email: margaretkift123@gmail.com
Here are some ideas of things you could do while staying at Shaftsboro Farm.
Beaches | Attractions |
Gardens | Walking |
Cycling | Surfing |
Adventure | Golf |
Eating Out | Tourist Information |
Beaches
There are three excellent sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. Lee Bay and Combe Martin provide rocky coves which are perfect for rockpooling and they are both sandy at low tide.
Attractions
For children there is The Milky Way near Clovelly has plenty to keep children happy for the whole day.
The Big Sheep is close to Bideford and will keep you and your children amused for hours, with sheep races, racing ducks and a massive play area for children.
Nearby Borough Farm sheepdog and falconry displays well known for Mist as seen on T.V.
Every year throughout June the area celebrates the North Devon Festival. This festival holds a fantastic range of events and is rated one of the top five festivals in the UK.
Clovelly is an old fishing village clinging to the steep cliff, with cobbled streets, a picturesque harbour, souvenir shops and pubs. A step back in time.
Ilfracombe Aquarium is down on Ilfracombe Harbour and shows the life of a stream starting high on Exmoor along its journey to the sea and beyond.
Ilfracombe Beer Festival takes place each April or early May with a wide choice of local ales to sample.
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is a narrow gauge railway with steam engines running along a picturesque line in Exmoor.
Ilfracombe Victorian Week takes place each June and Ilfracombe returns to its Victorian roots. Come and join in the fun.
Gardens
Marwood Hill Gardens are about a 15 minute drive away and are delightful. They were created by Dr James Smart who developed them from about 1960 onwards to the joy they are now. You can purchase plants while visiting the gardens.
RHS Rosemoor is at Great Torrington and these gardens have matured into a wonderful display of different gardens within the whole complex. They include the original gardens created by Lady Anne Palmer and cover some 65 acres. There is a restaurant and plant sales so you can make a great day out here.
Walking
The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival offers guided walks in early May each year. You can find self guided walk routes from West Country Walks who run the walking festival. Many of these walks have been led during the festivals. North Devon and Exmoor provide some superb walking with the South West Coast Path being only a short distance from us.
Cycling
The Sustrans cycle routes are close by, following the old railway from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple and then on along the Tarka Trail cycleway into mid Devon. You can find self guided cycle routes based on the Tarka Trail from West Country Walks.
There is quality cycle hire at Braunton and Barnstaple.
Surfing
Croyde is a perfect centre for surfing with various surfing schools always providing lessons. The beach is patrolled by the Coastguard.
Adventure
Are you an adventure junky? Do you like the thrills of rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes, coasteering, kart racing, quad biking, or the less hairy kite flying, mountain biking, kayaking or paintballing. Then go to Devon Adventure to realise your dreams.
Golf
The Ilfracombe Golf Club is about 6 miles away and welcomes visitors to the club. Willingcott Valley Golf Course is about 2 miles away.
Eating Out
Devon has some excellent restaurants and pubs. Ilfracombe, Barnstaple and the surrounding villages are home to a wide choice of good food.
Tourist Information
For further information on anything in this area please contact the local tourist information centres.
Woolacombe: +44 (0)1271 870553
Email: info@woolacombetourism.co.uk
Ilfracombe: +44 (0)1271 863001
Email: info@visitilfracombe.co.uk