Starry Starry Nights on Exmoor

Dark-Sky-logo-large-225x300If you have been inspired by the recent BBC programme Stargazing Live, you might be interested to know that Exmoor National Park is Europe’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve.  With some of the lowest levels of light pollution in the country, the skies above Exmoor on a clear night are exceptionally starry.  March and April are particularly good months for stargazing, with late summer and autumn providing the best chance to see a shooting star.  All you have to do is go outside and look up!

 

 

We have some lovely cottages situated within the National Park – why not come and explore one of the finest landscapes in the UK this year?

brooklynBrooklyn is a delightful cottage in the quiet village of Timberscombe, which means wooded valley. The village lies within the Exmoor National Park, not far from the medieval village of Dunster, and is an ideal location to enjoy country walks as well as the beautiful North Somerset coast. The village pub, the Lion Inn, is just a stone’s throw away, so guests staying at Brooklyn can wander across for an evening drink or a meal.

littlethatch_louSituated on a country lane, Little Thatch is a charming thatched mid-terrace cottage, which has been renovated into a cosy holiday home. This character cottage retains some original features and outside there is a small private patio area to the rear of the property, where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine whilst listening to the babbling brook which runs close by.

porlock_louIn the lovely town of Porlock is Marley Cottage. Dating back to the late Victorian era, the cottage is the end terrace of six properties originally built as homes for local boat builders. Recently renovated, Marley Cottage has been thoughtfully decorated and furnished to create an inviting holiday home, with a pretty south facing seating area.

riversidecottage_extSet in the splendour of the Exmoor National Park Riverside Cottage is a pretty, detached holiday home are bordered on two sides by a trout stream. The cottage is comfortable with co-ordinated soft furnishings and a woodburner.  The owner offers holistic therapies including Reiki, yoga, relaxation and meditation by arrangement.  

 

 

Pretty Marley Cottage

Secluded Riverside Cottage

Cosy Brooklyn

Chocolate Box Little Thatch

Spring Bank Holiday Escapes

The Spring Bank Holiday and Queen’s Jubilee celebrations are nearly upon us.  Get away from the crowds and relax with a break in the Westcountry.

West Country Cottages still have limited availability at some of our smaller properties sleeping 2-4, offering the chance to get away from it all, but still within easy reach of the coast and major events taking place during the Bank Holiday weekend.

Coombe Cottage, Nr Bude is the perfect retreat for couples. You get a tantalising glimpse of the sea before descending into the beautiful valley of Crockwood Farm. The cottage is in a tranquil country setting where you are free to wander through the acres of grounds which include a pine forest, stream and a lake.  If you are feeling energetic you can walk to the sea.

Get away from it all in North Devon at the Parlour in Winkleigh.  The vibrant farming village of Winkleigh is conveniently located between Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks and is just an hour’s drive from the superb beaches on the North Devon coast.  The property has an open plan living area and sleeps four + cot.

                                                                                                                                            The Parlour has a beauty salon on site and guests can indulge in a range of pampering treatments during their stay with special pamper weekends also available on request.  Treatments can be booked directly with the owner.

 

 

 

Polroan is situated in the lovely quiet seaside location of Gorran Haven close to Mevagissey and with stunning beaches nearby.  The property is within easy reach of major tourist attactions including the Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan. Polroan is ideal for a couple or small family to have a relaxing break.

 

Orchard End is a new property close to Exmoor National Park. From this secluded bolthole you can relax and enjoy your favourite book or for the more energetic, venture onto the moors for walking, riding and cycling. Trekking and livery is available at a nearby farm by prior arrangement.

 

Search Availability for a full list of properties available over the Bank Holiday.

 

Ironman UK Triathlon Comes to Exmoor

This year’s 70.3 Triathlon takes place at Wimbleball Lake on Sunday June 17th.  The very first 70.3 race to ever exist, this exciting event on Exmoor has now taken on an iconic status due to its reputation as being the toughest 70.3 in the world.

The Ironman UK 70.3 triathlon consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run. Athletes have 10hrs 30mins to complete the course and call themselves an Ironman. The event is one of a global series of 70.3 events and the best 50 can qualify for the Ironman World Championship 70.3. Coverage of the event can be seen and heard on Channel 4 later in the year.

If you are planning to attend the event, we have a number of properties less than half an hour’s drive from Wimbleball Lake:

 

               Surridge Farmhouse

Surridge Farmhouse  is a wonderful Grade II listed farmhouse dating back to the 17th Century and sleeps 9.  The Old Quarry is a secluded log cabin for five, or tryThe Granary, Riverside or Downover, all perfect for exploring Exmoor National Park.

The Old Quarry