Places of Interests
Oaktree Fishery is situated in exceptionally secluded, picturesque Devon farmland and is surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt countryside, rich in wildlife, with far reaching views of the Exmoor National Park. Several local Inns provide hospitality to round off a perfect day.
A five-minute drive will take you to the Exmoor National Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery with Exmoor’s wealth of native flora and fauna, roam the moor with the shaggy-coated Exmoor ponies and observe the Red Deer in its natural habitat. Safari trips of Exmoor by land rover are available by booking through the National Park Headquarters at nearby Dulverton. Numbered walks area also available, taking you to some of the most unspoilt areas of Exmoor.
There are many other activities available within easy driving distance including:
- Family attractions
- Ancient villages
- Horse riding (can be arranged on request)
- Golf
- Water sports
- Bird watching
Oaktree Cottages – Dulverton
The North Devon Link road, being just over 3 miles away, provides easy access to Barnstaple, Tiverton and the coastal resorts of Ilfracombe and Coombe Martin. Offering some of the best coastline in Britain are the gorgeous sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Saunton, Putsborough and Croyde (approximately half an hour drive to the North Devon coast.)
Exmoor
Also known as Lorna Doone country, being the base of RD Blackmore’s famous novel of the same name. Explore by car, riding or walking.
South Molton
A Royal Market Charter granted in 1590 ensures it still flourishes as a market town. Rich in traditional architecture and a growing reputation for fine arts, crafts and local produce.
Tarr Steps
A prehistoric clapper bridge across the River Barle dating from around 1000 BC. According to local legend, they were placed by the Devil after a Giant challenged him to a strength contest.
Beaches
World class beaches await you in North Devon. The long sandy beaches Croyde, Saunton,
Dunster
This ancient medieval village hosts a variety of events from ‘Dunster by Candlelight’ to ‘Days gone by’.
Porlock
Porlock has extensive views over the Bristol Channel and Exmoor. A delightful village with many interesting and individual shops and a visitor centre.
Lundy Island
Lundy Island lies off the coast of North Devon. It is a granite outcrop 3½ miles long and ½ mile wide a world apart of peaceful and unspoilt beauty.
Watersmeet
A varied Exmoor landscape of rocky coastline, heather moorland, wooded valleys and fast flowing rivers providing a haven for butterflies, otters, birds and salmon.
Exmoor Activities
Horse Riding – Exmoor has 400 miles of well maintained and signed bridleways.
- The Exmoor Pony Centre, Nr Dulverton www.exmoorponycentre.org.uk
- West Anstey Farm Stables, Nr Dulverton 01398 341354
- Burrowhayes Farm, Nr Porlock www.burrowhayes.co.uk
Walking – with over 600 miles of maintained and signposted Rights of Way and 270 of those miles exclusively Footpaths, Exmoor will keep you walking.
Exmoor National Park www.exmoornationalpark.gov.uk
Falconry – for something different, try a falconry experience to get up close, or watch a display in the stunning scenery of North Devon.
Exmoor Falconry, Allerford www.exmoorfalconry.co.uk
Jonathan Marshall Falconry Experience, Tawstock www.marshallfalcons.co.uk
Surfing – North Devon’s coastline offers premier surfing opportunities from Westward Ho! to Woolacombe.
Surfing Croyde Bay www.surfingcroydebay.co.uk
Nick Thorn Surf Coaching www.nickthorn.com
Climbing Centre – want to stretch up and out while you are staying, try some climbing whether a beginner or seasoned climber there is something for everyone.
The Mill, South Molton www.milladventure.co.uk
Golf – Award winning courses set in breathtaking countryside.
High Bullen Golf Course www.highbullen.co.uk
Mortehoe and Woolacombe Golf Club www.woolacomegolf.co.uk
Exmoor Attractions
Quince Honey Farm, South Molton www.quincehoney.co.uk
A fascinating experience with over 1500 beehives in a fully functioning honey farm in operation for over 60 years. With museum, exhibitions and expanding hives to see the intricate workings of the honey bee society.
Exmoor Zoo, Bratton Flemming www.exmoorzoo.co.uk
Talks, encounter sessions, zoo trails, special events and experiences make this a unique and unusual countryside zoo to visit.
The Big Sheep, Abbotsham www.thebigsheep.co.uk
More than just sheep here, with indoor and outdoor acitivities for family fun. Nursery barn, dog trials, horse whispering, pony rides, mountain boarding or high ropes and don’t forget the sheep racing!
Tropicquaria Animal and Adventure Park, Watchet www.tropicquaria.co.uk
Stroke a snake or hold a tarantula in the Tropical Hall. Visit the Aquarium, Puppet Theatre and Radio Museum, Pirate Ships, Indoor Play Castle or walk in the grounds.
The Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly www.themilkyway.co.uk
North Devon’s great adventure with fun for all the family whatever the weather. From dodgems to birds of prey, pets corner to archery and all with Devon’s tallest and longest roller coaster!
Knightshayes Court, Bolham www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Victorian house with Romantic and Gothic interiors designed by Willam Burges. Rare shrubs and specimen trees in the gardens along with lily pools, floral borders, amusing topiary and walled kitchen garden.
Arlington Court, Nr Barnstaple www.nationaltrust.org.uk
An intimate and intriguing Regency house set in an extensive estate. Arlington Court is home to the National Trust’s largest collection of horse drawn carriages.