Key Features
- Property code: BADG
- Preferred changeover day: Saturday
- Check in: 4pm
- Check out: 10am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Access statement available
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Ground floor accommodation
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
White Oxen Manor is an ancient listed Devon Longhouse standing in its own grounds, with three delightful cottages converted from a 17th Century barn situated in the courtyard. The light and airy cottages retain many original features including owl slit windows and exposed beams and offer very comfortable and spacious accommodation personally maintained by the owners. They are set within a sheltered valley on the southern boundaries of Dartmoor National Park surrounded by fields and woodland. They are ideally situated for visiting the moors, the lovely South Hams area, the ancient towns of Dartmouth and Totnes, nearby Dartington Hall and Devon's wonderful coastline and beaches. The nearby tiny village of Rattery has one of the earliest pubs in the country dating from 1028. Guests are welcome to enjoy the land around the cottages.
Badger Cottage is spacious, has a good size private garden and ideal for a family and The Roundhouse features an unusual, very roomy and attractive living room, excellent for extended families. All the cottages are fully centrally heated, so ideal for winter breaks.
Please note: This property can be booked together with either nearby Fox Cottage or Owl Cottage (subject to availability) providing accommodation for up to 6 people, 10 people, or all 3 places together providing accommodation for up to 12 people.
Key Features
- Property code: BADG
- Preferred changeover day: Saturday
- Check in: 4pm
- Check out: 10am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Access statement available
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Ground floor accommodation
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
White Oxen Manor is an ancient listed Devon Longhouse standing in its own grounds, with three delightful cottages converted from a 17th Century barn situated in the courtyard. The light and airy cottages retain many original features including owl slit windows and exposed beams and offer very comfortable and spacious accommodation personally maintained by the owners. They are set within a sheltered valley on the southern boundaries of Dartmoor National Park surrounded by fields and woodland. They are ideally situated for visiting the moors, the lovely South Hams area, the ancient towns of Dartmouth and Totnes, nearby Dartington Hall and Devon's wonderful coastline and beaches. The nearby tiny village of Rattery has one of the earliest pubs in the country dating from 1028. Guests are welcome to enjoy the land around the cottages.
Badger Cottage is spacious, has a good size private garden and ideal for a family and The Roundhouse features an unusual, very roomy and attractive living room, excellent for extended families. All the cottages are fully centrally heated, so ideal for winter breaks.
Please note: This property can be booked together with either nearby Fox Cottage or Owl Cottage (subject to availability) providing accommodation for up to 6 people, 10 people, or all 3 places together providing accommodation for up to 12 people.
Entrance from the main courtyard into a hall. Sitting/dining room, very comfortably and tastefully furnished with sofas, digital TV with DVD player, dining table and chairs. Separate kitchen with electric hob, built-in oven, microwave and fridge/freezer. Twin bedroom (3ft beds). En-suite shower room with shower, basin and WC. Staircase from sitting room up to first floor landing. Adjoining landing area with washing machine/dryer. Double bedroom (5ft bed). En-suite bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Nearby is a private area of enclosed garden with stream running through and garden furniture. Barbecue available.
Easily accessible from the main route through South Devon to Cornwall, Rattery is a quiet village with a cosy pub, close to the southern edge of Dartmoor. You may be pleased to hear that its name is believed to have derived from the words “red tree” rather than having anything to do with rodents! Rattery village is well-placed for exploring the moors, the beautiful rolling South Hams countryside, and stunning South Devon coastline beyond.
Being so close to Dartmoor you will, no doubt, want to get out and about to make the most of the vast and varied landscape of the moors, from bleak rocky outcrops, to swathes of heather moorland, and rivers rushing through deep wooded valleys, there is no better place to get close to nature and enjoy far-reaching rural views. A haven for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, Dartmoor is perfect for those looking for an active holiday outdoors.
You'll also discover that Dartmoor is home to many picturesque towns and villages with their quirky antiques shops, traditional tearooms and cosy pubs. There are so many places to stop, have walk or simply enjoy the view, but be sure to dress appropriately as the weather is notoriously changeable on Dartmoor!
Several excellent attractions are easily accessible from Rattery, including the family-friendly Pennywell Farm, the Butterflies and Otters Sanctuary, the River Dart Country Park and the chance to enjoy a scenic ride on a steam train with the South Devon Railway.
Head south to visit vibrant and characterful market town of Totnes, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays when the markets are held. Or if you fancy a day slightly further afield, then why not explore the historic waterside towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe, or venture to the beach and walk the scenic South West Coast Path at Slapton, Torcross, Bantham, Thurlestone or Bigbury on Sea, to name just a few of the stunning beaches less than an hour's drive away.
A holiday cottage in Rattery is conveniently situated for enjoying the delights of Dartmoor, the beautiful South Hams countryside, and the stunning South Devon coast.
Parking is available adjacent to the cottages.
- Included: Bed linen, towels, WiFi, cot, high chair, electricity and central heating.
- Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome.
- Telephone: No telephone provide, access to telephone in owner's house in emergencies. Mobile reception mixed.
- May be suitable for those with walking disabilities. Please discuss property's suitability prior to booking.
- Local Facilities: Shop 2 miles. Pub 1 mile. Beaches half an hour drive. Dartmoor 10 minutes drive. Plymouth and Exeter approximately 25 minutes drive.
The Church House Inn, Rattery
(2 miles)
A fascinating village pub on the Dartmoor borders dating back to the 16th century when it was used to house stonemasons employed to rebuild the church. Today you can expect a friendly welcome and excellent food and drink at both the traditional bar and light and bright restaurant.
The Church House Inn, Rattery, South Brent TQ10 9LD (T: 01364 642220)
Turtley Corn Mill
(3 miles)
(9)
A beautiful old mill set in six acres of grounds housing a large restaurant and bar open for breakfasts, family meals, Sunday lunches and romantic dinners. Classic menus full of locally sourced, freshly produced dishes are accompanied by a carefully selected wine list and a selection of local ales, beer and ciders on tap.
Turtley Corn Mill Avonwick, South Brent TQ10 9ES (T: 01364 646100)
Enjoyed a pleasant lunch here. Would like to have explored the grounds but weather was poor.
August 2023
Had a fantastic Easter Sunday dinner here. Played giant chess in the garden afterwards. Staff really helpful and meal was lovely!
April 2023
Had two lovely evenings at this venue, beautiful setting and staff very friendly. Meals delicious.
June 2022
We had Sunday lunch here. Nice food but we’re very slow in the day. Waited at least 30mins for our starters, which turned up at the same time to our mains. They took our mains away and when we asked to bring them back and take away the starters they disappeared and we had to chase. I think we’re struggling with staff. The food was very nice though.
July 2021
Lovely setting, staff welcoming and friendly, food was delicious.
June 2021
This was the closest restaurant to our house. We had an evening meal there that was enjoyable but perhaps overpriced. The grounds and bird life made it very attractive.
June 2021
We had a lovely meal here, with the food and service being very good. The mill building is full of character, while the grounds are very relaxing and a great place to sit outside with a drink.
August 2019
Lovely grounds and pleasant staff, food expensive for what is served, I think they are trying to be a gastro pub, which they are not.
July 2019
Beautiful inside and out. Gorgeous huge garden with lake and streams. Inside impeccable, large yet cosy.
September 2018
The Singing Kettle
(3 miles)
(3)
A friendly traditional tea room and restaurant serving breakfasts, snacks, light meals, cakes and cream teas.
The Singing Kettle 54 Fore Street, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0BS (T: 01364 642383)
In town far from car park and was closed every time we went there
June 2022
Closed on Monday and Tuesdays
June 2022
A very friendly cafe a lovely lunch enjoyed
June 2021
Ben's Farm Shop & Cafe
(4 miles)
(1)
A real gem of a farm shop just off the A38, so if you’re staying in the Totnes area of passing by on enroute to other destinations we highly recommend stopping off and stocking up on all sorts of delicious local products to line the cupboards of your holiday cottage. From locally grown fruit and veg and a traditional butcher’s counter to groceries, wines, beers, cheese and lots more. You’ll also find a bright conservatory café serving hot drinks, cakes and light meals all made on site. Well worth a visit.
Bens Farm Shop & Café Staverton, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6AF (T:01803 762851)
Great selection of food and lovely coffee from the cafe. Cheese straws are great too. Love the fresh milk.
August 2023
The Abbey Inn
(4 miles)
A traditional pub and restaurant in an idyllic riverside setting, offering well-cooked pub favourites for lunch along with a la carte dinner options accompanied by an extensive wine list.
The Abbey Inn 30 Buckfast Road, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EA (T: 01364 642343)
Nature's Way Swimming Lake and Sauna
(2 miles)
Enjoy the benefits of cold water immersion, sauna and meditative walking with Nature's Way at their stunning site on Dartmoor. Click below for dates to visit the beautiful spring-fed lake and lakeside sauna surrounded by ancient woodland on the southern edge of Dartmoor. Contact Jo for further details jo.naturesway@gmail.com or click the link below.
Click here for further details
Pennywell Farm Activity Centre
(3 miles)
(4)
Enjoy an unforgettable animal experience at Pennywell, Devon’s award-winning farm! A day out at Pennywell is packed full of animals, activities, farm rides, shows and displays. It’s the biggest activity farm in the South-West and was recently voted Devon’s best family attraction. Activities such as Pig Racing, Deer Feeding, Goat Walking, Ferret Racing & Bottle Feeding are all part of the daily farmyard fun. Home to the world-famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs, “piggy cuddles” is a must when visiting this family-run local attraction.
Click here for further information
Enter code THC2 at checkout to enjoy a free coffee and cake when booking your tickets online.
Brilliant Day out for the whole family
July 2023
A great day out for families with younger children. Our 3 & 6 year olds loved cuddling the animals and bottle feeding the goats. The big show with Alfie the Juggler was brilliant
June 2023
Great centre for children under 12. Plenty of activities to get involved with and animals to pet and feed. Kept the grandchildren amused for hours
May 2022
Excellent day out with the kids that offers wholesome family fun you don't find in a lot of places.
December 2016
Dart Rock Climbing Centre
(4 miles)
(1)
Offering indoor and outdoor rock climbing in Devon and Cornwall, Dart Rock Climbing Centre in Buckfastleigh offers a friendly and encouraging environment to practice a skill you have already mastered, or to learn something new while you’re there. The 10-metre high climbing centre offers a diverse range of routes on four climbing walls, training boards, teaching areas and in the classroom so that you get the most out of your session, and caters to beginners, experienced climbers, families and groups. The centre is open daily but with some restrictions for private classes at the weekends and prices vary according to your requirements. Remember to wear comfortable and practical clothing and trainers.
Click here for further details
Enjoy £2 off GO! CLIMB! sessions with your Toad Hall Cottages discount card
Good option on a rainy day, the kids loved it and made it look far easier than when we tried to climb up some of the walls! Get there early if possible and you'll have more room to explore.
August 2019
Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary
(4 miles)
(2)
what a lovely day watched otters being fed, butterfly house was full of colourful butterflies, a lovely walk by the river
September 2022
Highlight of our holiday. Absolutely adorable creatures. They kept us entranced by their playful antics.
September 2020
South Devon Railways
(4 miles)
(2)
A wonderfully traditional West Country attraction, The South Devon Railway (SDR) is a seven-mile former branch of the Great Western Railway from 1872. Running through the valley of the River Dart from Buckfastleigh to Totnes you can board a steam train with heritage rolling stock whatever the weather and whatever age you are. Dogs are welcome on the train for a nominal charge and seasonal charges vary. Step up the luxury on a dining train, or for really special occasions there are options to drive a train for a day or hire one for private events. While you’re there, other attractions close by include the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies, to really make a day of it.
Good steam train ride in beautiful scenery, handy for Butterfly Farm and otter sanctuary, nice riverside walk.
September 2023
Great for steam train enthusiasts with a decent place like Totnes to look around and have a meal. Ideal trip to take young children on
July 2021
Wonwell Beach
(11 miles)
(5)
Lovely beach. so quiet at certain times. always different. great for dogs. parking very limited.
May 2022
Amazing spot, so peaceful. Parking the only issue.
June 2021
Nice beach and great walks that lead to it, very few people around in August! Limited parking so you are better off walking there.
August 2019
Glorious beach at the mouth of the Erme. Narrow lanes and very limited parking. No toilets, cafes etc - wonderful! Turning circle for cars just before the beach but expect to have to reverse back up the access lane to allow cars that are leaving to go back. A nightmare on Bank Holidays - parking almost impossible and expect to have to negotiate very tight spaces.
September 2017
Lovely beach but bit of a trek for little ones
April 2017
Broadsands Beach
(12 miles)
In between Brixham and Paignton, this long, sandy beach is a popular spot with families, thanks to its sheltered waters, year-round facilities and easy parking. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for making sandcastles and searching for wildlife in the rockpools. There are toilets, and two places to get ice creams, coffees and soft drinks. What’s more, the car park is right by the beach, so there’s no need to lug your provisions a long way. Behind the pretty row of colourful beach huts, there’s a large grassy area, so don’t forget to pack a ball or rounders bat to keep the whole family entertained. Broadsands Beach is a popular dog walking spot throughout autumn and winter, but there is a seasonal dog ban during the summer months (1st May - 30th September).
Ayrmer Cove
(12 miles)
(20)
Roughly one kilometre (20 minutes depending on your pace) from the National Trust car park at Ringmore, and with a selection of footpaths to get to it, Ayrmer Cove is a quiet secluded beach on the South West Coast Path. For anyone on holiday in South Devon it’s a peaceful place to sit and contemplate the natural scenery amongst the shingle, pebbles and rock pools, admiring the cliffs. It makes for a beautiful destination to walk to from Ringmore itself, which is a small village (population 230) with views towards the cove itself as well as Bigbury Bay – it makes for a wonderful holiday cottage destination in South Devon as well as a place to visit as part of your day. Walking to the beach allows you to discover the surrounding woodland, wildlife and history of the area – taking in old smugglers’ routes and hedgerows that have been in situ since the 1800s. It is a little tricky to get to so it’s not ideal for wheelchairs, and there aren’t any toilets or facilities at the beach itself so if you want to stay for a little while don’t forget to take snacks or a picnic if the weather is right. This is all about enjoying the environment that’s such a proud part of the National Trust – it’s everything a holiday in Devon is about, and yes, dogs are permitted all year round and will very much enjoy the walk!
Fabulously unspoilt and beautiful.
June 2023
Childhood memories and very clean
May 2022
Lovely location for photography and any easy walk from the National Trust car park
April 2022
Beautiful place!
September 2021
Beautiful clean quiet beach , well worth a visit
September 2021
Beautiful cove, first visit. Quite a challenging walk to get there but fascinating to see the slate formations.
August 2021
Perfect swim spot
May 2021
What a wonderful, quiet little haven!
September 2019
A beautiful little cove and fun for dogs and children.
August 2019
You can walk to this secluded cove from the cottage. Probably about 20 mins away, depending on your pace. Plenty of blackberries to eat/collect on route when in season! No facilities at the cove but beautifully unspoilt.
August 2019
Really beautiful secluded beach - great for the dog too!
July 2019
A lovely beach at the end of a beautiful valley. Absolutely perfect for dogs and never busy.
June 2019
Parked in the NT car park at Ringmore and took the 15 min walk down to the beach. Saw a beautiful sunset and had the place to ourselves. Bliss
November 2018
What a fantastic place. So quiet - we had the whole beach to ourselves a lot of the time. Our dogs loved it.
September 2018
A lovely quiet cove, with excellent rock pools at low tide. No sand but the kids enjoy it as an alternative to the massive sandy beaches at Bigbury and Bantham.
September 2018
stunning little beach, very quiet and great for snorkelling
July 2018
Beautiful cove. Very quiet with lots of bird life.
June 2018
Well worth the walk with beautiful views of Burgh island from the coast path. We were the only ones there on a very sunny day in April. Perfect.
April 2018
Simply stunning and well worth the steep (ish) walk down from the National Trust car park at Ringmore. When there - it's hard to imagine the horrors of today's modern world.
September 2017
Gorgeous beach for an evening swim and barbecue. So peaceful and beautiful
June 2017
Mothecombe Beach
(12 miles)
(3)
One of South Devon’s quieter beaches, Mothecombe is a large and unspoiled, privately owned stretch of sand that’s open every day, all year round. Having won an award from the Marine Conservation Society for its clean sea and sand, you can be assured that relaxing here and pottering about in the water is going to be a happy, healthy and pleasant experience for all in this sheltered corner of Devon. For those wanting to try out water sports, Mothecombe offers the ideal conditions for windsurfing, kayaking, body boarding and generally enjoying the water, particularly for beginners as it’s a comparatively gentle environment in which to give it a go. Given its pristine nature, it will probably come as no surprise that dogs are not allowed on the beach in high season, so keep an eye out for signs for more information, but best to steer clear with furry friends from May to September. There is a car park from which you can access the beach down a narrow path, so it’s not ideal for wheelchair users, but is otherwise conveniently close by. There’s also a tea house in the car park for drinks and snacks and there are toilets nearby as well, so pending the tides you can spend a good day here enjoying the natural scenery and all the fun that it brings with it, whether that’s for the whole family, on a romantic afternoon in the summer sun, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of this less populated park of the coastline.
Lovely little cove, even on a wet day! Car park expensive for short stay - £6 all day and quite a walk to beach, uphill all the way back.
September 2023
A delightful beach with fabulous views famous from "Penmarric". Accessed via a path from parking in the field (£5). Alternatively via a wider road to the estuary beach. Lots of walking at low tide and even across to the far bank of the estuary, Clearly other people's dogs loved it on their last day off leash (end of April). We were delighted to find the Old School House, now a restaurant and ate outdoors. Expensive for what it was but it appeared to cater for Londoners given the vehicles parked outside!
May 2021
Lovely beach but cafe was being renovated and we were gasping for a cuppa
April 2017
Elberry Cove
(12 miles)
(1)
Far from the bustling crowds of Paignton and Brixham’s bigger beaches, this small pebbly cove is a truly relaxing spot. The calm waters are great for swimming and are said to have been one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Elberry Cove even features in one of her crime thriller novels, The ABC Murders. This picture-perfect cove, surrounded by sloping wooded hillsides and crystal clear water, can only be accessed by the coast path, with the nearest carpark at Broadsands Beach. From here, it is only a 10 - 15 minute walk, but make sure to pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat at Broadsands Beach before you set off, as there aren’t any facilities at here. Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year.
Lovely quieter beach, dog and BBQ friendly. We had teens that hired kayaks from nearby Broadsands beach and paddled around the coast to meet us. Very accomodating kayak hire and not too expensive.
August 2018
January 2024
very welcoming and thank you for putting up some Christmas Decorations, it made the cottage cosy during the non stop rain.
May 2023
We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so kind and gave us a very generous welcome pack with homemade cakes and later scones with clotted cream. It was a real bonus to be able to have tea in the garden. Although the cottage is near the A38, you can't see it and the sound of the traffic is minimal. The cottage is surrounded by fields and trees with views of the countryside from all its windows. The cottage itself is very bright and spacious and was a wonderful base for visiting Dartmoor and the coast. We'll definitely be returning.
November 2022
Lovely cottage and conveniently located for exploring both Dartmoor and coast.
October 2022
We had a very nice week in this cottage. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Everything was ok. A place to go back!
October 2022
Great cottage and location.New,to us, owners are great and left a lovely welcome pack, many thanks. This is our 3rd visit and it won't be our last.Thanks again
October 2022
Yes we did enjoy our stay.the owners were pleasant and helpful.The property was clean and very comfortable.We will certainly return.
August 2022
Yes, lovely stay, very lovely cottage and very accommodating hosts with both us snd our dog.
August 2022
Lovely cottage, laid out both interestingly and comfortably. Spacious bedrooms very tastefully and individually decorated and with character. The bedrooms were on separate floors which was interesting for our young daughter as she had to be further away from us than normal but as she had her own lovely en-suite and a gorgeous room she quickly got used to her own space! On a very pretty old farmstead run by a very kind family with lovely children our daughter (& dog) enjoyed playing with. A dog-secure, private garden space is assigned nearby to the cottage and a nearby field is also available for taking the dog out (torch required at night!). Horses on site for extra child interest! Located in between towns, beaches and river so a good base. Hope we can return soon!
July 2022
Badger Cottage was a perfect holiday cottage. Really well equipped in kitchen and throughout. Lovely welcome pack. Proper dining table. Good reading lights in bedroom. Good shower. Plenty of space. Good location just a few minutes off A38. (Lack of dishwasher and fact that private garden not immediately adjacent might be factor for some visitors but not an issue for us). We would definitely stay here again.
June 2022
Fantastic rural country cottage great for getting away from it all. The hosts were a lovely friendly family and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. A wonderful break for Tone, Lin & Sam the Pooch. *****
January 2024
very welcoming and thank you for putting up some Christmas Decorations, it made the cottage cosy during the non stop rain.
May 2023
We had a lovely stay and the hosts were so kind and gave us a very generous welcome pack with homemade cakes and later scones with clotted cream. It was a real bonus to be able to have tea in the garden. Although the cottage is near the A38, you can't see it and the sound of the traffic is minimal. The cottage is surrounded by fields and trees with views of the countryside from all its windows. The cottage itself is very bright and spacious and was a wonderful base for visiting Dartmoor and the coast. We'll definitely be returning.
November 2022
Lovely cottage and conveniently located for exploring both Dartmoor and coast.
October 2022
We had a very nice week in this cottage. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Everything was ok. A place to go back!
October 2022
Great cottage and location.New,to us, owners are great and left a lovely welcome pack, many thanks. This is our 3rd visit and it won't be our last.Thanks again
October 2022
Yes we did enjoy our stay.the owners were pleasant and helpful.The property was clean and very comfortable.We will certainly return.
August 2022
Yes, lovely stay, very lovely cottage and very accommodating hosts with both us snd our dog.
August 2022
Lovely cottage, laid out both interestingly and comfortably. Spacious bedrooms very tastefully and individually decorated and with character. The bedrooms were on separate floors which was interesting for our young daughter as she had to be further away from us than normal but as she had her own lovely en-suite and a gorgeous room she quickly got used to her own space! On a very pretty old farmstead run by a very kind family with lovely children our daughter (& dog) enjoyed playing with. A dog-secure, private garden space is assigned nearby to the cottage and a nearby field is also available for taking the dog out (torch required at night!). Horses on site for extra child interest! Located in between towns, beaches and river so a good base. Hope we can return soon!
July 2022
Badger Cottage was a perfect holiday cottage. Really well equipped in kitchen and throughout. Lovely welcome pack. Proper dining table. Good reading lights in bedroom. Good shower. Plenty of space. Good location just a few minutes off A38. (Lack of dishwasher and fact that private garden not immediately adjacent might be factor for some visitors but not an issue for us). We would definitely stay here again.
June 2022
Fantastic rural country cottage great for getting away from it all. The hosts were a lovely friendly family and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. A wonderful break for Tone, Lin & Sam the Pooch. *****
The Church House Inn, Rattery
(2 miles)
A fascinating village pub on the Dartmoor borders dating back to the 16th century when it was used to house stonemasons employed to rebuild the church. Today you can expect a friendly welcome and excellent food and drink at both the traditional bar and light and bright restaurant.
The Church House Inn, Rattery, South Brent TQ10 9LD (T: 01364 642220)
Turtley Corn Mill
(3 miles)
(9)
A beautiful old mill set in six acres of grounds housing a large restaurant and bar open for breakfasts, family meals, Sunday lunches and romantic dinners. Classic menus full of locally sourced, freshly produced dishes are accompanied by a carefully selected wine list and a selection of local ales, beer and ciders on tap.
Turtley Corn Mill Avonwick, South Brent TQ10 9ES (T: 01364 646100)
Enjoyed a pleasant lunch here. Would like to have explored the grounds but weather was poor.
August 2023
Had a fantastic Easter Sunday dinner here. Played giant chess in the garden afterwards. Staff really helpful and meal was lovely!
April 2023
Had two lovely evenings at this venue, beautiful setting and staff very friendly. Meals delicious.
June 2022
We had Sunday lunch here. Nice food but we’re very slow in the day. Waited at least 30mins for our starters, which turned up at the same time to our mains. They took our mains away and when we asked to bring them back and take away the starters they disappeared and we had to chase. I think we’re struggling with staff. The food was very nice though.
July 2021
Lovely setting, staff welcoming and friendly, food was delicious.
June 2021
This was the closest restaurant to our house. We had an evening meal there that was enjoyable but perhaps overpriced. The grounds and bird life made it very attractive.
June 2021
We had a lovely meal here, with the food and service being very good. The mill building is full of character, while the grounds are very relaxing and a great place to sit outside with a drink.
August 2019
Lovely grounds and pleasant staff, food expensive for what is served, I think they are trying to be a gastro pub, which they are not.
July 2019
Beautiful inside and out. Gorgeous huge garden with lake and streams. Inside impeccable, large yet cosy.
September 2018
The Singing Kettle
(3 miles)
(3)
A friendly traditional tea room and restaurant serving breakfasts, snacks, light meals, cakes and cream teas.
The Singing Kettle 54 Fore Street, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0BS (T: 01364 642383)
In town far from car park and was closed every time we went there
June 2022
Closed on Monday and Tuesdays
June 2022
A very friendly cafe a lovely lunch enjoyed
June 2021
Ben's Farm Shop & Cafe
(4 miles)
(1)
A real gem of a farm shop just off the A38, so if you’re staying in the Totnes area of passing by on enroute to other destinations we highly recommend stopping off and stocking up on all sorts of delicious local products to line the cupboards of your holiday cottage. From locally grown fruit and veg and a traditional butcher’s counter to groceries, wines, beers, cheese and lots more. You’ll also find a bright conservatory café serving hot drinks, cakes and light meals all made on site. Well worth a visit.
Bens Farm Shop & Café Staverton, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6AF (T:01803 762851)
Great selection of food and lovely coffee from the cafe. Cheese straws are great too. Love the fresh milk.
August 2023
The Abbey Inn
(4 miles)
A traditional pub and restaurant in an idyllic riverside setting, offering well-cooked pub favourites for lunch along with a la carte dinner options accompanied by an extensive wine list.
The Abbey Inn 30 Buckfast Road, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EA (T: 01364 642343)
Nature's Way Swimming Lake and Sauna
(2 miles)
Enjoy the benefits of cold water immersion, sauna and meditative walking with Nature's Way at their stunning site on Dartmoor. Click below for dates to visit the beautiful spring-fed lake and lakeside sauna surrounded by ancient woodland on the southern edge of Dartmoor. Contact Jo for further details jo.naturesway@gmail.com or click the link below.
Click here for further details
Pennywell Farm Activity Centre
(3 miles)
(4)
Enjoy an unforgettable animal experience at Pennywell, Devon’s award-winning farm! A day out at Pennywell is packed full of animals, activities, farm rides, shows and displays. It’s the biggest activity farm in the South-West and was recently voted Devon’s best family attraction. Activities such as Pig Racing, Deer Feeding, Goat Walking, Ferret Racing & Bottle Feeding are all part of the daily farmyard fun. Home to the world-famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs, “piggy cuddles” is a must when visiting this family-run local attraction.
Click here for further information
Enter code THC2 at checkout to enjoy a free coffee and cake when booking your tickets online.
Brilliant Day out for the whole family
July 2023
A great day out for families with younger children. Our 3 & 6 year olds loved cuddling the animals and bottle feeding the goats. The big show with Alfie the Juggler was brilliant
June 2023
Great centre for children under 12. Plenty of activities to get involved with and animals to pet and feed. Kept the grandchildren amused for hours
May 2022
Excellent day out with the kids that offers wholesome family fun you don't find in a lot of places.
December 2016
Dart Rock Climbing Centre
(4 miles)
(1)
Offering indoor and outdoor rock climbing in Devon and Cornwall, Dart Rock Climbing Centre in Buckfastleigh offers a friendly and encouraging environment to practice a skill you have already mastered, or to learn something new while you’re there. The 10-metre high climbing centre offers a diverse range of routes on four climbing walls, training boards, teaching areas and in the classroom so that you get the most out of your session, and caters to beginners, experienced climbers, families and groups. The centre is open daily but with some restrictions for private classes at the weekends and prices vary according to your requirements. Remember to wear comfortable and practical clothing and trainers.
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Enjoy £2 off GO! CLIMB! sessions with your Toad Hall Cottages discount card
Good option on a rainy day, the kids loved it and made it look far easier than when we tried to climb up some of the walls! Get there early if possible and you'll have more room to explore.
August 2019
Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary
(4 miles)
(2)
what a lovely day watched otters being fed, butterfly house was full of colourful butterflies, a lovely walk by the river
September 2022
Highlight of our holiday. Absolutely adorable creatures. They kept us entranced by their playful antics.
September 2020
South Devon Railways
(4 miles)
(2)
A wonderfully traditional West Country attraction, The South Devon Railway (SDR) is a seven-mile former branch of the Great Western Railway from 1872. Running through the valley of the River Dart from Buckfastleigh to Totnes you can board a steam train with heritage rolling stock whatever the weather and whatever age you are. Dogs are welcome on the train for a nominal charge and seasonal charges vary. Step up the luxury on a dining train, or for really special occasions there are options to drive a train for a day or hire one for private events. While you’re there, other attractions close by include the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies, to really make a day of it.
Good steam train ride in beautiful scenery, handy for Butterfly Farm and otter sanctuary, nice riverside walk.
September 2023
Great for steam train enthusiasts with a decent place like Totnes to look around and have a meal. Ideal trip to take young children on
July 2021
Wonwell Beach
(11 miles)
(5)
Lovely beach. so quiet at certain times. always different. great for dogs. parking very limited.
May 2022
Amazing spot, so peaceful. Parking the only issue.
June 2021
Nice beach and great walks that lead to it, very few people around in August! Limited parking so you are better off walking there.
August 2019
Glorious beach at the mouth of the Erme. Narrow lanes and very limited parking. No toilets, cafes etc - wonderful! Turning circle for cars just before the beach but expect to have to reverse back up the access lane to allow cars that are leaving to go back. A nightmare on Bank Holidays - parking almost impossible and expect to have to negotiate very tight spaces.
September 2017
Lovely beach but bit of a trek for little ones
April 2017
Broadsands Beach
(12 miles)
In between Brixham and Paignton, this long, sandy beach is a popular spot with families, thanks to its sheltered waters, year-round facilities and easy parking. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for making sandcastles and searching for wildlife in the rockpools. There are toilets, and two places to get ice creams, coffees and soft drinks. What’s more, the car park is right by the beach, so there’s no need to lug your provisions a long way. Behind the pretty row of colourful beach huts, there’s a large grassy area, so don’t forget to pack a ball or rounders bat to keep the whole family entertained. Broadsands Beach is a popular dog walking spot throughout autumn and winter, but there is a seasonal dog ban during the summer months (1st May - 30th September).
Ayrmer Cove
(12 miles)
(20)
Roughly one kilometre (20 minutes depending on your pace) from the National Trust car park at Ringmore, and with a selection of footpaths to get to it, Ayrmer Cove is a quiet secluded beach on the South West Coast Path. For anyone on holiday in South Devon it’s a peaceful place to sit and contemplate the natural scenery amongst the shingle, pebbles and rock pools, admiring the cliffs. It makes for a beautiful destination to walk to from Ringmore itself, which is a small village (population 230) with views towards the cove itself as well as Bigbury Bay – it makes for a wonderful holiday cottage destination in South Devon as well as a place to visit as part of your day. Walking to the beach allows you to discover the surrounding woodland, wildlife and history of the area – taking in old smugglers’ routes and hedgerows that have been in situ since the 1800s. It is a little tricky to get to so it’s not ideal for wheelchairs, and there aren’t any toilets or facilities at the beach itself so if you want to stay for a little while don’t forget to take snacks or a picnic if the weather is right. This is all about enjoying the environment that’s such a proud part of the National Trust – it’s everything a holiday in Devon is about, and yes, dogs are permitted all year round and will very much enjoy the walk!
Fabulously unspoilt and beautiful.
June 2023
Childhood memories and very clean
May 2022
Lovely location for photography and any easy walk from the National Trust car park
April 2022
Beautiful place!
September 2021
Beautiful clean quiet beach , well worth a visit
September 2021
Beautiful cove, first visit. Quite a challenging walk to get there but fascinating to see the slate formations.
August 2021
Perfect swim spot
May 2021
What a wonderful, quiet little haven!
September 2019
A beautiful little cove and fun for dogs and children.
August 2019
You can walk to this secluded cove from the cottage. Probably about 20 mins away, depending on your pace. Plenty of blackberries to eat/collect on route when in season! No facilities at the cove but beautifully unspoilt.
August 2019
Really beautiful secluded beach - great for the dog too!
July 2019
A lovely beach at the end of a beautiful valley. Absolutely perfect for dogs and never busy.
June 2019
Parked in the NT car park at Ringmore and took the 15 min walk down to the beach. Saw a beautiful sunset and had the place to ourselves. Bliss
November 2018
What a fantastic place. So quiet - we had the whole beach to ourselves a lot of the time. Our dogs loved it.
September 2018
A lovely quiet cove, with excellent rock pools at low tide. No sand but the kids enjoy it as an alternative to the massive sandy beaches at Bigbury and Bantham.
September 2018
stunning little beach, very quiet and great for snorkelling
July 2018
Beautiful cove. Very quiet with lots of bird life.
June 2018
Well worth the walk with beautiful views of Burgh island from the coast path. We were the only ones there on a very sunny day in April. Perfect.
April 2018
Simply stunning and well worth the steep (ish) walk down from the National Trust car park at Ringmore. When there - it's hard to imagine the horrors of today's modern world.
September 2017
Gorgeous beach for an evening swim and barbecue. So peaceful and beautiful
June 2017
Mothecombe Beach
(12 miles)
(3)
One of South Devon’s quieter beaches, Mothecombe is a large and unspoiled, privately owned stretch of sand that’s open every day, all year round. Having won an award from the Marine Conservation Society for its clean sea and sand, you can be assured that relaxing here and pottering about in the water is going to be a happy, healthy and pleasant experience for all in this sheltered corner of Devon. For those wanting to try out water sports, Mothecombe offers the ideal conditions for windsurfing, kayaking, body boarding and generally enjoying the water, particularly for beginners as it’s a comparatively gentle environment in which to give it a go. Given its pristine nature, it will probably come as no surprise that dogs are not allowed on the beach in high season, so keep an eye out for signs for more information, but best to steer clear with furry friends from May to September. There is a car park from which you can access the beach down a narrow path, so it’s not ideal for wheelchair users, but is otherwise conveniently close by. There’s also a tea house in the car park for drinks and snacks and there are toilets nearby as well, so pending the tides you can spend a good day here enjoying the natural scenery and all the fun that it brings with it, whether that’s for the whole family, on a romantic afternoon in the summer sun, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of this less populated park of the coastline.
Lovely little cove, even on a wet day! Car park expensive for short stay - £6 all day and quite a walk to beach, uphill all the way back.
September 2023
A delightful beach with fabulous views famous from "Penmarric". Accessed via a path from parking in the field (£5). Alternatively via a wider road to the estuary beach. Lots of walking at low tide and even across to the far bank of the estuary, Clearly other people's dogs loved it on their last day off leash (end of April). We were delighted to find the Old School House, now a restaurant and ate outdoors. Expensive for what it was but it appeared to cater for Londoners given the vehicles parked outside!
May 2021
Lovely beach but cafe was being renovated and we were gasping for a cuppa
April 2017
Elberry Cove
(12 miles)
(1)
Far from the bustling crowds of Paignton and Brixham’s bigger beaches, this small pebbly cove is a truly relaxing spot. The calm waters are great for swimming and are said to have been one of Agatha Christie’s favourite bathing spots. Elberry Cove even features in one of her crime thriller novels, The ABC Murders. This picture-perfect cove, surrounded by sloping wooded hillsides and crystal clear water, can only be accessed by the coast path, with the nearest carpark at Broadsands Beach. From here, it is only a 10 - 15 minute walk, but make sure to pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat at Broadsands Beach before you set off, as there aren’t any facilities at here. Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year.
Lovely quieter beach, dog and BBQ friendly. We had teens that hired kayaks from nearby Broadsands beach and paddled around the coast to meet us. Very accomodating kayak hire and not too expensive.
August 2018
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