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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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

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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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.

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

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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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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April – Spring, Easter & British Summer Time :)

Ewe with lambs smelling the daffodils

Spring – I just love this time of year on the farm – The greenhouse is full of sown seed trays, the garden is full of Spring bulbs with lots of bright, vibrant colours and the trees are starting to produce fresh green leaves and beautiful blossom, all fabulous for bees and other insects.

The ewes have finished lambing and looking after their lambs well. The lambs are a joy to watch gambling in the evening sun.

Broody hen sitting on eggs

A broody hen is sitting on some eggs, which, finger crossed she should hatch Easter weekend, so that we have some Easter chicks. There’s always an Easter egg hunt here at the farm and at so many other locations around North Devon including; RHS Rosemoor 9^th – 24^th April, Hartland Abbey & Gardens 17^th & 18^th April, Clovelly 4^th – 18^Th April.

Now that we are into British summer time the evenings are lighter, we’ve even had our first Barbeque, have you yet?

Castle Hill Filleigh

This is the time of year to visit Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh, just 2 miles down the road. Castle Hill Gardens is beautiful in Spring, with its magnolias, camilias, spring bulbs, babbling streams, folly’s and ground carpeted in primroses, Devons County flower.

Bookings for the B&B and camping pitches are coming in as visitors are making sure they get the room and or camping pitch they want, especially for the summer months. I 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

Children Easter Egg Hunt

Chicks at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon

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Winter; Time to get creative with a knitting kit

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

Raw Jacob fleece for spinning

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

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

Cable scarf & warmers Knitting Kit £13.95 each (Grey or dark brown sorry cream sold out)

Please do also have a look at our other unique gifts made from our Jacob sheeps’ wool, including gorgeous hand knitted elephants with removeable clothing, Jacob wool throws & cushions, hand knitted hats etc. They make ideal gifts e.g for a 7th Wool Wedding Aniversary 🙂

Unique gifts from Huxtable Farm

Knitting Kit Rib Scarf & Wrist Warmers £13.99 each (grey or dark brown sorry cream sold out)

We look forward to welcoming you back to Huxtable Farm; 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; looking after the animals, 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 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 (RHS partner garden) just 2 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.

Off the beaten track, with wonderful views.

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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

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

June – long warm days and gardens to explore.

We have some new proud parents at Huxtable Farm today! – One of the peahens eggs have hatched and ‘Pedro’, the peacock daddy, is so proud 🙂

Rural camping on a farm

Now that we are able to socialise a bit more, especially when outside, this is a great time to explore the farm and get back to nature via it’s Devon Wildlife Trail. Here’s a link to some ideas of FREE things you can do on the farm.

Time outside is made easier now that summer is here, with its long warm days. This also means that camping at Huxtable Farm is available as alternative accommodation or in addition to B&B accommodation for other members of the family.

Camping availability

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival

June is a great month to visit the beautiful gardens of 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, National Trust Arlington Court 12 miles away and RHS Rosemoor south at Torrington with it’s Rose Festival in June.

In addition to Jacob wool items; throws, cushions, knitted hats and toys made from the fleeces of our ewes, we now 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.

Set of 5 cards of your choice £10

Check out some events taking place during 2021 in the North Devon area so that you can plan your visit around some of them. We look forward to seeing you soon.

B&B availability

Peacock nest and eggs

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February 2021 – Pancake Day

snowdrops

Despite the rain and snow the snowdrop are out and our daffodils are already peeking through. 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. Meanwhile we are keeping busy in the garden, looking after the sheep & poultry and doing lots of farm/woodland maintenance; hedging fencing & chopping logs for the wood burners.

Pancakes for breakfast

Pancake Day/Shove Tuesday, is on the 16th February 2021 the day before the fasting period of Lent leading up to Easter, 4th April 2021. What do you like to eat with your pancakes? I like mine with fresh fruit, local honey from Quince Honey Farm and a little bit of Devon clotted cream.

Providng it’s safe to do so, we are looking forward to welcoming you back to the B&B & three camping pitches June 2021. To help with social distancing etc. the number of B&B bedrooms on offer will be reduced to three en-suite rooms; one family bedroom, a twin bedroom and a double bedded room and each camping pitch with have their own private wash room.

Camping in tent

Check B&B Availability

Check Camping Availability at Huxtable Farm B&B

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 2021 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

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 sheepskin rugs, Jacob wool throws & cushions, knitting kits, hand knitted hats etc. All made with love.

Availability

Jacob Sheepskin Rug 99x70cms £105

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

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

Autumn – Harvest time – starting to think about Christmas gifts

Harvesting Figs, Blackberries, Apples & Tomatoes

Autumn is officially here and what a strange year it has been; We hope you and those close to you are well.

As many of you already know the B&B has been closed this year but we have welcomed a few campers with their own tents during August.

Providng it’s safe to do so, we are looking forward to welcoming you back to the B&B April 2021 although to help with social distancing etc. the number of B&B bedrooms on offer will be reduced to three en-suite rooms; one family bedroom, a twin bedroom and a double bedded room.

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.

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

Book your Camping stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

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.

Don’t forget if you are starting to think about unique Christmas gifts do have a look at what’s available made from our Jacob sheep wool, including these gorgeous hand knitted elephants with removeable clothing, Jacob sheepskin rugs, Jacob wool throws & cushions, knitting kits, hand knitted hats etc. All made with love.

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

Jacob sheepskin rug £95 each

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

Print Nineteen Cards

Thinking of supporting small businesses, our daughter, Natalie’s new business, ‘Print Nineteen’, has some beautiful unique cards and prints (including personalised), many produced from foliage from around the farm.

Whilst our son, Nigel, has produced some beautiful bird prints available to purchase – Nige Design #supportsmallbusinesses

We look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon with a delicious Cream Tea in the afternoon.

Devon-Cream-Tea-welcome on arrival

Autumn leaves (Autumn walks in North Devon)

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Comments Off Written by Jackie Payne

Blog

June & July- Things to do in North Devon

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

September; natures harvest & carnival time

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

April – Spring, Easter & British Summer Time :)

Winter; Time to get creative with a knitting kit

Winter – Christmas gifts from Huxtable Farm

June – long warm days and gardens to explore.

February 2021 – Pancake Day

Autumn – Harvest time – starting to think about Christmas gifts

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