August – Things to do in North Devon & Exmoor

Tame lambs 3mths

The tame lambs are 3 mths now and how fast they have grown, enjoying their creep feed each morning and grazing on the grass.

Campers in a Teepee

There’s so much to see and do in North Devon & Exmoor during August, whist staying at Huxtable Farm B&B, near Barnstaple, either in the farmhouse bed and breakfast accommodation or camping. Here’s a little sample of what’s happening in the area;

7th August North Devon Show

4th – 11th August Combe Martin Carnival week

Exmoor Zoo Meerkats

11th August Appledore and Instow Regatta Day , a day of races and activities.

10th and 11th August Exmoor Zoo Metamorphosis (specialist bug exhibitor)

Dartington Crystal, glassware company great to visit any time of year, watch the glass blowers & have a go at painting glass.

20th – 31st August the Pleasure Dome Open Air Theatre Company will be performing ‘Lorna Doone’, at The Valley of Rocks near Lynton and Lynmouth, celebrating 150th Anniversary of Lorna Doone.

RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

3rd & 4th August Clovelly Lifeboat Weekend & Maritime Festival, in aid of the R.N.L.I.

17, 18 & 19th August RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

18th August Appledore Carnival

24th August the Grand Tour MINI Run at The Big Sheep

6th, 13th, 20th & 27th August Creative Crafts at National Trust Arlington Court

Marwood Hill Gardens

24 -26th August Quince Honey Farm Sunflower Festival

20th July – 1st September Family Fun Garden Adventures with the Very Hungary Caterpillar at RHS Rosemoor

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 you will be spoilt for choice

Fly a kite as high as you can!

Not forgetting that there are so many Free things to do at Huxtable Farm B&B and beautiful North Devon places to visit; Beaches , Historic Houses & North Devon Heritage sites and family fun things to do

Looking forward to September;

20 – 28th September: – Appledore Book Festival – A chance to meet your favourite author!

13 – 29th September:- Art Trek North Devon – Local artists open their studio’s for you to visit to see what they do.

Spot the young buzzard in its nest in the woodland

Forage for Hazelnuts

Relax in the hammock

Statue of Dr Smart at Marwood Hill Gardens

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

July, things to do in Devon

Orphan tame lambs

The orphan tame lambs have just been weaned off their bottles of milk, enjoying the grass especially if it’s on the other side of the fence!

rhubarb, gooseberries and redcurrants

Picking has started in the fruit garden – Gooseberry’s, redcurrants, rhubarb and the raspberries will be ready soon.

Fresh home-grown fruit & compotes for the breakfast table and homemade jams – ‘Elderflower & Gooseberry’ is a firm favourite on Huxtable Farm’s home baked granary toast or croissant.

Things to do/Events this July;

Relax in Huxtable Farm B&B’s garden

Enjoy sitting the garden at Huxtable Farm or walk the farm’s Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

June 15th – 21st July – RHS Garden Rosemoor – Rose Festival – The largest rose gardens in the South West.

29th July Woolsery Agricultural Show, near Clovelly

National Trust Arlington Court – What’s on in July

Things to do for free at Huxtable Farm B&B

27th July Tiverton Mid Devon Show

7th August North Devon Show

There are so many beautiful gardens to visit in North Devon; Castle Hill only 2 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B, Marwood Hill gardens just the other side of Barnstaple, Tapeley Park at Instow and National Trust Arlington Court 12 miles away.

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival July

Coombe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, a zoo with a difference !

Tiverton Canal Barge Ride

A few photographs taken a round the farm recently for you to ENJOY 🙂

Woodpecker meets Owl !

Shorn Jacob sheep

Lily in the Devon Wildlife Pond

Damselfly

Fly Catcher on Nest

Time to sit back and watch the world go by !

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June – North Devon Events and things to do

Campers in the orchard

Now that the summer days are longer and warmer camping at Huxtable Farm is available as alternative accommodation or in addition to B&B accommodation for other members of the family. With the farm to explore via it’s Devon Wildlife Trail the family have a chance to get back to nature, here’s a link to some ideas of FREE things you can do on the farm

Cards

In addition to Jacob wool items; throws, cushions, made from the fleeces of our ewes Jackie now has some prints of her water colour painting available to purchase too

The orphan tame (Romney) lambs are growing well, enjoying their bottles of milk

The wildlife on the farm are busy too; The Tawny Owl chicks have left their box, the Blue tit is busy feeding it’s chicks and bees are collecting nectar. Do come enjoy Huxtable Farm’s Devon Wildlife Farm Trail around the farm.

Check Availability

Events taking place during June in the North Devon area;

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

June 15th & 16th – Devon D-Day Saunton Sands Beach – Historic vehicles and re-enactments, live music – 40’s disco, bar tent, picnic on the beach, Military Wives Choir & Spitfire fly past.

June 1st & 2nd – South Molton Vintage Rally, Steam engines, vintage cars, motorbikes, military vehicle and much more…. Comsland Cross EX36 3NW

June 9th – Bratton Down Point to Point Races

June 21st, 22nd & 23rd – Gold Coast Oceanfest, Croyde, Headliners – Craig David, The Cuban Brothers, Billy Lockett to name a few.

June 15th – 21st July – RHS Garden Rosemoor – Rose Festival

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Roses in June

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May Bank Holiday – Bluebell walks, Gardens to visit, Devon County Show and more..

With two Bank Holidays in May, longer warmer days, there’s so much to see & do in North Devon. The woodland has fresh new leaves, the swallows are back and the bluebells are looking glorious–

Tame lamb cuddle

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

Lambing has been good and the lambs are growing well in the fields and we have a couple of tame orphan lambs who enjoy being fed a bottle and having a cuddle.

We’ve just enjoyed this years first crop of rhubarb at breakfast. 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 good this month with it’s camellias in flower. Marwood Hill Garden with it’s beautiful wisteria archway.

Walking in North Devon during May is very popular – The Macmillan Way West and Tarka Trail, both passing the entrance to Huxtable Farm B&B so we get quite a few staying over night and we always enjoying hearing about everyone’s adventures! Click here for information on walking & cycling in North Devon.

Treasue Trail at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon

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!

Events taking place during May;

The Devon County Show, takes place this month on the 16th, 17th & 18th May, near Exeter. With something for everyone from prize winning animals, new vehicles & machinery to beautiful crafts & scrumptious food & drink, this is a great day out for all.

RHS Rosemoor Gardens Spring Plant Fair 11 – 12th May

National Garden Week 29th April – 3rd May

Point to point horse racing, North Devon

19th May 9th June 2019 – Point to Point at Bratton Down.

Bee Keeping experience days at Quince Honey Farm 16th & 18th May

Clovelly Seaweed Festival, 26th May 2019 : 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

Flower Pots at Huxtable Farm B&B

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April – Easter chicks and Jacob ewes lambing

Lambing Live here at Huxtable Farm B&B – Our small flock of The Jacob ewes are due to produce lambs between the 1st April and Easter – Do come and enjoy this time of year with us when the hibernation period is coming to end and our stunning countryside is waking up. On Easter morning we also aim to have some chicks hatching and an Easter Egg Hunt, making your Easter stay at Huxtable Farm special.

During April, leading up to Easter, 21st April some of the local attractions have #Easter #Egg hunts and Easter events to enjoy;
April – RHS Rosemoor – Easter crafts. Easter fun at National Trust Arlington Court & Cadburys Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Egg hunts at Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, Combe Martin Wildlife Park, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Please also have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2019 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.

Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon and Exmoor

Baa-baa - Bottle fed tame lamb at Huxtable Farm B&B Devon

Bottle feeding orphan tame lambs at Huxtable Farm B&B North Devon

RHS Rosemoor Wool and Yarn Fest 6th & 7th April.

Stay at Huxtable Farm B&B, only 13 miles from RHS Rosemoor, this weekend and puchase some Jacob wool yarn and or products.

Huxtable Farm B&B Accommodation, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon, near Exmoor National Park, Quince Honey Farm, Castle Hill Gardens and Wedding Venue

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

March #BandB week and Mothers Day – April Lambing & Easter

Jacob wool products

It’s Mother’s Day on the 31st March; Here are some idea’s to help you spoil your special Mum; A night at Huxtable Farm B&B, welcomed with a Devon cream tea then in the morning enjoy a delicious Mothers Day breakfast next to the crackling log fire in the medieval dining room. Have afternoon tea at RHS Rosemoor Gardens having visited the RHS Spring Flower Competition. Buy a gift from Huxtable Farm B&B’s Jacob wool shop; 100% Jacob wool throws, cushions, scarves, yarn and knitting kits. Give your mother a Voucher to stay at Huxtable Farm B&B at sometime later this year, telephone 01598 760254 or e-mail for more details.

Huxtable Farm B&B Voucher

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon during March, Huxtable Farm B&B has a special offer, of a Luxury Cream Tea on arrival for National #BandBWeek 18th – 24th March . We also have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 31st March 2019.

Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon and Exmoor

Bo – Bottle fed tame lamb

Lambing Live here at Huxtable Farm B&B – Our small flock of The Jacob ewes are due to produce lambs between the 1st April and Easter – Do come and enjoy this time of year with us when the hibernation period is coming to end and our stunning countryside is waking up. On Easter morning we also aim to have some chicks hatching, making your Easter stay at Huxtable Farm special.

During April, leading up to Easter, 21st April some of the local attractions have #Easter #Egg hunts and Easter events to enjoy;
April – RHS Rosemoor – Easter crafts.
Easter fun at National Trust Arlington Court & Cadburys Easter Eggs Hunt.
Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon and Exmoor

Easter Eggs

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March – Hares, Pancake Day & Mothers Day

Bottle feeding Leveret

Brown Hare: – 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. Often associated with magic because they are very elusive, disappearing quickly out of sight if spotted. A hare can be distinguished from their close relative the rabbit, by their distinctive long ears with black tips, powerful long hind legs and orange iris in contrast to rabbits eyes which are almost black. The boxing behaviour that can be seen during March is usually female hares fending off amorous males. The brown hare used to be a common sight in the British countryside but the population has declined since 1960 , due sadly to various reason such as changes in agricultural practices & traffic deaths.

Leveret

Sadly, last Autumn scientists declared that myxomatosis may have spread from rabbits to hares and could wipe out Britain’s brown hares

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. When ever I see a hare in March I often wonder if it’s the one I so lucky to have reared.

Pancakes for breakfast

Pancake Day/Shove Tuesday, the day before fasting period of Lent leading up to Easter is on the 5th March 2019. Will you be eating pancakes if yes how do you like yours? I like mine with lemon & sugar, sweet & sour.

It’s Mother’s Day on the 31st March Here are some idea’s to help you spoil someone special; A night at Huxtable Farm B&B, welcomed with a Devon cream tea then in the morning enjoy a delicious Mothers Day breakfast next to the crackling log fire in the medieval dining room. Have afternoon tea at RHS Rosemoor Gardens having visited the RHS Spring Flower Competition. Buy a gift from Huxtable Farm B&B’s Jacob wool shop; 100% Jacob wool throws, cushions, scarves, yarn and knitting kits. Give your mother a Voucher to stay at Huxtable Farm B&B at sometime later this year, telephone 01598 760254 or e-mail for more details.

Cards painted by Jackie

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon in February and March we have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 31st March 2019.

Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon and Exmoor

If you’d like to receive the next & future Huxtable Farm ‘news’ update please subscribe with your e-mail address

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February – Snowdrops & things to do this Spring in North Devon

Exmoor pony foal in fluffy winter coat

Hare in grass at Huxtable Farm B&B

Winter is a special time to see a wide variety of Devon Wildlife from Exmoor Red Deer and the iconic Exmoor ponies in their fluffy winter coats to otters and dolphins in the rivers and sea respectively. Spotting wildlife on the farm during February and March is great too; – The trees don’t have their leaves yet so you can spot the Roe deer and Exmoor Red deer in the woodland, brown hares in the grassy verges, hear & spot lesser spotted woodpeckers and see buzzards and more recently Kites soaring over head.

woodpecker

February is a fabulous time to enjoy the beautiful snowdrops of North Devon, littered in the hedgerow at Huxtable Farm B&B , RHS Rosemoor and at Snowdrop Valley (a privately owned remote valley in a hidden part of Exmoor close to Wheddon Cross open to the public 2nd Feb – 3rd March 2019)

Throws by the fire

We hope everyone is keeping warm during these fresh, crisp, frosty days. Here the wood burners are roaring with wood from the farm – great for warming up next to having come in from outside after taking Bella, the Springer Spaniel, for a farm walk or having fed the sheep.

During February 2019 a range of restaurants on and around Exmoor will be offering outstanding food at an affordable price as part of the Exmoor Food Fest. Customers will be able to eat their way across Exmoor from £10.00 per meal Click on the following link to find out the participating Exmoor Food Fest Restaurants #ExFF19

Bo – Bottle fed tame lamb

Our small flock of Jacob sheep are due to produce lambs April – Do come and enjoy this time of year with us when the hibernation period is coming to end and our stunning countryside is waking up.

During April, leading up to Easter, 21st April some of the local attractions have #Easter #Egg hunts and Easter events to enjoy;
April – RHS Rosemoor – Easter crafts.
Easter fun at National Trust Arlington Court & Cadburys Easter Eggs Hunt.
Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon in February and March we have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 31st March 2019.

Check available dates at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon and Exmoor

A few wildlife videos to enjoy

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January 2019 – Looking forward to Spring – photography & painting

January is a time for me to explore some other crafts – painting and photography – Here’s a few Crystal Ball photographs from around the farm and a couple of water colour paintings of friends house – Enjoy;

Crystal Ball photo at Huxtable Farm

Water colour painting of local house

If you are a photographer or artist you are welcome to practice your skills at Huxtable Farm B&B whilst staying here, find a quiet area on the farm and experiment – woodland, pond, stream with waterfall, with a variety of wildlife, pasture with sheep, hens and panoramic views of Devon, including a picturesque valley! Check out available B&B dates here

Please click on this link (2019 events dates) for some events to look forward to whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B and here for things you can do for free such as ;- Witness our small flock of Jacob ewes lambing during the weeks of April. Easter is on the 21st April; look forward to Easter Egg hunts at all the attractions in the area; Quince Honey Farm opening in April at it’s new larger site, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Other dates to remember: 31st March Mother Day, 21st April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 6th & 27th May. 16th June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 26th August.

Already the snowdrops are emerging and a few primroses, Devon’s flower, are bringing some colour to this cooler month.

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0SR

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Happy New Year – 2019

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2019 from all at Huxtable Farm B&B xx

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Photos

Please click on this link (2019 events dates) for some events to look forward to whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B and here for things you can do for free

Such as ;- Witness our small flock of Jacob ewes lambing during the weeks of April. Easter is on the 21st April; to look forward to Easter Egg hunts at all the attractions in the area; Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Other dates to remember: 31st March Mother Day, 21st April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 6th & 27th May. 16th June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 26th August.

Huxtabke Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0SR

Our Springer looks forward to showing you around the farm 🙂

A taster of Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, near Barnstaple/Exmoor/SouthMolton North Devon

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

Blog

August – Things to do in North Devon & Exmoor

July, things to do in Devon

June – North Devon Events and things to do

May Bank Holiday – Bluebell walks, Gardens to visit, Devon County Show and more..

April – Easter chicks and Jacob ewes lambing

March #BandB week and Mothers Day – April Lambing & Easter

March – Hares, Pancake Day & Mothers Day

February – Snowdrops & things to do this Spring in North Devon

January 2019 – Looking forward to Spring – photography & painting

Happy New Year – 2019

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