Swallows Nest

4951

4.7 miles N of Okehampton | Sleeps 4 + cot*

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7 Nights from £530

The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.

Nearby pub

Centrally located in the heart of Exbourne, The Red Lion Inn is a traditional pub with outside seating for summer months and characterful interiors. Dogs are welcome both inside and out.

Nearby beach

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A great beach for children with acres of sand at low tide, shallow waters and usually calm seas. There are plenty of facilities nearby in the village. Dog restrictions apply so please check locally.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

October 2022

Very busy doggy beach

Nice beach but a little too busy for us. Great that it is dog friendly but I think everyone with dogs goes there. More dogs than people.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

September 2022

Instow beach

Instow beach is a lot more than 3/4ml on foot or by car from Appledore! And it is not walkable because there is a river in between!


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

November 2021

A dog’s paradise

We came in November and there were so many dogs and owners on the beach. My little dog was in her element.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

November 2021

Great to visit whatever the weather

Great walks based around a village with good pubs, a fantastic deli (John's) and an amazing fish shack near the beach and car park The Glorious Oyster, serving great no fuss fish dishes


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

July 2021

Instow John's deli near the beach

Great deli for picnic boxes, fresh crab sourdough roll. Amazing cakes


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

July 2021

Instow John's deli near the beach

Great deli for picnic boxes, fresh crab sourdough roll. Amazing cakes


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

June 2021

John's of Instow

Chocolate brownies to die for. Melt In the mouth and very chocolatey.

Nearby walk

Thanks to the Visit Devons Ruby Country website we can being you a selection of walks in the area including this delightful six miler through the charming countryside around Exbourne. Take a look at the link for further information.

Nearby town

Situated north of the market town of Okehampton, Exbourne is a charming country village close to Dartmoor National Park.

Also nearby

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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!!


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2021

Stunning gardens

Beautiful selection of show gardens and fabulous fruit and vegetable gardens. Well worth a visit and a cream tea


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2021

Rosemoor RHS

Well worth a visit and 25 minutes from Forest View. Beautiful well kept gardens.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

June 2021

Mr

Lovely


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

February 2009

Beautiful, well-managed gardens, well worth a visit whatever the season.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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!


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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)


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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.


Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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 !

Originally an unused Edwardian cinema, the space has been lovingly restored and turned into a fabulous cafe located in the centre of town. Open for breakfast, lunch and drinks/snacks, call in or takeaway.

A traditional popular village pub with friendly staff serving freshly cooked food.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

August 2022

Baumgartner

Exellent Food, Service,Staff, Location. Thx

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Set in the Torridge Valley this atmospheric pub offers a wide ranging menu and is well placed for great outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2021

Fantastic local

A warm and friendly pub, greta food and drink, and a really genuine 'local' feel through out.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2020

Fabulous meal!

We had a fabulous meal! I had a spinach and chick pea curry and my husband had a burger. Both meals were fabulous, the children loved the kids menu and we all devoured our desserts!! Such a pretty village, we felt very COVID secure and wished we had time to come back again for another meal. We'll definitely be back again when we're in the area.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

November 2019

Just Fabulous

Wonderful food; friendly hospitality, lovely country Inn. Not to be missed.


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

July 2011

Excellent for lunches. Also good walking in the vicinity.

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