A Devon break with holidaycottages.co.uk

From the sandy beaches of Woolacombe, the coastal town of Ilfracombe to the wooded valleys of Exmoor, North Devon has so much to offer. I recently spent a weekend there, with 13 other bloggers, courtesy of holidaycottages.co.uk.

With 30 years experience, holidaycottages.co.uk has cottages by the sea, on the moors or in the city. Our accommodation was Lympscott Barn, one of their larger properties, set in a 300 acre dairy farm and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Located just a few miles from the villages of Kilkhampton and Bradworthy, it’s perfectly positioned if you’re looking to explore the North Devon and Cornwall coast.

My travel buddy was the fabulous Alice Hassell who kept me suitably entertained for pretty much the whole journey. A little too much caffeine meant I was on a bit of a high when we arrived but we were all so excited I don’t think anyone noticed!

There’s a rather grand staircase at Lympscott Barn and even knowing the property accommodates 14, the open plan living space is vast. There’s a kitchen with an island and seating, a wooden dining table with ten chairs plus an entire wall of comfortable sofas, a TV/DVD and a wood burner.

Facilities include a free range cooker, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and microwave with a washing machine and tumble dryer in the utility room. Also downstairs is a twin bedroom with ensuite and private courtyard, a separate WC and opposite the barn – a games room with table tennis and a pool table.

Upstairs there are two double bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms, a further double, one twin, a family room with 4 single beds and an ensuite shower. There’s also a bathroom on the first floor with a shower and WC. In the enclosed garden at the back, there’s a hot tub which we made full use of on the first evening! If you’re wondering how many bloggers you can fit into a hot tub, the answer is eleven! Quite impressive don’t you think?

Next to Lympscott Barn is a smaller property, Beehive Cottage, which sleeps 6. It’s a former farmhand’s cottage that’s been renovated and offers three bedrooms – a large master double with TV, a twin and there’s another twin downstairs. There’s also a roll-top bath, separate shower and WC on the first floor and a second shower room with WC on the ground floor.

There’s ample seating in the lounge which includes a TV and woodburner plus there’s a dining room too. In the kitchen facilities include a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer and microwave plus there’s an enclosed garden and decked area outside.

After the hut tub hilarity of Friday evening, Saturday saw us raring to explore the local area. First stop was Summerleaze beach in Bude, located just 4 miles away, which is especially popular with families and surfers. The sand dunes are visible as soon as you hit the car park with views from there including the river, pretty fishing boats and colourful beach huts.

With the waves crashing down ahead, it seemed the perfect day for surfing with many a wetsuit clad local hitting the water under the watchful eye of the lifeguards. Bude Sea Pool had its annual charity channel challenge that day which saw swimmers of all ages take the plunge. The aim of the event is for each team to complete 22 miles in relays to match the width of the English Channel.

After an indoor feast with local produce from Johns of Instow, Luscombe Drinks and Devonshire Tea among others, we headed to Tamar Lakes. The fabulous team at holidaycottages.co.uk had organised a treasure hunt which saw us split into teams to search for clues.

Once we’d blown away the cobwebs, there was just time for a quick shower before heading to The Bradworthy Inn in a picturesque market square for dinner. A relaxed evening then followed before we headed back home on the Sunday morning. It was a brilliant weekend so special thanks has to go to the wonderful Emma and Katy from holidaycottages.co.uk who did a sterling job keeping 14 bloggers entertained.

Disclaimer: I spent a weekend at Lympscott Barn in Kilkhampton, North Devon courtesy of holidaycottages.co.uk. Opinions are my own.