Lavender Barn
30193.6 miles S of Beaworthy | Sleeps 3 (no children under 5)
7 Nights from £337
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
A tradtional rural pub with home cooked food served seven days a week. There's a great selection of real ales available and children are very welcome. It's a popular place for dining so booking in advance is adviseable.
Nearby beach
Just along the coast from the busy resort of Bude, Widemouth is a long, long stretch of sand backed by high cliffs. Unusual rock formations on the beach are a magnet for climbers while the Atlantic surf brings bodyboarders, kayakers and surfers here in their hundreds. Widemouth Bay is home to a scattering of houses, pubs, cafes and restaurants but there remains a definitive sense of having strayed off the beaten path here. There is a section open to dogs all year round, loads of parking and several surf schools.
March 2012
Excellent
Widemouth bay is lovely, we've stayed near here a few times and it never disappoints.
August 2011
Great beach for surfing and swimming due to waves and lifeguards on duty.
Nearby walk
Courtesy of www.ridetherubycountry.co.uk website we bring you a gentle five mile walk taking in delightful countryside.
Nearby town
Northlew is a charming village with traditional rural buildings and scenic views towards Dartmoor. There's a local pub, perfect for refreshments if you are in the area.
Also nearby
Set deep in the north Devon countryside, The Rosemoor estate was once the home of Lady Anne Palmer. Lady Anne developed a passion for plants when she met noted plantsman Colllingwood Ingram while recuperating from measles in Spain. Over the next 30 years, she travelled the world to collect specimens for her garden, which she gave to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988. The estate now comprises 65 acres of land, which includes rose gardens, a winter garden, a fruit and vegetable garden, a formal garden, woodlands, and many stream and lakeside plantings, making Rosemoor an enchanting place to visit whatever the season.
May 2026
Fantastic Rosemoor
Not having visited before, wasn’t sure what to expect. It is beautiful, with so many different gardens. In May it is looking perfect. Lots of seating everywhere which was welcome for us ‘oldies’. The cafe and restaurant are very good. Found all the staff helpful and friendly. We were so impressed we joined the RHS!
September 2025
Rosemoor RHS garden
For lovers of gardening Rosemoor is a MUST and well worth the 1 hour drive from Croyde.
November 2023
Beautiful gardens
Amazing place to visit even in the rain!! Beautiful gardens, credit to the staff! We had lunch in the restaurant which was amazing too - well worth the visit!!
October 2023
Fabulous place, outstanding gardens
A return visit for us.
An exceptional day out if you love nature and gardens. We were lucky our visit coincided with the Festival of Apples in October. Beautiful place and everything offered is of the highest standard.
July 2023
Fanstastic
Spent the best part of the day exploring the walks around the estate and through the fabulous formal and informal gardens, plenty of seating in the grounds to appreciate the flowers, plants and trees, choice of refreshment options from snacks to restaurant, a very good shop and parking very easy, worth the effort to visit.
August 2022
Gorgeous day out
As an RHS member and regular visit to Hyde Hall I’ve been keen to visit the other gardens so when on holiday nearby, a visit to Rosemoor was a must. It is truly fabulous, we visited on a beautiful, sunny, summer day so we saw it at it’s best but I can see how there is interest whatever time of year you visit.
The staff are friendly and we received a great welcome and explanation of the layout when we arrived, such a lovely touch.
The garden is split into two parts, Lady Anne’s garden which has beautiful trees and planting best seen at a gentle stroll and the more formal gardens laid our directly near the entrance which are also stunning. The cool garden was gorgeous especially on a hot day.
August 2021
Stunning gardens
Beautiful selection of show gardens and fabulous fruit and vegetable gardens. Well worth a visit and a cream tea
July 2021
Rosemoor RHS
Well worth a visit and 25 minutes from Forest View. Beautiful well kept gardens.
June 2021
Mr
Lovely
February 2009
Beautiful, well-managed gardens, well worth a visit whatever the season.
October 2008
The garden is absolutely gorgeous and very well looked after. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and the restaurant had great locally sourced food. A great day out for adults and children.
August 2008
Roses Galore!
The rose collection - one of the largest in the West Country - is very impressive. In full bloom in the summer, the scent of over 2,000 flowers is quite sensational. The Rose Weekend, held in June, was very informative, with advice on growing your own, as well as walks and activities for children.
This cycle and walking route runs for 11 miles between Lydford and Okehampton along a disused railway line. The route forms part of the National Cycle network with Okehampton the most popular start point where bicycles can be hired locally. The off road track has the advantage of being mostly traffic free. Meldon Viaduct offers spectacular views across the moors.
August 2026
Granite Way
Hired bikes from Devon cycle hire which is in the middle of the cycle route. The cycle is beauiful and easy going.
June 2025
Great bike ride away from roads
We hired bikes in Okehampton and spent the morning cycling to Lydford and back. We are of varying levels, 2 of us cycle everywhere and 2 of us cycle rarely but we all enjoyed ourselves. Apart from the initial few metres, the rest of the ride is off the road on well maintained tracks. We took a picnic with us, there are plenty of spaces to stop.
March 2018
Ahh the sound of traffic!
I love walking, but I couldn't wait to get off this one. We made it from Okehampton to the Meldon Viaduct before abandoning The Granite Way and heading to the moors - it was the only way to escape the A30's roaring traffic! The subsequent walk through the valley to Meldon reservoir and over the moors to Shortacombe was great though!
September 2015
Kid friendly cycle
Start from the station where you can hire bikes ( we bought our own) there is a youth hostel there in case you need to pick up basic supplies like chocolate and water! I did this with my 5 year old boy- it was not great weather but we cycled to meld on viaduct and back in less than an hour ( total of about 4 miles) and it was enjoyed by both of us - some lovely views and a nice safe easy ride- the only bit on the road is from the very quiet station to the start of the path ( we did this on a rainy day in August)
February 2015
Great for the average cyclist
The cycleway starts at the old Okehampton Station (you can park right there) and is very easy to follow. There are a few gentle hills - nothing that strenuous - so it really is suitable for all ages and abilities. The scenery is beautiful - I'd recommend stopping off at the Bearslake Inn for a swift refreshment! - and it's very easy for an averagely fit cyclist to ride from Okehampton down to Lydford Gorge and back in around 4 hours with time for stop offs.
November 2011
From Okehampton station join the Granite Way Walk (cycle route 27) which follows the Dartmoor railway line. It is predominantly tarmac so no dirty puddles to avoid and ideal for bike riders of all ages, with only gentle inclines. A comfortable 3 mile walk will take you to Meldon Viaduct which gives stunning views over the moor and Meldon Reservoir Dam. Another mile or so gets you to the reservoir. At the Viaduct there is a converted railway carriage which provides a small cafe - seems only to be open at weekends which is a real shame as mid week in half term there were plenty of walkers and cyclists who I'm sure would have stopped for a welcome cuppa !
Try the pies at this handsome Victorian Devon inn with pool table and beer garden. Sunday night is quiz night.
September 2020
Warm welcome
The hospitality we received at the Junction Inn was second only to the food. The portions were huge and the tastes were divine. The menu is huge for a relatively small village pub. After a selection of starters we had the venison burger, the steak, ale and mushroom pie and the smothered chicken. Unfortunately we had no space left for desert. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
February 2019
Fantastic roast dinner
Called in here Sunday 10 as close to where we were staying. They managed to fit us in and served us one of the best roast dinners we have had in a long time. Thoroughly recommend.
August 2009
Meet the locals. Good wholesome pub grub in bar or seated.
A woodland trail through the South West's deepest gorge, alongside the River Lyd, past the spectacular 30m Whitelady waterfall to the 'Devil's Cauldron' whirlpools. Visit in May to see carpets of bluebells. Steep paths in places, can be slippery when wet - walking boots a must. Access to the Devil's Cauldron may occasionally be closed for safety reasons. The tea rooms located nearby offer some welcome refreshments!
August 2022
Little gem
Lovely place for a family day out, with plenty walks, things to do and fab 2nd hand book shop. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear and bring a picnic!
July 2021
Great walk
Fabulous natural trail through the gorge and welcoming cup of tea at both ends.
Just a bit pricey for non NT members (4 young adults)
August 2014
This is a beautiful wooded walk, although not for the faint hearted as it is steep and slippery in places. A great place to walk on a hot day as the trees provide a bit of shade from the heat. A really pretty place to visit if you're staying in the area.
June 2011
A stunning walk through a hidden Dartmoor jewel.
June 2011
National Trust delight
A steepish walk into the gorge but a lovely place once you're there. It could be quite mystical for children. Very verdant and if you are lucky you will see dippers and grey wagtail. At one end of the walk there is a delightful NT shop and tearoom. The waterfall and devils cauldron are captivating.
March 2009
Lydford Gorge offers a beautiful walk through the valley - with short and steep or long and easy routes. Look out for the dormice boxes, part of the National Trust's nature conservation project.
February 2009
Lovely picnic spot; the National Trust always provide good value and a shop!
- G Steele
Situated in the pretty village of Lydford, this historic pub has a large garden for outdoor dining in summer and a bar with open fire, snug and restaurant. Food is traditional and home made using produce from local sources. Dogs are welcome.
August 2023
Highly Recommended!
Great food, great atmosphere, great service, dog friendly pub.
December 2022
Good food
Wonderful food, lovely atmosphere
July 2021
Lunchtime and evening food and drink
Beautiful accommodating garden. Friendly fast service and tasty fresh lunchtime sandwiches and evening pub food
August 2020
Great experience
Fantastic every night. Great menu and very tasty food. Nice wine list which we enjoyed! The staff were excellent and efficient, made us feel at home. Very dog friendly - our lab loved it!
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