This month, we are focusing our attention on two local villages, to give you an insight to the variety of things they have to offer, and where best to stay when visiting the area!
Whimple
Whimple is a lovely village largely centred round the 19th century village square and rebuilt Norman church. Located just 9 miles from Exeter and 3 miles from Ottery St Mary, it was listed in the Doomsday book as ‘Winpla’.
With two pubs, a village shop, post office and primary school, Whimple is surrounded by apple orchards and once boasted the largest cyder apple orchards in the world. Because of this, Whimple hosts an annual Wassail festival, an ancient tradition of apples, cider and cake which unsurprisingly attracts visitors from all over the country!
Strete Ralegh Farm is a great place to stay for visiting Whimple – it is a grade 2 listed Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast. Strete Ralegh has a livery yard on site with 5 star facilities which home dressage horses who are South West regional champions.
All the food served on the farm is locally sourced, and also includes Anthea’s home grown tomatoes and fresh fruit. She prides herself on her cooked breakfasts!
With varied scenery and plenty of fresh country air, Strete Ralegh farm is perfectly located for not only enjoying Whimple, but also visiting the moors and the nearby coastline.
Strete Ralegh Farm
01404 822464
Stoodleigh
The village of Stoodleigh is a lively community with a wide range of events going on throughout the year. Easter markets in the Village Hall, Summer fun days, Autumn markets and Christmas festivals. It also has a variety of visiting musicians at the friendly local pub, and so there is never a shortage of things to do and see!
Stoodleigh sits mid-way between the north and south Devon coasts and is 6 miles from the bustling market town of Tiverton.
The National Trust venue Knighthayes Court is nearby with acres of glorious gardens and parklands.
When visiting Stoodleigh a perfect place to stay is Quoit-at-Cross Farm, a beautiful 17th Century Family Farmhouse which is based in the centre of the village. They have a variety of animals on the farm, including sheep, cattle, alpacas, ponies and their pet dog.
Linda serves a wide range of delicious breakfasts including local fruit, cereals, salmon and scrambled eggs as well as her famous farm house brekkie.
The farm has also diversified into producing Pig Pods which are an unusual, cosy alternative to traditional camping – well worth a look!
There is so much to offer when staying here, and Linda has a wealth of knowledge about the local area having grown up here. The rugged coastline, beautiful countryside as well as the moors and valleys, you will be sure to return again and again!
Quoit-at-Cross
01398 351280
This month, our #FarmhouseFood recipe comes from Linda at Quiot-at-Cross farm. It is a delicious marble cake, perfect for your Easter weekend.
