Morning sunrise looking towards Castle Hill Gardens

February 2022 – Snowdrops, first signs of Spring

snowdrops

snowdrops

The first signs of Spring!- Snowdrops and catkins are out whilst daffodils are peeking through the ground. As we watch nature coming back to life, it’s a wonderful reminder that spring is on the way and, we hope, better and happier times for us all.

As Huxtable Farm is situated within North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Beauty and close to Exmoors Dark Skies Reserve, on clear crisp days we are experiencing some stunning sunrises, sunsets and starry skies, like in the photograph above.

Hazel tee flowers and catkins

Hazel tee flowers and catkins

We are looking forward to welcoming you back to the B&B & camping pitches in April 2022. To help with social distancing etc. the number of B&B bedrooms on offer have been be reduced to two en-suite rooms; one family bedroom and a twin bedded room and each of the three camping pitches have their own private wash rooms.

Camping in tent

Camping in tent

Check B&B availability at Huxtable Farm Check Camping availability at Huxtable Farm
National Trust Baggy Point

National Trust Baggy Point

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

Please click here for some 2022 events dates to look forward to. 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), visit the fabulous Beaches of North Devon , a family attraction, or one of the many beatifulful Gardens of North Devon;  including Castle Hill gardens (RHS partner garden) only 2 miles from Huxtable Farm or 19 miles to RHS Rosemoor near Torrington.

Elephants with removable outfit, Hand Knitted with Huxtable Farm Jacob Wool £19 each

Elephants with removable outfit, Hand Knitted with Huxtable Farm Jacob Wool £19 each

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 and hand knitted hats – All made with Devon love.

If you’d like to receive ‘Huxtable Farm’s Newletter’, I don’t send many, with the occasional offer please sign up here  ‘Huxtable Farm’s Newletter’.

 

From our family to yours with warm regards Jackie & Antony

Bluebells under trees

May – Bluebell walks, Beautiful Gardens, Devon County Show and more …

 

Lambing finished a few days ago and the lambs are growing well, despite the grass not growing as vigorously as it should be at this time of year.

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

rhubarb in garden

rhubarb in garden

We’ve just enjoyed this years first rhubarb at breakfast and soon I’ll be able to plant out the various seedlings from the greenhouse too. 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 staying over night at Huxtable Farm B&B whilst walking the Macmillan Way West or Tarka Trail, both passing the entrance to Huxtable Farm – 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

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 variety of habitats; woodland, pasture, pond, bracken slope and hedges. To make it even more interesting we even have a ‘Treasure Trail’ for you to enjoy!

Events taking place during May;

The Devon County Show, takes place this month on the 17th, 18th & 19th 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 Design & Living Fair 5th – 7th May, Plant Heritage Spring Fair 12th – 13th May & future event – RHS Rossmoor’s Flower Show 17th -19th August.

20th May & 10th June 2018 – Point to Point at Bratton Down.

Tomatoes, vines & sunflowers in greenhouse

Tomatoes, vines & sunflowers in greenhouse

Fun filled drop in craft and ranger days at National Trust Arlington Court

Bee Keeping experience days at Quince Honey Farm

Meet ‘Chase’ from Paw Patrol at The Milky Way Adventure Park 2nd June

Meet Rex the T-Rex and his baby dinosaurs at The Big Sheep Adventure Park  6th May

In June you can look forward to;

The South Molton Vintage Rally: 2nd & 3rd June : Cars, motorcycles, steam engines, crafts, & demonstrations of rural skills.

Clovelly Seaweed Festival, 27th May : Promoting seaweed for its immense health & nutritional benefits, in aid of North Devon Hospice

or just come and enjoy panoramic views from Huxtable Farm B&B!

Enjoying the view South towards Dartmoor

Enjoying the view South towards Dartmoor

March snow gone, Lambing has started – Spring is here :)

Here are a few snowy photographs from around the farm for you to enjoy – Hopefully you can find the various locations around the farm without snow when you visit Huxtable Farm B&B in warmer weather conditions.

Lambing has started we’ve had a triplet and two doubles today, the daffodils and primroses are brightening up the garden, Easter is next week, the sun is shining so it’s starting to feel more like Spring 🙂

Snowdrops

February-Snowdrops and things to do this year

Bird box

Bird box

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 Whedden Cross open to the public 27th Jan – 25th Feb)

 

The bird boxes are up around the farm again – Looking forward to house this year’s Spring birds.

 

Stream on Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

Stream on Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

This February you can also get a taste of Exmoor by sampling the delicious, local food prepared by some great Exmoor restaurants during ‘The Exmoor Food Festival’ – Eat your way across Exmoor during February 2018! Participating restaurants across the region will offer 2 courses for  £10.00 / 3 courses for £15.00 between 1st and 28th February. Great to stop off at during a walk on Exmoor or after having done Huxtable Farm’s Wildlife Trail

Our flock of sheep are due to start lambing at the end of March and during April – Do come and enjoy this time of year with us.

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 13th March 2018.

Owl box on Wildlife farm trail

Owl box on Wildlife farm trail

Otherwise, please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2018 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar 

Including some #Easter #Egg hunts to look forward to at all the attractions in the area;
April – RHS Rosemoor –  Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt & 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!

 

 

Bo - Bottle fed tame lamb

Bottle fed tame lamb

Gosling at Huxtable Farm B&B, near Barnstaple, Devon

Goslings have hatched & what to look forward to in June

French Toulouse Gosling hatched at Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon near Exmoor

French Toulouse Gosling hatched at Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon near Exmoor

 

 

Love this time of year, the trees now have leaves, the spring flowers are amazing, the swallows are back and young animals are finding their feet!

Some of the goose eggs we obtained from The Black Venus Inn Challacombe, Exmoor have hatched – A great Inn to have a meal at whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B

 

 

 

Bo - Bottle fed tame lamb

Bo – Bottle fed tame lamb

 

This years tame orphan lambs (‘Baa-baa’ and ‘Bo’) are always keen to say ‘Baa’ to everyone and are waiting to be bottle feed their milk. All the other lambs & ewes are looking good in the fields too.

Baa Baa enjoying some company :)

Baa Baa enjoying some company 🙂

There is so much to look forward to in June;-

The Jacob sheep will be shorn and we’ll have lots of beautifully soft Jacob & Jacob cross Texel fleeces for spinners & felters to purchase.

June is a great time to visit the beautiful gardens, National Trust properties, historic houses, harbours and market towns of North Devon & Exmoor or enjoy a stroll away from it all on Exmoor along the side of a river (We’ll share with you some special places to visit!).

Devon Cream Tea Welcome

Devon Cream Tea Welcome

With National Cream Tea Day on the 30th June, in Devon we like to put the cream on the scone and the jam on top of the cream. You can enjoy a Cream Tea welcome any time of year at Huxtable Farm B&B

Here are a few links to things that are taking place during June to put in your diary (18th June Fathers Day): –
RHS Rosemoor – Rose Festival June 17th June – 30th July
RHS Rosemoor – In the Night Garden Trail 1st May – 30th June
National Trust Arlington Court events
Getting active during your stay in North Devon
Beaches of North Devon
3rd &4th June Antiques & Vintage Home Show, Westpoint Arena, Exeter
3rd & 4th June 2017 – South Molton Vintage Rally
17th June 2017 – Point to Point at Umberleigh.
8th – 12th June – South Molton Olde English Fayre.
16th, 17th & 18th June 2017 – Gold Coast Ocean Festival, Woolacombe & Croyde (Kaiser Chiefs)
Clovelly and events taking place at Clovelly during 2017 e.g Clovelly Seaweed Festival 4th June

Gardens of North Devon

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Roses in June

Bench with a panoramic view of North Devon

May – Bluebell walks, Gardens, County Show and much more …

Swallows at Huxtable Farm B&B

Swallows at Huxtable Farm B&B

 

 

May – The woodland has this years fresh new leaves, the days are getting warmer & longer, the swallows are back and the bluebells are looking glorious–

Lambing has been good and the lambs are growing well in the fields

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

rhubarb in garden

rhubarb in garden

We’ve just enjoyed this years first rhubarb at breakfast and soon I’ll be able to plant out the various seedlings from the greenhouse too. 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 staying over night at Huxtable Farm B&B whilst walking the Macmillan Way West or Tarka Trail, both passing the entrance to Huxtable Farm – 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

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 variety of habitats; woodland, pasture, pond, bracken slope and hedges. To make it even more interesting we now have a ‘Treasure Trail’ for you to enjoy!

Events taking place during May;

The Devon County Show, takes place this month on the 18th, 19th & 20th 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 Plant Heritage Spring Fair 13 – 14th May, Devon Chilli Fiesta 20-21st May & future event – RHS Rosemoor’s first Flower Show 18th -20th August.

21st May 4th & 11th June 2017 – Point to Point at Bratton Down.

Tomatoes, vines & sunflowers in greenhouse

Tomatoes, vines & sunflowers in greenhouse

Fun filled drop in craft and ranger days at National Trust Arlington Court

Bee Keeping experience days at Quince Honey Farm 11th & 13th May

Meet Marshall from Paw Patrol at The Milky Way Adventure Park 28th May

Meet Rex the T-Rex and his baby dinosaurs at The Big Sheep Adventure Park  28th May

In June you can look forward to;

The South Molton Vintage Rally: 3rd & 4th June : Cars, motorcycles, steam engines, crafts, & demonstrations of rural skills.

Clovelly Seaweed Festival, 4th June : Promoting seaweed for its immense health & nutritional benefits

or just come and enjoy panoramic views from Huxtable Farm B&B!

Enjoying the view South towards Dartmoor

Enjoying the view South towards Dartmoor

Wendy House at Huxtable farm B&B, West Buckland near Filleigh

New children’s play area

Enjoying the children's play area at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Devon

Enjoying the children’s play area

It lovely to see the smiles on children’s faces as they play in the new children’s play area, swings, sandpit and wendy house adding to the games room (table football, mini snooker table & table tennis table)

Children's play area at Huxtable Farm B&B Barnstaple

Children’s play area

 

 

 

Build a den in the woods

Build a den in the woods

 

 

 

 

There’s so many FREE things to see and do around the farm, in addition paid things to do within the local area

Treasure Trail at Huxtable farm B&B, near South Molton

Treasure Trail at Huxtable farm B&B, near South Molton

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

Bottle feeding orphan tame lambs

Bench with a panoramic view of North Devon

Bench with a panoramic view of North Devon

 

Enjoying the view South towards Dartmoor

Enjoying the view South towards Dartmoor

 

 

 

 

April – Lambs, primroses and Easter chicks

April - Lambs, primroses and Easter chicks

April – Lambs, primroses and Easter chicks

Spring flowers at Huxtable Farm

Spring flowers at Huxtable Farm

The spring garden is looking so colourful with bright sunshine yellow daffodils and primroses (Devon’s County Flower), blue grape hyacinths and beautiful pink camellias.

This is my favourite time of year; the birds are singing, the ewes have started #lambing (the Jacob lambs are so adorable) and we have a few broody hens sitting on eggs and some eggs in the incubator due to hatch on #Easter day

With Easter (16th April) approaching here are a few event’s occurring near to Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast (click on this link), in North Devon.

Not only is there so much to see and do on and around the farm, there are so many #Easter #Egg hunts to look forward to 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!

hawthorn-blossom

Hawthorn blossom

Other events this March in the area include;

RHS Rosemoor Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt (1st -17th April) & Easter crafts

Easter fun at National Trust Arlington Court & Cadburys Easter Eggs Hunt (14-17Th April)

April at Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon, Exmoor near Barnstaple and South Molton March at Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon, Exmoor near Barnstaple and South Molton

Running across countryside field

Running across countryside field

Easter chicks

Spring is in the air – Catkins, frogs spawn

Frog spawn in Huxtable Farm B&B's pond

Frog spawn in Huxtable Farm B&B’s pond

The wildlife at Huxtable Farm is starting to feel like spring is in the air;

The frogs have been busy laying their spawn in the pond and having seen a beautiful photograph of the delicate little flowers of the Hazel tree at the 2016 Wildlife Photographer of the year I have been keen to photograph the lovely delicate spider like flowers myself here on Huxtable Farm B&B’s Devon Wildlife Trail.

Hazel tee flowers and catkins

Hazel tee flowers and catkins

 

 

Broody hens are sitting on their eggs too!

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon during March we have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 30th March 2017.

Otherwise, please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2017 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar

Watersmeet Exmoor

Watch North Devon on catch up TV

Our beautiful area of North Devon has had some great TV coverage this month, put them on your list of places to visit when you stay with us.

Robson Green visiting The Tunnels Beaches at Ilfracombe, the historic harbour Clovelly and beautiful Lundy Island situated 11 miles off the North Devon Coast. Catch up on ITV hub -Tales from the Coast with Robson Green Series 1 Episode 1

Julia Bradbury walking Lynton/Lynmouth to Watersmeet.  Britain’s Best Walks with Julia Bradbury Series 2 Episode 5

Both are programmes illustrate how stunning and how much North Devon has to offer, all within easy access of Huxtable Farm B&B

Huxtable Farm B&B is situated on the Tarka Trail and Macmillan Way West, a days walk from Barnstaple and two days walk to Lynton/Lynmouth, stopping over night at Challacombe. With walks from it’s doorstep including it’s own Devon Wildlife Farm Trail this is a an ideal hideaway for those wishing to do some Walking in North Devon