Fido Family Friendly Places

Eastacombe is a traditional, detached village cottage that has undergone a complete transformation, having been totally renovated and extended in 2022/23. Access by car is easy to Eggesford Forest (10 miles towards Exeter), with the local country pub just a bit further along the A377 where you can have lunch before a walk in the woods. If you like a round of golf, more locally is Libbaton Golf Club at High Bickington, just 3 miles away, where anyone can have a game along with a beer or two and a meal.
The amazing accommodation on offer comprises four bedrooms on the first floor; two with lovely en-suites and all with Smart TVs. On the ground floor you’ll find the fifth bedroom, plus there’s a handy additional wet room. The living spaces include a huge open plan living space with a kitchen and large breakfast bar, as well as all the cooking utensils you may need. If you fancy relaxing away from the rest of the group there’s a gorgeous snug with a cosy wood burner at the front of the cottage. Outside you’ll find the patio and lawned garden, with a purpose built outdoor cooking area with a pizza oven and barbecue, and then there’s the hot tub you can relax in under the stars. And if you fancy some entertaining, you’ll love the games room which has pool and table tennis tables, table football and a dart board, plus a games console and its own toilet.
Within easy reach by car are the county’s two National Parks; Exmoor and Dartmoor. The location is 8 miles from the regional capital town of Barnstaple with its many cafés and restaurants, Queens Theatre, multi-screen cinema, leisure centre with swimming pool, a purpose-built tennis centre with indoor and outdoor courts, and an indoor trampoline centre. Just 30 miles to the south is the historic city of Exeter.
North Devon is famed for its fantastic natural attractions such as Exmoor National Park, with its magical night skies in Europe’s first ’Dark Sky Reserve’, the many rugged coastal towns and quaint villages such as Lynton and Lynmouth, Ilfracombe and the world-famous Clovelly Village. If stunning beaches are your thing, then the region will leave you spoilt for choice with Saunton, Woolacombe, Croyde and Westward Ho! Beaches. The fantastic South West Coast Path runs through the region’s rugged coastline, perfect for walkers and view seekers and offering 90 miles of stunning walks.

The Cider Barn is a luxurious and spacious three-bedroom holiday home with a hot tub, two bathrooms and a large private garden set in the heart of Devon. Originally a 17th-century farmstead, the accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard for up to six guests to enjoy, and the property feels stylish and beautiful with its unique interiors. The barn is attached to the back of the owner’s farmhouse but guests will have private access with their own front door and driveway space, enough for up to four cars.
As you enter, you will be welcomed into the hallway area which has bench seating, a washer/dryer, and is perfect for hanging coats up and kicking off those wellies after a bracing walk in the countryside. The spacious living room is comfortably furnished with a large corner sofa, Smart TV with Freeview and a gas wood burner. One of the kingsize bedrooms is located on the ground floor and there is a handy shower room across the hallway.
Head upstairs to discover the other two kingsize bedrooms, one of which has zip and link beds and can be set up with twin beds if requested. The family bathroom is fitted with a shower over the bath, offering the choice of a relaxing soak or a refreshing shower. The elegant kitchen/diner is also located on the first floor, making the most of the beautiful views across the countryside. It is well equipped with all the key appliances and offers plenty of space to enjoy a meal together sat at the large dining table.
The secluded garden is a fantastic space to relax and unwind in with its lawn, seating area, charcoal barbeque and private wood-fired hot tub backing onto the surrounding fields. A pizza oven can be rented for a small fee and trout fishing is also available on request. There are two footpaths meandering through the owner’s land which can be accessed 100m from the front door of The Cider Barn, leading off into the fields or to the local pubs which serve the most delicious food.
The historic cathedral city of Exeter is 12 miles away with easy parking and a direct rail link from Crediton. The scenic national parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor are within a 40-minute drive away. Dartmoor is a vast moorland defined by forests, rivers, wetlands, and tors (rock formations). The South Devon ‘Jurassic’ coast is a 50-minute drive away while the rugged North Devon coast and surfing beaches are a 60-minute drive away. The Cider Barn is ideal for families and groups of friends looking for a peaceful, relaxing holiday.

The graceful spire of Holbeton church greets you first as you enter this tranquil Devon valley - along with a sign to let you know that you are now in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Then, almost immediately, you get your first glimpse of your stunningly beautiful detached property as you drive through the exquisite craftsman made metal gates. This unusual and much loved home is the perfect retreat. You will almost certainly take breakfast in the sun room as you plan your day, and, what could be a nicer start, than by feeding the koi carp in their 28 foot long, hand tiled water feature whilst sipping your first cuppa! The fully equipped kitchen opens onto the calm and inviting dining area that features a large marble top table. As you explore the house, you will first be delighted at the original art on the walls. Be prepared to have your breath taken away by the fabulous, handmade, wrought iron staircase and you’ll know that you are somewhere very special. The downstairs open plan living area is light and comfortable and perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the spectacular views. Should the weather keep you indoors, simply settle back with Netflix, for a truly cosy evening. The totally private landscaped gardens are yours to enjoy, as are an extra two acres of pasture which are perfect for dog walking. You can spend your afternoons chilling on the sunny, south facing deck watching the wildlife of this peaceful Devon valley.

Alternatively, take a 2-mile walk to the coast through secluded woodland to laze on sandy Mothecombe beach. Totnes, a handsome market town in the South Hams, is easily reached and river cruises can be taken from here down to Dartmouth during the summer months. The owner lives close by and is on hand for help and local knowledge. Whatever you decide, you’ll certainly want to round off the evening with a soak under the stars in your private hot tub with its magically lit amphitheatre. Your stay here at Pentire will rejuvenate and delight you and when you leave you will probably be planning your next visit before you even drive out of the gates! Please note that the koi carp pond can be covered with secure netting on request. Parents with small children should also be aware that the garden has an unfenced drop. Bird watching, horse riding, golf and fishing can all be found locally. Beach 2¼ miles. Shop pub and restaurant 150 yards.

The Old Roundhouse is a unique escape in sumptuous accommodation, the perfect holiday retreat in genuine peace and tranquillity. This stunning, spacious, detached barn conversion with original roundhouse enjoys total seclusion within its own large gardens on the edge of the owner’s farm, with no near neighbours. Nestling in this designated AONB, uninterrupted and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside abound and lovely walks can be enjoyed from the property. A 10-minute walk over the owner’s fields and woods leads to Hartland village with shops, three pubs and a lovely coffee shop. Sandy Spekes beach is just over a mile walk. A fabulous, picturesque, hidden treasure, great for rockpooling and surfing. The owners have maintained many original features - exposed internal stone walls, beams and wonderful slate floors with underfloor heating throughout. Everything has been thought of to ensure an incredible holiday to please everyone. The Old Roundhouse is a really special holiday home and a warm welcome awaits with complimentary chilled beer and wine, cream teas, fresh flowers and toiletries - all ingredients for a well earned break. The stunning World Heritage coastline abounds with family activities, from pretty beaches to hidden coves, once the haunt of smugglers. Hartland Abbey is worth a visit, as is the famous Clovelly. Bude and Bideford are within easy reach with their shops, attractions and leisure pursuits. Shops ½ mile.

Oak and Ash are two lovely lower ground floor apartments which form part of the owner’s overall property which can be booked individually or alongside each other for larger groups. Oak has two bedrooms accommodating four people with super king zip and link beds which can be set up as twins on request. There’s a bathroom with bath and shower over and in the lounge there’s a large double sofa bed for two additional guests and from here you can enjoy the lovely views over the nature reserve. In Ash, both bedrooms accommodate three people with super king zip and link beds which can be set up as twins on request, an extra day bed in one and a single in the other. Both properties have kitchen/diners with everything you’ll need including a dishwasher and coffee machine. Outside you will find shared facilities such as paths for walks around the large garden area, a very large deck with seating and a dining table where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings overlooking the nature reserve and then there’s the lovely swimming pool area which is open between May and September. There is also a covered hot tub which can be booked out for private use, only available for children aged 12 years and up. Access to both apartments is via stairs, therefore unsuitable for wheelchair use or those with difficulty walking.

Bideford is the second largest town in North Devon with plenty to see and do with a lovely river front and port, which was once Britain’s third largest. Beaches, such as Westward Ho! and Instow are firm favourites locally and are less than 3 and 4 miles away respectively and the South West Coastal Path is a must for keen walkers & runners as is the popular Tarka Trail, which stretches for 180 miles and can be accessed via the same side of the river. It provides the unique opportunity to follow a disused railway line by foot or bicycle, allowing you to enjoy some of Devon’s finest countryside and river views and enjoy various treats along the way through Instow, Fremington Quay and onto Barnstaple, North Devon’s historical regional centre. Swimming, surfing, canoeing and entertainment for all the family plus fishing are all close by and the for a day with a difference why not take a trip across to Lundy Island? With regular trips from Bideford, you can enjoy the home to England’s first statutory Marine Nature Reserve, due to its unique flora and fauna. Measuring just 3 miles by ¾ mile, this entire island has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Westward Ho!, the nearest seaside village offers an array of seaside amenities including some fascinating curiosity shops and a range of restaurants and cafés. Within easy reach are two popular top attractions, The Big Sheep amusement farm park and if you fancy some high ropes, wall climbing, surfing or even a spot of coasteering, the Ultimate Adventure Centre is the place to visit! The beaches are a main attraction for many with surfer-friendly Westward Ho! and slightly further afield, award winning Saunton Sands, Woolacombe & Croyde are also a must for your itinerary. Being very close to the A39 Atlantic Highway, Bideford is conveniently located for day trips to other beautiful places such as Exmoor National Park with stunning dark skies for great star gazing & locations such as Clovelly, Hartland and North Cornwall.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.

Sherrill Farm Holiday Cottages is a complex of 13 delightful self catering cottages (refs UKC1427 to UKC1439), converted from the original 300 year old barns and farmhouse set within 16 acres of Devon farmland. Clustered around the central courtyard, the properties retain many original features and are charmingly furnished and decorated, with well-equipped kitchens. (Some properties are adjoining, whilst others occupy either the ground floor or the first floor of the same cottage). Located near Dartmoor and midway between Tavistock and Launceston on the Devon/Cornwall border, in wonderful rolling countryside.

Approached by its own private driveway, Sherrill Farm is a perfect spot to relax and unwind or to use as a base for exploring north and south Devon, and Cornwall.

This farm complex is a superb place for the entire family, and all guests have use of the large indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, bowling alley and games room. This leisure complex is open daily until 9pm. After an energetic swim you can step out onto the surrounding sun terrace and enjoy the stunning south-facing views, whilst the children keep themselves entertained in their own play area. There is also an all-weather tennis court available and rackets can be hired on site; a picnic area and a summerhouse along the banks of the ponds. This really is a beautiful area offering perfect family accommodation, peace and tranquillity.

There are three ponds within the grounds, one has been especially created to encourage wildlife and is set in beautiful surroundings. The other 2 ponds have been stocked with fish for those wishing to try their hand at this relaxing pastime (rods can be hired on site). Many bird species can be seen in the area as it is so quiet here and foxes and badgers are often seen on a summer’s evening.

A short drive away is the beautiful Tamar Valley dividing Devon and Cornwall, with picturesque and historical riverside villages including Morewellham. Within minutes you can be venturing out onto the Dartmoor National Park with over 250,000 acres of wild rugged open moorland, a haven for hikers or dog walkers. There are many exciting places to visit including Morwellham Quay and the National Trust properties of Cotehele, Buckland Abbey and Lydford Gorge with its White Lady Waterfall.

The historic market town of Tavistock is just 6 miles away and is a popular town with indoor pannier market and local shops selling locally produced foods. Horse riding is also available locally, as is trout fishing. Why not try canoeing on the River Tamar, or perhaps cycling on the Plym Valley track? The north and south coasts of both Devon and Cornwall are within easy reach by car and offer an amazing choice of splendid sandy beaches, a variety of water sports, cliff top walks, swimming, surfing and other seaside activities. The owners can also recommend local caterers, and guests can contact Lifton Farm Shop to organise a hog roast. Beach 20 miles. Shop 4½ miles, pub 1 mile and restaurant 1¼ miles.

Longmead is a fantastically versatile holiday accommodation sleeping up to 10 guests in the main bungalow and side annexe. It also boasts a private hot tub and 6ft pool table in the main living area. As you approach Longmead along the driveway, you will see the property has adequate parking for around five cars directly in front of the main bungalow itself. The main bungalow sleeps six people in three bedrooms, and the attached annexe with its own entrance sleeps up to a further four guests.
As you enter the bungalow you find yourself in the open plan kitchen/dining area with all the cooking facilities you could need for a comfortable stay. There are doors from the dining area which also lead into the living area, which benefits from a wood burner, Smart TV and 6ft pool table, perfect for social dining and games at the end of a day out. To the left of the bungalow is a large decked outside area which is where the private hot tub is located, looking out across the beautiful rolling hills. At the end of the garden area, located directly next to the bungalow, is the annexe which is accessed through its own separate door. The annexe entrance leads you into the living area with a sofa bed for sleeping up to two guests, with a separate kingsize bedroom.
Longmead is situated in a great location for accessing the surrounding area of Torbay, while seeming secluded and relaxing. The set up of the bungalow/annexe is also perfect for groups/families coming together and allowing for an element of increased privacy for certain guests if wanted.

Orchard Barn is a luxurious and spacious three-bedroom barn conversion just outside the small village of South Tawton. Set on a working farm close to Dartmoor National Park, it has been lovingly renovated by the owners in 2021 and lies in a rural setting.

Standing detached, it greets guests with a delicious welcome pack of thoughtfully provided fresh local produce. The owners can supply award winning meat (105 awards) for your stay and their neighbour can supply you with quiches, scones, so you can have a night free from cooking.
The open plan living space includes a well-equipped kitchen and a lovely dining and living area with a wood burner for the cooler months and air conditioning for the summer. The kitchen has a beautiful island worktop with a couple of stools, the perfect spot to plan your day over a morning coffee, and later you can gather round the striking oak dining table for a celebratory meal. The spacious living area combines traditional features of the barn with contemporary touches, and heading upstairs you will find three comfortable bedrooms, each with a super kingsize bed (two of the zip and link bedrooms can be split to accommodate four children in one bedroom if required), two with an en-suite shower room, and the other bedroom has use of the family bathroom featuring a luxurious roll-top bath.

Sit outside and enjoy peace in the garden beside the apple orchard, with its outdoor seating, picnic benches and barbecue with complimentary pack of charcoal. There is also an outside dog shower with hot and cold water. The external games room is a great additional space, featuring a table tennis, pool table, space to store bicycles and surfboards, a washing machine and a tumble dryer.

Set on the north eastern edge of the stunning Dartmoor National Park with walks and cycle paths from your doorstep, you can easily explore the beautiful surrounding countryside and discover the local wildlife, including the iconic Dartmoor ponies. Okehampton is a short distance way and has a good selection of shops, amenities and castle, or walk along the Tarka Trail and the old railway to Meldon reservoir. National Trust Castle Drogo is also nearby for a visit, and Devon’s bustling resorts and beautiful beaches are just a short drive away, including Teignmouth, Dawlish and Exmouth (reached in 40 minutes).

With beautiful surroundings, Orchard Barn is the perfect choice for a truly memorable holiday. Central to both North and South Coastlines and easy access to the A30, it is easy to get to ‘everywhere’! Castles, Gorges, stately homes, riverside walks, moorland walks, horse riding, mountain biking, Tarka Trail, Granite Way, Wray Valley (three off road level routes for cycling), Chagford and Okehampton swimming pool.

This property is located near the popular port town of Ilfracombe and just under 3 miles from the nearest beach. It is situated on a small complex of 5 star properties, one of which the owners live in and is accessed via a private agricultural lane owned by the adjacent property. The Shippon is a four bedroom barn conversion with an open plan living space which is the hub of the property. There is a piano in the lounge. The kitchen has a fantastic island with an induction hob where real foodies can cook up a storm while chatting with other guests who can sit with a drink whilst their meal is being prepared. Outside there is a private raised garden and orchard area with countryside views, the Bristol Channel and Wales to enjoy.
The property is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ( AONB ) and 4 miles from Ilfracombe’s lovely harbour and port which dates back to the 12th century, with quality ice cream, fish and chip shops, various craft shops and art galleries to enjoy. The surrounding area has many attractions waiting to be discovered including Cairn Woodland Nature Reserve, Hillsborough and Rapperee Cove, Watermouth Bay, the South West Coast Path and for the family, Watermouth Castle and Theme Park. You can have a day out on Lundy Island, go diving or take a trip on the Ilfracombe Princess and see seals, porpoises and sea birds nesting on the cliffs. Try your hand at sea fishing on Blue Fin or take an exhilarating tour of the amazing coastline on the Ilfracombe Sea Safari or on the Hampshire Rose, a former RNLI Lifeboat.
Ilfracombe is perfectly situated to enjoy countless other North Devon attractions such as the popular Tarka Trail, Exmoor National Park 20 minutes’ drive away and the breath taking Valley of the Rocks at Lynton with its incredible sea views, rugged cliffs and amazing funicular cliff railway to Lynmouth, which opened in 1890 and is the highest and steepest entirely water powered railway in the world!
There are also numerous great pubs within walking distance 4km (plus the owners are happy to pick you up on the way home!). Sawmills in Watermouth Valley and 1675 traditional pub in Berrynarbor and stunning Sandy Cove Hotel in Combe Martin Bay which has stunning coastal views. This area plays host to world class beaches including Saunton Sands, Woolacombe and Croyde – all of which are famous for their surfing and vast stretches of golden sand. Beach 2¾ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.

As you enter the recently renovated Harbour Retreat, you find yourself in the downstairs hallway. The fully equipped kitchen is straight ahead and the open bright and airy living/dining area is to your right. The living/dining area leads out onto the pleasant enclosed rear garden via a sliding door, with decked area, hot tub and BBQ as well as part lawn with shrubs; a great area to sit out and enjoy the last of the sun after a long day at the beach! Upstairs is the family walk-in shower room and two bedrooms. One of the bedrooms benefits from a kingsize bed, the second bedroom is a double room but also has a pull out single bed, handy for if friends come to stay. The third bedroom contains bunk beds and is a great children’s room.
The property is situated just around the corner from Paignton Harbour where there are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit. There is also a beautiful small cove named ’fairy cove’ just a minutes walk towards the harbour and large park, and coastal walks at your very doorstep. Whether its spending a day locally or venturing slightly out to see what the beautiful English Riviera has to offer, Harbour retreat is a great place to start! Beach 5-minute walk.