The Swallows
52947 miles N of Chagford | Sleeps 6 + 2 cots*
20% off for parties of 4 + cot or less and 30% off for parties of 2 + cot or less at certain times of the year, view offer...
7 Nights from £930
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
Here you'll find a small characterful pub on the outer edge of Dartmoor. Food comes highly recommended with a good range of excellent real ales. Popular with regulars and visitors, booking is adviseable.
Nearby beach
A Blue Flag-awarded beach, Dawlish Beach offers tranquillity and respite amongst picturesque scenery. Shouldered by sand dunes and with little lakes nearby, the area is a recognised nature reserve and haven for wildlife. Stretching for miles in either direction, Dawlish Beach has plenty of space for everyone and there are lots of activities and entertainment options too.
Nearby walk
This lovely round walk of about four miles starts at Throwleigh church and passes Devon townhouses to the open moorland on the edge of Dartmoor. Full details are available from the visorando website.
Nearby town
Situated north of the market town of Okehampton, Exbourne is a charming country village close to Dartmoor National Park.
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.
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.
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 !
England's youngest castle, designed by Lutyens and built of Dartmoor granite with all the mod-cons of the 1920's. At 300 metres high, it catches the wildest of Dartmoor’s weather. Try a spot of croquet on the croquet lawn or amble through the garden and miles of walks in the Teign Gorge.
June 2013
Beautiful gardens, but castle is a bit of a building site
Visited Castle Drogo on a beautiful sunny warm day. The gardens are superb and the castle very interesting but as extensive building works are in progress, it is difficult to judge how it would look in normal times.
September 2012
castle drogo to fingle bridge
Although only built in 1910 well worth visit, a real reminder of past living with contents on display with handy guide book. The walk down to Fingle Bridge and return via the river is a must.
June 2012
Last great manor house built in England
This grand house can be seen by a superb and fascinating tour. The history of Castle Drogo and its owners is a marvellous tale. Very pleasant walking offered as well.
July 2010
The last castle to be built in England. This remarkable 20th Century fortress stands high above the Teign Gorge on Dartmoor.
March 2010
Fabulous walks
Although the castle itself is closed at some times out of season (for cleaning, maintenance etc) the beautiful walks around the estate are always open. The walk down through the woodland and along the bottom of the gorge are breathtaking (literally, on the way back up!) - but there is the option of popping into the pub halfway around!
A traditional popular village pub with friendly staff serving freshly cooked food.
August 2022
Baumgartner
Exellent Food, Service,Staff, Location. Thx
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.
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