Higher Mullacott Farm Cottages are in the perfect position for walkers, with immediate access to some wonderful local coastal walks, including several beautiful circular walks that start inland before joining the South West Coast Path with its breathtaking views.
For a wider range of different walks starting with the car, but not going too far afield, experience the many areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the spectacular coastline leading to Cornwall. The International Biosphere Reserve at Braunton Burrows is only a 15 minute drive away.
For something a little more special head to Hartland, a wild and geologically untouched area that has the Walkers are Welcome Accolade, and offers unrivalled scenery, as you take on one of the most rewarding sections of the South West Coast Path. With its deserted beaches, Iron Age hill fort, waterfalls and bluebell woods, the Hartland Peninsula is guaranteed to impress.
In the other direction you will find peace and tranquillity on the hills of the Exmoor National Park. With hundreds of miles of quality footpaths and bridleways, not to mention the magnificent landscapes dramatically varying from moorland and wooded valleys to coastal cliffs, Exmoor is a fantastic place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with nothing but the Exmoor ponies roaming freely across the moor to keep you company.
For the cycling enthusiasts there are plenty of places to hire bikes, and a number of routes to take nearby, including National Route 27 of the National Cycle Network with a link which starts and finishes in Ilfracombe. This route includes two traffic free sections running along the former railway path from Ilfracombe to Willingcott Cross and beside the sea at Woolacombe Sands on the National Trust coastal route.
Alternatively, pick a route along the Tarka Trail, which runs between Braunton and Meeth along the former railway lines of North Devon. The trail was named after Henry Williamson’s classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ which was first published in 1927, and is over 30 miles long.
For surf lovers, we have plenty of surfing beaches nearby in Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. All of these beaches have excellent conditions for surfers with lifeguards on duty from Easter through to the end of September. Wetsuits and boards can be hired locally and there are plenty of surf schools offering lessons for all abilities.
For the less capable surfer, have a go at body or skim boarding, or try your hand at a number of other water sports available locally, including ski-paddling, coasteering, canoeing and sea kayaking. Many of the beaches along the North Devon coastline have different water sports on offer from sailing at Instow to snorkelling and diving at the Tunnels in Ilfracombe.
For a more relaxing pastime Ilfracombe offers fishing from the pier or shore fishing from the rocks around Capstone Hill. Bait can be purchased locally along the harbour or you can bring your own. If you fancy deep sea fishing a number of boats leave the harbour daily, and private boat hire is also available. If you prefer freshwater fishing there are also local lakes and Ilfracombe reservoir.
If horse-riding is your passion you’re in luck. The Mullacott Equestrian Centre is just a five minute walk away and provides rides for the complete beginner to galloping along the beach in an experience you will never forget. The centre has a range of horses available to suit all ages and abilities and excellent staff. If horse-riding is not your thing, Mullacott Equestrian Centre also offers quad biking with wellies, waterproofs and safety equipment provided.
For something a little bit different Rock and Rapid near South Molton has an indoor climbing wall to challenge all the family, and fully trained friendly staff who will tailor the sessions to the individual or group taking part. Open seven days a week, Rock and Rapid also has its own café and shop.
Anyone for Tennis? Green Flag Award winning Bicclescombe Park, a 5 minute drive from the cottages, has seven tennis courts and a pavilion with private lessons offered, and an annual tournament in July, which is attended by people from all over the country. This beautiful park has many additional features including a restored corn mill with tea rooms and picnic area and children’s play area.
Further indoor and outdoor tennis courts can be found at the Tarka Tennis Centre in Barnstaple.
There are five golf courses, all within a half hour's drive of Higher Mullacott Farm. These varied courses, which enjoy fantastic views of the coast and countryside, include Ilfracombe, Willingcott Valley, Mortehoe, Barnstaple and Saunton Sands. A little further afield at Westward Ho! is The Royal North Devon, the oldest links course in the country.
During the summer months, the Farmhouse is the ultimate luxury holiday cottage with plenty of space and character for every member of the family. Tastefully decorated throughout, the Farmhouse has a lovely blend of modern vintage elegance and period charm.
