Head to Woolley Animals, a family run farm park surrounded by glorious Devon countryside where you’ll find a huge array of animals including llama, alpacas, pigs, goats, sheep, miniature donkeys, miniature ponies, and other friendly small animals for cuddling. Guests can also experience a complimentary guided alpaca walk around pasture land, a lake and woodland. Lots of fun for all ages plus an onsite cafe serving delicious homemade cakes. 

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A parkland golf course in North Devon, Libbaton Golf Club is a par 73, 18 hole course that welcomes low and high handicaps.  Surrounded by woodland, lakes and streams there are challenges within the course. Visitors are made very welcome.

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Life on Dartmoor might look like it’s all sheep farming and wild swimming, but the history of it is all encompassing.  In an independent museum run by a charitable trust, the Museum of Dartmoor Life is a family friendly attraction detailing 5000 years of history in this magical and mystical part of the world.  Open seasonally, they have a range of activities available for children, and collections showcasing Dartmoor trades, the local military, prison and transport, as well as a reconstructed Bronze Age hut.  

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Famed as the last working water powered forge in England, Finch Foundry gives an insight into Dartmoor’s industrial past.  With three water wheels powering hammers, sheers and sharpening stone, this was the basis of one of the South West’s most successful factories in the 1800s, and in visiting there’s the opportunity to learn about the lives of the workers as well as the enterprising Finch family to which it belonged. Parking is free and there’s also a shop and tea room available.

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On a wooded spur above River Okement, Okehampton Castle is the remains of the largest castle in Devon, one that was built soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle.  In the 14th century it became a rather more luxurious residence to Hugh Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, but when he fell out of favour with Henry VIII, the castle fell to ruin, and the result is what you see today.  When you visit, it’s a chance to picnic in the grounds and walk through the woodlands nearby, taking in the scenery and the history, perhaps with the aid of an audio tour to bring it all to life. Okehampton Castle is open seasonally so do check the website for further details.

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The heart of Winkleigh village life since the 1700’s, today you’ll find a warm welcome at The Kings Arms, a beautiful thatched pub with traditional cosy interiors, open fires and outside seating.  Run by a husband and wife team, at The Kings Arms you’ll find the perfect combination of freshly cooked, locally-sourced food, a selection of ales, ciders, wines and spirits and excellent customer service.

The Kings Arms  Fore St, Winkleigh EX19 8HQ (T: 01837 682681)

A fabulous local farm shop selling meat and produce direct from the farm and a selection of other treats from trusted suppliers.  You’ll also find a cafe serving cooked breakfasts and other home-cooked meals, cream teas, fresh pasties and mouth watering home made cakes.  Definitely worth a visit to stock up on supplies for your holiday home. 

Fiona's Kitchen & Farm Shop, Higher Punchardon, Winkleigh EX19 8DJ (T: 01837 83382

A lovely pub found just a stones throw from the Tarka Trail with beautiful views of both Dartmoor and Exmoor making it an ideal spot to stop off after a day out walking or exploring the area.  Both child and dog friendly you’ll find plenty of seating either to enjoy something delicious off the menu or to enjoy a pint of something cool in the sunshine.  

The Lymington Arms, Lama Cross, Chulmleigh EX18 7SA (T: 01837 83572)

A friendly, 15^th century inn overlooking Dartmoor with roaring inglenook fires, real ales direct from the barrel and a popular dining room offering excellent menus including the pub’s renowned made to order steak and kidney puddings, along with other high quality meals making use of the area’s excellent local meat and farm produce.

The Duke of York Iddesleigh, Winkleigh EX19 8BG (T: 01837 810253)

This 17^th century thatched pub with flagstone floors and bare stone walls offers locals and visitors alike a real taste of Devon. A good range of real ales from all over the West Country, along with Devon ciders sit alongside a collection of 65 malts from around the world and an extensive list of quality wines.  The kitchen makes good use of the fantastic ingredients to be found in the surrounding area creating tasty lunches and hearty evening meals featuring delicious local beef and seafood.  With notice most dietary needs can be catered for.

The Grove Inn Kings Nympton, North Devon EX37 9ST (T:01769 580406)

A good choice for families, Instow is a pleasant sandy beach with safe swimming protected from swell by sandbanks at the mouth of the Taw estuary.  There’s plenty to do including kayaking and windsurfing and lots of space for children to play.  There are some good café’s to choose from, and the beach is easily accessible with a car park and toilets.  Dogs allowed October to April. 

By the small seaside town of Westward Ho! is a comparatively huge and sandy beach, extending two miles north of the town.  To the north it is is backed by a pebble ridge and behind that is Northam Burrows Country Park.  You can access the beach from a number of places; via steps and a slipway in Westward Ho!, or by the ridge itself.  Dogs are banned from most of the beach from May to September, but they are allowed north of Sandymere all year round.  There are two small car parks by the sea front and plenty of parking behind the beach in Northam Burrows Country Park.  Toilets are available in various locations and there are cafes and shops close by in Westward Ho! itself.  The area is popular with surfers and happily there are lifeguards on hand in the summer months as well.

Bucks Mills beach is situated in a rocky secluded cove at the bottom end of the ancient fishing village of Bucks Mills. No public toilets, no shops or other facilities, just a lovely place. Car parking is available at Bucks Mills car park EX39 5DY.

A long straight sandy beach backed by the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Saunton Sands Beach is popular with surfers and families alike thanks to the long stretch of tantalizing water.  Suited to beginners and intermediate surfers, the waters are comparatively gentle (although obviously you should always be careful), and it is famed for having featured in Robbie Williams’ Angels music video.  Restaurants, cafes, shops and toilets are all within easy reach of the beach, dogs are permitted all year round, and it is the only beach in North Devon to have a Landeez all terrain wheelchair so that everyone can have full enjoyment of it.

Very popular with swimmers and more experienced surfers, and of course sunbathers in the summer months, Croyde Bay is rated as one of the best surfing beaches in the world.  Lifeguards operate from May to September for peace of mind, and there are beautiful rock pools at either end of the beach.  Dogs are allowed on the beach although there are restrictions in summer months, and toilets are close by.  The beach is popular with swimmers, and you can hire equipment for activities such as surfing, fishing and canoeing close by. Restaurants are within easy reach, and you access the beach via a slipway and beach car park with disabled parking, so it’s an extremely welcoming beach for all visitors.