In the area
Apart from relaxing in your own private garden, exploring the farm or walking the country roads there are many local attractions within a 30 minute drive.
Those with children may enjoy The BIG Sheep, The Milky Way, Dartington Crystal, RHS Gardens Rosemoor, The Gnome Reserve ... to name but a few.
For the more active visitors Craneham is centrally located for access to The South West Coast Path, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Melbury Forest & Reservoir, the SSSI at Thorne Moor and the Tarka Trail is a lovely day out for those who enjoy walking or cycling (cycle hire available in Bideford, Torrington, Fremington and Barnstaple). Horse riding is available at Woolsery and Westward Ho!
The North Devon coast offers a variety of resorts and beach experiences. From the Blue Flag beach at Westward Ho! favoured by surfers, 1000 acres of common land of Northam Burrows and the golden sands of Instow to the rugged rocky cove at Bucks Mills and Peppercombe which is well worth the walk. Further afield - Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton also offer surfing and water sports.
Whatever you are looking for in a beach, the North Devon coast is sure to satisfy.
No visit to the Bideford area would be complete without a taste of the famous Hockings Ice Cream - their vans are out and about from March to October at various locations (and they have even been known to show up in the village!).
We are lucky enough to still have several rural pubs which serve food within a short drive. In no particular order we have The Bell Inn at Parkham, The Coach & Horses at Buckland Brewer (a mile and a half away - about 40 minutes walk!), The Bell Inn at Monkleigh (closed January 2025 - keeping everything crossed that they reopen soon), The Union Inn at Stibb Cross, The Crealock Arms at Littleham and slightly further away The Thatched Inn at Abbotsham and The Bradworthy Inn at Bradworthy. We have yet to be disappointed with the Sunday roast at any of them!
Bideford
'The Little White Town' has a variety of independent shops, a Pannier Market (at the top of High Street) with market days on Tuesday through to Saturday and a comprehensive collection of supermarkets. Slightly out of town is a shopping mall 'Affinity Devon' (formerly known as 'Atlantic Village' - still referred to as such by locals and regular visitors and some road signs may still refer to this) with a constantly changing range of outlet shops.
Torrington (aka Great Torrington)
A proper independent town with an array of small shops, a Pannier market (just off the square) with a number of craft workshops, small shops and a cafe (Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 16.00) and a Market Hall containing the weekly General Market stalls on Fridays and Saturdays. Only two small supermarkets, but more than enough to keep the community well fed! Dartington Crystal - famous for it's glassware - has it's factory in the town and they also have a shopping area where you can buy 'seconds' of their products and goods from other shops.
Barnstaple
The big town of the area - here we have more of the High Street names you may be used to, along with independent shops and a range of cafes.
Bradworthy
A nearby village with a huge square and plenty of free parking. Bradworthy has everything that a country person could possibly need - with a veterinary practice, doctors surgery, hardware store, furniture shop, butchers and two grocery shops. Worth a visit for a step back in time.
Aside from relaxing on the farm there are plenty of local businesses offering pampering and relaxing services, if that's more your thing.
SaltwaterGaia - located just the other side of Bideford (about 8 miles from us) or will travel to your 'home from home'. A Crystal Specialist offering Crystal Healing, Intuitive Reiki, Crystal Reiki, Crystal Massage, Lava Shell Massage and Indian Head Massage. Emms works with children, adults and animals in your home from home. Also available bespoke Crystal Healing courses, workshops, pamper parties and psychic parlour games.