THINGS TO DO

Explore the Best of Devon and Cornwall

Looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun in Devon and Cornwall? Wild Wanderers is perfectly positioned for all three! From our cosy countryside retreat, you’ll have easy access to the region’s top attractions. Whether it’s exploring historic landmarks like Tintagel Castle, discovering the stunning coastline, or enjoying family-friendly activities, we’ve got the best recommendations right here. Whether rain or shine, there’s always something exciting to do nearby. Check out our handpicked list of must-see spots, local adventures, and dining experiences that will make your holiday unforgettable!

Also, Don’t forget to check our Facebook page and your guest book in your cottage for loads more day out inspiration!

SAND AND SEA

Beaches

North Devon and Cornwall are renowned for a variety of stunning beaches, from award-winning surf spots to hidden gems perfect for relaxation. Here’s a few favourites:

  • Summerleaze Beach: Bude’s main beach, offering a large car park, shops, a café, and the famous Bude Sea Pool—an open-air tidal pool perfect for swimming. It’s dog-friendly, has disabled access, and is great for families.
  • Crooklets Beach: A Blue Flag beach with golden sands, rock pools, and a sloped promenade. Popular with both families and surfers, it’s perfect for a beach day out.
  • Widemouth Bay: Another Blue Flag beach, featuring both Widemouth Beach and Black Rock, close to cafés and shops. It’s a top spot for surfers and beachgoers alike.
  • Sandymouth Beach: Dog friendly, all year! A National Trust-owned beach with soft sand and breathtaking sunsets. Ideal for experienced surfers and children during low tide.
  • Duckpool Beach: Another dog friendly all year round! A secluded beach, also owned by the National Trust, tucked away at the bottom of Coombe Valley. Perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • Breakwater Beach: A rocky, pebbly beach located on the seaward side of the breakwater—great for exploring on a quieter day.
  • Northcott Mouth Beach: Featuring a mix of sandy stretches and rocky coves, this beach is ideal for adventurers looking to explore its unique landscape.

FARM SHOPS

Tea and Cake!

We love a farm shop because they take us somewhere we would not normally go and they tend to have a café attached and that means we get to eat yummy cake! Here are a few of our favourites:

Here are some fantastic farm shops near Lifton and Bude, Cornwall, where you can find local produce and delicious treats:

  1. Lifton Farm Shop: Also know as Strawberry Fields. Great for strawberry picking in the summer, their Halloween Fest during October and Christmas event throughout the season! Located just off the A30, it is one of the largest farm shops in the area. They offer a diverse range of products, including local meats, baked goods, and seasonal vegetables. Check out their café too for the yummy treats!
  2. Blackberry Farm Shop: Located in the heart of North Devon’s Ruby Country, Lizzy Larder offers stunning views of Dartmoor. They have a great selection of homegrown produce, homemade goods, and even a café serving local favourites like Devon cream tea. It’s perfect for a visit with kids, as they also have an animal area.
  3. Boscastle Farm Shop: Not to be missed! Situated near the stunning coastal path, perfect for walkers, this charming shop offers a selection of meats, vegetables, and baked goods, along with a lovely café​, excellent ice creams and small outside play area.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Waterfalls

  1. Spekes Mill – Located near Hartland, Spekes Mill Waterfall cascades beautifully into a secluded cove, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful nature walk and picturesque views.
  2. St Nectans Glen – Nestled in Tintagel and features a majestic 60-foot waterfall amidst lush woodland. This enchanting site is known for its spiritual significance and offers a magical atmosphere perfect for exploration.
  3. Pentargon Waterfall – located near Boscastle, plunges dramatically into a rocky gorge. The short walk to the waterfall provides stunning views and an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding wildlife and countryside.
  4. Lydford Gorge – Home to the impressive White Lady Waterfall, a stunning natural area near Tavistock. The gorge features various walking trails, ancient ruins, and beautiful scenery, making it perfect for hikers and nature lovers.

Camel Trail

Extremely popular, 18-mile, mostly flat route ideal for cycling, walking, or horse riding, stretching from Padstow to Bodmin along the scenic River Camel. The traffic-free trail passes through stunning countryside, wooded valleys, and estuary views, perfect for families and riders of all levels.

Plus bike hire is conveniently available in Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin, with shops like Camel Trail Cycle Hire in Bodmin and Trail Bike Hire in Wadebridge offering everything you need for a fun day out.

It’s an ideal way to explore Cornwall’s natural beauty while taking in the peaceful surroundings.

HISTORIC

Castles

  1. Bude Castle – built in the 19th century, now serves as the Bude Heritage Centre, showcasing the town’s maritime history. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it a lovely spot for a leisurely visit. The nearby beaches also provide opportunities for surfing and sunbathing..
  2. Tintagel Castle – famously linked to the legend of King Arthur, features dramatic cliffside ruins with stunning ocean views. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, including Merlin’s Cave and the Great Halls. For more information.
  3. Boscastle – is famous for Bottreaux Castle ruins and is a picturesque fishing village known for its scenic harbour and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Visitors can enjoy beautiful coastal walks and explore the surrounding cliffs and valleys.

Bodmin

  1. Bodmin Jail – This historic former prison offers an immersive experience, taking visitors through the harsh realities of 18th and 19th-century prison life. The jail is famous for its ghost tours and exhibits detailing notorious criminals from the area. A thrilling and educational spot for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
  2. Bodmin Railway – Take a nostalgic journey on a steam train through the scenic Cornish countryside. This heritage railway offers a unique way to explore the area, with regular themed events like murder mystery evenings and afternoon teas aboard the train.

DAYS OUT

Parks & Zoo’s

  1. The Milky Way – A family-friendly theme park offering rides, live shows, and interactive attractions, perfect for a fun-filled day out. There’s something for all ages, including roller coasters, indoor play areas, and birds of prey displays.
  2. The Big Sheep – A unique mix of farm and amusement park featuring live sheep races, animal encounters, and thrilling rides. Perfect for families looking for an exciting and educational experience.
  3. Diggerland – A construction-themed amusement park where visitors can drive, ride, and operate real diggers, dumpers, and other machinery. Great for kids and adults alike who want hands-on fun.
  4. Exmoor Zoo – A small, award-winning zoo focusing on wildlife conservation, home to exotic animals like cheetahs, wolves, and the rare “Exmoor Beast.” An engaging place for animal lovers of all ages.
  5. Newquay Zoo – Cornwall’s largest zoo, home to over 1,000 animals. Visitors can see everything from lions to penguins while enjoying interactive exhibits and play areas.
  6. Hidden Valley – A unique adventure park featuring a puzzle trail, miniature railway, and escape room-style challenges. Ideal for those who enjoy solving riddles and exploring themed environments.
  7. Trethorne – An all-weather family attraction offering animal experiences, indoor play areas, and rides. It’s a great place for a fun day out with activities for all age groups.
  8. Camel Creek – Camel Creek is a family-friendly theme park featuring fun rides, animal encounters, and indoor play zones, perfect for younger children and families looking for an adventure-filled day out.
  9. Eden Project – World-renowned for its biomes, the Eden Project offers an immersive experience in nature and sustainability, featuring a tropical rainforest, Mediterranean gardens, and educational exhibits.

Places to Eat and Drink

Tea Rooms

1. The Rectory Tea Rooms – 13th Century Rectory Tea Room Award Winning Tea Rooms serve a varied menu using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with all dishes homemade on-site. Located in the rural parish of Morwenstow, our charming 13th-century tearooms are just a 10-minute walk from the breathtaking cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged North Cornish coastline. The historic house boasts antique furnishings, slate floors, open fires, and oak beams salvaged from shipwrecks along the coast.
2. Docton Mill Gardens – offers a serene escape with beautiful 12th-century gardens and a working mill. Enjoy homemade scones, cakes, and light lunches made from local ingredients, all while relaxing amidst stunning flower displays and tranquil water features. Perfect for garden lovers on a sunny day!
3. Lanhydrock – albeit a little further with loads of walking and cycling trails; is a magnificent late Victorian country house near Bodmin, Cornwall, managed by the National Trust. Surrounded by stunning gardens and 1,000 acres of wooded estate, is the great tea room serving delicious treats, and a play area, making it a perfect family-friendly day out (no purchase necessary).

PUBS

1. The Rydon Inn – in Holsworthy is a charming pub that offers a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
2. The Bush Inn – located in Morwenstow, Cornwall, is a charming pub with a rich history dating back to the 12th century.
3. Preston Gate Inn – found in the ancient settlement of Poughill near Bude, is a charming pub. Formerly a cottage from the early 1980s, it offers a cosy ambiance complemented by great food, themed nights, and live music throughout the week.
4. Widemouth Manor – is a family-friendly pub located near Widemouth Bay, offering stunning sea views and a varied menu featuring hearty meals and lighter options. It boasts a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating and is a great spot for unwinding after a day at the beach.

RESTAURANTS

1. The Bank – in Bude is a delightful Spanish tapas restaurant that offers a unique dining experience inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine. With its cosy setting and friendly service, The Bank is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, and it often receives praise for its lively ambiance and excellent food.
2. Rosies Kitchen & The Beach Cafe – Both located on Crooklets side of the beach in Bude, moments from each other. They are both great and serve a range of delicious diner-style dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Rosie’s menu features everything from hearty breakfasts to light lunches, including options for vegetarians and vegans & one of the highlights is the café’s enclosed sundeck. The Beach Cafe could not be any closer to the beach with seating overlooking the beach! Kids can enjoy the outdoor play area at both, and adults can sip on local beers and cocktails while taking in the coastal scenery.
3. The Deck – central Bude and known for its laid-back atmosphere, and delicious menu, featuring a variety of options including fresh seafood, light bites, and scrumptious homemade cakes, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The Deck is family-friendly, providing a relaxed environment for visitors of all ages. It’s also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery together.
4. Elements – a vibrant restaurant located in the heart of Bude. Known for its modern, relaxed atmosphere, offering a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The café prides itself on its specialty coffee and a selection of fine wines, making it a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

Self Catering Cottages

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Ash Cottage – Sleeps 2
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1750 holiday cottages dorset wild wanderers 27

Beech Cottage – Sleeps 4
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Oak Private area 2

Oak Cottage – Sleeps 5
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