Snowdrops

Photography and painting on holiday!

January is the time of year for me to concentrate on doing some of the other things I enjoy doing – painting, photography and use our Jacob sheep’s wool.

Water colour painting house 1

Water colour painting house 1

Water colour painting house 2

Water colour painting house 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Availability

Please click on this link (2020 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 12th 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: 22nd March Mother Day, 12th April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 8th & 25th May. 21st June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 31st 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

Valley view through trees on Huxtable Farm Devon Wildlife Trail, now that our neighbour has felled a woodland area

Valley view through trees on Huxtable Farm Devon Wildlife Trail, now that our neighbour has felled a woodland area

 

RHS Rosemoor lights

Happy New Year – Welcome to 2020

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2020 from all at Huxtable Farm B&B, we look forward to welcoming you in 2020 🙂

Check Availability

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Photos

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Photos

Please click on this link (2020 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 12th 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: 22nd March Mother Day, 12th April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 8th & 25th May. 21st June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 26th August.

Huxtable 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

Pumpkins

October – Events in North Devon & Exmoor

Autumn conkers, North Devon

Autumn conkers at North Devon B&B

There is still so much to do in North Devon & Exmoor during October;

Enjoy autumnal walks, through woodlands amongst the glorious golden colours of the tree canopies of Exmoor or at one of the many beautiful gardens of North Devon.

Taste delicious West Country Food at award winning eateries, local farmers markets and food festivals e.g. North Devon Food Fest 20th October

Autumn leaves at Huxtable Farm B&B North Devon

Autumn leaves at Huxtable Farm B&B North Devon

Have a Pumpkin time, at National Trust Arlington Court, by following the Pumpkin Trail and finding out more about the bats that live at Arlington Court 19th -27th October 2019

Pumpkin carving & Hocus Pocus Halloween Event 24th – 27th October at RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Hunt for Exmoor Red Deer (with your eyes & camera) during the rutting season (October) when Stags give their location away when they ‘roar’ also know as ‘bolving’.

Moon seen from Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve

Moon seen from Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve

Gaze at the stars and moon on a clear, crisp night or during Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 14th October – 3th November

North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Events page for October

Now that autumn has definitely arrived, we are busy selling logs and taking bookings for 2020 NOW

Availability

We thrilled to announce the safe arrival of our fifth beautiful granddaughter too!

This video of this year tame lambs, now 6mths old, makes me smile every time I watch it – Turn your volume up and ENJOY 🙂

Harvesting Blackberries

September – Things to see & do in North Devon

Harvesting Figs, Blackberries, Apples & Tomatoes

Harvesting Figs, Blackberries, Apples & Tomatoes

Here at Huxtable Farm B&B, we are busy picking apples and blackberries to make a delicious compote to serve at the breakfast table. Whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B you are very welcome to pick some apples and blackberries to take home and do some fabulous fungi spotting around the farm.

Book your stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

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

A variety of fungi in the woodland at B&B near BarnstapleEnjoy an autumnal walk 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

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

Books by North Devon Authors

20 – 28th September: – Appledore Book Festival – A chance to meet your favourite author! Here at Huxtable Farm B&B we have available to purchase ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm’ telling you all about the farm, it’s history, Huxtable ancestry and its neighbours!

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

To celebrate for start of 2019 Rugby World Cup, a record breaking Rugby Ball is being made by Aramis arriving in South Molton Town (6 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B) on the 15th September, where there will be lots of entertainment

September is Carnival time ;

21st September Barnstaple Carnival & Fair.

28th September South Molton Carnival

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

Devon-Cream-Tea-welcome on arrival

Autumn leaves (Autumn walks in North Devon)

Autumn leaves (Autumn walks in North Devon)

Fish for frogs in the pond

August/September – Things to see & do in North Devon

Guinea Fowl

Guinea Fowl

The Guinea Fowl, love wondering around the garden and farm at this time of year pecking at the grass seed, they’re very entertaining to watch!

If you wish to have a car free day there are so many free things you can do at Huxtable Farm B&B

Otherwise there is so much to see & do in North Devon, here are a few ideas; –

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.

Book your stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

Valley of the Rocks, near Lynton

Valley of the Rocks, near Lynton

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 written by R.D Blackmore.

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

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

Sunflowers

Sunflowers

 

24 -26th August Quince Honey Farm Sunflower Festival

Now until – 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

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

What’s happening in  September!

Books by North Devon Authors

Books by North Devon Authors

20 – 28th September: – Appledore Book Festival – A chance to meet your favourite author! Here at Huxtable Farm B&B we have available to purchase ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm’ telling you all about the farm, it’s history, Huxtable ancestry and its neighbours!

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

September is Carnival time ;

21st September Barnstaple Carnival & Fair.

28th September South Molton Carnival

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

Devon-Cream-Tea-welcome on arrival

Fish for frogs in the pond

August – Things to do in North Devon & Exmoor

 

Tame lambs 3mths

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Spot the young buzzard in its nest in the woodland

Forage for Hazelnuts

Forage for Hazelnuts

Relax in the hammock

Relax in the hammock

Statue of Dr Smart at Marwood Hill Gardens

Statue of Dr Smart at Marwood Hill Gardens

 

July, things to do in Devon

Orphan tame lambs

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 redcuurants

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

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

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival July

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

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

Tiverton Canal Barge Ride

Tiverton Canal Barge Ride

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

Woodpecker meets Owl !

Woodpecker meets Owl !

Shorn Jacob sheep

Shorn Jacob sheep

Lily in the Devon Wildlife Pond

Lily in the Devon Wildlife Pond

Damselfly

Damselfly

Fly Catcher on Nest

Fly Catcher on Nest 

Time to sit back and watch the world go by !

Time to sit back and watch the world go by !

 

 

 

 

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival

June – North Devon Events and things to do

Campers in the orchard

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

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)

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 

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

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Roses in June

Wild Bluebells

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

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

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

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

Flower Pots at Huxtable Farm B&B

Hare in grass at Huxtable Farm B&B

March – Hares, Pancake Day & Mothers Day

Bottle feeding Leveret

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

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

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

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.

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

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