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The Webbery Guide to North Devon

Welcome to Webbery! Just by coming here you are already in on one of the best kept

secrets in British tourism - our North Devon homeland. The enduring charm of this

beautiful area is in large part a product of the relative isolation it enjoyed until the

Link Road was opened in the late 1980s. Rumour has it that the first avocado pears

were seen in Barnstaple shops within a couple of days of its opening!

Here you will find an old-world charm that has sadly largely disappeared from the rest

of the country. There are many lonely places where you can totally escape the tumult

of modern life to find true rural peace and tranquillity. There are no Cities or large

Towns in North Devon. To put things into perspective, Barnstaple is our regional

capital but still has a population of only some 23,000 people. Yet the best of

civilisation is not far away, with a range of good places to eat, shop and patronise the

arts.

We have prepared this little guide as an introduction to what the region has to offer. It

can, at best, only be limited in scope as there is so much more to North Devon than

we can possibly describe in these few pages.

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Dining Out in the North Devon Area

Restaurants

Andrews on the Weir

Porlock weir

Somerset

TA248PB

Tel: +44 (0)1643 863 300

Actually in Somerset on the other side of Exmoor about 20 minutes drive from

Lynmouth. This is a serious foodie’s restaurant overlooking the small harbour at

Porlock Weir where chef Andrew Dixon provides beautifully prepared and presented

food using local produce. The restaurant is in the former home of the mother of a

friend of mine and has a cosy atmosphere. There is a very nice woodland walk from

the Weir up to the ancient and tiny church at Culbone. Just the thing to burn off a few

calories after a good lunch! Booking recommended.

Broomhill Art Hotel

Muddiford, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 4EX

01271 850 362

Award winning restaurant with menu based around Mediterranean cuisine, using

organic, Fairtrade & fresh produce from six neighbouring farms

The Old Custom House

9 The Strand, Barnstaple North Devon EX31 1EU

01271 370123

Riverside restaurant recently re-opened under the ownership of chef James Duckett.

Provides food of the quality to be found in a top London restaurant at a fraction of the

price. Menu changes daily to reflect availability of local produce. Al fresco dining on

the Quay in Summer. Booking advised.

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Decks Restauant,

Marine Parade

Instow, Devon, EX39 4JJ

01271 860671

Hatton Croft, Marine Parade, Instow, North Devon EX39 4JJ

01271 860671

Seafood speciality restaurant right on the Front at Instow. Fantastic views of the sun

setting over the sea on Spring and Summer evenings. Upstairs dining room decked out

like a ship. Al fresco dining on outdoor terrace at the front. Booking recommended.

East of the Water

2, Barnstaple Street East-the-Water, Bideford

Tel: 01237 425329

Chinese cooking as you have never tasted it before. Former riverside pub converted

into a restaurant serving Chinese “home cooked” food with an emphasis on seafood

dishes. Very good wine list at sensible prices. Highly recommended. This place is

very popular with the locals so be sure to book!

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Han Court Chinese Restaurant

Main Road, Fremington, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 2NX

01271 373 865

Excellent Cantonese & Peking cuisine. A wide choice of speciality, fresh seafood

dishes & set menus. All dishes are freshly cooked to order. 99% MSG Free. Friendly

personal service from the owner.

High Bullen Hotel, Golf & Country Club

High Bullen Chittlehamholt, Umberleigh, North Devon, EX37 9HD

01769 540561

Dine surrounded by breathtaking county views in the Pavilion Brasserie or hotel

restaurant and during the summer months on the terrace or in the secluded hotel

courtyard. A unique family-run country house hotel with first rate leisure facilities.

Honey Moon Chinese & Thai Restaurant

3 The Strand, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 1EU

01271 329800

Authentic Chinese and Thai cuisine.

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Lemongrass Thai Restaurant

30 Caen Street, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1AA

01271 813633

Freshly cooked authentic Thai food using only the best local produce. Fully licensed

with a range of good wines from around the world

The Mason’s Arms

Mark & Sarah Dodson, The Masons Arms, Knowstone, Devon, EX36 4RY

01398 341231

Renowned Michelin starred restaurant in a 13th Century village pub at Knowstone.

About 40 minutes drive from Webbery, but well worth it. Mark was head chef at the

Waterside Inn for many years and provides consistently wonderful food at sensible

prices using the best of local produce. Booking recommended.

Memories Restaurant

8 Fore Street, Northam, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1AW

01237 473419

Small is beautiful! Winner of best restaurant in North Devon award. Chef-patron Brett

provides innovative, constantly changing menus utilising excellent local produce,

while wife Naomi runs front of house. Brett is a keen fisherman and you will often be

eating his catch of the day! The restaurant is air-conditioned and offers an intimate

atmosphere. Our personal favourite. Booking essential.

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Mortehoe Shellfish

Kinevor House, North Morte Road, Mortehoe, North Devon, EX34 7EE

01271 870633

A real fish and seafood experience. The spectacular evening platter with whole

lobster, crab and 12 varieties of seafood is not to be missed.

Northcote Manor Country House Hotel

Burrington, Umberleigh, North Devon, EX37 9LZ

01769 560501

Phansit’s Kitchen

9 Grenville Street, Bideford, EX39 2EA 01237 429942

Frankly the best Thai Restaurant we have ever visited outside Thailand. Chef-patron

Phansit is from the island of Koh Samui and settled in North Devon because it

reminded him of home. Wonderfully authentic Thai cooking using fresh local

produce. The restauarant has no alcohol licence, so just bring your own wine or beer

for a very reasonable corkage charge. An absolute gem. Booking recommended.

The Quay

11 The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQT Tel: 01271 868090

Damien Hirst’s award winning restaurant and bistro on the harbour side at Ilfracombe.

Highly recommended.

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Saunton Sands Hotel

Saunton, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LQ

01271 890212

The Saunton Sands Hotel offers one of the most spectacular dinning experiences in

the County. Standing in an elevated position it offers unique views directly along

miles of sandy beach. Contemporary and traditional cuisine using locally sourced

produce. High quality establishment with an emphasis on service. Al fresco lunches

on the sun-trap terrace are a particular treat. We regularly cycle there from Webbery.

Weirmarsh Farm Restaurant

Weirmarsh Farm, Umberleigh, North Devon, EX37 9BE

01769 560338

Novel dining experience in a relaxed farmhouse atmosphere using quality local

produce. Pre booking is essential. Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings. Open

weekdays for lunch

Yeoldon House Hotel

Durrant Lane, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2RL

01271 474400

Newly refurbished Soyer's Restaurant at the Yeoldon House Hotel, lends a casual

elegance to a unique dinning experience. Good place for Sunday lunch

Zena’s Restaurant

Unit 1, Market Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1BX

01271 378844

Highly recommended bistro style restaurant in the centre of Barnstaple next to the

Pannier Market. Food has a Carribean/Mediterranean focus.

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Cafés and Tea Shops

The Corn Dolly Tea Shop

115a East Street, South Molton , North Devon, EX36 3DB

01769 574269

This delightful tea shop, which has won awards of excellence from the Tea Guide in

2004 & 2005, provides a delicious range of meals & snacks throughout the day. The

best local produce is used. Fantastic coffee! A favourite of ours.

The Quay Café

Fremington Quay, Fremington, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 2NH

01271473355

This award winning, family-run café located in a renovated railway station on the

Tarka Trail right on the Eastern bank of the River Taw Estuary. The visitor book says

"Wonderful locally sourced food, friendly staff, great music & fantastic views." We

agree with every word! Bike Trail cycle hire is next door.

The Sand Cats

2 Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1LH

01237 425371

Award winning café open all year round from 10am serving home made cakes, jacket

potatoes, main meals, all day breakfasts, Sunday roasts and evening menu. Will

certainly get your taste buds purring.

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Pubs

The Beaver Inn

Irsha Street, Appledore, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1RY

01237 474822

Riverside pub & restaurant with stunning estuary views across to instow. Good food

with an emphasis on local fish. Steaks and vegetarian options. Live music- home to

North Devon Jazz Club. Children welcome. Al fresco eating and drinking on riverside

terrace.

The Black Venus

Challacombe, Barnstaple North Devon, EX31 4TT

Tel: 01598 763251

Delightful 16th Century Inn in a beautiful valley setting in the Exmoor National Park.

(Challacombe is the highest parish in North Devon) Excellent home cooked food, well

kept local ales and a decent range of highly palatable wines available by the glass.

Mark and Liz are extremely convivial hosts. Highly recommended particularly if you

are having a day out on Exmoor, well worth a detour if you are not.

The Boathouse Pub and Restaurant

Marine Parade, Instow

01271 861292

Food-focused pub with adjacent restaurant in converted boathouse on the front at

Instow. Pub very family-friendly. Battered haddock and chips especially

recommended.

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The Hunter’s Inn

Newton Tracey

01271 858894

Our “local” pub which you probably passed on the way to Webbery as you negotiated

the tight bend at Newton Tracey. Under new ownership but we have had some good

reports about the food. Cosy country pub with open fires.

The Grove Inn

Kings Nympton, Umberleigh, North Devon, EX37 9ST

01769 580406

North Devon's Best Pub 2005. A 17th century thatched pub with heavily beamed

ceilings and stone fireplaces set in the middle of an award winning village in the

famous Tarka country.

The Old Smithy Inn

Welcombe, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 6HG

01288 331305

Award winning thatched pub with gardens situated in a most delightful village just

one mile from the sea. serving delicious contemporary coastal cuisine, fresh fish and

homemade pizza. An absolute gem!

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The Rock Inn

Rock Hill, Georgeham ,North Devon EX33 1JW

Tel: 01271 890 322

This 17th Century Inn located in a pretty village close to Croyde Bay was the favourite

watering-hole of author and local resident Henry Williamson (Tarka the Otter etc).

Excellent home-cooked food with well kept beers and a decent selection of wines.

Well worth a visit.

The Royal George

Irsha Street, Appledore

01237 474335

Traditional pub serving very good food with an emphasis on local fish. Dining room

offers panoramic views over the Torridge estuary towards Instow.

The Westleigh Inn

Westleigh, North Devon EX39 4NL

Tel: 01271 860867

Charming 15th Century pub in village occupying a commanding position above the

Torridge Estuary between Bideford and Instow. Easy access from the Tarka trail.

Excellent food cooked with ability and care. Large beer garden with Estuary views.

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Places to Visit

There are too many treasures in North Devon to list them all in this small guide, so

what follows is just a selection. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for more information if

you need it.

Appledore

Appledore, situated where the River Torridge & River Taw flow into the Atlantic is

steeped in maritime tradition. Appledore has been a thriving port since it was settled

by the Cistercian monks in the 14th Century and before that, the Anglo-Saxons fished

from its shores.

Appledore is a historian’s delight, with watch towers, look-outs, a smugglers tunnel,

fishermen's cottages, captains' houses and a quay overlooking the confluence of the

two rivers. Away from the quay the narrow streets, hidden lanes and cobbled

courtyards preserve the intriguing history and transport the imagination back through

the centuries.

Probably the oldest existing building in Appledore is Docton House which was built

by the monks and occupied by them until about 1540. It is thought to have been a

“rest house” for pilgrims on the way to Hartland Abbey. The area’s maritime history

is well documented and preserved in the North Devon Maritime Museum in Odun

Road at the top of the village.

Mostly a conservation area, Appledore is close to the South West Coast Path and

beautiful safe beaches for surfing, swimming and sandcastles. Also, nearby is the

Northam Burrows Country Park, home to the oldest 18 hole links golf course in

England.

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Try the locally-produced Hockings Ice cream – Worlds apart from the mass-produced

rubbish we so often have to contend with.

Barnstaple

Barnstaple is the commercial capital of the North Devon region and combines

sophisticated shopping with the bustling atmosphere of markets and speciality shops.

The modern Green Lanes Shopping Centre compliments the traditional Pannier and

Craft Markets held since 1855 in the Pannier Market Hall. Around every corner there

are pretty little alleys and courtyards, as well as the unusual Butchers Row, a line of

open fronted shops selling speciality foods from meat and fish to laver and traditional

clotted cream.

This attractive market town is the oldest and largest town in North Devon, nestling in

the Taw valley on the other side of the estuary which the Saxons first settled in

Barnstaple (Barum) over 1000 years ago.

The medieval Long Bridge, crossing the tidal River Taw was thought to have been

built in the 12th and 13th centuries and in Litchdon Street are the Penrose Almshouses

built in the early 17th century. The Merchants Walk and the bottom of Cross Street

are believed to have been built during the reign of Charles II. The recommended way

to explore historic Barnstaple is to follow the Heritage Trail starting at the Barnstaple

Heritage Centre. Many significant buildings along the trail are each marked with

commemorative plaques.

Bideford

The Victorian novelist Charles Kingsley described Bideford as "The Little White

Town which slopes upward from its broad river tide ". Indeed, little has changed from

when Kingsley lived in the area nearly 150 years ago; much of its architecture and

historic associations are still with us. Kingsley's statue, located adjacent to the Tourist

Information Centre, serves as a permanent reminder of this famous resident and the

time he spent here writing part of his well-known novel Westward Ho!

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Today, Bideford is both a thriving market town and a working port visited by ships

flying the flags of many nations. Amongst the many buildings and places of interest

is the historic covered Pannier Market, dating from 1883, which holds a market every

Tuesday and Saturday. Modern shopping facilities, however, coexist happily with the

history. The town boasts an eclectic mix of pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants together

with a broad range of visitor attractions for all ages.

Compact, accessible and with good parking facilities, Bideford manages to blend

tradition and heritage with sensible and planned development in a way that ensures

that this little white town remains a unique experience for every visitor!

Braunton and Saunton

The village of Braunton is situated on the A361 between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe,

at the crossroads of the main coastal road to the fine sandy beaches of Saunton and

Croyde. The nearby UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Braunton Burrows boasts over

3,000 hectares of North Devon landscape and has been formally recognised by the

UN as Britain's first new-style Biosphere. The Biosphere has Braunton Burrows at its

core but stretches out to include Braunton Marshes and Great Field, Northam

Burrows, the Taw/Torridge estuary and as far as Croyde Dunes and Kipling Tors.

Braunton lays claim to be the largest village in England and its old part of contains

narrow ancient streets where cob-walled cottages may still be found. The local shops

offer a good selection of local produce, together with antiques, gift & craft items.

There is also that rarity of the modern age – a free car park!. A large number of surf

shops in the village sell and hire equipment for use at the nearby beaches and

Braunton is also a centre for the manufacture of Wet Suits and Surf Boards. There is a

good selection of pubs and restaurants including an extremely popular Fish and Chip

Restaurant and Take Away, which has won an award for Best Fish & Chip Shop in

the South West. An Art & Craft Centre and a new Heritage Centre complete the

picture.

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Breathtaking Saunton Sands stretches as far as the eye can see. It is backed by

Braunton Burrows which is now the centre of the Biosphere Reserve, which is

considered to be of international significance because of the diversity and abundance

of rare plants and its continuous human use from ancient times.

Although there are 400 other Biosphere Reserves world-wide (including the area

around Mount Vesuvius in Italy and the Danube Delta in Eastern Europe) ours is the

first in the UK and likely to be the only one in the South-West. Renowned for its

outstanding beauty, the beach plays host to many activities such as sand yachting,

surfing and kite flying, and has been used as a location for many film, video and

television productions.

Located nearby is the famous Saunton Golf Club with its magnificent 18 hole

championship standard links courses. Golf has been played at Saunton for more than

100 years and the East course, redesigned in 1919 by the famous W. Herbert Fowler,

has remained essentially unchanged since that date. The newer West course was

originally built in the mid-thirties but was lost as a battle training ground during the

Second World War.

Brendon

The Brendon Valley is an outstandingly beautiful valley cut over the millennia by the

East Lyn River as it twists and turns before tumbling into the sea at Lynmouth.. The

area boasts magnificent specimens of Exmoor wildlife and plants, as well as

breathtaking scenery. This is archetypal Doone Country; the little church at Oare was

the setting of Lorna Doone’s shooting in R.D. Blackmore's famous novel.

Shortly after leaving Lynmouth travelling towards Malmsmead you will come first to

Brendon Church at 700ft amsl, which is still some distance from the village of

Brendon itself. The church was built and restored in the 18th and 19th centuries and

has a Norman font. It was moved literally stone by stone from Cheriton.

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Brendon remains an unspoilt Exmoor village steeped in history nestling in the tranquil

valley of the East Lyn river immortalised by Blackmoor in his novel. Open moor land

spreads upwards from the river valley rising to the mighty cliffs of the Bristol

Channel. The East Lyn is the river of my boyhood adventures. Many an hour have I

spent with my fly-rod stalking salmon and sea trout in its deep pools – taught by the

local poacher who always knew where the finest fish were lurking.

I could write a book about our poacher and the love-hate relationship he enjoyed with

the local water-bailiff. Taken to court by the former for illegal fishing more than once

he inevitably declined to pay his fines and would be sent by the local beaks to Exeter

prison to purge his contempt. On the day that he was released who was always there

to pick him up and drive him home ? – you’ve guessed – the water-bailiff!

Country life being what it was in those days of (relative) innocence our man

supplemented his income by supplying the local hostelries with fish with no, or at

least very few, questions being asked about its provenance. He always had the best

specimens around. One particular Inn had a special code understood only by the locals

to be used when our man had delivered a couple of leviathans snatched from the river

within an hour or two hours of a spate. When “ordinary” fish was on offer the

landlord would write “poached Lyn salmon” on the menu. When our man’s fish was

on the menu he wrote the code words “Lyn poached salmon”. That subtle change

would bring the locals in to dine from far and wide. I once sat in the dining room of

that pub with my parents watching the water-bailiff tuck into a very large plate of our

man’s salmon. I always speculated that he might have had his own Enigma machine.

Clovelly

This picture-postcard fishing villages clings to a steep hillside on the North Devon

coast. Its colourful, flower bedecked cottages line the main stepped, cobbled street on

such a steep incline that you can almost see down the chimney of the cottage below!

Visitors to Clovelly manage the steep cobbled streets to the ancient harbour on foot as

traffic is banned from the village. The only other form of transport are sledges, which

are used to deliver weekly supplies to the community.

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There are a wide range of facilities in the village that will enhance the enjoyment of

your visit. There is the award winning Clovelly Centre which includes a gift shop,

picnic area and self service restaurant. In the village you will find the New Inn and the

Fisherman"s Museum and Charles Kingsley Exhibition. In addition, the Clovelly

Pottery and the Silk Shop are open seasonally.

There is a small entrance charge to the village covering parking which contributes to

the upkeep of Clovelly.

Croyde and Georgeham

Croyde Village dates back to pre Saxon times and is one of the prettiest villages in

Devon with many thatched cottages. Croyde is named after the Norse Raider Crydda

who landed in Croyde Bay, and each year the village celebrates its Viking origins

with a Viking Festival held in June.

The village is well known for its ice cream and clotted cream shops, and there are

many cafes and pubs serving traditional local food.

Croyde is also home to the Rock and Gem Museum which contains a unique

collection of rocks, gems and shells from all over the world.

Georgeham can be found on a little coastal road near Croyde, south of Ilfracombe. It

was noted only as "Ham" in the Domesday Book. The church in the village is

dedicated to St. George and was rebuilt in 1876. There are signs of a church having

existed in 1261 and a 13th century font was discovered in 1967. The church contains

an interesting effigy of a medieval knight thought to be a local landowner.

Encompassing the churchyard is Millie's Cottage (featured in a BBC documentary of

the area) built in 1678 by Ian Fletcher for his wife Elizabeth (Millie).

Henry Williamson, author of "Tarka the Otter" (and many other books) lived in

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Georgeham in Skirr Cottage which is now a private dwelling. He also had a hut at

Oxford Cross which he used when he needed solitude for his writing.

Hartland

On the extreme West of North Devon is the large unspoilt parish of Hartland with

contrasting moors and delightful wooded valleys; towering cliffs rise dramatically

above the rugged coastline hiding secluded bays.

A sizeable village has developed around the square where St John's Chapel, with its

ancient town clock was built on the site of the old market and town hall. St John's is

now home for the town band and the male voice choir.

There are various craft workshops in the village with occasional art and craft fayres in

the Parish Hall. Across a sheltered valley is the 12th Century Abbey, with gardens

which lead down to the rocky cove. At the west end of Hartland, Springfield leads

into The Vale, where a pleasant walk takes you to Stoke, where you will find the

parish church of St. Nectan with its commanding 128ft tower, described as "the

Cathedral" of North Devon.

The waters in the area can be treacherous as the wrecks that can be seen from

Hartland Point testify.

Instow

This pretty estuary village lies on the banks of the River Torridge. Its wonderful

scenic views and position facing the setting sun make it a favourite haunt for artists. It

is also a great place for fishermen, watersports and sailing enthusiasts.

Instow commands some of the most spectacular sunsets ever to be witnessed in North

Devon as the Sun disappears behind the horizon of Bideford Bay. Home of the North

Devon Yacht Club, Instow has a small 17th century quay from which a summer ferry

crosses to Appledore, and a long promenade forms the backing for the sandy beach.

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At the North end the sand dunes are a popular place for family outings; beyond them

lies the cricket pitch with its picturesque thatched clubhouse, and a second beach,

traditionally famous for its shell fish catch.

The riverside Tarka Trail passes through Instow, with access beside the restored

signal box near the Quay. The parish church and school overlook the estuary from the

hillside behind the village.

John’s Supermarket offers local organic meat, fresh fish and a superb selection of

local farmhouse cheeses.

Lundy Island

Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol

Channel with nothing between it and America, a granite outcrop, three and a half

miles long and half a mile wide. In the hubbub of the modern world it is a place apart,

peaceful and unspoilt. It is a wonderful nature reserve and not to be missed.

Visitors are carried to Lundy on the MS Oldenburg, Lundy's own ship. Formerly a

German Railways steamer she is a graceful motor vessel, fast, comfortable and built

on traditional lines. Below decks she retains her original panelling and brass fittings,

but has been skilfully modernised to provide heated saloons, bar, buffet, shop and

information centre.

The MS Oldenburg has on board a bar, buffet, shop and information centre. The bar

offers a wide range of drinks and a relaxing atmosphere, whist hot and cold food is

provided at the buffet. You can while away the time in our well stocked shop or find

out more about the island at the information centre.

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M.S. Oldenburg can carry 267 passengers, has a licensed bar and small buffet, (for

larger functions we have contacts with outside caterers), and is available for private

charter. Whether it is for a cruise to Lundy, an evening river cruise from Bideford, a

coastal cruise from Ilfracombe or a venue to hold a meeting etc.

Helicopter flights to the Island are also available.

Bookings

Lundy Shore Office

The Quay, Bideford

Devon, EX39 2LY

Tel: 01271 863636 Fax: 01237 477779

e-mail: info@lundyisland.co.uk

Lynton and Lynmouth

The dramatic juxtaposition of sweeping, heather-clad moorland with high, craggy,

cliffs dropping sheer into the clear cool waters of sheltered bays make Lynton and

Lynmouth the jewels in the crown of the North Devon Coast.

Lynton and Lynmouth developed gradually over the centuries around two splendid

deep and wooded river valleys, those of the East and West Lyn which have their

origins in a matrix of small streams on the high ground of Exmoor and then come

together in confluence just before they flow into the sea at Lynmouth. It was the

Victorians who made these twin settlements a Mecca for discerning holidaymakers,

giving the area the title 'The Little Switzerland of England'.

Really just large moorland streams in normal conditions it was these two rivers,

swollen by 48 hours of continuous heavy rain in August 1952, that brought tons of

rock crashing down through Lynmouth devastating the village with fatal

consequences. The effects of the flood can still be seen to-day.

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About a mile from the centre of Lynton lies the renowned Valley of Rocks. It can

easily be reached by car but the reward is so much the greater (if for nothing other

than the cardio-vascular system.) if one makes the journey on foot coming up via

North Walk or Hollerday Hill. Dominating the valley is Castle Rock. Other bizarrely

weathered formations bear names such as Ragged Jack and the Devil's Cheesewring.

The Cliff Railway was officially opened in 1890 and operates at a gradient of 1:1¾

achieving a vertical ascent of approximately 500 feet. With a gauge is 45 inches the

railway is a minor masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Each car has a 700 gallon

water tank which is filled at the top and emptied at the bottom. This displacement of

water causes the lower car to be pulled up to Lynton, while the heavier car at the top

descends to Lynmouth.

The beautiful river walk from Lynmouth to Watersmeet is not too taxing and promises

the reward of lunch or tea at the excellent National Trust café at the confluence of the

streams.

Welcombe

Welcombe lies on the Atlantic Coast just on the Devon side of the North

Devon/Cornwall border midway between Bideford and Bude. The parish of

Welcombe comprises a scattered group of hamlets incorporating approximately 100

households. The village sits astride a deep valley which leads a meandering stream to

the cliff edge at Welcombe Mouth where it ends in a picturesque waterfall. St

Nectan's Church looks over the northern flank of the valley while The Old Smithy Inn

lies on the southern side.

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Westward Ho!

On a narrow strip of land beneath the wooded hillside and golden sands of Bideford

Bay, lies this little seaside resort that has been a popular family holiday destination

since Victorian times.

The village is fronted by over two miles of golden sand and is protected by the

famous pebble ridge and long promenade. Behind the pebble ridge lies the Northam

Burrows Country Park, with nearly 1000 acres of common ground to explore. To the

west of the village you will find wonderful scenic walks too. All the traditional

seaside attractions you would expect are situated on the promenade and within the

village, which provides a vibrant atmosphere and happy bustling shopping centre.

Woolacombe and Mortehoe

Between Braunton and Ilfracombe lie some of Europe’s finest and cleanest beaches,

ideal for both families with children and watersports enthusiasts. The small village of

Woolacombe is located along this spectacular coastline of soft, golden sandy beaches

flanked by the dramatic headlands of Baggy Point and Morte Point.

Woolacombe"s popularity has never been greater; it was given the accolade "Family

Holiday of the Year 1999" by the English Tourism Council, having been nominated

by a regular holiday maker. The Village has also achieved both the Blue Flag and

Premier Beach Seaside Award for it’s attractive sandy beach making it the ideal base

for a family holiday.

And if its beaches you want, nigh on three miles of golden sands stretch from

Putsborough in the south to Woolacombe village itself offering scope even for the

most energetic beachcombers. The shallowness of the waters means that they are

readily warmed by the Sun making bathing a safe and pleasant experience in good

weather. The beaches are patrolled by lifeguards during the main summer season.

The little settlement of Mortehoe is a pretty stone village named in the Domesday

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Book. The village boasts a number of tea rooms and pubs, a thirteenth century church

and Mortehoe Heritage Centre which celebrates the area’s rich maritime history.

Mortehoe is also the starting point for the many scenic walks along this dramatic

stretch of coastline. Just north of the village and reached only on foot, lies Rockham

Beach at the base of a 100 ft cliff, the ideal spot for a quiet day’s relaxation on the

beach.

Gardens and Country Houses to visit

ROSEMOOR

A true gardener’s garden , often featured on TV. Displaying a stunning variety of

garden styles, maturity, and planting with all year round interest, Rosemoor is rapidly

evolving into a garden of national importance. Its 40 acres are designed to delight and

inspire a wide range of visitors, from the novice to the professional, and its fascinating

explorer trails are popular with children.

The Fame of 2000 roses in 200 varieties is spreading - and rightly so, for they are

truly a magnificent sight. There are beds of tender perennials, a quarter of a mile of

herbaceous borders; contrasting beds of hot and cool colours, a newly planted Winter

Garden and spectacular Plantsman's and Foliage Garden with its bamboos, grasses

and carefully selected shrubs of fine architectural form. There is a stream that rushes

through a 'new' rock gorge planted with ferns and bamboos, then meanders through

the bog garden before tumbling down into a magnificent lake.

Tapeley Park Gardens

On the road between Webbery and Instow. With its four distinctly different themed

areas set in a twenty acre site, Tapeley Gardens are home to a rich and fascinating

variety of flowers, trees, shrubs and vegetables.

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The well known terraced Italian garden, created by Lady Rosamond Christie in the

late 19th century, have recently been restored by Mary Keen and Carol Kleins. They

now brim with new scents and colours, complimenting the existing rare and tender

plants. This, with the stunning views, woodlands and lakes, walled kitchen garden and

dairy tea rooms, plant sales and childrens play area make for an extensive and

uplifting day out.

Hartland Abbey

Located in a beautiful, sheltered valley by a small trout stream, only a miles walk

from a spectacular Atlantic Cove. From 1157-1539 the Augustinian Canons lived and

gardened in this hidden paradise. In the 18th Century shrub gardens were created

either side of the abbey with a woodland walk to the walled kitchen gardens.

The winding paths in the Baronet's Bog garden, designed by Gertrude Jekll and until

recently hidden by undergrowth, lead to the newly discovered Victorian Fernery and

the charming secret walled garden. Being an informal mixture of tender and rare

plants, summer perennials, shrubs and vegetables for the house, they are pretty in all

seasons. The woodland walk to the beach is a carpet of wildflowers in spring.

Marwood Hill

These gardens are the end result of the owner's passion over 50 years collecting an

enormous number of trees and shrubs, many of them very rare, together with many

herbaceous and alpine plants. These have now matured and every season sees an

exuberance of flower with large collections of Camellias and Magnolias in Spring

with a mass underplanting of Snowdrops and Daffodils.

A succession of dramatic Himalayan and other species Rhododendrons and a great

variety of flowering trees take us through into summer.The three lakes, linked by the

biggest bog garden in the west are alive with ducks and multicoloured carp.

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Docton Mill

Less than a mile from the sea, in one of Devon’s outstanding beauty spots lies Docton

Mill. The mill itself, mentioned in the Domesday Book, has been restored along with

its waterways and now generates electricity for the house.

The internationally renowned garden blends with natural landscape. Eight acres of

sheltered wooded valley with millpond, leats, trout stream crossed by footbridges and

smaller streams. The encompassing bog garden is exceptional.

Knightshayes Court

Just outside Tiverton Designed by William Burges and begun in 1869, Knightshayes

is a rare survival of his work. The rich interiors combine medieval romanticism with

lavish Victorian decoration, and the smoking and billiard rooms, elegant boudoir and

drawing room all give an atmospheric insight into grand country house life. The

celebrated garden features a water lily pool and topiary, fine specimen trees, rare

shrubs and delightful seasonal colours. Attractive woodland walks lead through the

grounds

Arlington Court

The plain exterior of this house, built in neo-classical style in 1822, does little to

prepare the visitor for the astonishing rooms inside. Full of collections for every taste,

many of them amassed by the eccentric and widely travelled Miss Rosalie Chichester,

they include displays of model ships, costume, pewter, shells and other fascinating

objects. The Trust's large collection of horse-drawn carriages is housed in the stables

and there are carriage rides in the grounds, starting at the house. Walks lead through

attractive gardens into extensive parkland grazed by Shetland ponies and Jacob sheep

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North Devon Beaches North Devon has some of the finest beaches in the Country. Here are our

recommendations

Northam Burrows

1.5 miles of sandy beach protected by its ridge of huge pebbles. Ideal for swimming,

surfing and sailboarding. There is a visitors centre explaining the ecology of the sea

and surrounding area. This is open Easter - September 10am - 5pm, although the park

is open all the time. There is a car park behind the pebble ridge and toilets at the

visitors centre.

Westward Ho!

A seaside resort with amusement arcade, putting green,tennis courts,playground,

beach shops, snack bars and seaside pubs. The beach - sand/pebbles - is easily

accessible from the car park and is ideal for swimming and surfing. There are also

pools in the rocks which have been adapted for swimming

Instow

Our nearest beach. Long, sandy esturine beach.. When the tide is out it is very

pleasant walking along the beach by the edge of the river Torridge with picturesque

Appledore on the opposite side, or just sit down and enjoy and ice cream.

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Saunton Sands

3 miles of flat sand backed by massive sand dunes. Excellent surfing beach and ideal

for all water sports. Manned with lifeguards. Wheelchair accessible. Shop, toilet etc.

at car park end of beach. Arrive early as car parking space is limited and can fill up on

busy days

Croyde

This award winning sandy beach is just around the corner from Saunton Sands, but

because it is smaller it can get crowded. However it is easily accessible, there is plenty

of car parking and it is excellent for swimming, surfing, windsurfing etc. The beach is

manned with lifeguards. At one end of the beach there is equipment hire, a shop,

refreshments and toilets.

Woolacombe

A modern settlement rather swamped by hotels guest houses and caravan parks.

However once you get past all this you come to one of the finest beaches in the West

Country. 3 miles of golden sand with numerous awards. It is very clean and tidy, has

good toilet facilities, first aid, life saving equipment and even a lost children service.

There is a large car park near the beach. Woolacombe is ideal for all water sports and

there are lifeguards on the beach. However attention should be paid to warnings not to

bathe at low tide.

Putsborough

(At the southern end of Woolacombe Sands) Another award winning sandy beach

manned with lifeguards. Again ideal for surfing, swimming and water sports. There is

a beach car park but access for wheelchairs is difficult. Toilets and snack bar.

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Barricane Beach

(just north ofWoolacombe Sands) A Small rocky cove with a beach made of broken

sea shells not native to Britain. Rock pools amongst the flat rocks. Wheelchair access

is possible if a little difficult. Parking is on the Mortehoe road (opposite the Devon

Beach Hotel) or at Woolacombe Beach car park five minutes walk away.

Combesgate, Rockham & Grunta

Small secluded bays with deep safe rock pools. Unfortunately the only access to these

bays is by footpath. A good starting point is the ancient parish church at Mortehoe - St

Mary's. The Chichester Arms in Mortehoe does a good lunch.

Tunnels

The Tunnels at Ilfracombe are passages hewn through the cliffs to a privately owned

bathing beach. The Victorians also built up walls between rocks to make two bathing

pools - One for ladies and one for gentlemen. There is a cafe at the entrance to the

tunnels as well as a snack bar by the beaches There is a small charge to use the

Tunnels.

Hele Bay

Just east of Ilfracombe this safe shingle beach is popular with canoeists. There are a

few amusements and a tide filled childrens swimming pool. In the village is a working

16th century watermill open April - October. There is also a pottery at the mill where

you can make your own pot. From the village there is a paths up the impressive 447ft

Hillsborough hill which provides a good view of Ilfracombe Harbour. Its summit is

also one of the few places in the country where you can see the sun rise and set over a

sea horizon. Just yards from the beach is the Hele Bay Pub with good food.

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Lee

This pretty little village nestles in Fushia Valley - a deep combe where fushias grow

in profusion. The beach is delightful at low tide with lots of rock pools to explore and

a stretch of sand giving good bathing. At high tide all this is covered and the beach

becomes very uninviting.

Combe Martin

At high tide the beach looks uninteresting but as the tide goes out there are large rock

pools to explore and stretch of level sand appears outside a ridge of stones known as

the breakwater. The sea is free of currents and therefore popular for bathing. Just a

little to the west is Sandy Bay which is reached by Sandy Bay Lane. Steps lead down

to the beach, but unfortunately there is no sand. However it is a great spot for picnic.

Wild Pear Bay

A delightful beach often used by naturists. Although steps have been cut into the cliff

down to the beach, the descent and climb back are quite arduous. The beach is a

mixture of sand and pebbles and on the north side is a stream of drinking water. The

nearest car park is the beach car park at Combe Martin. Take the footpath to Lesser

Point which then goes on to Little Hangman and you will come across the path down

to Wild Pear/Hangman beach.

Woody Bay

A lovely sheltered bay where the steep cliffs are covered in woods and a fast flowing

stream gushes down the hillside to the beach below. There is a small car park next to

the road and the path zig-zags down through the woods to the beach below. The

beach, made up of rocks, large pebbles and shingle, is safe for swimming and is a

lovely place to just sit, relax and enjoy the scenery. The only disadvantage is having

to walk back up

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Lee Bay

A very narrow scenic road brings you from Woody Bay to Lee Bay. Another very

attractive bay with rocks to climb and a sandy/shingle beach to play on. However

bathers should beware of strong currents. Car parking is in a field near the bay and

there are some facilities. Have tea in the delightful tea shop at Lee Abbey.

Wringcliff Bay

This secluded little bay is surrounded by high cliffs. The path down to it is quite steep

and not really suitable for very young children. There is a car park in the Valley of the

Rocks and the path is sign posted from the little roundabout near the car park.

Long Haul

If you want to use Webbery as a base to explore the wider region here are one or two

suggestions for places to visit.

Eden Project The Eden Project Bodelva, Cornwall PL24 2SG

01726 811911

In the warm temperate biome natural gardens bloom as in the Mediterranean,

California and South Africa, habitats halfway between the wet green woods and the

deserts. The Eden Project combines ecology, horticulture, science, art and

architecture. It provides an informative and enjoyable experience while promoting

ways to maintain a sustainable future in terms of human global dependence on plants

and trees. The exhibits include over one hundred thousand plants representing five

thousand species from many of the climate zones of the world.

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Belstone Dartmoor Village over 1000ft amsl giving direct access to the High Tors

St Ives Visit Porthmeor Beach and the Tate

Telephone: 01736 796226

Padstow and Rock Have Lunch at Rick Stein’s Restaurant, Bistro, Café or Fish and Chip Place All Reservations: 01841 532700 Please note that delightful as they are Padstow and Rock can be an absolute nightmare at busy holiday times

The Lost Gardens of Heligan Pentewan, St.Austell, Cornwall United Kingdom, PL26 6EN 01726 845100

Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years, is one of the most

mysterious estates in England. At the end of the nineteenth century its thousand acres

were at their zenith, but only a few years later bramble and ivy were already drawing

a green veil over this "Sleeping Beauty". After decades of neglect, the devastating

hurricane of 1990 should have consigned the Lost Gardens of Heligan to a footnote in

history. Now restored and open to the public

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Walking

The South West Peninsula Coast Path (The South West Way)

This is Britain's longest footpath stretching over 600 miles from Somerset to Dorset.

The North Devon section of the Coast Path is 90 miles (140km) long and boasts some

of the most spectacular scenery of it all.

The Tarka Trail This 180 mile (280km) trail follows a figure of eight path centring in North Devon. It

takes the walker through a variety of Devon scenery including peaceful countryside,

wooded valleys, rugged moorland and coastline. Details of these and many more

walks are available from the local Tourist Information Centres. Some can offer self

guided or guided walks.

Ruby Country Initiative

This is a new regeneration project in and around Holsworthy and Hatherleigh that will

create a series of circular routes in this area of unspoilt countryside. A number of

circular walks are already available in the area and further details can be obtained

from the local Tourist Information Centre or from the Project Co-ordinator on 01409

220036.

The Webbery Wood Walk

This is our own primer for some of the more energetic walks in the area. Turn left at

the entrance to Webbery and go to Rice cottages (the two thatched cottages you will

have passed when you arrived. Please be careful as you walk along the road! Take

the signposted public footpath and follow it down into the gorge through the woods

past fishing lakes and fishing lodges until you come to the confluence of two streams

at the lane. Turn left and follow the lane past Furze Ball until you come to Webbery

Cross. Turn left and about half a mile further on you will be at the main entrance to

Webbery. A beautiful walk through a deep wooded gorge.

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Cycling

The Tarka Trail

A section of the trail offers traffic free, flat cycling along the disused railway line

from Braunton to Petrockstowe. The route offers 25 miles (40km) of safe cycling

making it ideal for families.

National Cycle Network

Route 3 of the National Cycle Network now passes through North Devon joining the

Tarka Trail at Petrockstowe and continues through Great Torrington, Bideford and

Barnstaple onto Exmoor and runs along the edge of the moor before descending into

Dulverton.

Ruby Trails

In addition to the walking trails mentioned above, this project will also establish a

number of cycling routes and will culminate with the completion of an off road cycle

route between Holsworthy and Hatherleigh, linking up to the Tarka Trail and thereby

providing one of the longest stretches of off-road cycle route in the country.

Completion is expected in 2006. For further information contact the Project Co-

ordinator on 01409 220036 or the local Tourist Information Centre.

The whole area offers a series of quiet country lanes ideal for exploring the local

countryside. Cycle hire is readily available locally at Bideford..

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For a Rainy Day It’s raining - cock-a-doodle-do, what shall we do? Here are some suggestions

Tarka Line

Take the Tarka Line train from Barnstaple Station to Exeter Central meandering along

the stunning River Taw Valley with its numerous stations straight out of Huff-Puff

Junction where the train stops on request only.

Milky Way or Big Sheep

A great fun day for adults and children alike.

General Places to Visit

Atlantic Village Clovelly Road, Bideford. Tel: 01237 422544.

Under cover discount shopping outlet with Discovery Island family adventure park.

Barnstaple Pannier Market Estates Unit, North Devon District Concil

Civic Centre, Barnstaple, EX31 1EA

Tel: 01271 372 759 Fax: 01271 379 084

Bideford Pannier Market Market Place, Bideford, EX39 2DR

Tel: 01237 478 777

Bideford Railway Museum The Old Station, East-the-Water, Bideford. Tel: 01237

423585.

Big Sheep Abbotsham, Bideford, EX39 5AP

Tel: 01237 472 366 Fax: 01237 477 916

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Burton Art Gallery & Museum Kingsley Road, Bideford, EX39 2QQ

Tel: 01237 471 455 Fax: 01237 473 813

Castle Hill Filleigh, Barnstaple, EX32 0RQ

Tel: 01598 760 336 Fax: 01598 760 457

Cobbaton Combat Collection, Chittlehampton, Umberleigh, EX37 9RZ

Tel: 01769 540 740 Fax: 01769 540 141

Dartington Crystal Great Torrington, EX39 2EQ

Tel: 01805 626 242 Fax: 01805 626263

Milky Way Adventure Park, Downland Farm

Clovelly, Bideford, EX39 5RY

Tel: 01237 431 255 Fax: 01237 431 735

Hartland Abbey & Gardens Hartland, Nr Bideford, EX39 6DT

Tel: 01237 441 264

Marwood Hill Gardens Marwood Hill, Barnstaple, EX31 4EB

Tel: 01271 342 528

North Devon Maritime Museum Odun Road, Appledore, Bideford. Tel: 01237

422064.

Plough Arts Centre 9-11 Fore Street, Torrington, EX38 8HQ

Tel: 01805 624624 Fax: 01805 622 113

Queens Theatre Queens Theatre

Boutport Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1SY

Tel: 01271 324 242

Quince Honey Farm North Road, South Molton, EX36 3AZ

Tel: 01769 572 401

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Useful Addresses and Telephone Numbers

Bicycle Hire

Bike Trail

Fremington Quay (Next to the café)

Tel: 01271 372586

Bideford Bicycle Hire, Torrington Street

East the Water, Bideford, EX39 1QS

Tel: 01237 424 123 Fax: 01237 425 959

Fishing

Bratton Water Fly Fishery, Rye Farm

Loxhore, Barnstaple, EX31 4ST

Tel: 01271 850 642.

Fishing

Independent Boat & Fishing Trips (The), Whyte Cottage, Bucks Mill

Bucks Cross, Bideford, EX39 5DZ

Tel: 01237 431 374

Golf

Hartland Forest Golf Club, Hartland. Tel: 01237 431442

9 holes, 18 tees. 5641 yds.

Holsworthy Golf Course, Pyworthy, Holsworthy. Tel: 01409 253177/254771

18 holes. 6000 yds.

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Libbaton Golf Club, High Bickington, Umberleigh. Tel: 01769 560269

18 holes, 6482 yds.

Royal North Devon, Westward Ho! Tel: 01237 473817

18 holes. 6444 yds.

Torrington Golf Club, Weare Trees, Great Torrington. Tel: 01805 622229/623878

9 holes. 2205 yds.

Saunton Golf Club, Saunton, Nr Braunton, EX33 1LG

Tel: 01271 812 436

Hospital

North Devon District Hospital

Barnstaple

Tel: 01271 322577

Tennis

Tarka Tennis, Tarka Tennis, Barnstaple, EX31 2AS

Tel: 01271 377 701

Surfing

Surf South West, PO Box 39

Croyde, Braunton, EX33 1YP

Tel: 01271 890 400 Fax: 01271 890 050

North Devon Surf School, Westward Ho!, North Devon,

Tel: 01598 710 818

Veterinary Surgeon

Witten Lodge

Northam

Tel: 01237 473278