-mile circular walk starting from the High Moorland Visitor Centre, taking you through moorland to an aqueduct, a waterfall and past Bronze Age settlements. At each stopping point, the audio will provide you with history and information on the area.
Dartmoor Llama Walks
If you fancy some company with you on your walk around Dartmoor then head over to the Dartmoor Llama walk and enjoy walking with a Llama! The Dartmoor Llama Walks provide guided walks with their Llamas. Set in the stunning location of the Dartmoor National Park, they have 6 Llamas and travel across the moorland, granite tors and farmland for an all-round fantastic trip out. Plus there is no need to carry your own pack lunch as the experience Llamas do that bit for you!
White Tor
Exploring one of Dartmoor’s Tor is a must for the keen walkers amongst us. This walk is a little more challenging than the previous ones but worth it for the stunning, panoramic views of Dartmoor once you reach the top. The White Tor stands above the Tavy valley, and its summit includes stone structures that were assumed to be part of an Iron Age fort but now are thought to be more likely a Neolithic enclosure! The walk begins at the Pork Hill car park on the B3357 and heads for Staple Tor, then onto the nearby Roos Tor and then across moorland to the Langstone Moor stone circle. From here you will start your ascent to the summit of White Tor.
Potter’s Walk
If you are looking for a gentle stroll then the Potter’s Walk at Fernworthy Reservoir is a great choice. The walk is only 0.75 miles and starts in the Fernworthy Reservoir car park. The route is mostly flat and does not include any steps, gates or styles. There are also great spots to sit and rest or even have a picnic and enjoy the surroundings.
Haytor
Finally, Haytor is another lovely location to get outside and enjoy the countryside. The Tor itself is an impressive site with huge granite formations, while the area posts an abundance of different walks to be enjoyed. These include the Haytor Audoi walk, an 18 mile Templer Way trail and more.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and have discovered some interesting activities you can do if you come on holiday to Devon. For more information on our holiday accommodation options please click here.
Welcome back to our lovely readers, we hope you are all well. We are still all feeling a little lost without our guests at the moment but cannot wait to welcome you all back to Devon. In the meantime, we hope you are enjoying our blogs and we hope it provides you with a little glimpse into Devon virtually. In fact, if you have not already, you should give last week’s blog a read, where we teach you how to make bird feeders so that you can connect with nature in your garden. Click here to read. This week we are back with another delicious recipe for you to try at home which has been provided to us by East Hook Holiday Cottages.
Who are East Hook Holiday Cottages?
East Hook Holiday Cottages is a stunning holiday cottage site located near to Okehampton in Devon. It has three lovely holiday cottages including the Meadow Sweet which sleeps four. It has a cosy sitting room and a country-style kitchen and an additional dining room, perfect for family meals.
The Daisy Cottage is the largest of the cottages, sleeping seven. The cottage is over 300 years old and is a true Devon country cottage with exposed beams and charm.
The final cottage is the Clover. Another stunning 300 year old Devon country cottage with its original thatch. The cottage includes a spacious, well-equipped kitchen, a cosy living room, a downstairs bathroom and three bedrooms which can sleep up to seven people.
If you want to learn more about East Hook Holiday Cottages and what they have to offer, click here.
East Hook Holiday Cottages Recipe of Choice
East Hook Holiday Cottages wanted to share with you a recipe that they describe as ‘So simple, so delicious, so Devon! Westcountry Junket’.
Ruth the owner of East Hook Holiday Cottages said, ‘ The Westcountry summer dessert of junket has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. When I was growing up my Mother made it, as soon as my father brought in the warm milk, in the milking bucket, straight from the cow. Back then the first thing she did was to strain it through a muslin cloth, to ensure it was ready to use. It was the staple dessert for summer Sunday dinner’.
The Ingredients
1 pint of full cream milk
2 oz. of caster sugar
2 dessert spoons of Essence of Rennet
Small amount of Nutmeg
Ruth purchased her Essence of Rennet from Waitrose but it can be found in some health shops and online.
The Method
Put the sugar and the milk in a saucepan and warm to 37 degrees C. If you do not have a cooking thermometer you can guess. You want the milk just warm enough to dissolve the sugar.
Take off and pour into a pre-warmed serving dish of your choice.
Add two dessert spoonfuls of Rennet and stir three times clockwise and then half anti-clockwise.
Grate nutmeg on the top and stand aside to cool and set.
Once cool enjoy topped with Devon clotted cream.
Further Information
We hope you have enjoyed today’s blog and recipe. If you decide to give it a go for yourself be sure to tag us in your finished dishes using the tag @devonfarms for Facebook or @devonfarmholidays for Instagram. Alternatively, feel free to email it to our social team at socialmedia@devonfarms.co.uk.
If you want to learn more about East Hook Holiday Cottages click here.
Hi everyone! Welcome back to our weekly blog here at Devon Farm Holidays. We hope you are all keeping well. Although many shops have opened this week and more people are beginning to start more ‘normal’ work routines there are many of us still at home, whether that is furloughed, working from home or even homeschooling children. Additionally, even for those of us that have gone back to work it is far from normal and brings its own difficulties. Whatever your current situation there is no denying that things can feel a little stressful. One way to combat that stress is to get outdoors with nature. This is something that all our accommodation providers feel is a great way to relax and take some time. When you sit in your outside space you notice the wildlife moving around you and that includes the wonderful birds we have here in the UK. Bird watching is something that attracts lots of people love to come to Devon to do but today we wanted to share with you a way to attract more birds right to your own door. This is through making your own bird feeders with helpful advice from the RSPB.
What you need to make bird feeders
Mixed seeds
Mealworms
Nuts (unsalted)
Raisins
Hard Cheese
Mixing Bowl
Scissors
String
Moulds (old yoghurt pots are a great choice)
Lard
How to make your bird feeders
Step One – Get your mould or yoghurt pot and make a small hole in the middle. Thread the string through the hole and tie a knot large enough to make sure the mould/yoghurt pot does not slip through the string. Make sure you leave enough string to be able to tie the feeder to where you would like it in your garden. When you are happy with the length cut the string.
Step Two – Next you want to make sure your lard is at room temperature, but not melted as it will be too difficult to use. Cut your lard into squares and put it into the mixing bowl.
Step Three – Chop up your hard cheese into small squares, then add to your mixing bowl. Add the other ingredients (mixed seeds, mealworms nuts, raisins). Next mix all the ingredients together with your fingertips. Keep adding seeds, raisins and cheese to the mixture until the fat holds together. Be warned things can get quite sticky and most definitely fun for children!
Step Four – Fill your moulds/yoghurt pots with the mixture and place in the fridge to set for around an hour or so. Then simply hang your feeders in your garden and watch the variety of birds appear.
Share your feeders with us
When you have made your feeder you can record it as completed on the RSPB website, follow the link below to learn more.
We would also love to see your finished bird feeders so be sure to tag us in your social posts. For Facebook use the tag @devonfarms and for Instagram use the tag @devonfarmholidays.
