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Barn Cottage venn farm pancrasweek holsworthy ex22 7jx Devon GB

Barn Cottage

Devon, United Kingdom

 

Best beaches

Find out when low tide is and head to the National Trust-owned beach, Northcott Mouth, and let little ones explore the rock pools and admire the surfers making the most of the excellent breakers. Make sure you seek out Margaret for a cuppa and cake, too; see cafés, below. Then burn off the calories with a quick hike to the top of the cliff and a lungful of that sea air.

Best walks

There is no shortage of coast or countryside crying out for rambling around here. You’ll find a list of some of the loveliest places to go at the cottage, but our favourites include Duckpool which has a delightful, sandy beach begging for you to while away lazy afternoons on it. Or if you’ve got a pushchair or fancy an easier terrain to trot along, park up in Bude, then start on foot at the canal for an easy 20-minute amble. (If you’re a kite flyer, you couldn’t find a better spot than here.) Hug the coastal path past the Hartland Hotel ending up at Summerleaze, where you’ll find that the café there does a decent coffee.

Shopping

There’s a Morrisons in Bude, ten minutes away, but even better, Waitrose has recently opened in Holsworthy allowing you to enjoy some finer ingredients for whatever you choose to whip up back at the cottage. Lizzie's Larder is the best farm shop for the whole gamut of local produce. Head to Blackberry Farm, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy (01409 261440; www.lizzyslarder.freeuk.com).

Activities

Join the joggers, dog-walkers and bird-watchers wending their way through some of Cornwall’s most camera-worthy scenery by cycling along the Camel Trail. It’s an old railway track, so you’re guaranteed a relatively non-bumpy ride, perfect for kids and active adults alike. The route stretches from Wadebridge to Padstow, with glimpses of the River Camel glimmering away, cooling you down as you sally forth. After all this exertion, you’ll more than deserve a languid lunch at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant (www.rickstein.com). The Camel Trail, Wadebridge Cornwall PL27 7AL. Alternatively, make like Henry Williamson’s literary hero, Tarka the Otter and take the Tarka Trail (www.devon.gov.uk/tarkatrail.htm). This 32-mile foray along the old railways of North Devon is an exhilarating way to experience the breathtaking countryside. Book your wheeled-steed through Bridge Bike Hire (+44 (0)1208 813050; www.bridgebikehire.co.uk) or Padstow Cycle Hire (+44 (0)1841 533533; www.padstowcyclehire.com).

Smith Tip

A variety of native wildflower species have been planted across the neighbouring meadows, so we say: ditch the Wii and get flower-pressing. Too-cool-for-school kids refusing to partake in that beloved Victorian childhood pastime? You could always beg a go on the trampoline.


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Smith extra at Barn Cottage

Breakfast hamper and a voucher for a cream tea for two by the beach (the cream tea is seasonal, valid from Easter until mid October).