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Menu Header Attractions
Because Cara is located centrally in North Devon it is quiet, peaceful and relaxing.
Devon has some of the most wonderful and varied scenery in the country. From the rocky seascape cliffs, to the lanes through the rolling pastureland, to the tracks up to the Tors and streams of Dartmoor. Whether you Drive it, Cycle it or Walk it, you’ll love it.
With with Bude and Widemouth Bay on the North coast just 25 minutes away, Jamiaca Inn in the middle of Bodmin moor just 30 minutes, and Dartmoor just 20 minutes to the South, there are loads of things to do in the area.
In Cara, the large lace box on the bookshelf is full of up to date local and tourist Information leaflets which will give you more to choose from across all interests and tastes, but here are some suggestions to get you started
Coast
The North Cornwall coast is particularly spectacular, with the coast path snaking down from high cliffs to sandy coves.
Bude and the coast is 17 miles. Try taking the path along the cliff top from Widemouth Bay (park just north of the bay at the top of the hill, where it’s free) and walk into Bude. You can return via the Bude canal which makes an interesting round walk if you’re feeling energetic enough.
Boscastle which was rebuilt after floods in 2004 is just a bit further south is a picturesque village with beautiful coastal scenery and coastal walks
Walk down to Welcombe Mouth north of Bude. It has a lovely beach with a waterfall, although the track down to the car park is a little rough in places.
Morwenstow – on the coast about 5 miles north of Bude – Rectory tea rooms for great cream teas after a lovely coastal walk.
An app of a circular walk here can be found at http://www.iwalknorthcornwall.co.uk/walk/morwenstow
Crackenwell Haven, south of Bude has a lovely sandy beach with rocky shore, cliff walks and lovely award winning beach café
Castles
Launceston Castle is prominent on its vantage point as you drive down from Cara on the Holsworthy road. The castle dates from the Norman Conquest, and George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, was imprisoned there in 1656. (www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/launceston-castle, 10 miles)
Tintagel Castle, on the north Cornish coast, is home to Camelot, King Arthur and Merlin’s cave. You can park free of charge if you turn left off the main street in the village and follow the narrow lane down to the river and up to the top of the hill, next to the church. You also get a wonderful view out over the sea, and it’s only a short walk along the cliffs to the castle. There’s lots of steps at Tintagel, so high heels are not advised!
Okehampton Castle, dates from the same period, but was much updated in the 14th century (www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/okehampton-castle, 19 miles)
Water Sports
Roadford Lake is less than 5 miles away. You may well have passed it on your way here if you were following the direction. The Water Sports centre provides the opportunity for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking (01409 211507), with indoor and outdoor archery for landlubbers; while further round the lake there is a visitor’s centre, bird hide for watching migrating waterfowl, walks and cycle trails. (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/lakes-and-facilities/the-lakes/roadford-lake)
Tamar Lakes which is also owned by South west Lakes Trust is just to the north of Holsworthy and provides rowing boats, canoeing and trout fishing. http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/lakes-and-facilities/the-lakes/tamar-lakes
Sea fishing is available out of Bude and Widemouth Bay, just south of Bude has a good surfing centre
Dartmoor
For scenery and seasonal colours try the walk from Okehampton up the side of the East Okement river and out onto Dartmoor, or venture directly onto Dartmoor from Meldon reservoir or take the road from Okehampton past the army camp towards Yes Tor.
Lydford Gorge (National Trust) with its 30m waterfall and steep sided canyon and natural cauldron. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge) and from Lydford there is direct access onto the moor from the car park which you can find at the end of a short track directly across the A386 from the road from Lydford village.
For the spectacle of Dartmoor scenery, walk along one of Dartmoor’ leats and the Tavy valley to Tavy Cleave and then return via Hare Tor
http://walkingindevon.co.uk/dartmoor.php gives details of many more walks on Dartmoor that can be downloaded
And being close to the Cornish border, its not far from Bodmin Moor which has been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with spectacular views from the top of Cornwall’s two highest peaks, Rough Tor and Brown Willy. www.visitcornwall.com/destinations/bodmin-moor-tamar-valley
Wine Making
Eastcott is a self contained vineyard, where Hilary and Richard grow their own grapes, and make red, white and sparkling wine, winning awards both in the UK and on the continent against the best of the French and Spanish competition.
They have also won an award for their ‘Vine to Wine’ guided tours which take place in a lovely peaceful Devon vale whatever the weather
Lower Eastcott Farm, Northlew, Okehampton, 01837 811012 www.eastcottvineyard.co.uk
Cycling
There are a number of cycle trails within reasonable distance. Our favourite is the part of the Tarka Trail from Great Torrington –where you can hire bikes – to Bideford on the coast. The track is along a disused railway, so it’s not too steep! (Torrington cycle hire 01805 622633, www.torringtoncyclehire.co.uk)
Alternatively, there is the Granite Way along the side of Dartmoor with amazing views as you cross the Meldon and Lake viaducts (www.devoncyclehire.co.uk, 01837861141)
Gardens
The Royal Horticultural Society garden at Rosemoor is awash with colour through every season. From carpets of snowdrops in early spring through bursts of Azelea and Rhododendron colour, a summer rainbow of fragrances and into the russets, yellows and oranges of Acers in autumn. There are collections of unusual flowering plants fruit trees and vegetables; a Visitors centre with café and plant shop, and free parking.
The Eden Project is only an hour away by car where the Biomes are bursting with exotic Rainforest and Mediterranean colour and fragrance. It’s a celebration of regeneration and global sustainability, plants, crafts, activities and food. Something for all ages.
www.edenproject.com
And once you have completed all these activities you can return to Cara where there is a wide range of relaxing games, puzzles, books, magazines, CDs and DVDs (not to mention the Hot Tub), take advantage of the minimal noise and light pollution, and chill.
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Bookings
For reservations and fully up to date availability please visitwww.holidaycottages.co.uk/devon/north-devon/cara
Or call 01237 459949
Testimonials
The cottage was a perfect way to start off our honeymoon……..will definatly be returning in the near future. Thanks for making our honeymoon special.
This cottage was perfect. We wanted a quiet place where we could relax in comfort. Cara cottage did just that. It had everything we could have hoped for and more. Added little extras to make the holiday even more enjoyable! thankyou for making such a wonderful holiday cottage.
if relaxation and romance is your aim then this is the cottage for you. The accommodation itself is really comfortable, with good quality furnishings and lots of little extras that make it special – loved the hot tub, the log fire, the laser pod & the leather reclining sofa!