Best Magazine
North Devon
Craggy cliffs, delightful villages and secret hideaways spell holiday heaven
For the rugged coastal scenery and lush, green, farm fields rolling away inland. For leafy valleys and narrow, winding lanes with high hedges-and sudden glimpses of a stunning view. For the exhilaration of sea air, and beaches wide and wild, or small and secretive. For villages brimming with colour and character. And even in the midst of the holiday season, if you know where to find it – for ‘off the beaten track’ charm.
What’s There?
Hartland Point -a spine-tingling spot, even on calm days, which the Romans called the ‘Promontory of Hercules’. Its lighthouse is a reminder of the dangers posed by powerful Atlantic gales which batter the sheer, 325ft-high cliff.
Hartland Abbey-now privately owned, this 12th-Century treasure, with many later additions, has a spectacular garden that’s worth a visit. For details of opening times, visit www.hartlandabbey.com
Clovelly – flower-decked cottages line the steep, cobbled streets tumbling towards the sea in this enchanting, traffic-free, fishing village. Entry (£4.95 for adults, which includes parking) is via a visitor centre high above. In summer, you can hitch a lift back up a back road by Land Rover. For more into, see www.clovelly.co.uk
Bucks Mills -Clovelly’s quieter sister, in an idyllic woodland setting, has a pebbly beach that’s nice for a swim at high tide. At low tide, you can potter in rock pools.
Appledore-set on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet, with it many pretty, pastel cottages and its close-set cobbled streets, this delightful fishing and ship-building village is a gem.
Don’t Miss!
The wildflower gardens and historic water mill at Docton Mill.
A Devon cream tea-scones and jam with lashings of rich, local cream are a must, whatever the cost in calories. But the perfect answer for that is, of course…
A walk along the cliffs-the views are wonderful, the sea air is bracing and the exercise is good for you!
A sighting of the spectacular rocky coast at Welcombe Mouth.
Where To Stay
Downe Cottages, on the Hartland Peninsula, are a haven of peace, seclusion and tranquillity. Each of the eight properties is a listed former farm building; all now converted to combine period exteriors with modern comforts. Adjoining them is Downs Health Spa, offering a selection of relaxing beauty and holistic therapies- including mother-to be treatments and days as well as a gym sauna, steam room and whirlpool baths.
Delicious breakfast baskets that include homemade bread, local bacon and free-range eggs-can be delivered to your cottage. So can locally prepared, oven-ready gourmet meals, come evening – or you n walk the 400 yards to Cheristow Country Kitchen for a meal. All vegetables come from the garden, and both meat and poultry are home-produced.
Downe Cottages And Health Spa (tel: 01237 441881 or visit www.downecottages.com) has three night breaks from £340 for a one-bedroomed cottage, sleeping two. A week in a two-bedroomed cottage sleeping four, costs from £760. For full details of the spa and treatments, see www.devonspa.com
Book in advance for dinner at the Cheristow Country Kitchen on tel: 01237 441522.