In and around Higher Chilverton Farm
Jackdaws Cottage is situated at Higher Chilverton in a working 150 acre sheep, cattle and arable farm, including ponds, hedgerows and woodlands.
Explore the beauty of the immediate area either on foot, or on bike or perhaps on horseback. The roads have very little traffic so are safe for walking and exploring the local countryside.
Higher Chilverton farm is a haven for wildlife: it is home to buzzards, owls, deer, woodpeckers, wild ducks, foxes, badgers and much more! One of our visitors recently observed over 35 bird species around the farm. This photo shows one of the many House Martins which nest under the eaves of the cottage every year.
Jackdaws Cottage is the ideal base for taking in the local villages, really relaxing and enjoying the Devonian hills. Just utmost tranquility and dark starry skies at night!
Activities & Days Out
Dartmoor National Park – The Northern edge of Dartmoor can be reached in less than half an hour and is a vast area for walking and exploring.
National Trust - Several delightful sights including Arlington Court, Castle Drogo, Knightshayes, Killerton, Finch's Foundry, Lydford Gorge. More details at - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/
Visit the beautiful gardens at Rosemoor RHS Gardens, near Torrington.
Explore the simple beauty of Exmoor and Dartmoor either on foot, on bike or perhaps on horseback. Jackdaws Cottage is ideally suited for both.
Horse riding, fishing (lake or river) and cycling are all available locally.
The North Devon Coast & Barnstaple is little more than 30 mins with beaches and excellent surfing. Don't forget Exmoor is another National park to explore!
Golf is available as a 9 hole "pay and play" at Waterbridge, or at Crediton, Okehampton and Chumleigh on full courses.
Enjoy a ride on the scenic Tarka Line Railway - http://www.carfreedaysout.com/tarka.html
Cities - Exeter (Cathedral, Royal Albert Museum, Guildhall, The Quay etc), Plymouth (The Hoe, Barbican, Theatre Royal, Aquarium etc)
Local towns - Okehampton Castle & Town, Tavistock, Tiverton, and Crediton.
Local villages - Coldridge, Chumleigh, Winkleigh and many more.
BBC guide to walks - http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/discover_devon/great_outdoors/walks/index.shtml
General Devon guide - http://www.exeterandessentialdevon.com/
Eating Out
Duke of York at Iddesleigh, award winner - http://www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk/pub/view/Duke-of-York-EX19-8BG
Top end nosh - http://www.gidleigh.com/
Kings Arms at Winkleigh
Lymington Arms at Wembworthy
New Inn at Coleford
Devonshire Dumpling at Morchard Road
London Inn at Morchard Bishop
3 Little Pigs at Crediton
Take aways are situated at North Tawton approx 5 miles away
Kid's Activities
In and around the farm we are pleased for our younger visitors to feed the ducks and to join in and collect the eggs from the hens (under supervision).
Local children's activities include:
Local farm and inn with lots to do - http://www.waieinn.co.uk including adventure play area
Local activity centre - http://www.riverdart.co.uk
Further afield - Exmoor Zoo, The Big Sheep, Quince Honey Farm, Crealy Park, River Dart Round Robin Day Trip, Military Museum at Cobbaton
Shops and amenities
Shop, garage & post office in Lapford approx 3 miles, open 7 days a week
Shop/post office at Copplestone, 5 miles, open 7 days a week
Two supermarkets are in Crediton approx 9 miles
Exeter is a 30 minute car (or Tarka train!) journey away