Here are some things to do while staying at Water's Edge.
Combe Martin
lynmouth
kayaking
surfing
Beaches
Combe Martin provides a rocky cove which is perfect for rockpooling and is sandy at low tide. The beach at Lynmouth is predominantly rocky with a small area of sand and dogs are welcome all year round. There are several little beaches between Lynmouth and Combe Martin that are sandy at low tide. There are three excellent sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. Combe Martin Bay is increasingly popular for kayaking.
mountainbiking
angling
W S railway
cliff railway
Attractions
Ilfracombe Princess provides excellent boat trips along our impressive coastline from Ilfracombe harbour. There are also boat trips occassionally from Lynmouth harbour.
Trips to Lundy Island run from Ilfracombe harbour regularly in season.
There are theatres at Barnstaple and Ilfracombe with regular quality shows.
Exmoor Zoo is just a 15 minute drive from all cottages, near Bratton Fleming.
Watermouth Castle is a fun attraction for all ages near Combe Martin.
Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park offers a day out with lots of fun things to do.
Barle Valley Safaris offer trips across Exmoor to see the red deer and Exmoor ponies.
For children there is The Milky Way near Clovelly has plenty to keep children happy for the whole day.
The Big Sheep is close to Bideford and will keep you and your children amused for hours, with sheep races, racing ducks and a massive play area for children.
At Borough Farm near Mortehoe there are displays by "Mist" the sheepdog, well known from T.V. and falconry.
Clovelly is an old fishing village clinging to the steep cliff, with cobbled streets, a picturesque harbour, souvenir shops and pubs. A step back in time.
Ilfracombe Aquarium is down on Ilfracombe Harbour and shows the life of a stream starting high on Exmoor along its journey to the sea and beyond.
Ilfracombe Beer Festival takes place each April or early May with a wide choice of local ales to sample.
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is a narrow gauge railway with steam engines running along a picturesque line in Exmoor.
The West Somerset Railway is a preservation steam railway running from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard in Somerset.
There is also in Lynmouth a model railway and an exhibition of Lynmouth Flood Disaster in 1952.
Ilfracombe Victorian Week takes place each June and Ilfracombe returns to its Victorian roots. Come and join in the fun.
horse riding
walking
playing golf
tea break
Gardens
Marwood Hill Gardens are between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple and are delightful. They were created by Dr James Smart who developed them from about 1960 onwards to the joy they are now. You can purchase plants while visiting the gardens.
RHS Rosemoor is at Great Torrington and these gardens have matured into a wonderful display of different gardens within the whole complex. They include the original gardens created by Lady Anne Palmer and cover some 65 acres. There is a restaurant and plant sales so you can make a great day out here.
Greencombe Gardens are at West Porlock. It is a 3.5 acres garden along a wooded slope overlooking the Bristol Channel. It is an organic garden using their own compost and leaf-mould. It contains the National Collections for Erythronium (small mountain lilies); Polystichum (the thumbs-up fern); Vaccinium (Wortleberries); Gaultheria (Berries for Bears).
Arlington Court (NT) gardens have herbaceous borders, annuals and azaleas, a walled kitchen garden and a lake. The house was owned by the Chichester family, with Sir Francis Chichester being one of the family rising to fame when he sailed single-handed around the world in Gypsy Moth IV.
marwood hill
rosemoor
greencombe
arlington court
Walking
There are plenty of walk ideas in the cottage, or just follow your nose! You can find self guided walk routes from Walkingworld or the Visit Exmoor website. North Devon and Exmoor provide some superb walking with the South West Coast Path being only a short distance from us.
Cycling
The Sustrans cycle routes are close by, following the old railway from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple and then on along the Tarka Trail cycleway into mid Devon. Ask Martin about on-road and mountain biking routes.
There is quality cycle hire at Barnstaple, Bideford and Great Torrington.
Surfing
Woolacombe and Croyde are perfect centres for surfing with various surfing schools always providing lessons. The beach is patrolled by the Coastguard. Lynmouth is also popular when conditions are right.
Horse Riding
Exmoor is perfect for horse riding. Two stables we can suggest are Outovercott Riding Stables, Lynton, 01598 753341 or Spirit of Exmoor, Ilkerton, Lynton, 01598 753318.
Angling
There is a wide choice of fishing in this area. Salmon, Sea trout, Trout fishing in the local rivers, at fisheries and at sea. Full details can be obtained from Lynton TIC.
Adventure
Do you like the thrills of rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes, coasteering, kart racing, quad biking, or the less hairy kite flying, mountain biking, kayaking or paintballing. Exmoor Adventures also provide a range of similar activities.
Golf
The Ilfracombe Golf Club welcomes visitors to the club. Minehead Golf Course is by the beach between Minehead and Dunster.
Eating Out
Devon has some excellent restaurants and pubs. Lynton, Lynmouth and Combe Martin and the surrounding villages are home to a wide choice of good food. There are Indian restaurants at Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. Barnstaple also has a Chinese restaurant.
Tourist Information
For further information on anything in this area please contact the local tourist information centres.
Lynton: +44 (0)1598 753 313
Combe Martin: +44 (0)1271 889031, Email: info@visitcombemartin.com
Ilfracombe: +44 (0)1271 863001, Email: info@visitilfracombe.co.uk