Top places to visit in North Devon when staying at Sylvie’s Cottage
Sylvie’s Cottage is located just a short drive from many of the wonderful places to visit in North Devon.
From cobbled streets in the famous village of Clovelly to stunning coastal walks and gastronomic delights at local eateries, we have put together the first part of our top recommendations of places to visit when you next stay with us.
Our first choices are all within a few minutes’ drive of Sylvie’s Cottage (ok, Hartland is about 20 minutes but who’s counting with the views you get on the way?)
The Merry Harriers Garden Centre and Gnome Reserve
Sylvie’s Cottage is just around the corner from the Merry Harriers Garden Centre and we highly recommend popping in and having a look around.
Browse the fabulous range of plants, gifts, home furnishings and crafts on sale. You will also find a range of homemade and local produce for sale.
Once you’ve finished looking around the shop, wander through the reserve where no less than 2000 gnomes are in residence.
Before leaving, pop into the award-winning restaurant for a bite to eat.
The Farmers Arms
A visit to the Farmers Arms is a must if you enjoy good, local, gastro pub food.
Whether you are seeking locally craft ales and cider or the most deliciously thirst quenching homemade cordials, the cosy bar is a welcome retreat.
And if you are looking to eat, you can be assured of a fabulous meal with a fabulous menu of authentic ‘plot-to-plate’ options to choose from.
The Farmers Arms is a worth a visit in its own right. Pop in to appreciate the creative décor littered with unique artwork, furnishings and surprises around every corner.
Clovelly Village
No visit to Sylvie’s Cottage would be complete without popping over to the famous fishing village of Clovelly.
Walk down the cobbled streets (no cars allowed!) and do a spot of shopping for local pottery, silks, soaps and a plethora of handmade products.
Visit the incredible Victorian kitchen garden at Clovelly Court. Stop off at the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum to discover the history of how the fishermen and families used to live. Sit down and take in the spectacular view at Mount Pleasant.
Continue down to the quay and stop off at the Red Lion for a pint and bite to eat. And on your way back, don’t forget to stop off at the top to say hello to the Clovelly donkeys.
Hartland Abbey
Are you a fan of Enid Blyton’s Mallory Towers? If yes, you are in for a treat. Hartland Abbey was the film location for Mallory Towers. Not only that, but the Abbey was also used as the film location for many other productions such as:
- The Night Manager
- Sense and Sensibility
- BBC Antiques Roadshow
- And many more …
Hartland Abbey is steeped in a wealth of history with Henry VIII gifting the Abbey to The Keeper of his Wine Cellar. The descendants of the Keeper of the Wine Cellar live here today. The Abbey is an award-winning property with the most beautiful woodland walks, walled gardens and parkland.
After exploring the Abbey and gardens, browse the gift shop and enjoy a light lunch or afternoon tea in the Old Kitchen Tea Room.
Hartland Quay
Hartland Quay is a walker and photographer’s paradise.
As you savour the stunning scenery you will experience an ‘end of the world’ feeling, knowing the next landfall ahead of you is Newfoundland Canada!
There are some excellent walks for all abilities and ages. Watch the waves crashing against a fantastic rock stratum, pushed upwards by the movement of tectonic plates.
After your walk, rest your laurels at The Wreckers Retreat for a welcome drink and enjoy a bite to eat including fish straight from the sea.
And if you stay long enough, you may enjoy one of the most fantastic sunsets.
We hope you enjoy our initial suggestions on places to visit in North Devon. Even though we live here, we never tire of visiting these wonderful places. Keep your eyes peeled for our next instalment on places to visit coming soon.
And of course, don’t forget to book your stay at Syvie’s Cottage to be ideally placed to visit them all.
