Attractions

The Old Rectory Cottages are perfectly located to explore the numerous attraction North Devon has to offer – just a few are listed below…

South Molton

South Molton is the local market town 10 minutes drive from Kings Nympton. The town has a range of antique and curios shops as well as tea rooms, public houses and a market on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Beaches

The closest beaches are at Saunton Sands, Woolacombe, Putsborough and Croyde. All are sandy and expansive and are safe and clean– they are therefore wonderful for children. Beaches are approximately 40 minutes away.

Exmoor Zoo

30 minutes drive north of South Molton towards the North Devon coast, Exmoor Zoo is a childrens delight with a range of animals and regular feeding times and information on the animals provided by enthusiastic staff. www.exmoorzoo.co.uk

The Tarka Trail

The Tarka trail is along a disused railwayline running south from Bideford – bicycle hire is available and a cycle along the trail is flat and ideal for adults and children alike.

Dartington Crystal

Located at Great Torrington about 30 minutes from Kings Nympton, Dartington Crystal is world famous. There is a visitor centre with contains examples of Dartington Crystal over the years and one can view glass blowing as well as buying Dartington Crystal ornaments and glassware from the Visitor Centre shop. www.dartington.co.uk

Atlantic Village

North Devon's discount outlet centre located just outside Bideford. www.atlanticvillage.co.uk

Rosemoor Gardens and Arlington Court

2 North Devon horticultural attractions. The RHS Rosemoor Gardens are the Wisley of the South West whilst Arlington Court has the wider interest of a historic house and beautiful gardens.

Exmoor and Tarr Steps

Exmoor is the smallest of the UK’s National Parks and is a real 'gem’. Vast expanses of moorland and deep wooded valleys are ideal to simply drive across to the North Devon coast with views over towards Wales and Lundy Island or to walk over. All year round Exmoor feels virtually deserted and is often compared with the Scottish Highlands.

In the heart of Exmoor in ‘Lorna Doone’ country Tarr Steps are an ancient stone crossingover a bubbling river. After crossing Tarr Steps there are a number of beautiful walks along the river and through wooded countryside.

Train Journeys

There is a local train service from Kings Nympton north to Barnstaple and south to Exeter and Exmouth. Passengers literally must ‘flag down’ the train which runs through glorious Tarka Country. Exeter with its Cathedral has excellent shopping facilities and going by train is a delightful way to see more of the Northand Mid-Devon countryside. www.thetrainline.com

Slightly further afield are;

The Eden Project

Just outside St.Austell approx. 1.5 hours drive from Kings Nympton this amazing attraction is a gardeners' delight. Trees and plants from all over the world are housed under 2 huge glass ‘bubbles’ all set in a disused and now regenerated clay pit. The Eden Project has become world famous since it opened only 2 years ago.

Near to The Eden Project are the very picturesque Cornish fishing villages of Looe which nestles on 2 sides of a river and Fowey with its narrow lanes and interesting collection of old buildings, shops, restaurants and public houses. www.edenproject.com

Clovelly

A famous North Devon attraction, Clovelly is an ancient village with a very steep cobbled path down to the old harbour with its Red Lion public house. There are no cars allowed in Clovelly which is privately owned – visitors park outside the village and walk down past quaint fishermans cottages and antique shops.

Lynton and Lynmouth

Lynton is up on the cliffs and Lynmouth down by the sea, connected by a steep road and by the victorian water powered Cliffside Vernicular railway. Lynmouth was made notoriously famous by the 1952 floods which destroyed much of the town.

Sporting Activities:

Golf

Highbullen Hotel and Country Club has an 18-hole course and is less than 10 minutes drive from Kings Nympton.

A less challenging 9- hole fun course is at Chulmleigh nearby whilst the championship Saunton Sands Golf Course at Saunton is 40 minutes drive. Golf can also be played at Libbaton and Crediton.

Horseriding

Collacott Stables in Kings Nympton provides horseriding tuition to beginners and offers hacking to more experienced riders.

Surfing

North Devon is a surfer’s paradise – the well known beaches of Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton are 40 minutes drive from Kings Nympton.

Shooting

There are a number of clay pidgeon shoots nearby as well as in season shoots for experienced sportspeople. Offering some of the countries finest shoots.

Walking

There are numerous walks, both local and further afield that can be chosen to suit anyone from families with young children to even the most experienced hiker.

Cycling

The local routes are numerous and include locations for bicycle hire.

Fishing

Fishing trips can be arranged on the Rivers Mole and Taw – tuition can be arranged and fishing parties catered for.

Public Houses and Eating Out

There are many different locations to sample the fine food that this region has to offer and dining locations are provided in your in-cottage information pack. Should you need to book in advance for larger parties or a special occasion, please contact Stephanie Atkinson direct and she will arrange bookings and transport if necessary.