Pickwell Manor offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery without ever having to leave the grounds. For the children it’s a chance to live like real Swallows and Amazons (although a little more civilised). We have even been named the best alternative to Centre Parcs by The Guardian and our laundry room features in the Wall Street Journal's Year In Photos 2014. Well, it is a stunning view!
The beaches at Putsborough, Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton are all very popular surfing beaches. They also offer fantastic expanses of sands and rock pools at low tide, perfect for all beach games or simply lounging on a hot day. All the beaches have beach car parks if you would prefer not to walk down the coastal paths.
There are lots of beautiful places to go for country and cliff top walks, with Exmoor to the east and National Trust coastlines and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty all around.
Other activities available in the area include:
cycling – including access the Tarka Trail cycle path
horse riding - on the beach
beach volleyball - there are nets on Croyde beach
There are also lots of interesting places to go for day trips including Lundy Island, Lynton and Lynmouth, Clovelly, Instow and Appledore (which are pretty Devon seaside villages) and Barnstaple offers good shopping. Further afield onto Exmoor, Dunster and Dulverton are also two historic villages, Dunster also has a castle and watermill. There are fishing trips available from Ilfracombe Harbour, Combe Martin, Appledore and Lynmouth.
For art lovers, Appledore and Ilfracombe both have a number of galleries and are becoming known for their art. Broomhill Sculpture Gardens is also well worth a trip.
If it's history you're looking for, the area has a number of beautiful National Trust properties including Arlington Court and Dunster Castle . However if gardens are more your cup of tea, then Rosemoor at Torrington is one of The Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship gardens.
For those keen on a round of Golf, we are less than 15 minutes from Saunton Golf Club, with two championship links courses that are amongst the West Country's finest.
We are so spoilt here at Pickwell Manor with so many things to do and beautiful, soul-filling sights right on our door step. However, there are few things better than a cup of tea (or a glass of wine), a good book and the beautiful view sitting on our terrace…. so actually no need to GO anywhere.
Hand gliding experience
For a real treat, we have partnered with Sam Jeyes who offers Tandem Hang Gliding Air Experiences at a great price for guests of Pickwell Manor. Sam launches from a field not far from us and can organise landing on the beach, in our garden or in a field! You can get in touch with Sam via www.flylikeabird.co.uk for more information.