Looking for a day out in North Devon? There’s loads of fun things do, all within 30 miles of the pub.
RHS Garden Rosemoor
The beautiful Rosemoor Garden covers 65 acres and includes a visitor centre, a library, a plant centre, a shop, a restaurant and the Wisteria tearoom. They hold regular events and workshops throughout the year. One of our favourite places to visit, especially during the winter when they have their Glow Evenings. Get tickets.
Cycle or Walk the Tarka Trail
From the Puffing Billy in Great Torrington you can rent a bike or walk the Tarka Trail. We’d recommend heading to Instow for lunch at The Glorious Oyster (followed by a Hockings ice cream of course!) or going for an evening cycle to Bideford for fish and chips.
Beaches
We’re lucky enough to have a number of beautiful beaches within 30 miles of the pub. The closest beaches are Westward Ho! (rock pools, amusements, surfing), Northam Burrows (salt marshes, sand dunes), Appledore (small fishing village, Hockings ice cream) and Instow (estuary, oysters, dog-friendly beach). I bit further afield you have Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolocombe and Bude.
Walk with Alpacas
For a unique day out head to Woolley Animals where you can walk an alpaca and meet their other farm animals. You have to book in advance for this experience so check out their website for further info.
Learn to Surf
Learn to surf or stand up paddle board with the North Devon Surf School at Westward Ho! They offer group lessons or one-to-one sessions.
Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre
There are superb displays of Fairground Art and Memorabilia, and a large array of vintage rides, stalls and shows at Dingles. We had lots of fun when we visited and would highly recommend, especially on a rainy day!
Try the Ultimate Assault Course
The Ultimate Adventure Centre, Bideford, offers a great range of outdoor activities, from their famous Ultimate Assault Course and wipeout balls to rifle shooting, high ropes and kayaking
Go Fishing
Little Warham Fishery, in Beaford, offers two miles of private river bank fishing in a tranquil and idyllic setting. Catch salmon, sea trout or brown trout. Contact Ant and Amanda to arrange your day.
Get Trapped!
Another fab rainy day activity – Trapped Escape Rooms in Okehampton. We have tried, and failed, to escape and would recommend you have a go to.
A Night at the Theatre
We’re very lucky to have the Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington, just 6 miles away. The Plough offers a great programme of theatre, comedy, films and workshops. There’s also a variety of shows on at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple.
Art Gallery
The Burton at Bideford is a wonderful art gallery and museum (as well as being Bideford’s tourist information centre). They also have a fantastic French bistro cafe serving crepes and croque monsieurs.
Exmoor Zoo
A small conservation centre, Exmoor Zoo is home to black leopards, spider monkeys and wallabys.
The Big Sheep
This theme park is suitable for families and kids of all ages. They have roller coasters, indoor play areas and sheep racing!
Dartington Crystal
As the UK’s only remaining glass factory a visit to Dartington Crystal is a unique experience. There’s an exhibition centre, you can watch glassblowing on the factory floor and there is a gift shop and cafe.
Clovelly
A picturesque, ancient, fishing village with no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Clovelly’s steep, cobbled street goes from the visitor centre down to the ancient fishing harbour and 14th century quay.
Paintball
Survival Games is based entirely in twenty acres of natural woodland. They offer an awesome games arena where everyone can enjoy the paintball experience.