Explore The Area

Biking

The Tarka Trail stretching from Braunton to Meeth provides picturesque, safe and (mainly!) flat biking for all ages and abilities. With plenty of cafés dotted its length, the Trail is a great way to explore Devon’s delights.
www.tarkatrail.org.uk

For bike hire right on the Tarka Trail try:
www.bidefordbicyclehire.co.uk Telephone 01237 424123
www.torringtoncyclehire.co.uk Telephone 01805 622633
www.biketrail.co.uk Telephone 01271 372586

Walking

North Devon is a walker’s paradise, with the Southwest Coastal path right on your doorstep, and Exmoor and Dartmoor just a drive away. We have a selection of our favourite walks at the house, but the www.explorethecoast.org website may give you more hiking inspiration!

Surfing

North Devon Surf School (Westward Ho!) provides friendly tuition for beginners to experts… even we have been tempted to don a wetsuit and brave the waves! www.northdevonsurfschool.co.uk Telephone 01237 474663

For private group or individual lessons, contact Mark and his funky refurbed ‘surf shack’ horse box! Not only is it really cool, but they surf from the Northam Burrows Sandymere car park, so the easiest access to the sea.
www.westwardwavessurfschool.co.uk Telephone 07585257451

Canoeing

The Torridge estuary provides ample opportunities for messing about on the river! For kayaking, try Ultimate Adventure Centre.
www.ultimateadventurecentre.com Telephone 01237 880028

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Discover the joys (and core benefits!) of stand up paddleboarding whilst exploring the beautiful Torridge Estuary. Launching just half a mile from Hallsannery or locally (tide dependent), Adventure Boardsports offers tuition, boards and all equipment. For en-masse fun (6-8 people), try the Mega Air Sup – guaranteed to have your group sink – or swim! www.adventureboardsports.co.uk Telephone 07454 109609

Adventure sports

For larger groups (6 people +) the friendly folk at Skern Lodge will put together a fun-packed multi-activity programme for kids (and big kids). With high ropes, surfing, river kayaking days and tunnelling adventures, not to mention a plethora of other activities, they are happy to pick up and drop back at the House. Do call early to discuss your requirements. If you’re a smaller group, they have drop in activity days too.
www.skernlodge.co.uk Telephone 01237 475992

For surfing, coasteering, climbing walls and sundry adrenalin rush activities, the Ultimate High (opposite the Big Sheep in Abbotsham) is not to be missed! www.theultimatehigh.com Telephone 01237 880028

Sea fishing/diving/charters

From a leisurely trip up the Torridge with views back up to Hallsannery, to sea fishing where you can catch and eat your supper! Contact RNLI crew member and skipper Gary to discuss your perfect boat trip.
www.torridgemarine.co.uk Telephone 07866 314260

For a great day at sea in experienced hands, contact Doug or Dave at Independent Charters based out of Clovelly, they offer sea angling trips, reef and wreck fishing and marine wildlife and island trips around Lundy island, complete with seal spotting!
www.independentcharters.co.uk Telephone 01237 431374

Sailing

Hire a traditional lugger or a 31 foot yacht for a short day sail or a longer stint on board for a fabulous sailing experience.
www.appledoresails.co.uk Telephone 01237 423163

Horse Riding

For a lesson or hack within walking distance of Hallsannery, try LA Stables… pony-lovers’ paradise!
www.facebook.com/LAStables Telephone 01237 459529

And if riding along the beach takes your fancy, call Folly Foot Equestrian Centre – great tuition in a glorious setting.
www.follyfootequestriancentre.co.uk 07759182242

Trips to Lundy Island

Step aboard the MS Oldenburg and head for Lundy Island. A wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife abound on this untouched island. Departs from Bideford Quay and Ilfracombe.
www.lundyisland.co.uk

Golf

For golfing by the sea at ‘England’s oldest course’ visit Westward Ho!s Royal North Devon Golf Club.
www.royalnorthdevongolfclub.co.uk Telephone 01237 473817

Take your clubs over to the delights of world-famous Saunton Sands.
www.sauntongolf.co.uk Telephone 01271 812436

Nearby Torrington also boasts a good golf course with spectacular views.
www.torringtongolfclub.co.uk Telephone 01805 622229

Indoor pool

For a wet weather option, Torridge Pool in Northam has an adult and kids pool, sauna and gym, with frequent family sessions with inflatables at weekends and during holidays.
www.1610.org.uk/centres/torridge Telephone 01237 471794

Cinema and theatre

One of that rare breed of independent cinemas, The Plough Art Centre (Torrington) offers a great selection of both adult and child-friendly films and events, not to mention a rustic ‘stay-all-day’ café.
www.theploughartscentre.org.uk Telephone 01805 624624

Pampering

For a touch of luxury and the ultimate in private pampering, book the very professional and ever so nice Sarah to come and perform massage miracles, facials, pedicures and manicures at Hallsannery.
www.backtobeauty.co.uk Telephone 07895 431784