THE AREA
There aren’t too many places like Winkleigh left in Britain. It’s a small quiet thatched Devon village with a central square and two pubs, but it’s also almost self-sufficient! Thanks to the old WWII airfield, it is home to all kinds of industry and craft.
Winkleigh Pine recycles old timber into furniture, Winkleigh Cider makes one of the West’s best, it’s the centre of thatch-growing and selling in Devon.
As well as a butcher’s, a well-stocked convenience store and a post office, there’s also a vet, a farm shop/café, a doctor’s surgery, a hardware store, a builder’s yard, two garages and even a cactus shop! If you weren’t too fashion-minded, you need never shop elsewhere!
There is also a monthly farmers market on the first Saturday of every month in the village hall, where there is a range of arts and crafts and you can stock up on all sorts of delicious locally-produced goodies!
All this means that Winkleigh is not a commuter village or retirement centre, but an old-fashioned living community.
Not only this but, because of the traditional local farming, it is an excellent place to see all kinds of wildlife, and especially birds: goshawks, golden plover, lapwing, skylarks, flocks of starlings, finches, heron, barn owls, summer swallows and many others.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Walking
Gardens
RHS Rosemoor – a magical garden set in the Torridge Valley and home to an extensive and stunning array of trees, plants and flowers.
The Tarka Trail – Following the journey of Tarka the Otter, the trail stretches over 32 miles; traffic-free path and suitable for cycling or walking.
Castle Hill Gardens – Set on the Southern edge of Exmoor, the beautiful gardens showcase 50 acres of historic parkland. A great day out for all ages.
Eggesford Forest - home to the very first trees planted by the newly created Forestry Commission in 1919 within Flashdown Wood and just a few miles from Ten Acres.
Marwood Hill Gardens – a magical 20 acre private garden with three lakes set in a North Devon valley; a wonderfully relaxing haven.
Dartmoor National Park – wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys, with a rich history and rare wildlife, Dartmoor is a truly unique place.
Exmoor National Park – a stunning landscape of moorland, valleys and farmland, shaped by people and nature over thousands of years.
Beaches
In this part of Devon, we are fortunate to be located within easy reach of some of the best beaches in the UK. From the golden sand dunes of Saunton Sands and the popular seaside towns of Westward Ho! and Instow in North Devon to the beautiful beach at Bude on the North Cornwall coast.
Two Moors Way – the coast path across the magnificent moorlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor, suitable for both day trips and long distance walks.
National Trust
Sight-Seeing
Lydford Gorge – The deepest gorge in the South West offers a variety of adventurous walks, breathtaking scenery, wildlife, plants and an amazing waterfall.
Clovelly – A privately-owned, unique working fishing village which clings to a 400 foot cliff overlooking Bideford bay. Clovelly offers many activities and experiences for all.
Killerton House – A welcoming Georgian house once owned by Sir Richard Acland, set in 6400 acres of working farmland, woods, parkland and glorious gardens.
Exeter Cathedral – Founded in 1050, the stunning and majestic cathedral in the centre of Exeter is one of the finest examples of gothic architecture.
Knightshayes – The ‘garden in a wood’ is a masterpiece of architectural planting and home to one of the National Trust’s largest plant collections.
Valley of the Rocks – Running parallel to sea, the Valley of the Rocks is a fascinating dry valley offering long walks and spectacular scenery.
Castle Drogo – Set high above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge, the castle was built by Sir Edwin Lutyens, inspired by the surrounding Dartmoor tors.
Dartington Crystal – The UK’s only remaining glass factory, Dartington, has a visitors centre, gift shop, cafe and offers factory tours and creative activities.
Cotehele – This grand Tudor house is home to an impressive collection of art and antiques. The estate offers 1300 acres of countryside with miles of wooded paths to explore.
Underground Passages – Exeter is the only city in the UK to have underground passages of this type and guided tours have taken place here since the 1930s.
Arlington Court – a delightful Victorian house and estate, home to the National Trust Carriage Museum and colourful exotic plants.
Watersports in Devon – Sailing with the family, meandering along rivers and canals, paddle boarding or surfing the waves, or finding secret wild swimming spots.