Explore the beautiful local area

Coulscott is perfectly situated, in the rolling Devonshire countryside with spectacular views across a privately owned valley, on Exmoor’s Heritage Coast. If you can bear to leave Coulscott there are tons of places to visit and things to do nearby. Our luxury cottages provide easy access to the dramatic North Devon coastline, ranging from the highest cliffs in England to what is said to be the country’s best beach. The region’s famous attractions and stunning countryside are also all in easy reach.

0.5 miles

Exmoor

Spectacularly beautiful and awe inspiring, the wilds of Exmoor are just half a mile from our gates! With over 700 miles of footpaths and bridle ways, tumbling waterfalls and rivers, heather topped hills the National Park looks beautiful whatever the time of year. The Victorians christened it ‘Little Switzerland’ and as you travel through it is possible to see wild ponies, birds of prey, red deer and ancient horned sheep amongst other things. 

1 mile

Combe Martin

Our nearby village boasts fish & chip shops and numerous eateries, some overlooking the beach and harbour. For sumptous pub grub The Pack O-Cards is definitely worth a wander to. You will also find supermarkets, a bakery and a farm shop for lots of local delights. The sheltered bay is perfect for kayaking and paddle-boarding and it attracts seals and dolphins too, giving those enjoying such water sports a memorable experience. At high tide the beach is a pebbly sand but as the tide retreats it reveals a sandy beach and some of the best rock pools along the whole coast!   

1 mile

Hangman Cliffs & The South West Coast Path

An ideal base for a walking holiday, you can set out on foot from our cottages with the South West Coastal Path just half a mile away offering some awe-inspiring walks along the rugged North Devon coastline AONB. Our nearest natural attraction is the Hangman cliffs, consisting of Great Hangman and Little Hangman, where Exmoor meets the sea! Great Hangman, with its summit at over 1,000 feet is the highest sea cliff in England and the highest point on the South West Coast Path! 

1.5 miles

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

A visit to Devon’s very own prehistoric park is a must, home to an abundance of exotic and indigenous wildlife and the very latest in Dinosaur animatronics! Don’t forget to take a ride on the Dino Express, you will scream as seven and a half thousand gallons of water hurtle towards you and your fellow passengers! Or be brave enough to enter the park’s underground tomb for a fascinating insight into Egypt.  A gigantic indoor soft play area for fun whatever the weather. 

2 miles

Wild Pear & Broadsands Beach

Shhhh…let’s keep these two a secret shall we!  Two of the most secret coves in North Devon are very close by. More suited to our families with older kids, Wild Pear Beach is a bit of an adventure to get to with a short hike from Coulscott to reach it via a dramatic descent from the South West Coast Path. An idyllic, protected cove surrounded by high cliffs Wild Pear Beach is a gem of a spot – perfect for families wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Hidden away, almost like a lost world, Broadsands Beach was recently voted the Happiest View in the UK – I think our image here says it all really!

2 miles

Horse Riding on Exmoor

The BHS and ABRS approved Dean Riding Stables offer tuition and escorted hacking for all ages and ability levels on the wilds of Exmoor, some even include a ride to a country pub! With quality well-mannered horses and ponies. Especially welcoming of the novice and the nervous ‘from tiny tots to galloping grannies’, apparently! So this is the place to get started on your new horsey hobby, with friendly and supportive training on hand. 

4 miles

Watermouth Harbour, Castle & Theme Park

The Family Theme Park and Castle nestled down in nearby Watermouth Harbour takes you back in time to the simple pleasures of Victorian life. With animated scenes, a model railway and a dungeon labyrinth. Take in some of the fantastic rides, play crazy golf, or even crazy snooker, or maybe a walk round the maze and see if you can find your way out! Or if you are feeling brave enough you could take on the kids in a battle inside the Soft Ball Shooting Cannons? Or dare you challenge them at the risk of getting wet with a round of Water Wars? 

4 miles

Coasteering

This is one for the adrenaline junkies out there! If you would like to experience nature’s own adventure playground around the beautiful North Devon coast, we are lucky enough to be based near one of the finest coasteering locations anywhere in Britain. With many experienced and well respected Coasteering & Adventure Sports companies operating from as nearby as Watermouth Harbour the next bay along from Combe Martin. Climb over rocks, jump into the sea, swim through gullies, explore caves – be prepared to take the leap! 

5.5 miles

Arlington Court

Ready for an adventure? From outdoor den building to browsing an impressive model ship collection, National Trust’s Arlington Court is a great spot for your family day out. Little adventurers will love exploring the great outdoors, and there’s plenty to discover. Go for a stroll through the beautiful formal Victorian Gardens and see how many flowers you can spot as you stroll past the pond, or go for an adventure on a woodland walk – don’t forget to keep your eyes out for deer! 

7 miles

Ilfracombe Sea Safari

Experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the North Devon coast, departing from the scenic Ilfracombe Harbour. With many different boat adventures ranging from 1 to 6 hours to choose from offering wildlife cruises, fishing trips, swimming with seals & much more! Ilfracombe Sea Safari provides trips that are suitable for all ages and great fun. 

11 miles

Valley of the Rocks

This is a dramatic section of coastline on the northern edge of Exmoor, with its deep valley floor and steep craggy cliffs on either side with spectacular views of the seascape. Whether you are there under crystal clear blue skies or stormy atmospheric clouds, this is a great place to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Adding to the unusual character of the place, you may well spot a few wild goats wandering the rock faces! Quite at home nimbly scaling the steep slopes, goats have been present in the valley for hundreds of years. 

12 miles

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Opened in 1890, the railway is a key form of transport between two villages and it’s also one of the best ways to admire the coastal views. Visitors can stand on the same platforms as generations before them and enjoy the 862 foot climb (or descent!) between two historic and very different communities. The area was dubbed ‘England’s little Switzerland’ by those who visited it, and as you glide down the cliff and look out to sea it’s easy to understand why.  

12 miles

Woolacombe, Putsborough and Croyde!

Take your pick – these popular North Devon beaches are a highlight of the summer; for sunbathers and surfers alike! Coulscott is just twenty minutes from the “Best Beach in Britain” – Woolacombe, with over three miles of golden sands. With fantastic family friendly facilities including a beach front café, Putsborough Sands is on the south side of Woolacombe is usually quieter than neighbouring beaches. The pretty village of Croyde sits just round the headland of Baggy Point, with its world-renowned surfing beach.

14 miles

Watersmeet National Trust

Dramatic river gorge and ancient woodland with National Trust tea rooms set in stunning surroundings and serving the most heavenly Devon cream teas – freshly baked every day, and oozing with clotted cream and local jams it’s the ultimate treat on ANY holiday! Whether you are looking for a short stroll, or a proper hike, the area around Watersmeet cannot be beaten for its variety in trails and landscapes. Or explore this beauty spot from a new angle – canoeing or fishing at Watersmeet! 

16 miles

Quince Honey Farm

One of Britain´s leading honey Farms, this family-run business is refining new beekeeping techniques and sharing it with the public. They offer beekeeping demonstrations and hands-on activities such as making candles and hives that open to reveal their inner workings safely behind glass. 

17 miles

Lundy Island Day Trip

A day trip to Lundy makes for an unforgettable experience. Lying 10 nautical miles off the coast of Devon, you can take the ferry to Lundy from nearby Ilfracombe Harbour, a short drive away. This small island packs a big punch with it offering an amazingly diverse range of things to do for day-trippers. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos. In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure! 

20 miles

Instow & Appledore

Padstow and Rock eat your heart out! North Devon’s historic fishing villages with winding narrow streets and colorful houses; Appledore is full of maritime history and cute pastel houses. Characterised by its winding narrow streets and the colourful houses, the charming village of Appledore sits at the confluence of the Taw and Torridge rivers with lovely views across to Instow. Visitors will love the chance to explore both these coastal villages by taking the seasonal ferry for a day trip. 

31 miles

North Devon Wake Park

A unique aquapark adventure for all of the family – race, slide, and chase each other around the lake-based course, trying to beat everyone in total wipe out style! There is also straight line and overheard cable Wakeboarding on offer at this water fun park! It doesn’t matter if you have never wakeboarded before, they will get you started with one of the best activities in North Devon! 

31 miles

Clovelly

The picturesque, historic, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special place to visit. Once owned by the Queen of England and having been in private ownership since Elizabethan times the village has preserved its original atmosphere. Clinging to a 400-foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and 14th century quay.   

0.5 miles

Exmoor

Spectacularly beautiful and awe inspiring, the wilds of Exmoor are just half a mile from our gates! With over 700 miles of footpaths and bridle ways, tumbling waterfalls and rivers, heather topped hills the National Park looks beautiful whatever the time of year. The Victorians christened it ‘Little Switzerland’ and as you travel through it is possible to see wild ponies, birds of prey, red deer and ancient horned sheep amongst other things. 

1 MILE

Combe Martin

Our nearby village boasts fish & chip shops and numerous eateries, some overlooking the beach and harbour. For sumptous pub grub The Pack O-Cards is definitely worth a wander to. You will also find supermarkets, a bakery and a farm shop for lots of local delights. The sheltered bay is perfect for kayaking and paddle-boarding and it attracts seals and dolphins too, giving those enjoying such water sports a memorable experience. At high tide the beach is a pebbly sand but as the tide retreats it reveals a sandy beach and some of the best rock pools along the whole coast!   

1 MILE

Hangman Cliffs & The South West Coast Path

An ideal base for a walking holiday, you can set out on foot from our cottages with the South West Coastal Path just half a mile away offering some awe-inspiring walks along the rugged North Devon coastline AONB. Our nearest natural attraction is the Hangman cliffs, consisting of Great Hangman and Little Hangman, where Exmoor meets the sea! Great Hangman, with its summit at over 1,000 feet is the highest sea cliff in England and the highest point on the South West Coast Path! 

1.5 miles

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

A visit to Devon’s very own prehistoric park is a must, home to an abundance of exotic and indigenous wildlife and the very latest in Dinosaur animatronics! Don’t forget to take a ride on the Dino Express, you will scream as seven and a half thousand gallons of water hurtle towards you and your fellow passengers! Or be brave enough to enter the park’s underground tomb for a fascinating insight into Egypt.  A gigantic indoor soft play area for fun whatever the weather. 

2 miles

Wild Pear & Broadsands Beach

Shhhh…let’s keep these two a secret shall we!  Two of the most secret coves in North Devon are very close by. More suited to our families with older kids, Wild Pear Beach is a bit of an adventure to get to with a short hike from Coulscott to reach it via a dramatic descent from the South West Coast Path. An idyllic, protected cove surrounded by high cliffs Wild Pear Beach is a gem of a spot – perfect for families wanting to immerse themselves in nature. Hidden away, almost like a lost world, Broadsands Beach was recently voted the Happiest View in the UK – I think our image here says it all really!

2 miles

Horse Riding on Exmoor

The BHS and ABRS approved Dean Riding Stables offer tuition and escorted hacking for all ages and ability levels on the wilds of Exmoor, some even include a ride to a country pub! With quality well-mannered horses and ponies. Especially welcoming of the novice and the nervous ‘from tiny tots to galloping grannies’, apparently! So this is the place to get started on your new horsey hobby, with friendly and supportive training on hand. 

4 miles

Watermouth Harbour, Castle & Theme Park

The Family Theme Park and Castle nestled down in nearby Watermouth Harbour takes you back in time to the simple pleasures of Victorian life. With animated scenes, a model railway and a dungeon labyrinth. Take in some of the fantastic rides, play crazy golf, or even crazy snooker, or maybe a walk round the maze and see if you can find your way out! Or if you are feeling brave enough you could take on the kids in a battle inside the Soft Ball Shooting Cannons? Or dare you challenge them at the risk of getting wet with a round of Water Wars? 

4 miles

Coasteering

This is one for the adrenaline junkies out there! If you would like to experience nature’s own adventure playground around the beautiful North Devon coast, we are lucky enough to be based near one of the finest coasteering locations anywhere in Britain. With many experienced and well respected Coasteering & Adventure Sports companies operating from as nearby as Watermouth Harbour the next bay along from Combe Martin. Climb over rocks, jump into the sea, swim through gullies, explore caves – be prepared to take the leap! 

5.5 miles

Arlington Court

Ready for an adventure? From outdoor den building to browsing an impressive model ship collection, National Trust’s Arlington Court is a great spot for your family day out. Little adventurers will love exploring the great outdoors, and there’s plenty to discover. Go for a stroll through the beautiful formal Victorian Gardens and see how many flowers you can spot as you stroll past the pond, or go for an adventure on a woodland walk – don’t forget to keep your eyes out for deer! 

7 miles

Ilfracombe Sea Safari

Experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the North Devon coast, departing from the scenic Ilfracombe Harbour. With many different boat adventures ranging from 1 to 6 hours to choose from offering wildlife cruises, fishing trips, swimming with seals & much more! Ilfracombe Sea Safari provides trips that are suitable for all ages and great fun. 

11 miles

Valley of the Rocks

This is a dramatic section of coastline on the northern edge of Exmoor, with its deep valley floor and steep craggy cliffs on either side with spectacular views of the seascape. Whether you are there under crystal clear blue skies or stormy atmospheric clouds, this is a great place to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Adding to the unusual character of the place, you may well spot a few wild goats wandering the rock faces! Quite at home nimbly scaling the steep slopes, goats have been present in the valley for hundreds of years. 

12 miles

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Opened in 1890, the railway is a key form of transport between two villages and it’s also one of the best ways to admire the coastal views. Visitors can stand on the same platforms as generations before them and enjoy the 862 foot climb (or descent!) between two historic and very different communities. The area was dubbed ‘England’s little Switzerland’ by those who visited it, and as you glide down the cliff and look out to sea it’s easy to understand why.  

12 miles

The Beaches of Woolacombe, Putsborough Sands and Croyde!

Take your pick – these popular North Devon beaches are a highlight of the summer; for sunbathers and surfers alike! Coulscott is just twenty minutes from the “Best Beach in Britain” – Woolacombe, with over three miles of golden sands. With fantastic family friendly facilities including a beach front café, Putsborough Sands is on the south side of Woolacombe is usually quieter than neighbouring beaches. The pretty village of Croyde sits just round the headland of Baggy Point, with its world-renowned surfing beach.

14 miles

Watersmeet National Trust

Dramatic river gorge and ancient woodland with National Trust tea rooms set in stunning surroundings and serving the most heavenly Devon cream teas – freshly baked every day, and oozing with clotted cream and local jams it’s the ultimate treat on ANY holiday! Whether you are looking for a short stroll, or a proper hike, the area around Watersmeet cannot be beaten for its variety in trails and landscapes. Or explore this beauty spot from a new angle – canoeing or fishing at Watersmeet! 

16 miles

Quince Honey Farm

One of Britain’s leading honey Farms, this family-run business is refining new beekeeping techniques and sharing it with the public. They offer beekeeping demonstrations and hands-on activities such as making candles and hives that open to reveal their inner workings safely behind glass. 

17 miles

Lundy Island Day Trip

A day trip to Lundy makes for an unforgettable experience. Lying 10 nautical miles off the coast of Devon, you can take the ferry to Lundy from nearby Ilfracombe Harbour, a short drive away. This small island packs a big punch with it offering an amazingly diverse range of things to do for day-trippers. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos. In a place of wide spaces and big skies, without roads, cars or pollution, simply walking is a profound pleasure! 

20 miles

Instow & Appledore

Padstow and Rock eat your heart out! North Devon’s historic fishing villages with winding narrow streets and colorful houses; Appledore is full of maritime history and cute pastel houses. Characterised by its winding narrow streets and the colourful houses, the charming village of Appledore sits at the confluence of the Taw and Torridge rivers with lovely views across to Instow. Visitors will love the chance to explore both these coastal villages by taking the seasonal ferry for a day trip. 

31 miles

North Devon Wake Park

A unique aquapark adventure for all of the family – race, slide, and chase each other around the lake-based course, trying to beat everyone in total wipe out style! There is also straight line and overheard cable Wakeboarding on offer at this water fun park! It doesn’t matter if you have never wakeboarded before, they will get you started with one of the best activities in North Devon! 

31 miles

Clovelly

The picturesque, historic, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special place to visit. Once owned by the Queen of England and having been in private ownership since Elizabethan times the village has preserved its original atmosphere. Clinging to a 400-foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and 14th century quay.   

Hear from our Recent Guests at Coulscott