June & July- Things to do in North Devon

Camping at Huxtable Farm

Now that the summer days are longer and warmer camping at Huxtable Farm is popular, especially if you wish to camp with no other campers next to you and have your own private bathroom.

If you have family members who are not keen on camping, then Huxtable Farm has the luxury of being able to offer them Huxtable Farms B&B accommodation, whilst those who wish to camp under canvas or the stars can still do so.

With the farm (woodland, pasture, pond & stream) to explore, via it’s Devon Wildlife Trail, you have a chance to ‘ Get back to nature’, breath in the countryside and enjoy the space our farm has to offer.

Here’s a link to some suggestions of FREE things you can do on the farm too.

Check B&B availability

Check Camping availability

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Roses in June

June & July are also fantastic times to visit the wonderful gardens in North Devon including; RHS Rosemoor, with it’s Rose festival 17th June – 16Th July (Rosemmor probably has the largest variety of roses, more than 2000, in the UK), Castle Hill Gardens (just 2 miles down the road from Huxtable Farm), Marwood Hill gardens just the other side of Barnstaple, Tapeley Park at Instow and National Trust Arlington Court, 12 miles north west of Huxtable Farm.

Cycling theTarka Trail, North Devon

For the adverturous, there are bike trails, such as the Tarka trail or mountain biking on Exmoor with ‘Exmoor Adventures‘ who also offer paddle boarding, kayaking, rock climbing & archery. Surfing at the reknowned beaches of Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe, or kite surfing at Westward Ho! Off road adventures at ‘Keypitts’, where you can have a 4X4 Landrover experience, go Quad biking or Axe throwing.

Fruit; Raspberries, Gooseberries and Logenberries

Here on the farm, it’s a busy time, picking fruit, to be used at the breakfast table either served fresh, as a compote or homemade jam to enjoy on freshly baked toasted bread.

It’s also time when the Jacob sheep are shorn and their Jacob fleeces are sorted so that they are suitable for crafters to purchase, such as spinners or felters.

Shearing the Jacob sheep in June

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May – Three Bank Holidays – King Charles lll & Queen Camilla’s Coronation

British Flag

Three Bank Holidays in May, perfect for booking a short break away.

Here’s to the Coronation of Their Majesties – King Charles lll and Queen Camilla, on the 6th May at Westminster.

Check available B&B dates at Huxtable Farm B&B and available Camping Pitches (Only three exclusive pitches each with their own wash room)

B&B availability

Camping availability

May is a fabulous month for walking in North Devon – The Macmillan Way West and Tarka Trail, both pass the entrance to Huxtable Farm,so we get quite a few staying over night and we always enjoying hearing about everyone’s adventures! Then there’s the South West Coast Path; with the stunning sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Saunton & Westward Ho! and Croyde beach, one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. The two point either end of Woolacombe beach, Baggy Point and Morte Point are both stunning to walk, with views out to Lundy Island.

If you enjoy a walk in the countryside, Huxtable Farm’s Devon Wildlife farm trail has a variety beautiful wild flowers and foliage to enjoy in its varied habitats; woodland, pasture, pond, bracken slope and hedges. To make it even more interesting we also have a ‘Treasure Trail’ for you to enjoy!

Walking in North Devon & Exmoor

Please click HERE to view other video’s taken at Huxtable Farm B&B & Camping.

With so much to do in the garden at this time of year it’s always great to have a break and visit RHS Rosemoor Gardens and see what the experts are doing and get inspiration from the other glorious Gardens of North Devon; Castle Hill Gardens (just down the road from Huxtable Farm) is looking fabulous this month with it’s camellias in flower as is Marwood Hill Garden with it’s beautiful wisteria archway.

Events taking place during May;

Devon County Show 18th, 19th & 20th May. If you love animals, tractors, food, music, dog shows, funfairs, crafts, gardens, shopping and anything associated with country life in Devon, then you will have a great day at the Devon County Show.

RHS Rosemoor Gardens Workshops, events and shows

Point-to-point racing in North Devon (Bratton Down & Umberleigh)

If you enjoy horse racing there are some fun days to be had on the 14th & 21st May & 4th June 2023 – Point to Point at Bratton Down.

Bee Keeping experience days at Quince Honey Farm – 11th, 13th, 22nd & 24th May 2023

Clovelly Seaweed Festival, 28th May 2023 : Promoting seaweed for its immense health & nutritional benefits and in aid of North Devon Hospice

or just come and enjoy panoramic views at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon

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April – Easter egg hunts & lambing

Bottle feeding orphan tame lambs

April has got to be one of my favourite months; not only is my birthday (on Earth Day 22nd April – Let’s do our bit to help save planet Earth), but the days are warming up and getting longer and nature is doing its magic, as colourful spring bulbs, blossom and animals start to bring some colour & new life into the world. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place and we love sharing it with you.

It’s great to get outside, enjoy spring walks through the woodland as the young, fresh leaves unfold. It’s total escapism in the woodland, where we can rekindle our connection with nature, known as #forestbathing, good for the mind, body & soul.

Our Jacob ewes are due to lamb in April so you may be lucky enough to witness the birth of a lamb or at least enjoy watching lambs gambling in the fileds in the evening, as the sun sets.

With Easter on the 9th April, we have some hens eggs in the incubator, hoping that chicks will hatch Easter weekend.

Easter Eggs

On Easter day there’s always an Easter egg hunt here at the farm and there are lots of Easter activities at many North Devon attractions too; RHS Rosemoor Gardens Giant Easter Egg Hunt 1^st – 16^th April. Coombe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park 27^th March – 16^th April Find 10 eggs around the park and collect a prize. Hartland Abbey & Gardens Easter fun & Bluebells 9th & 10th April. Find the chicks in Clovelly 7th – 10th April. Unique Easter Grotto at adventure park ‘The Milkyway’ 1st – 14th April. Quince Honey Farm 7th – 10th April -Find the nests, solve a riddle to find your prize.

Castle Hill Gardens, just 2 miles form Huxtable Farm is the perfect garden to visit in Spring, with its magnolias, camilias, spring bulbs, babbling streams, folly’s and beautiful areas carpeted areas of primroses. On Bank Holiday Monday 10th April is the Easter Bunny Hunt with lots of family fun too; A magician, face painters & bouncy castle.

Camping at Huxtable Farm

Bookings for the B&B and the three unique camping pitches are coming in as visitors are making sure they get the room and or camping pitch they want. We look forward to hearing from you too.

Check available B&B dates at Huxtable Farm B&B and available Camping Pitches (Only three exclusive pitches each with their own wash room)

B&B availability

Camping availability

Wishing you a very happy & healthy Easter from all at Huxtable Farm

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March – Hares, World Book Day, Mothers Day & British Summer Time

Spring flowers; primroses & daffodils

Love this time of year; The days are getting longer & nature is waking up – The daffodils, crocuses and primroses bring back some much needed colour to the garden & farm. Bees are starting to venture out for some food from the first blossom & flowers, whilst frogs and toads make their way to spawn in the pond.

It’s a great time of year to spot the odd March Hare on the farm too, grazing on the short grass or a couple of hares boxing (usually a female hare fending off an amorous male). Known as the fastest mammal in the UK, the Brown Hare is capable of reaching speeds up to 45-50mph (72kph), making them able to outrun a predator. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to hand rear a leveret and when it was almost fully grown released it in our woodland, so when ever I see a hare in March I often wonder if it’s the same one, I was so lucky to have reared.

Books by North Devon Authors

World Book Day 2nd March 2023 celebrating the joy of reading books. A registered charity, designated by UNESCO, on a mission to give every child and young person a book of their own, thanks to the generosity of National Book tokens, publishers & booksellers.

To celebrate Huxtable Farm Medieval Farmhouse being 500 years old, we are giving every booking on arrival, a copy of our book ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm ‘

Who’s your favoutite author? My favourite North Devon author, for a total escapism read is Veronica Henry, I love many of her books but ‘Wild Oats’ and ‘The Long Weekend’ are my favourites. Some other well known authors local to North Devon include; Henry Williamson who wrote ‘Tarka the Otter’ (The Tarka Trail passes Huxtable Farm’s entrance). Michael Morpurgo author of ‘The War Horse’ and many children’s books. R F Delderfield who wrote ‘To Serve Them All My Days’ and attended West Buckland Public School, situated opposite Huxtable Farm’s entrance. R D Blackmore who wrote the Exmoor romance story of ‘Lorna Doone’. David Kennard of Borough Farm who has written ‘A Shephard’s Watch’ and the TV series ‘Mist, sheep dog tails’.

Another date to put in the diary is Mother’s Day (19th March) when we get the chance to express our love to all Mothers. Here are some idea’s to help you spoil your special Mum;

Buy a unique gift from Huxtable Farm’s Shop; 100% Jacob wool throws, cushions, scarves and knitting kits or some notelets or a print painted by me, Jackie.

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool knitting kits

Give your mother a Voucher to stay at Huxtable Farm at sometime later in the year, where she will be welcomed with a Devon cream tea, then in the morning enjoy a delicious freshly cooked breakfast next to the crackling log fire in the medieval dining room – Telephone 01598 760254 or e-mail for more details.

Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B and available Camping Pitches (Only two ensuite B&B bedrooms & three exclusive camping pitches, each with their own wash room)

Print Nineteen Card

Don’t for get that all important Mother’s Day card too. Our daughter, Natalie has that unique, individual, botanical card you may wish to send from Printnineteen. Quite a few bits of foliage used by Natalie in her prints has been sourced from Huxtable Farm. Oh and Natalie also does print workshops too!

On the 26th March British Summer Time beginnings, when we all turn our watches & clocks forward i.e loosing an hours sleep on Saturday night 25th March! Britsh summer time was introduced to make the most of daylight hours and conserve energy, first established in 1916. Thinking of Summer, nows a good time to book to ensure you get the room/s (only two en-suite rooms available) or camping pitch (only three exclusive pitchs, each with thier own washroom) you’d like to stay in or on. Check availability here;-

B&B availability

Camping availability

We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy the lambs this April and seeing you for the rest of the year. Please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2023 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar so that you can plan your next stay to coincide with an event that interests you.

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Feburary 2023 – Snowdrops and free holiday ideas!

Hazel tree flowers and catkins, also known as ‘lambs tails’, resembling the tails of lambs born in Spring time

I’m always amazed at how nature bounces back from all that is thrown at it, like the freezing, snowy conditions we experiened during December & January; Snowdrops are always the first signs that Spring is on it’s way, bringing a little joy to those who see them.

Thoughts of summer and holidays away, help us get through the darker, winter days and with the worry of rising costs, we have been thinking of ideas to share with you of things you can do for free, whilst staying at Huxtable Farm, situated within North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Beauty and close to Exmoors Dark Skies Reserve.

National Trust Baggy Point , walk on the South West Coastpath

A). If you wish to have a car free day click on this link for some idaes of free things you can do at Huxtable Farm

B). Enjoy walks from Huxtable Farm (situated on the Tarka Trail and Macmillian Way West), on Exmoor, around the Southwest coast path or UNESCO North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve

C). Bring you buckets, spades, Kite, body/surf boards, a picnic and visit the fabulous Beaches of North Devon.

D). Bring your bikes (secure lock up at Huxtable Farm available) and cycle the flat, car free Tarka Trail

E). Visit the many museums of North Devon;

Ilfracombe Museum . – Amazing collections from around the world.
Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station
Barnstaple & North Devon Museum – Local history.
South Molton Museum – Local history.

F) Visit Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station

G) Go geocaching.

H) Go crabing off Ilfracombe harbour or amongst the rock pools on many beaches.

We are looking forward to welcoming you back to the B&B & camping pitches in April 2023.

Check B&B availability at Huxtable Farm

Check Camping availability at Huxtable Farm

Don’t forget if you are looking at finding a unqiue Jacob wool gift, card or print for some one, please do have a look at what’s available, made with Devon love!

From our family to yours with warm regards Jackie & Antony

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Happy New Year – 2023. Winter – time to get knitting!

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2023 from all at Huxtable Farm

We look forward to welcoming you back to Huxtable Farm; two en-suite B&B bedrooms (a family bedroom and twin bedroom) and three camping pitches, each with thier own bathroom, from April 2023. To avoid disappiont it may be advisable to book early. In the meantime, we are busy maintaining the farm; looking after the animals and selling logs for winter fuel.

B&B availability

Camping availability

Secluded with wonderful views

Here’s some ideas of what to do & see on your visit to North Devon & Exmoor;

Bench with view on Huxtable Farm Devon Wildlife Walk

If you wish to have a car free day there are so many free things you can do at Huxtable Farm

Enjoy walks from Huxtable Farm, through wooded valleys (Coombes) and enjoy the glorious colours of the tree canopy.

Visit the fabulous Beaches of North Devon , take a scenic walk (Walking in North Devon) or here is a link to some ideas for days out for the family.

Please click on this link (2023 events dates) for some events to look forward to in 2023

Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh, near West Buckland, Devon

There are so many beautiful Gardens to visit in North Devon; Castle Hill gardens (RHS partner garden) just 3 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B, Marwood Hill Gardens, Tapely Park Instow

(RHS partner garden), not forgetting RHS Rosemoor near Torrington, you will be spoilt for choice.

Book your B&B stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

Book your Camping stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

Don’t forget if you are looking at finding a unqiue gift, card or print for some one, please do have a look at what’s available made from our Jacob sheep wool, including these gorgeous hand knitted elephants with removeable clothing, Jacob wool throws & cushions, knitting kits, hand knitted hats etc. All made with love.

Hand Knitted elephants with removable clothing £19 each

Jacob wool hats

Jacob wool cowl knitting Kit (grey or dark Brown sorry cream sold out)

Knitting Kit Rib Scarf & Wrist Warmers £13.99 each

Our Knitting Kits make the perfect gift or chance for yourself to get creative, especially during winter time, when the day light hours are reduced. Treat yourself or someone special. All our knitting kits are put together with love; they include 100% natural wool from our flock of Jacob sheep, detailed instructions, knitting needles and any other necessary additional items so that you or your loved ones can achieve fabulous results. £13.95 each including postage & packing.

Alternatively if you have your own project that requires purchasing our unique wool, or are a hand spinner requiring a Jacob fleece please do get in touch. jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk

Raw Jacob Fleece for spinning

Enquire by e-mail jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk and payment details will be sent.

Antony & I, would like to say thank you for your continued support, stay safe & well with best wishes Jackie & Antony. Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0SR

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Wishing you a very Happy Christmas

Here at Huxtable Farm, we would like to thank our customers and followers for your support during the past year and wish you & your family a very Happy Christmas from us, Jackie, Antony & our family. May all your wishes come true XXX

With a reduced number of B&B rooms (2 en-suite family bedrooms) and select few secluded camping pitches (3 pitches, each with their own wash room), we’d like to remind you to book early so that you don’t miss out on the dates you require. We’d love to welcome you to this special place, we are lucky enough to call home.
May all your wishes come true XXX

Check B&B Availability

Check Camping Availability

Some Christmasy photographs from around the farms’ Devon wildlife trail, during the recent snow – Enjoy!

Snowy Christmas trees & moon

Snowy Christmas trees

Snowy house & moon

Snowy farm walk through wooded avenue

Snowy trees

Snowy trees with hens roosting

Snow loving dog 🙂

Decorated Christmas Tree

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Autumn; Thinking about unique Christmas gifts already?

Autumn leaves (Autumn walks in North Devon)

Autumn has officially arrived; the day light hours are getting shorter, the sunsets are stunning and the leaves are changing colour – It’s time to put on the boots and get ouside for some wonderful walks and enjoy natures beautiful autumn colours.

On the days that are too cold & wet, it’s great to snuggle up next to the crackling log fire with a good book or pick up the knitting needles to create a unique gift for yourself or someone; such as these adorable, hand knitted elephants with removable clothing, using Huxtable Farm’s Jacob wool. The pattern is in knitting book ‘Au Bout d Pre’

Hand Knitted elephants with removable clothing, hand knitted with Huxtable Farm Jacob wool £19 each

If you’ve started to think about Christmas, please do have a look at our unique Christmas gifts made from our Jacob sheep wool, including Jacob wool throws & cushions, knitting kits, hand knitted hats etc. All made with love! Do send an e-mail to jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk if you are interested in purchasing something.

Unique Christmas gifts from Huxtable Farm

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool throws and cushions

Jacob wool cowl knitting Kit

Printnineteen Christmas Cards

Our daughter, Natalie, has her own small business, (love supporting small businesses) called ‘Print Nineteen’, Natalie produces some beautiful unique cards and prints (including personalised), many produced from foliage from around the farm. Do have a look at her beautiful new Christmas cards and gift wrap paper.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Huxtable Farm‘s; two B&B bedrooms (a family bedroom and twin bedroom) and three camping pitches, each with thier own bathroom, from April 2023. To avoid disappiont it may be advisable to book early. In the meantime, we are busy maintaining the farm and selling logs for winter fuel.

B&B availability

Camping availability

Here’s some ideas of what to do & see on your visit to North Devon & Exmoor.

If you wish to have a car free day there are so many free things you can do at Huxtable Farm

Enjoy walks from Huxtable Farm, through wooded valleys (Coombes) and enjoy the glorious golden, autumnal colours of the tree canopy.

Visit the fabulous Beaches of North Devon , take a scenic walk (Walking in North Devon) or here is a link to some ideas for days out for the family.

There are so many beautiful Gardens to visit in North Devon; Castle Hill gardens 2 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B, Marwood Hill Gardens, Tapely Park Instow, not forgetting RHS Rosemoor near Torrington, you will be spoilt for choice.

In the meantime, happy christmas shopping and I look forward to hearing from you; jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool knitting kits

Raw Jacob fleeces available to purchase, to spin, weave or felt

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September; natures harvest & carnival time

Harvesting Figs, Blackberries, Apples & Tomatoes

September is a great month to make the most of natures harvest; apples and blackberries to make a delicious compote, whilst elderberries & figs are made into scrummy homemade jam for you to sample whilst staying in the B&B rooms or camping on one of the three pitches, each with their own bathrooms.

Whilst staying at Huxtable Farm during September you are very welcome to pick some apples and blackberries to take home or spot some fabulous fungi around the farm.

There are still some dates available in the B&B and the camping pitches during September.

B&B availability

Camping availability

Woody Bay Train Station

Here’s some ideas of what to do & see on your visit to North Devon & Exmoor during September.

If you wish to have a car free day there are so many free things you can do at Huxtable Farm B&B

Enjoy an autumnal walks from Huxtable Farm, through wooded valleys (Coombes) and enjoy the glorious golden, autumnal colours of the tree canopy.

Coombe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

Visit the fabulous Beaches of North Devon , take a scenic walk (Walking in North Devon) or here is a link to some ideas for days out with the family.

Dartington Crystal, glassware company great to visit any time of year, watch the glass blowers, have a go at painting glass or browse the shop for a gift for a special person.

Events taking place in North Devon during September;-

Books by North Devon Authors

Barnstaple Carnival 17th September

15th – 25th September: – Appledore Book Festival – A chance to meet your favourite author!

Here at Huxtable Farm we giving all who stay here a free copy of our book ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm’, telling you all about the farm, it’s history, Huxtable ancestry and its neighbours!

Antony & Jackie look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm.

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