Dog-Friendly Holidays Devon

Nestling in the foothills of the stunning Exmoor National Park on a working farm, The Farm House (UKC1339) and Bridge House (UKC1340) are two thoughtfully converted, semi-detached houses offering guests comfortable accommodation in this wonderful part of Devon. Combe View (ref UKC3157) is a stunning first floor apartment style accommodation. Thoughtfully converted and using timber from the surrounding forest, this really is somewhere a little bit special. The huge picture window sitting just behind the contemporary multi-fuel burner is a small offering of what is available to guests in this very comfortable accommodation set in this stunning part of Devon. All properties offer guests a good level of comfort and are ideal for families or small groups wanting to enjoy the surrounding area, and a welcome pack is waiting for you on arrival with a home-made cake, bread, butter, jam, tea, coffee, sugar and milk.
Centred on a cobbled courtyard with a pond, the properties benefit from the use of their own private sitting-out area as well as a very large, well-maintained garden with stunning views across the countryside. There are some great walks from the farm up onto Exmoor which is designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, and there are a number of walks on the estate that take you down through woods and along valleys by rivers and past lakes. The walks are mainly off road and a wide variety of wildlife can be seen, from the wild red deer that Exmoor is famous for, to the tiny but vibrant kingfisher. On the estate there are 2 spring fed lakes; these have a population of wild brown trout. Fishing on the lakes is available in the fishing season. Access is by foot or by 4x4 vehicle as they are both located along farm tracks unsuitable for cars. Please ask for directions to the lakes.

The village of North Molton, a short drive away, has a good local shop and pub. The larger town of South Molton has a wider range of shops and local amenities.
During your stay, there is plenty to see and do. Highlights on the moor include the pretty village of Withypool, and the the famous and ancient Tarr Steps. Climb to Exmoor’s highest point at Dunkery Beacon, and then pop into the Dulverton for an afternoon cream tea. There is extensive walking to suit all abilities across the moor, and towards the coastline there are dramatic, steep cliffs at Countisbury. In the Victorian towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, there is plenty to see and do, and the two towns are connected by the famous funicular cliff railway. Other local highlights include the Valley of the Rocks, and there is also access to the South West Coast Path. For good beaches, head up to Woolacombe, Putborough and Croyde. You will be able to enjoy some of the best beaches in the country with surfing and rock pooling. For those with young children, Exmoor Zoo, Combe Martin Wildlife Park and Watermouth Castle all provide an interesting and entertaining day out. There are National Trust properties at Arlington and Knighthayes. Golf, fishing, cycling and safaris across the moor are all available locally. Beach 15 miles. Shop and restaurant 4¼ miles, pub 2 miles.
The properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 20 guests.

These two lovely properties are situated in the village of Cranford, just a short drive from the secluded, dog friendly, sand and shingle beach in the tiny cliff top hamlet of Bucks Mills, one of the most beautiful villages in North Devon. This secluded, hidden gem, with pretty white washed cottages speckled along a wooded valley at the end of a no-through road, makes the perfect location for a holiday all year round. The owner lives nearby and is on hand should you need advice or assistance during your stay.

Cranford House (ref UK10938) has a large, living/dining/sun room, which is really the heart of this wonderful property. Sit back and relax in front of the cosy wood burner, or gather in the evening for a pre-dinner glass of something chilled as you recount your stories of the days adventure. The large kitchen will surely be a hit with the family chef, so you can rustle up something tasty and sit down to an evening meal surrounded by your loved ones. The games room houses a pool table, which will be sure to keep everyone entertained with a little family friendly competition.

The Old Coach House (ref UK11507) is a detached barn conversion with a cosy open plan living space on the first floor and two lovely bedrooms on the ground floor. This upside-down design makes a great base for couples and families looking to escape to Devon’s picturesque countryside. A fully enclosed garden can be found beside the property and is ideal for an al fresco supper. Both properties also have use of a 2-acre field just across the lane, ideal for summertime picnics and walks with your four-legged friends.

There is something for everyone in this stunning location with birdwatching, fishing, horse riding, golf, surfing and sailing close by. The nearby coastal path leads you to the popular fishing village of Clovelly and the unspoilt beach at Peppercombe, or if you are feeling energetic you can walk all the way to Westward Ho!. A village store and post office are just 1 mile away for your daily essentials and the popular village inn at Woolsery and adjacent fish and chip shop make for a perfect evening out or in. Nearby Bideford has restaurants and town amenities along with boat trips to Lundy Island, or why not hire a bike and explore the Tarka Trail? RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Docton Mill and Hartland Quay are well worth a visit, along with many pretty fishing villages to explore including nearby Instow and Appledore. For family fun, the North Devon Wake Park, Ultimate Adventure, Big Sheep and Milky Way Adventure parks are a must. Beach 10 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 1¼ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

Set in the heart of rolling Devon countryside, the privately owned Ashcombe country estate nestles in a quiet, beautiful valley filled with things to do and a short drive from the sandy beaches of Dawlish and Torquay. Enjoy walking around the estate’s hills and woodlands, swim in the heated indoor swimming pool, or relax in the sauna at Woodhouse Farm while children play on outdoor playground. Both The Cider Barn, a mile away and sleeping 16, and Nut Tree Farm, sleeping 28, have their own outdoor swimming pools for the summer.
The cottages are both comfortable and practical, with a wide range of Devon attractions right on the doorstep. All are maintained to very high standards with leather sofas, superfast Wi-Fi, flatscreen Smart TVs and very comfortable beds. Many retain original features, including oak beamed ceilings, and all have either Italian-tiled or wooden floors.
Sleeping from 4 to 22 people, and rated either 4 or 5 stars, the cottages can accommodate almost any party size, and an in-house chef (arranged direct with the owner) can be booked to take care of the catering.
The brilliant Ashcombe Adventure Centre for outdoor activities, is just under a mile down the lane. Available at extra cost for those 14 years and over, it offers quad bike safaris, clay pigeon shooting, archery, paintballing and more. Also located on the estate is ’A Touch of the Wild’, a camp-based forest activity club. Children can take part in bush-craft courses and activities ranging from camp fire cooking and toasting marshmallows to bug hunting and learning woodland skills - a day with the experienced staff will ensure youngsters come away with a new found love of the great outdoors. The Ashcombe Village Club opens on various evenings providing cheap beer in a cheerful atmosphere, event evenings, traditional summer fêtes and shows. Guests at Ashcombe can also enjoy foraged and wild walks that take place every Tuesday and last for around two hours. You can discover the simple pleasure of foraging from the abundance of wild foods in the Devon countryside, and also experience the perfect evening out dining under canopies in the Ashcombe Woodland at the Woodland Kitchen, open on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Both Dartmoor National Park and the historic city of Exeter are only a 20-minute drive away, while the famous South Devon Coast, with wonderful sandy beaches, is barely 3 miles. Exeter and Newton Abbot Racecourses, several golf courses, loads of family theme parks, zoos, sailing and fishing are all within easy reach, not to mention the many excellent pubs and restaurants that Devon is famous for. Walk in the wild beauty of Dartmoor with its abundance of wildlife and dramatic landscapes, or visit the numerous nearby National Trust properties including Agatha Christie’s house, Greenway. Steam trains travel from Kingswear to Paignton and Totnes to Buckfastleigh. Visit historic Dartmouth with bustling boat harbour, castle, contemporary art galleries and boutiques and brilliant Regatta Week and Air Show. Salcombe with its beaches, sailing and water sports is also easily accessible, as well as Blackpool Sands, Slapton and picturesque Dittisham. Slightly further afield, East Cornwall and the Eden Project are within an hour’s drive. Other activities of interest include Backwater Adventures to explore Devon’s rivers and countryside with professional guidance and supervision, or Rock Solid Coasteering to explore the Jurassic coastline.
All in all Ashcombe is an excellent base from which to explore, experience and enjoy ‘The Cream of Devon’. All big supermarkets deliver direct to your cottage. Main shops 3 miles.