Local Attractions

Torrington 1646

A visit to this historic Devon tourist attraction is truly an experience that will be enjoyed by all the family whatever their ages.

This is history as never seen before as you travel back to 1646 and meet the characters who populated Torrington, North Devon’s forgotten site of the last major battle of the English Civil War.

Please see website for more details.

North Devon Show 2010

North Devon’s premier agricultural spectacle will be held this year on Wednesday 4th August in Umberleigh, a few miles from West Down Guest House. This annual event is a celebration of North Devon’s agricultural roots.

A host of livestock classes occupy the arenas throughout the day with alpacas, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, show jumping and open dog show.

Attractions, displays, demonstrations and trade stands for all.

Please see website for more details.

Dartington Crystal

Around 200,000 people visit Dartington in North Devon each year - A great day out for all the family. Whilst here you will learn about the 40 years of history with Dartington Crystal at the audio visual theatre, follow the Dartington Timeline from 1967 to present day, then watch the expert master engraving demonstration - even buy that special piece and have it personalised.

You can then watch the live demonstration of studio glassmaking and try the many hands-on activities we have to offer.

Please see website for more details.

Clovelly Village

Set into a steep hillside, Clovelly is one of the most famous villages in the world. The single cobbled high street winds its way down the hillside through traditional whitewashed cottages festooned with fuchsias and geraniums.

Unusually, this North Devon village is privately owned and has been by the same family since 1738. Their policy is to care for Clovelly and keep it in the style of the mid C19th. This involves much quality maintenance using traditional materials and craftsmanship. Part of the modest entrance fee contributes to this work.

Please see website for more details.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is a place of beauty and wonder which explores humankind's dependence on natural resources.

You will find crops, landscapes and wild plants which reflect the amazing diversity of our planet. There is also internationally famous architecture and art which draw inspiration from nature; and a stage on which people working to make our world a better place, can tell their stories.

Ten years ago Eden site was a barren, exhausted china clay pit. Now its massive Biomes (one of which is the biggest greenhouse in the world) and millions of plants bear witness to what can be achieved by a can-do attitude and the tenacity of the human spirit. Eden is as potent a symbol of hope for the future as you could find anywhere on earth.

Please see website for more details.

Walking and Golf

North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival 2010

The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival is now in it's 10th year and has grown to become one of the largest walking festivals in the UK. We've organised 84 guided walks this Spring ranging from shorter 2 mile half day walks to more lengthy 10 mile routes, you're sure to find the perfect walk for you!

This is the most scenic walking festival, and Country Life magazine has again voted Devon as the Best County in 2009.

Please see website for more details.

Golf in North Devon

West Down B&B Guest House is ideally situated in the heart of North Devon for access to a wide range of golf courses to suit all abilities.

Choose from the historic Royal North Devon links course at Westward Ho!, the Championship East Course at Saunton Sands or the local courses at Libbaton, Chumleigh and Portmore at Barnstaple.

Please see website for more details of all of the local courses.

Gardens

Marwood Hill Gardens

This is one of North Devon’s best kept secrets. Within the gardens there are many collections of plants. The large collection of Camellia numbers well over eight hundred different cultivars. These are grown in a large greenhouse as well as in various parts of the garden. Magnolias are a recent addition and there are over eighty, which are a striking feature in March and April. Betula, Eucryphia, Eucalyptus, Rhododendron, Hosta and Iris are strongly represented in the garden.

There are three National Collections in the gardens which are looked after in association with the N.C.C.P.G. (The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens).

Please see website for more details.

RHS Rosemoor

Set deep in the lovely North Devon countryside, Rosemoor is an enchanting garden to visit at any time of the year.

In addition to the vast range of plants originally collected by Lady Anne, the RHS has added features such as the Formal Garden, extensive herbaceous borders, Herb and Cottage Gardens, a Potager, a Fruit and Vegetable Garden, two beautiful Rose Gardens, a Foliage and Plantsman's Garden, as well as a superb Winter Garden, extensive stream and lakeside plantings and an Alpine House.

Please see website for more details.

Tapeley Park House and Gardens

This historic stately home is situated near the coast in beautiful North Devon between Instow and Bideford. It has lots of attractions for all the family and has events throughout the year.

Tapeley Park differs from many similar parks because it tries to be environmentally friendly.

Please see website for details.

The Castle Hill Estate

Castle Hill near Filleigh, Barnstaple was built in 1730 as the Earl of Fortescue’s family home.

The Palladian House, in which his descendants, the Earl and Countess of Arran are living, is set in a spectacular 18th century parkland landscape with grass terraces and statues leading down to the river and lakes.

Please see website for more details.

Hartland Abbey

Only one mile from Hartland Quay, Hartland Abbey lies across a narrow, sheltered valley which winds its way to the spectacular Atlantic Coast.

Within a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ visitors may wander around the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to the rocky cove. Peacocks and guinea fowl roam at will, whilst donkeys and Black Welsh Mountain sheep graze the Old Deer Park.

Please see website for more details.

National Trust Sites

Lundy Island

Lundy Island, off the coast of North Devon, was designated as the UK’s first Marine Conservation Area. This unspoilt island is home to a fascinating array of wildlife amidst dramatic scenery. It includes a Victorian church and 13th-century castle and is undisturbed by cars.

There is a huge variety of migratory seabirds, grass and heathland habitats, and opportunities for diving and seal watching.

Please see website for more details.

Watersmeet

This wonderful valley is located east of Lynton and Lynmouth, within Exmoor National Park. It boasts a varied Exmoor landscape of rocky coastline, heather moorland, wooded valleys and fast-flowing rivers.

It is situated on a dramatic stretch of the South West Coast Path and is one of Britain's deepest river gorges. It is a setting for an Edwardian tea-room and gardens and a haven for butterflies, otters, birds and salmon.

Please see website for more details.

Arlington Court and National Trust Carriage Museum

This intimate and intriguing Regency house is set in an extensive North Devon estate with an impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles. It hosts the Trust's largest collection of horse-drawn carriages and the varied collections of eccentric traveller Rosalie Chichester.

View Devon's largest colony of lesser horseshoe bats via the 'bat-cam' (May to August). Enjoy the charming Victorian pleasure grounds and carriage rides around the grounds. The extensive grounds are a home to Jacob sheep, red deer and peacocks.

Please see website for more details.

Dunster Castle

This ancient romantic castle with turrets and towers has fine interiors and subtropical gardens. It was remodelled in the 19th century, but was an important fortress for more than 1,000 years.

It has a dramatic hilltop location with sweeping views over Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. There are terraced gardens with subtropical plants and the castle is home to the National Collection of strawberry trees.

Please see website for more details.

Bideford Bay and Hartland

A little-known but most beautiful stretch of rugged cliffs, sheltered valleys and ancient woodlands located on the North Devon coast, west of Bideford. It has been an inspiration for writers such as Charles Kingsley and Rudyard Kipling.

There are miles of South West Coast Path to explore with flourishing wildlife, from seals offshore, to rare butterflies and birds on the cliffs.

Please see website for more details.
 

Morte Point

Located on the North Devon coastline, between Croyde and Ilfracombe. Spectacular coastline of cliffs and coves, sandy beaches, dunes and headlands, important for its wildlife, archaeology and geology. It boasts popular bathing and surfing beaches at Woolacombe. There are easy and adventurous walks along the South West Coast Path with an interesting history of smuggling, wrecking and D-Day planning.

There are colourful flower displays at Baggy Point in late spring and summer, jagged slate rock formations and enormous boulders east of Morte.

Please see website for more details.

West Exmoor Coast

Located in North East Devon, from Combe Martin to Woody Bay, west of Lynton. There are six miles of towering cliffs and secluded coves, wooded river valleys and heather moorland in Exmoor National Park.

The highest sea cliffs in southern England are a haven for coastal and woodland birds and provide fantastic walking on the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail. The area contains archaeological interest - from a Roman fortlet to Victorian limekilns. A favourite landscape of romantic poets and smugglers too!

Please see website for more details.