From the moors to the shores; explore Devon

Places to go, things to do and see

At The Garret, we pride ourselves on offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Chulmleigh. It's a lovely, homely place to return to after a day out exploring what Devon has to offer.

The list of places you could visit is endless, but here are just a few suggestions of places you might want to see during your stay.

You'll find loads more suggestions in your welcome pack when you arrive.

Chulmleigh

We should start by saying that if you're just looking for time to chill, you're in the right place. The Garret is off the beaten track but right in the middle of the rural town of Chulmleigh.

If you just want to hibernate and not venture very far, you've got all the essentials on your doorstep: two pubs, a post office, a traditional bakery, a small deli/cafe, and a mini convenience store.

And with beautiful country walks starting straight from your door, you don't even need your car. But if you want to venture further afield, here are a few suggestions.

The National Parks

Staying at The Garret means you are very close to both the south west National Parks.

Exmoor National Park is around a 30 minute drive to the north, whilst Dartmoor is around the same time in the opposite direction.

The views from both are amazing and each is full of quaint country villages with their own traditions, gift shops and cafés serving Devon cream teas - just don't let anyone from over the border try to tell you the cream goes on last - it doesn't!

The Seaside

You are closer to the north Devon coastline than the south, but both offer plenty to see and do. Newquay is the surfers' paradise (just over the Cornish border) but the north also provides some of the most rugged coastline.

On the other side of the county, you'll find the busy tourist destinations of Torquay and Paignton, but there are also lots of smaller places like Salcombe and Seaton where you can buy an ice-cream - just watch out for the seagulls!

The Wave Shack has some great suggestions for North Devon's best surf spots.

Devon National Trust

Take a trip to visit some of Devon's wonderful National Trust properties and locations.

From The Garret, you could easily jump in the car and very soon be taking a wander around Arlington Court, Castle Drogo, Knightshayes, Lorna Doon Valley or Hartland Point.

Click on the 'more' button to visit their website and discover all the places in the vicinity - along with their opening times and entry prices.

RHS Rosemoor

Just a 40 minute drive from The Garret and you'll arrive at RHS Rosemoor Gardens.

Nestled in a valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect.

It boasts a rich horticultural heritage and displays a variety of planting styles to inspire visitors for a glorious and colourful day out.

The Tarka Line

The scenic Tarka Line runs from Exeter to Barnstaple, following the gentle river valleys of the Yeo and Taw.

This picturesque railway line has linked north and south Devon since 1854 and the route commands some beautiful views along the way.

If you decide to come by train, we can arrange pick up from the nearest station at Eggesford.

Exeter

Exeter is the county town of Devon and the home to Exeter Cathedral.

You could spend the day mooching around the shops, admiring the artefacts at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, strolling along the quay, or taking a trip below the main attractions and visiting the Underground Passages.

It will take you about an hour to drive to the outskirts, but make sure you allow for the tractors and horse-riders on our country lanes. Devon has it's own time and uz'll do it dreckly!

Becky Falls

In a landscape carved out in the last Ice Age over 12,000 years ago, the Becky Falls waterfall sits at the heart of the park in a stunning boulder strewn valley.

The waterfall itself is 70ft high and over 35ft wide in parts where the Becka Brook runs between the huge granite boulders and onward down the Bovey valley.

Although the main falls are spectacular there are many smaller falls along the length of the brook for you to enjoy too.

Lundy Island

It's three miles in length and only half a mile wide - but Lundy Island is full of history and wildlife.

Your adventure starts from the time you board Lundy’s own ferry and supply ship, the MS Oldenburg, which is an experience in its own right.

The crossing takes around two hours, allowing you around four hours to explore the island. If you're lucky, you may get a pod of dolphins join you on the trip!

Plymouth

Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Sir Frances Drake and go bowling on The Hoe, take a trip to the top of Smeaton's Tower, or explore the deep in the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth has something for everyone.

The old cobbled streets of The Barbican are oozing with history, or you could wander around the shops in the city centre, before taking your seats for a performance at The Theatre Royal.

Dartmoor Zoo

If you've seen the 2011 Hollywood film; "We Bought A Zoo", starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansonn, you might like to visit Dartmoor Wildlife Park; the place which inspired it.

The film is based on the true story of owner Benjamin Mee, who also had a brief cameo in the film.

It's a little shy of 60 miles from Chulmleigh - and if you wanted to make a day of it, you could always combine it with a trip to Plymouth adding another 20 minutes of so to your journey.

And lots more besides...

Apart from beautiful country walks which start right from the doorstep, there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy within and around Chulmleigh

The Garret, Chulmleigh, Devon, UK