Easter egg hunts and lambing

Broody hen, can you find where she's hiding?

Broody hen, can you find where she’s hiding?

This is one of my favourite times of the year – the days are warming up and getting long, the garden is bursting into colour with daffodils, primroses, blossom and camelias, whilst new life is born on the farm as the Jacob ewes lamb and broody hens appear with their chicks. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place and we love sharing it with you.

Jacob ewe & lamb

Jacob ewe & lamb

Easter Eggs

On Easter day (31st March) there’s always an Easter egg hunt here at the farm and Easter activities at some of North Devon attractions too e.g. RHS Rosemoor Gardens Giant Easter Egg Hunt 29th March – 14th April.  Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh 29th Easter Bunny hunt. The Big Sheep, Bideford Easter Egg Trail 29th March – 14th April

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

B&B AVAILABILITY

CAMPING AVAILABILITY

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

Happy New Year Fireworks

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 with wonderful views

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;

Fish for frogs in the pond

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

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

Huxtable Farm Camping north Devon

Camping pitch 1 at Huxtable Farm, North Devon

Camping Pitch 3 at Huxtable Farm

Camping Pitch 3 at Huxtable Farm, North Devon

Camping Pitch 2 at Huxtable Farm

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

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

'Swallow Barn' en-suite family B&B bedroom

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

Breakfast in the Medieval dining room

Breakfast in the Medieval dining room

 

RHS Rosemoor June Roses

June & July- Things to do in North Devon

Camping pitch

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

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

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

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

Shearing the Jacob sheep in June

 

Bluebells

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

British Flag

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)

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

leveret - hare

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

Spring flowers; primroses & daffodils

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

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

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

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.

Huxtable Farm B&B in the snow

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

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

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

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

Hand Knitted elephants with removable clothing £19 each

Stripy Jacob wool hats with pompoms

Jacob wool hats

Jacob cowl knitting Kit

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

Knitting Kit Rib Scarf & Wrist Warmers £13.99 each

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

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

 

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival

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

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

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

Set of 5 cards of your choice £10

Easter chicks, lambs and flowers

April – Spring, Easter & British Summer Time :)

Ewe with lambs smelling the daffodils

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

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 9th – 24th April, Hartland Abbey & Gardens 17th & 18th April, Clovelly 4th – 18Th 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

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

Children Easter Egg Hunt

Chicks at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon

Chicks at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon

 

Jacob sheep card

Winter; Time to get creative with a knitting kit

Jacob cowl knitting Kit

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

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.

Raw Jacob fleece for spinning

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

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

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.

Secluded with wonderful views

Off the beaten track, with wonderful views.

Huxtable Farm view from bench on a frosty morning

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 with removable clothing £19 each

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

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool throw

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

Printnineteen Christmas Cards

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.

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.

Devon-Cream-Tea-welcome on arrival

Devon Cream Tea welcome on arrival for B&B guests