The Lady

A long weekend to recharge our batteries was just what we needed.

So it was … off away from the stresses of city life, to stay at Downe Cottages in Hartland in north Devon. Lured by the promise of an unspoiled haven with glorious sea views and sunsets, we were not disappointed.

As I looked out over the Atlantic with the wind ruffling my hair and the breakers crashing on the shore, I realised why the Hartland Peninsula in north Devon is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Glorious sea views, dense domed hedgerows bordering farm land and charming unspoilt villages make this a delightful part of England.

We motored through the village of Hartland (where time seems to have stopped in the 1950s) up a country lane and soon found the eight newly renovated stone cottages around the original farmyard.

Built using local stone and slate, each cottage is heated by oil-fired radiators and contains such luxuries as heated towel rails in each bedroom, en-Suite facilities, dishwasher, video and a microwave, both the furnishings and equipment, chosen by friendly owners Lynda and Jeremy are of the very highest standard. I coveted the efficient ceramic hob and self-cleaning oven.

Everything was spotless and all our requirements were catered in the one-storey Jasmine cottage. Both we and our two-year-old toddler were pleased to see a pristine Mothercare cot and high chair. There was also a bottle of wine, a tea tray and box of chocolates to welcome us- now that is what I call self-cateriiig for softies.

On site there are five spacious one-bedroomed cottages with enough room to swing a suitcase-two, good size two-bedroomed properties and a large three-bedroomed cottage, situated around the main courtyard. .

We spent the evening reading the “Book of the Cottage”, learning what guests had discovered about the surrounding area. They had listed their favourite local amusements and we were quick to note the best places for cream teas, paddling in rock pools, adventure parks and cliff-top walks.

The range of family attractions is particularly impressive in this area.

For garden-lovers there is the extensive RHS Rosemoor gardens at Great Torrington, as well as Docton Mill, Marwood, and Tapeley Park. Further afield is Lundy Island.

The next morning misty drizzle had blown in from the sea, so we kept under cover but found plenty to do at the Atlantic Village factory outlet outside Bideford, just a 20-minute car ride away. Our son was difficult to winkle out of the soft play area, he was enjoying himself so much, then he had a refreshing sleep while we wheeled his pram in the covered mall. There are more than 35 shops, a food court and ample free parking, plus Discovery Island a series of
fantasy-themed visitor attractions. We liked the huge wooden pirate ship, but thought our boy was too young to gain his sea-legs.

The market town of Barnstaple was our next stop, and we were soon browsing in the Victorian pannier market and nearby butcher’s row. The open-fronted shops offer an enticing mix of meat, fish, and vegetables although we resisted the fresh seaweed!

Brocklands Adventure park at Kilkhampton near Bude was our destination the following day. As little people tend to be early risers, we just had time for a quick coffee before sampling the many attractions and rides. The playroom for the under-7s was much appreciated by our Son. He loved the ball pool, bouncy castles, soft play areas and paddle boats and we enjoyed the archery, steam train and small ride-on racing cars. After all this activity it was with some relief that we reached the new restaurant afterwards for a well-earned break.

Within walking distance of the cottages is historic Hartland Abbey and Gardens. Founded in 1157, this impressive house was once a monastery, but as the tour reveals it is now a well-loved family home. We all had a go at boot-throwing in support of Green Welly Day (for the local farmer’s fund) and distinguished ourselves by winning two first prizes. Our son appeared as star of the event the following day in the Western Daily News. We took tea in the old kitchen, and explored the gardens. Our break was soon over and as we packed our clotted cream into our cool bag we promised ourselves another taste of Devon hospitality very soon.