National Trust – North Devon, Exmoor and West Somerset
Discover the delights of North Devon, Exmoor and Somerset. With stunning beaches, historic buildings, rugged coastline and spectacular views, it’s the perfect destination to escape. Here’s some ideas of places to explore nearby.
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Rosemoor
Nestled in the North Devon Torridge Valley, RHS Rosemoor is an enchanting place to visit. Rosemoor is designed to provide year-round interest and inspiration to all gardeners and garden lovers. The garden extends to over 65 acres and blends formal and informal planting to magical effect. From the cherry tree blossom in spring, the iconic Hot Garden dazzling with vibrant colours in summer, the woodland ablaze with autumn finery and the Winter Garden sparkling later in the year – you’ll be sure to get plenty of inspiration.
Visit Lundy Island for the day
Lundy is owned by the National Trust and managed by the Landmark Trust.
a day trip to Lundy makes for an unforgettable experience. Even though the Island is only three miles in length and half mile wide it offers an amazingly diverse range of things to do for a day visit. Because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos. This is all set against a backdrop of stunning natural rugged beauty, making it a walker’s paradise.
The MS Oldenburg sails at least three times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and the crossing takes about 2 hours each way, allowing between 4 and 6 hours to explore the island depending on the day you choose to travel.
The Lynton & Barnstaple narrow-gauge steam Railway
Enjoy a nostalgic trip on The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway with views over Exmoor and the coast. This narrow- gauge steam railway was originally opened in 1898, and closed in 1935; what you can see today at Woody Bay Station is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world’s most famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railways; the legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.
You board your train – comprised of restored heritage carriages – at Woody Bay Station, and travel to Killington Lane and back on a two-mile round trip behind a narrow-gauge steam locomotive. The complete trip lasts about 25 minutes. Tickets are valid all day so you can ride as many times as you like. Return anytime within 28 days and travel all day at half-price.