The Area
There is so much to see around here from discovering the long stretches of beaches from Woolacombe down to Croyde for sunbathing, surfing and kite surfing in some areas, walking along the coastal paths and across Exmoor, wonderful gardens at Marwood, Castle Hill, the fantastic RHS garden at Rosemoor near Torrington and exploring all the pretty coastal villages and towns.
The larger market towns of Barnstaple and South Molton both have pannier markets and a wide variety of shops and restaurants and cafes for those lazy days in the sun!. Barnstaple has general markets in Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays selling local produce, clothing, flowers etc. On Mondays and Thursdays, there is a general market with crafts and other stalls and, on Wednesdays, antiques and collectables are sold.
South Molton has markets on Thursdays and Saturdays selling local produce and crafts and clothing. Ilfracombe has a port with boat trips to Lundy Island and around the coast which are also run from Bideford on board the MS Oldenburg.
There are numerous cycle paths and tracks with some of the Sustrans national routes, two of which pass through the village.
We have some excellent local pubs and restaurants in the area including the Black Venus at Challacombe, the Fox and Goose at Parracombe, the New Inn at Goodleigh as well as a number of well known restaurants in Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and Lynton amongst many others too numerous to mention.
Last but not least is the stunning countryside over North Devon and Exmoor and the dramatic coastline. We do have stunning views of part of this unspoilt landscape down the Taw vallery.
Places to Visit
Instow lies within North Devon's UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the ecological equivalent of a World Heritage Site. Four square miles of beach, dunes and including the Taw-Torridge Estuary, this reserve offers a chance to explore and watch the many different species of nature and animals that inhabit this nature reserve.
Visit Great Torrington and travel back in time to the 17th century with costumed characters and experience the life in Torrington during the English Civil War. Open 1st April until 30th September.
This privately owned village has been in the hands of the same family since 1738. Their aim now is to maintain Clovelly in the style of the mid 19th Century. The village is well known for its cobbled streets, quaint cottages, its impressive quay dating back to the 14th Century and of course the famous Clovelly donkeys which in by gone days carried all goods up the steep main streets from the quay.
Lundy Island, lying just 10 miles off the coast of North Devon, is three miles long and half a mile wide and has been designated the UK's first Marine Conservation Area. The island is home to a fascinating array of birds and seals and can be reached on Lundy's own ship, the MS Oldenburg, leaving either from Bideford (3 miles away from Springfield) or Ilfracombe (15 miles away) depending on tides.
Dartington Crystal (Torrington)
Enjoy a day out at Dartington Crystal and hear the story of its over 40 year history following its establishment in 1967. Watch the talented expert master engraving demonstration or enjoy the factory experience and see expert craftsmen at work, then a stop in its amazing shop is a must.
Described as the eighth wonder of the world, the Eden Project is an exciting, inspiring play ground in which to explore mankind's relationship with nature.
Tapeley Park House and Gardens
Set in beautiful North Devon countryside, Tapeley Park is situated between Instow and Westleigh and dates back to 1316 and has been in the Christie family since 1855. The house is probably best know for its extensive gardens including the spectacular Italian Garden.
Situated in Filleigh near Barnstaple, Castle Hill is the home of the Earl and Countess of Arran. Built in 1730 as the Fortescue family home in North Devon the Palladian house is set in a spectacular 18th century parkland landscape.
Arlington Court is an intriguing Regency house near Barnstaple full of curiosities and collectables. The National Trust Carriage Museum which houses carriages throughout the ages is also situated at Arlington Court. The house boasts three gardens in one including the picturesque pleasure grounds, the formal Victorian flower garden and working walled kitchen garden and a wonderful newly restored Victorian glass house.
Situated 5 miles west of Clovelly, Hartland Abbey, with its beautiful gardens and parkland leading to the sea, is the historic home of the Stucley family. The house can be originally dated back to 1157 when it was founded by Augustinian monks and became a private home following the dissolution of the monasteries. Following extensive restoration after years of neglect the gardens can once more be enjoyed as they were over 100 years ago.
There has been a castle at Dunster since Norman times though the castle today was remodelled in the 19th Century but has been a family home to the Luttrell family for over 600 years. The castle is the host of numerous events during the year including Siege and Surrender Tours re enacting the Civil War.
Created in 1949 by Dr James Smart VMH, the land that is now Marwood Hill Gardens consisted of an old broken down walled gardens and a few fruit trees on an 8 acre site. Since then additional land has been purchased and planted with a variety of moisture loving plants and 3 lakes have been created. The garden boasts a large collection of Camellia numbering over 800 different cultivars and is the host of 3 National Collections in association with the NCCPG (The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens).