Within easy reach of Instow Beach Cottage, there are several attractions that are well worth visiting, especially when you are not able to spend the day on the beach. These include everything from the family-friendly Big Sheep, where sheep racing is a highlight for many visitors to Dartington Crystal where you can see skilled glassmakers creating works of art before giving having a go yourself at blowing glass.
At Skern Lodge in Appledore, friends, families and individuals can have a private activity experience day tailored to meet their needs and levels of experience. Activities available include kayaking, canoeing, surfing, abseiling and archery. Prices range from £85 for a half day session for between one and three people.
The award-winning Milky Way, which operates alongside Little Stars, a large indoor soft play area for pre-school children guarantees a fun-filled day out for all the family. Onsite you will find an adventure play area with slides, roller coasters and dodgems. Daily shows during the main holiday season are also provided and include birds of prey and Merlin’s magic.
The Big Sheep on the outskirts of Bideford is one of North Devon most loved, all-weather, family-friendly attractions. The park, which not only has an animal barn and pets corner, also has a rollercoaster, an on-site brewery and an indoor playground. Daily shows are held throughout the year and there is also the world famous sheep racing to enjoy.
Dartington Crystal near Torrington is the UK’s last remaining glass factory and provides a great day out for all the family. Whilst visiting the factory you can see the skilled glassmakers hard at work creating works of art that are then sold in the onsite shop. Alternatively, you can get creative by taking part in one of the many activities on offer such as hand casting, glass blowing and jewellery making.
Open from the end of March until October, Hartland Abbey is a delightful country house surrounded by stunning gardens and grounds. The estate is owned by the Stucley family, who have managed it for many generations and includes Blackpool Mill, which has been used in many films, such as Sense and Sensibility. The Night Manager is one of the more recent productions to use the estate for filming.
The beautiful RHS Rosemoor is nestled in the countryside just outside Torrington and is a wonderful place to visit no matter the season. Within Rosemoor, there is The Rose Gardens, The Winter Garden, Lady Anne’s Arboretum and so much more to explore. There is also an onsite shop and cafe. Throughout the year a number of seasonal events are held, many of which are perfect for children, these include garden illuminations and Christmas craft fairs.