Things to do Nearby

Our country cottages are set in 6 acres and surrounded by common land, perfect for walking. Whilst being rural our family friendly cottages are not isolated and are less than a mile away from the small market town of Great Torrington with pubs, restaurants, take-aways, a Lidl supermarket, a traditional Victorian Pannier Market and a host of independent butchers, bakers, grocers etc.  As well as Torrington itself, Dartington Crystal, Torrington Golf Course and the Tarka Trail are all walking distance from Hill Farm.

Darracott Reservoir is less than 2 miles away with fishing permits readily available.

Beaches

The nearest, Instow, Westward Ho! and Northam Burrows, are both only 20mins away.

Instow has a long stretch of sandy beach, sand dunes, parking beachside and plenty of spots for children to go crabbing.

Westward Ho! offers 2 miles of golden sand backed by a pebble ridge. Look in the rock pools, build sand castles, fly kites or have a surfing lesson.

Also nearby are the famous beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolacombe (‘best beach in UK’) and Bude. Tide times can be found at www.waiting-for-the-tide.com and www.devon-tides.com

Nearby attractions

We have complied a list of our nearby favourites below.

Cycling The Tarka Trail – Walking distance or 5min drive to bike hire

There are lots of cycling routes here in North Devon, making Hill Farm Cottages a great cycling holiday.

The Tarka Trail is a pedestrian and cycle way. It runs in a 163 mile figure-of-eight with Torrington roughly in the middle.

Cycle hire is available locally

Here at Hill Farm we provide a covered cycle rack (up to 5 bikes)

Atlantic Village and Atlantis Adventure Park – 15mins

If you and the family fancy a bit of shopping then head to Atlantic Village, North Devon.

Outlet shopping village with mini 10 pin bowling.

Next door is Atlantis a kids adventure park with soft play area, adventure playground, fairground rides, maze, pan for gold. Mum’s can shop and Dad’s can stay with the kids!

Southdown Adventure – 10mins

Head to South Down Adventure Centre for some outdoor fun with the family, a perfect day out when staying with Hill Farm Cottages.

Good for older kids. Quad biking, clay pigoen shooting, archery, zorbing, air rifling.

RHS Rosemoor Gardens – 7mins

RHS Rosemoor is a stunning garden to visit in North Devon, the perfect trip out when staying with Hill Farm Cottages.

Rosemoor is an internationally renowned collection of gardens in North Devon, England. Rosemoor Garden covers 65 acres and it hosts, apart from a range of gardens, a visitor centre, with a library, a plant centre, a shop, a restaurant and the Wisteria tearoom. Plenty of activities for kids too.

Dartington Crystal – 1min

Dartington Crystal factory is one not to miss, especially as its only 1 minute away from Hill Farm Cottages.

Their global factory is based here in Torrington. See and hear the fascinating story of over 40 years of Dartington Crystal.

For little ones they can paint glass items which can be taken away as a holiday souvenir. There is also a shop selling items at greatly reduced prices.

‘Air Extreme’ Trampoline Park – 20mins

Air Extreme is a great activity to keep the little ones amused during wet weather in North Devon.

Ideal to keep the little ones amused if you get a rainy day

The Gnome Reserve & Wild Flower Garden – 30mins

For something a bit different head to the Gnome Reserve in North Devon.

A great photo opportunity – they give you a a gnomes hat to wear! Woodland, stream, 30 yard pond, meadow and garden – home to 1000+ gnomes and pixies, and about 250 labelled species of wild flowers, herbs, grasses and ferns.  

The Milky Way Adventure Park – 30mins

The Milky Way is a great day out for the children, visit while on holiday at Hill Farm Cottages.

‘The Milky Way Adventure Park has it all! Ride the Cosmic Typhoon Devon’s tallest, fastest & longest roller coaster. Have a wild time in North Devon’s biggest indoor adventure play area with assault courses & slides built for adults & children. Kick back & watch our amazing live shows featuring Merlin from Britain’s Got Talent, plus fantastic displays from the North Devon
Bird of Prey Centre.’

North Devon Wakepark – 30mins

If you are looking to do something adventurous why not head to the Wake Park in North Devon.

Next to the Milky Way is a wakepark. Try Wakeboarding or if you aren’t feeling quite as adventurous the inflatable assualt course

The Big Sheep – 20mins

The Big Sheep is a family fun attraction you can enjoy while on holiday at Hill Farm Cottages.

The BIG Sheep is a petting zoo with train and tractor rides, jumping pillows, large indoor play area, boating lake etc

They have recently installed a rollercoaster and laser battlefield to appeal to older children also.

Ultimate Adventure Centre – 20mins

For something adventurous, head over to the Ultimate Adventure Centre in North Devon when staying at Hill Farm Cottages.

Next to the Big Sheep. Focused on kids aged 8 & above. Assault Course, Climbing Wall, Water Zorbing, Kayaking, Laser Tag,

Canoeing and Kayaking – 15mins

There are lots of place to go kayaking while on holiday in North Devon.

From Bideford take a kayak for a leisurely paddle up the Torridge estuary towards the iron bridge at Landcross. 

Paddle inland towards Torrington as the tide is coming in then paddle back when the tide turns. Call the hire place (click on the pic for their details) or look online to check tide times and book your trip accordingly

Arlington Court – National Trust – 45mins

Quince Honey Farm is a fantastic family attraction to visit when you are staying with Hill Farm Cottages, North Devon.

Our kids loved the playpark and assualt-like courses in the woodland,  make sure they wear old clothes!

Quince Honey Farm – 30mins

Quince Honey Farm is a fantastic family attraction to visit when you are staying with Hill Farm Cottages, North Devon.

See and hear all about how bees make honey. Softplay area for little ones also.

The Eden Project – 1hr 30

Head to the Eden Project for a fun family day out when staying with Hill Farm Cottages.

Explore what is on offer at the world-famous visitor attraction
in Cornwall and get practical advice and more information by visiting their website.

Tintagel Castle – 1 hour drive

Visit Tintagel Castle and Merlins Cave to get a sense of history and take in the amazing coastal views of Cornwall. Walk the steps into the Castle ruins and cross the bridge to take you to the highest points.

(Highly recommended but not disabled or young child friendly due to the steps and walk)

Other places to see and things to do

Clovelly – www.clovelly.co.uk

Bideford – www.northdevon.com/places/Bideford.aspx

Appledore – www.appledore.org

Lundy Island – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lundy

Hartland – www.hartlandpeninsula.co.uk

Holsworthy – www.devonguide.com/holsworthy