Wednesday, July 09, 2008

North Devon - a Hidden Gem!


My husband is a Devon boy, but from the south and little did I know about the great north south Devon differences. North Devon is a hidden gem, it has absolutely stunning coastal walks and the views & sunsets are out of this world.

Our cottages are set in a wooded valley and surrounded by lovely Devon countryside. The wildlife in our gardens is enough to keep you relaxed, just look out for our Jay family, the Sparrow Hawk, Woodpeckers, Goldfinches, Nuthatches, Blue Tits, friendly Robins, Jackdaws, Blackbirds and our resident squirrels and foxes. Buzzards often soar over the cottages and Egrets have recently visited the Castle pond near the cottages.

Watermouth Cove is a rural seaside idyll, our cottages are beside Watermouth Castle and just a 200 yard walk will take you to the sea and the south west coastal path. The sunsets are magnificent so there is no need to spend loads on entertainment.

The cottages are within a mile of beautiful Berrynarbor village and a short drive of Combe Martin & Ilfracombe with their beaches, pubs and restaurants. Our cottages are ideally situated for a wide range of local attractions and activities to suit all ages.

These include Watermouth Castle, Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Exmoor Zoo, Exmoor National Park, Valley of the Rocks, Lynton & Barnstaple (Woody Bay) railway, Arlington Court, Chambercombe Manor, RHS Rosemoor, Marwood and Broomhill gardens. Local activities include sea and course fishing, North Devon coastal path walks, Horse riding, Golf, Boating and Wild Life Cruises, Surfing, Diving and Beach activities, Quad bikes or simply just chilling out.

Nearby are the magnificent sandy surfing beaches of Woolacombe, Saunton Sands and Croyde bay. You are on the doorstep of the Exmoor national park and Lorna Doone country with its unique wild beauty and variety of flora and fauna.

Exmoor is also famous for its wild ponies, Red Deer and birds of prey Lundy Island is just off the North Devon coast and can reached on a boat trip on the MS Oldenburg from historic Ilfracombe harbour. Lund-ey which is Norse for Puffin Island is a place of outstanding natural beauty and a nature reserve for seals, seabird and all types of marine life. Spectacular wildlife, coastal cruises and fishing boats trips depart daily from Ilfracombe.

From the North Devon coast it is just over an hour's drive to resorts such as Bude, Minehead, Dunster and Torquay and less than two hours drive to Cornwall's Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. North Devon is for Singles, couples, families, groups, and it’s such a dog friendly beautiful destination.

What are you waiting for…………………?

Authors: Clare & Steve Mountain
Watermouth Cove Cottages

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