These are some of our favourite things to do in and near Woolsery in north Devon, and which we recommend to guests staying at the suites and cottages of The Collective during the summer months
1. Lose yourself in myths and legends
For a quirky day out, head south (about 50 minutes’ drive) to the village of Boscastle to visit the tiny Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. It reveals the fascinating history of British witchcraft and is next to a small restaurant called The Rocket Store which is a find for lunch (book in advance as there’s limited seating). Then head four miles south to nearby Tintagel (pictured above) and spend the afternoon exploring the castle ruins linked to the legend of King Arthur. Don’t miss Merlin’s Cave and treat yourself to an ice cream at the end of the long walk back up the hill. Book in advance to avoid the queues.
2. Visit the village of Clovelly
The charming heritage site of Clovelly (above) is a delightful find on the north Devon coast and just eight minutes’ drive from Woolsery. It’s worth the steep walk down the cobbled street to reach the harbour, where you can have lunch at the pub and watch the fishing boats come and go. If, once you’re down there, you can’t face the walk back to the top, grab a lift in the estate’s Land Rover.
3. Explore Appledore
Wander along the quay and through the back streets of this village crammed with ancient pastel-coloured cottages where arty stores sit next to coffee shops and delis. The Royal George pub is good for food, John’s and the Coffee Cabin the best spots for coffee and cake, and the Hocking’s van a must for Appledore-made vanilla ice with a dollop of clotted cream on top. (20 minutes’ drive.)
4. Walk the South West Coast Path from Hartland Quay
This section of the South West Coast Path delivers breathtaking sea-cliff views and wild and unspoilt land and seascapes. Grab some artisan goodies from the Woolsery village shop for your packed lunch, then pick up the Coast Path from the Hartland Quay car park. (20 minutes’ drive.)
5. Visit National Trust’s Arlington Court
This historic house and gardens offers miles of woodland walks, a flower garden, carriage rides and a classic National Trust tea room with proper scones, jam and cream. (45 minutes’ drive.)
6. Sail to Lundy Island
Lundy is an incredible tiny island off the coast of north Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel. The three-mile-long granite outcrop is the last piece of land before America and home to a wide variety of unusual animals and birdlife. Spot puffins (above), seals and dolphins, walk through an awe-inspiring landscape and enjoy the island’s peaceful solitude. To reach Lundy, take the two-hour boat trip from Bideford (10 minutes from Woolsery) or a seven-minute helicopter ride.
7. Head to Westward Ho!
This traditional British seaside resort has an exceptionally long stretch of sand that’s bordered on one side by water and on the other by a pebble ridge. A decent surf spot, it’s also popular with dog walkers and offers long strolls around the headland to Greysands Beach when the tide is out. (17 minutes’ drive.)
8. Have a day at the seaside in Bude
The seaside town of Bude has a sandy shore for sea swimming and paddling at Summerleaze Beach (above) and a large sea pool too. Swing by Electric Bakery on your way into town for exceptional pastries and food to-go, or have a sit-in lunch at Potter’s or Temple in town. (30 minutes’ drive.)