Escape to Devon
After months of lockdown, we are finally allowed to go on holiday again here in England. Like many couples, Bill and I have been getting cabin fever and have been looking longingly at holiday brochures and maps. Nervously we discussed whether a short break might be possible. Although I would have loved to travel further we did not want to risk spending two weeks in quarantine on our return so we decided to rent a holiday cottage in Devon for a week.
We were lucky enough to find a cottage to rent on a fishery farm near Sheepwash. It is interesting to see how much holidays have changed. I discovered that if I wanted to visit any attractions I would have to book in advance online. However, I knew I would be close to Dartmoor and so I happily packed my walking shoes.
Sheepwash is about three hours from Bristol. We noticed traffic was very heavy on the motorway as people are still being discouraged from using public transport and we had to wear masks in the service station. We had arranged with the cottage owner that she would leave the key in the door and that we would do the same when we left to avoid contact.
When we arrived we were greeted by the alpacas in the next field. We were able to spend a very happy week in Devon and even managed a trip over the border to the small seaside resort of Bude in Cornwall. The north-west coast of Devon is famous for its rugged cliffs and sandy beaches which are favourites with surfers.
Sheepwash
It was our first visit to Sheepwash which is a picture postcard village with thatched cottages, a church and a pub. Plaques proclaimed that it won the best small village award in the Britain in bloom competition several times.
Here are a couple of places we enjoyed visiting.
Clovelly
Clovelly is a small village which tumbles 400 feet down a cleft in the cliff. The main transport used to be donkeys and goods are still transported by sledge. Now it is famous as the childhood home of Rev. Charles Kingsley who wrote the water babies and Westward Ho. His father was the local rector. The village is still owned by a single family who have lovingly restored the houses. The cobbled streets are lined with tiny white cottages, tea rooms and gift shops.
Entrance costs £7.95. Normally visitors who do not fancy the walk back up the steep cobbled streets can get a lift in a landrover but these were not running when we visited. They advise wearing sensible footwear.
RHS Rosemoor
I love visiting gardens and was pleased to see RHS Rosemoor at Great Torrington has reopened. The gardens are famous for their rose collection but at this time of year, the hot garden is at its best with bright dahlias. They also have beautiful woodland walks. We prebooked a picnic and could enjoy fresh bread with cheese and chutney while sitting among the flowers.
If you want to visit you need to pre-book tickets
It is great to find that things are slowly returning to normal. Our holiday was greatly improved by the chancellor’s “Eat out to help out ” scheme which lets us enjoy half-price restaurant meals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August.
8 responses to “Going on holiday to North Devon post lockdown”
I love Devon and it looks like you had a great time. I know what you mean, I think we’ve all had itchy feet this year, but not sure about travelling too far-lucky the UK has so many gems to explore! Thank you so much for sharing with us #AdventureCalling
Sounds like you had a lovely time in North Devon. Clovelly looks like a beautiful place to visit, although those cobbled streets certainly do look very steep! #AdventureCalling
I hope the Landrovers are running next time.
It was amazing getting out after being in lockdown wasn’t it? We’ve only visited Devon a couple of time, last time being when I was pregnant with our boy, but it was lovely. The beaches were beautiful. Looks like you had a lovely time. Thanks you for sharing with #AdventureCalling
Wonderful that you were able to find a place to holiday close to home. Although much has changed about how we travel, it’s still nice to get out and explore.
It is a good feeling, Anne, to get away. Like you say, cabin fever sets in. I am happy you found a cottage to rent. Interesting photos. Thank you for sharing.
What a lovely getaway! My folks are getting some cabin fever now, having been home since March. I don’t think I’d feel safe in them going anywhere at the moment but doing something like this could work quite well. I’m glad you both had a lovely time. That Woodland Walk looks idyllic, I’d love to have a little walk in nature right now (and without a mask!) xx
Looks lovely! We’ve just ventured away for a week in a cottage too. It started out as our Easter holiday – I’m glad we postponed it rather than take a refund, because it’s getting more difficult to find places to book.