Life on Dartmoor might look like it’s all sheep farming and wild swimming, but the history of it is all encompassing.  In an independent museum run by a charitable trust, the Museum of Dartmoor Life is a family friendly attraction detailing 5000 years of history in this magical and mystical part of the world.  Open seasonally, they have a range of activities available for children, and collections showcasing Dartmoor trades, the local military, prison and transport, as well as a reconstructed Bronze Age hut.  

Click Here for further information 

On a wooded spur above River Okement, Okehampton Castle is the remains of the largest castle in Devon, one that was built soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle.  In the 14th century it became a rather more luxurious residence to Hugh Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, but when he fell out of favour with Henry VIII, the castle fell to ruin, and the result is what you see today.  When you visit, it’s a chance to picnic in the grounds and walk through the woodlands nearby, taking in the scenery and the history, perhaps with the aid of an audio tour to bring it all to life. Okehampton Castle is open seasonally so do check the website for further details.

Click Here for further information

Charming Par 68 Parkland Course in the heart of Devon Founded in 1913, members, friends and guests have played golf here for over a hundred years and whilst much may have changed, visitors to Okehampton can always be assured of a warm welcome.

Click here for further details 

Enjoy 18 holes discounted to £20 with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card

Roadford Lake is a chance to get outside and explore Devon as it was meant to be explored - on foot, by bike and on the water.  On the Devon and Cornwall border, it’s a chance to let the kids run around, explore the woodland, build dens, or set up a picnic. It’s also a great destination for dog walkers and hikers to explore nature trails, cyclists to explore miles of cycle routes and water babies to paddleboard, sail and kayak with all equipment available to hire on site. After all this adventure you can rewards yourself in the Lakeside Café for cakes, light lunches, hot chocolates and ice creams.

Click here for further details 

Lace up your walking boots and enjoy this spectacular 3 mile circular walk taking in Whitelady Falls, the Devils Cauldron and the beautiful natural scenery of the Gorge.  Some paths are closed in winter so check before you go.  Finish off your walk with a cream tea in one of two tea rooms - you deserve it ! 

Lydford Gorge Okehampton EX20 4BH  (T. 01822 820320) 

This historic 18th century pub with cosy beamed interior is very much the heart of the village of Northlew welcoming visitors and locals alike.  Offering beers from the West Country’s favourite breweries alongside a home cooked menu with regular specials and themed nights. 

The Green Dragon, Northlew EX20 3NN (T: 01409 221228)

A great local alternative to the coffee shop chains, this friendly café serves good coffee, teas and a range of delicious homemade cakes along with healthy smoothies and light meals.  

Toast 2-4 Market St, Okehampton EX20 1HN (T: 01837 54494)

High quality Indian food to eat in or takeaway served by friendly staff.  Unlicenced but guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol. 

A welcoming, contemporary restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with menus full of good quality locally sourced ingredients.

Two Rivers Restaurant 16 Fore Street, Okehampton EX20 1AN (T: 01837 52981)

Dating back in parts to medieval times, The White Hart is a warm and friendly village pub in Bridstowe on the edge of Dartmoor, serving local ales and ciders alongside a mouth watering menu full of locally sourced products.   

White Hart Inn, Bridestowe, Devon EX20 4EL (T: 01837 861318)

Bucks Mills beach is situated in a rocky secluded cove at the bottom end of the ancient fishing village of Bucks Mills. No public toilets, no shops or other facilities, just a lovely place. Car parking is available at Bucks Mills car park EX39 5DY.

Three miles south of Bude, Widemouth Bay Beach is a long, open bay that’s popular with families and surfers, while at low tide there are hundreds of rock pools to explore.  It’s a wonderful place to learn to surf or body board thanks to fantastic conditions and lots of local surf schools in the surrounding area.  There’s free parking at both ends of the bay as well as viewing points.  Dogs are welcome throughout the year on the south section of the beach, otherwise known as Black Rock, but on the northern part there are seasonal dog bans.  It has a wild feel to it, which adds to its appeal, and there is lifeguard cover in the summer, but nonetheless do be careful when swimming.

The wild Blackrock Beach is found on the south side of Widemouth Bay but becomes isolated at high tide.  The point and reef breaks here make is a well known spot for surfers, and the rock pools exposed at low tide draw families and nature lovers of all ages to this lovely spot.  The cool little café here serves a tasty brunch or lunch including some great seafood. 

Less the five minutes on foot from the centre of Bude, Summerleaze Beach is an easy beach to get to and enjoy for the whole day.  There’s a river flanking the sandy beach and it’s sheltered by a breakwater, making it popular with families and surfers.  You can book beach huts daily or weekly, and adding to its charm is a part man-made/part natural salt water sea pool to swim in at the foot of the cliff, that’s been welcoming swimmers since it opened in 1930.  There’s lifeguard cover in the summer months, dogs need to be kept on leads from May to September, and there are toilets and disabled toilets close by as well as an RNLI shop, sandy play area, a beach café, and a large car park that leads directly to the sand dunes.

Crooklets Beach, near Bude, offers golden sands and rock pools to explore.  There is a cafe right on the sea front and access from teh car park is level.  There are public toilets and an outdoor shower for sandy toes.  Car parking is available at Crooklets Road car park EX23 8LG.