Welcome to the year 2024 – Happy New Year

Happy New Year – Welcome to 2024

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2024 from all at Huxtable Farm.

We look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm’s 3 unique camping pitches, each with their own wash room and 2 en-suite family B&B bedrooms, from April 2024.

To avoid disappointment 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 Huxtable Farm B&B accommodation and camping pitches, with wonderful views,

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

Fishing in Pond

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 (2024 events dates) for some events to look forward to in 2024

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 Pitch at Huxtable Farm

Camping pitch 1 at Huxtable Farm, North Devon

Camping Pitch 3 at Huxtable Farm, North Devon

Camping Pitch 2 at Huxtable Farm, North Devon

Huxtable Farm B&B Pond on Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

Huxtable Farm Pond on Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

‘Barley Barn’ en-suite family B&B bedroom

‘Swallow Barn’ en-suite family B&B bedroom

Breakfast in the Medieval dining room

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

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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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

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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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

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 £19 each

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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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

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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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

June & July – Gardens to visit, fruit to pick & wool to sort!

During June, the sheep get shorn and we start to pick fruit & make homemade jam.

Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam

Elderflower & Gooseberry jam is first, followed by redcurrant jelly, blackcurrant, loganberry and raspberry jams. Not all the fruit is made into jam, to have on your warm buttered toast or croissant, some is served fresh and/or as a compote to add to yogurt, at breakfast time.

June and July are great months to visit the beautiful gardens of North Devon to see what they do with their fruit or enjoy their summer plants; Castle Hill Gardens are only 2 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B, Marwood Hill gardens just the other side of Barnstaple, Tapeley Park at Instow, National Trust Arlington Court 12 miles away and RHS Rosemoor to the south at Torrington with its Festival of Roses 18th June to 17th July

Shearing Jacob

During June, the sheep are shorn and the fleeces are sold to spinners & weavers but I always keep one to spin my own wool too. Please do look at what else is available to purchase made from the wool of our Jacob sheep. In addition to Jacob wool items; throws, cushions, knitted hats and toys, we also have some prints and cards of my water colour paintings available to purchase too, please do have a look at some of them here – Gifts from Huxtable Farm.

To celebrate Huxtable Farmhouse being 500 years old we are giving everyone who stays at Huxtable Farm a free copy of our book ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm’. Do check availability for when you can stay either in the B&B rooms or camping on one of our three secluded pitches, each with thier own wash room;-

B&B availability

Camping availability

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

Winter – Christmas gifts from Huxtable Farm

If you’ve started to think about Christmas please do have a look at our unique Christmas gifts made from our Jacob sheeps’ wool, including these gorgeous hand knitted elephants with removeable clothing, Jacob wool throws & cushions, knitting kits, hand knitted hats etc. All made with love.

Unique Christmas gifts from Huxtable Farm

Hand Knitted elephants (approx 20cm tall) with removable clothing £19 each

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool throws and cushions, only a few dark throws & cushions available now.

Printnineteen Christmas Cards

Thinking of supporting small businesses, our daughter, Natalie’s business, ‘Print Nineteen’, has 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 2022. To avoid disappiont it may be advisable to book early. In the meantime, we are busy maintaining the farm ; hedge laying, fencing 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.

Devon Cream Tea welcome on arrival for B&B guests

Keep Reading

Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

Autumn – Thinking about unique Christmas gifts?

Harvesting Figs, Blackberries, Apples & Tomatoes

Autumn is officially here, the leaves are falling off the trees and the sunsets are spectacular – We hope you and those close to you are well.

Since opening in July it has a been a busy year meeting some wonderful visitors. As many of you already know, we have reduced the number of available B&B rooms to help with social distancing and welcome campers with their own tents, on one of three pitches each with their own bathroom.

We’re already taking B&B and Camping bookings for 2022 and have extended our offer of a free copy of our book ‘Huxtable the Story of a Devon Farm’ to all bookings for next year, to celebrate Huxtable Farmhouse being 500 years old! Next year could be another busy one so you may wish to provisionally book ahead.

B&B availability Camping availability

In the meantime, we are busy picking natures wonderful harvest elderberries, apples, blackberries, figs, etc. to make delicious compotes and jams to serve at the breakfast table.

Huxtable Farm Apple Juice

New for 2022 – We will have our own delicious apple juice available to purchase and enjoy at breakfast time because this autumn we have had our apples pressed to make delicious apple juice.

Don’t forget if you are starting to think about unique Christmas gifts please do have a look at the lovely items made from the fleeces of our Jacob sheep and prints and cards of watercolour paintings by Jackie. All are available to purchase and can be sent by post within the UK; Jacob wool items; throws, cushions, hand knitted hats, unique vegetarian Jacob sheepskin rugs, and these gorgeous hand knitted elephants with removeable clothing.

Please e-mail jackie@huxtablefarm.co.uk or telephone Jackie 01598 760254 with your order.

Hand Knitted elephants (approx 20cm tall) with removable clothing £19 each

Huxtable Farm Jacob sheep

Felted Jacob sheepskin rug next to wood burner

Jacob sheep card £4.50 each

Stripy hand knitted Jacob wool hats with or without pompoms £25

Jacob wool cowl knitting Kit £13.50

Set of 5 cards of your choice £10

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

March – Mothers Day and Lambing

Orphan tame lamb, Woolly is expecting lambs herself this year

Love this time of year, the days are getting longer, brighter and drier with some refreshing frosty mornings. Nature is waking up the daffodils, crocuses and primroses bringing some much needed colour to the farm. Some bees are venturing out for a little food and the frogs and toads are spawning in the pond. It’s also a time of sleep deprivation & great anticipation, as we get up at various times during the night to check on the sheep to see if they require any lambing assistance.

With Mother’s Day (14h March) approaching we get the chance to express our love to all Mothers i.e those who have strong bonds with children whether they are their own blood siblings or not.

Set of 5 cards of your choice £10

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, yarn and knitting kits or some notelets or a print painted by Jackie.

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool knitting kits

Give your mother a Voucher to stay at Huxtable Farm B&B at sometime later this 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 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

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 bit of the foliage used by Natalie in her prints has been sourced from Huxtable Farm.

We’re going to miss you this lambing season and Easter but we look forward to welcoming you later in the year.

Please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2021 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 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

Children Easter Egg Hunt

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

Blog

Welcome to the year 2024 – Happy New Year

Happy New Year – Welcome to 2024

June & July- Things to do in North Devon

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

April – Easter egg hunts & lambing

Autumn; Thinking about unique Christmas gifts already?

September; natures harvest & carnival time

June & July – Gardens to visit, fruit to pick & wool to sort!

Winter – Christmas gifts from Huxtable Farm

Autumn – Thinking about unique Christmas gifts?

March – Mothers Day and Lambing

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