Places To Eat & Drink

  • 1.80 miles

    Blackberry Farm Shop, home to the much‑loved Lizzy’s Larder, is a charming, family‑run farm shop and tearoom set in the rolling countryside of Milton Damerel. A great breakfast option.

    Blackberry Farm is very much a working farm too—home to cattle, sheep, horses, and even the occasional miniature pony or friendly lamb. Lizzy also runs farm tours, helping visitors connect farming with food.

  • 7.20 Miles

    The Puffing Billy Café is a much‑loved, family‑run spot located in the beautifully restored Great Torrington railway station—a unique setting where you can quite literally enjoy your meal on the old platform.

    Both the café and the outdoor areas are dog‑friendly, making it a perfect stop for anyone enjoying the Tarka Trail with a four‑legged friend.

    Puffing Billy serves a broad menu with something for everyone:

    • All‑day breakfasts, brunch, and lunch

    • Freshly made cakes, scones, and cream teas

    • Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options

    • Sunday roasts on selected days

    • Hot food served until 3pm daily

  • 9.60 miles

    The Merry Harriers Garden Centre Café, located in Woolfardisworthy near Bideford, is a popular spot for relaxed meals, homemade cakes, and hearty classics in a welcoming North Devon setting.

    The café offers a warm, friendly atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating, making it a great stop after browsing plants or exploring the well‑known gnome reserve trail.

    The Merry Harriers Café serves:

    • Breakfast, lunch, and brunch options

    • Sunday Carvery (a big local favourite)

    • Homemade cakes, scones, and light bites

    • Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options

  • 2.10 Miles

    The Union Inn is a well‑loved, traditional country pub located in the village of Stibb Cross, near Great Torrington. Known for its warm welcome, home‑cooked food, and cosy atmosphere, it has become a favourite for both locals and visitors exploring North Devon.

  • 9.90 Miles

    The pub is known for its plot‑to‑plate cuisine, with the majority of ingredients coming directly from Birch Farm, the owners’ nearby 150‑acre farm supplying rare-breed meats, seasonal vegetables, and foraged coastal ingredients. Menus change frequently and celebrate hyper‑seasonal British cooking with creative flair.

    Expect dishes that are imaginative yet comforting—traditional British plates elevated with modern technique.

  • 8.10 Miles

    A beautifully converted traditional Devon Long House is one of Holsworthy’s most popular dining pubs, well‑known for its spacious layout, generous portions, and relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere.

    The pub is also well‑known for its Sunday roast, which receives consistent praise.

  • 10.90 Miles

    Bideford offers a fantastic mix of independent restaurants, cosy cafés, and quality pubs, making it a great place for food lovers. For refined dining, Le Petit Monde and Number Eight are standout choices, while The Italian Kitchen and Belluno offer some of the town’s best pasta and pizza.

    There are also a number of Chinese, Indian, and fish & chip takeaways in Bideford, perfect for picking up something tasty to enjoy back at the pod after a full day of exploring.

  • 14.10 Miles

    Instow is a charming waterfront village with beautiful estuary views offering excellent places to eat.

    The Boathouse – Beach Bar & Restaurant A hugely popular spot right beside the water, known for its fresh seafood, coastal atmosphere, and scenic views across to Appledore.

    Instow Arms A family‑friendly pub overlooking the estuary, serving classic British pub dishes, seafood, and hearty roasts.

    The Quay Inn A traditional pub offering real ales, British favourites, and a cosy fire in winter.

    Johns of Instow (Deli & Café) A lovely deli‑café ideal for coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and light meals—great for breakfast or a casual lunch.

  • 14.30 Miles

    Appledore is a beautiful old fishing village packed with character, colourful cottages, and an excellent food scene.

    The Royal George A highly rated waterfront restaurant serving British dishes with a modern twist.

    The Seagate A popular bar and seafood restaurant known for its excellent Sunday roasts and coastal setting.

    The Beaver Inn A classic pub with fresh home‑cooked meals and estuary views.

    Flame Factory A family‑run favourite specialising in wood‑fired pizzas, flame‑grilled burgers, and Longhorn steaks.

  • 14.10 Miles

    Westward Ho! has a brilliant mix of seaside restaurants, pubs, cafés, and international eateries—perfect after a beach day or a coastal walk.

    The Pier House – Seafront Dining One of the most iconic restaurants in Westward Ho!, offering modern British dishes, fresh seafood, and incredible views over Bideford Bay. Perfect for sunset dinners or a relaxed lunch with a sea breeze.

    Moran’s Restaurant & Bar – Thai & English Fusion A family‑run favourite specialising in authentic Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, and traditional English dishes.

    The Pig on the Hill – Gastro Pub A charming countryside pub just outside the village, famous for excellent Sunday roasts and hearty dishes.

    Pig & Olive – Wood-Fired Pizza A local favourite for artisan sourdough pizzas with vegan options available Perfect for dine‑in or takeaway.

    Tea on the Green – Award‑Winning Café Famous for its huge afternoon teas, cakes, breakfasts, and lunches.

Walking, Cycling, Coasts & Beaches

  • The Tarka Trail is one of the UK’s longest and most scenic traffic‑free walking and cycling paths, running from Braunton to Meeth in North Devon passing through towns including Bideford, Torrington, Okehampton, and Ilfracombe.

    Various bike‑hire shops operate along the trail, particularly in Barnstaple, Bideford, and Torrington. These provide standard bikes, e‑bikes, and all accessories.

    The nearest access point to the Tarka Trail is roughly three miles from the farm, making it wonderfully convenient for a spontaneous walk or cycle.

  • Situated on the Cornwall–Devon border near Bude, Tamar Lakes offer a peaceful outdoor destination with watersports, walking, cycling, wildlife, angling, and family‑friendly activities. Both lakes have their own character, with Upper Tamar focused on activities and Lower Tamar on nature and tranquillity.

    Upper Tamar Lake – Activities & Adventure

    This is the more active of the two lakes, featuring:

    • Watersports: kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing — equipment hire or self‑launch available

    • Walking & Cycling: a fully accessible 2.8‑mile circular trail, suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and bikes

    • Parkrun: every Saturday at 9am on a scenic lakeside course

    • Fishing: an award‑winning coarse fishery, highly regarded in the UK

    • Play Area: modern, accessible playground for children

    Café: the Tamar Lake Café, serving cakes, lunches, teas, and coffee — perfect for a post‑walk refuel.

    Lower Tamar Lake – Nature & Relaxation

    Lower Tamar offers a quieter experience with:

    • Easy, flat footpaths suitable for gentle walks

    • A designated nature reserve, ideal for birdwatching — species include ospreys, cormorants, sandpipers

    • A bird hide and plenty of picnic areas

  • Set within the rolling hills of Great Torrington, RHS Garden Rosemoor is one of North Devon’s most celebrated horticultural attractions.

    Rosemoor’s landscapes transform throughout the year, offering interest in every season. Bright spring blossoms give way to lush summer colour, followed by spectacular autumn foliage and winter structure. Its diverse garden rooms showcase everything from cottage‑garden planting to exotic specimens, making it a rewarding visit at any time of year.

    RHS Rosemoor also offers welcoming facilities including a café, visitor centre, git shop, and regular exhibitions including he famous Rosemoor Glow experience.

  • Westward Ho! is a Victorian seaside resort with over two miles of golden sand, excellent surf, and a lively holiday atmosphere. The beach faces west into Bideford Bay, giving it big skies and stunning sunsets.

    Westward Ho! is packed with activities:

    • Surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding

    • Go‑karts, mini‑golf, arcades, bowling

    • Long coastal walks including the scenic South West Coast Path

    • Wildlife spotting on Northam Burrows

  • Clovelly is a privately owned, historic fishing village built into steep wooded cliffs that drops into a sheltered harbour on Bideford Bay. It is world‑famous for its cobbled, car‑free main street, whitewashed cottages, donkeys, and timeless coastal charm.

    Things To Do in Clovelly

    Explore the Cobbled Main Street

    Wander past charming cottages, craft shops, galleries and historic buildings as you descend toward the harbour.

    Visit the Harbour

    Perfect for photos, rock pooling, relaxing by the sea, or enjoying a drink at the Red Lion Hotel beside the water.

    Clovelly Court Gardens

    Beautiful Victorian walled gardens, filled with flowers, fruit, and vegetables — all flourishing thanks to the Gulf Stream.

    Coastal & woodland walks

    The South West Coast Path running through Clovelly, woodland trails around the village, and the spectacular walk to Mouth Mill Beach, via Clovelly Court Gardens.

    Festivals & events

    Clovelly hosts the famous Lobster and Crab Feast each year.

    Beaches

    Clovelly offers two small, charming beaches:

    • Clovelly Beach – pebble beach by the harbour, with beautiful views of the cliffs

    • Clovelly Bay – a peaceful coastal spot ideal for relaxing and taking in the scenery

  • Bude, on the North Cornwall coast, is famous for its soft sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, excellent surf, and family‑friendly facilities. Below is a handy overview of the main beaches, what they offer, and why they’re loved.

    Summerleaze Beach Home to the iconic Bude Sea Pool.

    Crooklets Beach Sandy with rock pools, great for surfers.

    Widemouth Bay A huge long sandy bay, perfect for water sports.

    Sandymouth Bay Beach A rugged National Trust beach north of Bude. Pebbles at high tide; extensive sand at low tide. Stunning scenery and part of the South West Coast Path. Much quieter than the main Bude beaches.

    Duckpool Beach A dramatic, wild cove set beneath steep cliffs. Beautiful and less‑visited, great for walkers and photographers.

  • This is a good choice for a gentle walk, dog walk, or a quiet nature stroll

    • 400 acres of conifer woodland and moorland

    • 3.7‑mile / 6‑km walking and cycling loops

    • Trails pass the former railway line, plantations, and open clearings

    • Suitable for walking, running, cycling, and dog walking

  • Bucks Mills is a small, secluded village set in a steep wooded valley on the North Devon coast, known for its peaceful atmosphere, pebble beach, and rich history. It’s one of the most unspoiled spots between Clovelly and Westward Ho!, and a perfect escape for walkers, photographers, and nature lovers. A small waterfall flows over the cliffs onto the beach — especially lovely after rain.

  • Dartmoor is famous for its wild moorland, dramatic tors, deep river valleys, ancient history, wildlife, and atmospheric villages. Whether you want adventure, tranquillity, or heritage, there’s something for everyone.

    • Walk Dartmoor’s Rugged Tors

    • Explore Ancient Woodlands & Scenic Valleys

    • Discover Dartmoor’s Wildlife

    • Enjoy Beautiful Walks for All Abilities

    • Visit Charming Towns & Villages

    • Buckfast Abbey

    • House of Marbles

    • Crackshot Shooting Centre

    • Experience Dartmoor’s Food & Drink Scene

  • Exmoor is a spectacular mix of coastline, moorland, deep wooded valleys, rivers, wildlife, and picture‑book villages. Whether you love walking, wildlife, history, or adventure, Exmoor has something for every mood.

    • Tarr Steps – Ancient Clapper Bridge

    • Dunkery Beacon – Highest Point on Exmoor

    • Valley of the Rocks – Coastal Drama & Wild Goats

    • Dunster Castle - a stunning hilltop castle with centuries of history and spectacular gardens

    • Lynton & Lynmouth - Linked by the world‑famous water‑powered Cliff Railway — a must‑do when visiting the area

    • Porlock & Porlock Weir - Great for coastal views, seafood, and a peaceful harbour atmosphere

    • Dulverton - Pretty riverside town known as the “Gateway to Exmoor,” perfect for cafés, shops, and gentle strolls

Attractions & Activities

  • Located just outside Clovelly and only 10 minutes from the North Devon coast, North Devon Wake Park is a family‑friendly watersports centre. It’s one of the region’s top spots for outdoor adventure, offering activities for all ages and abilities—from first‑time paddlers to seasoned wakeboarders.

    The facilities include:

    • Wakeboarding & Kneeboarding

    • Aqua Park – Inflatable Obstacle Course

    • Paddleboarding & SUPstacle Course

    • Ringo Rides

    • Open Water Swimming

    • On‑Site Café & Facilities

    Well‑behaved dogs on leads are welcome, and there’s a footpath around the lake—so even non‑participants can enjoy the scenery.

  • Dragon Archery, located near Holsworthy and within easy reach of the farm, is one of North Devon’s highest‑rated adventure attractions—designed to make you feel like a true archer from the moment you arrive.

    This award‑winning centre transforms archery into an immersive experience, perfect for families, couples, groups, and complete beginners.

  • Set in the beautiful rolling countryside of North Devon, the studio offers a calm and inspiring environment with lovely views and plenty of space to relax and get creative.

    Try your hand at throwing clay on a proper potter’s wheel, guided by patient and knowledgeable tutors. It’s a fun, therapeutic activity and a great introduction to ceramics. Workshops range from short taster sessions to longer creative experiences.

    Dog-Friendly Paw Prints

    Bring your four-legged friend for a clay paw‑print keepsake—one of their most popular personalised gift ideas.

  • The Plough Arts Centre, located on Fore Street in the heart of Great Torrington, is one of North Devon’s most vibrant and cherished cultural venues. This independent arts centre offers an impressive programme of theatre, cinema, live music, comedy, art exhibitions, workshops and community events, making it a cornerstone of the region’s creative life.

  • Found at Merry Harriers garden Centre, the Gnome Reserve is famous for its collection of gnomes displayed throughout garden areas, woodland corners and creative scenes—making it a playful, nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages.

  • The Bude Canal is one of the town’s most charming features—a peaceful, scenic waterway perfect for gentle activities:

    • Pedalo & Rowing Boat Hire

    • Canoeing & Kayaking

    • Cycle the Canal Towpath

    • Walk the Canal & Bude Marshes

    • Fishing (Catch & Release)

    • Wildlife Watching

    • Enjoy Waterside Food & Coffee

  • A long‑established, friendly surf school with great facilities including hot showers, indoor changing, and a private car park close to the beach. Lessons suit complete beginners through to improvers.

    They offer:

    • Daily group surf lessons

    • Private lessons

    • All equipment included

  • Gold Panning at Southcombe Farm, located just outside Holsworthy is one of the area’s most unusual and enjoyable hands‑on outdoor experiences. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who fancies trying something different in the beautiful Devon countryside.

  • Located in Great Torrington, Dartington Crystal is the UK’s only remaining glass factory and one of North Devon’s most unique visitor attractions. One of the highlights of a visit is the Factory Experience, where guests can watch skilled craftsmen shape molten crystal into elegant glassware.

  • Strawberry Fields Farm Shop is an award‑winning, family‑run farm shop and restaurant located in Lifton, on the Devon–Cornwall border. It’s one of the most popular farm shops in the region, known for its huge range of home‑produced food, on‑site bakery, restaurant.

    They run a range of seasoned events which return annually, these include:

    • Pick Your Own (PYO) Strawberries& Sunflowers attracting families and visitors from across the region

    • Tulip Fest The South West’s biggest tulip festival

    • Big Machine Week A full week dedicated to tractors and farm machinery

    • Pumpkin Fest A large‑scale autumn festival featuring a huge pumpkin patch with thousands of pumpkins

    Strawberry Fields has become well‑known locally and regionally for its creative, generous and beautifully themed afternoon teas — often described as an experience, not just a meal

    Don’t miss out, it’s well worth the slightly longer drive!