Drake’s Cottage

Before you leave home

Please send a text message to Simon on (07979) 693483 when departing, on arrival day, with an ETA so that I can make sure I am around to welcome you. Please note our postcode EX16 8QL is shared by a couple of other properties along our lane, up to half a mile away from us. Look out for the two large slate signs at our entrance: “South Coombe Country Cottages”. You can find more detailed directions on your confirmation emails.

We pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive range of everything you may need for your self-catering stay. Please see below a list of what to pack or not to pack. This list is not exhaustive, but should give you a good idea.

What to Pack:

  • Personal Toiletries
  • Mobile phones and other devices
  • Phone and device chargers including plugs
  • Food (see Supermarket Deliveries)
  • Clothes
  • Wellington Boots (during wet weather)
  • Baby blankets and pillows (see Infants and Children)
  • Dog baskets or beds and food/ water bowls (see Dear Dogs)
  • Throws to protect sofa from dogs (or these can be hired on site for £5, though limited availability)
  • Towels for swimming pool (or these can be hired on site for £2, though limited availability)

What not to pack (we provide the following):

  • Cutlery
  • Crockery
  • Mugs and glassware
  • Kitchen Foil
  • Baking trays
  • Baking paper
  • Pots and pans
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cooking oil spray
  • Dishwasher tablets
  • Kitchen Roll (paper towels)
  • Tea Towels and washing up sponge with scourer
  • Hand wash soap
  • Facial soap
  • Tea
  • Coffee (Nescafe Azera – good quality instant coffee)
  • Sugar
  • Bath towel/ Hand towel/ Flannel (we provide one of each per guest)
  • Toilet roll (we provide a minimum of one new roll per stay)
  • Ice Creams (we have an on site shop selling these, see On site facilities)
  • Canned drinks (we have an on site shop selling these, see On site facilities)
  • Iron and Ironing board (please ask Simon)
  • Hair dryer

Supermarket Deliveries

Most of the major supermarkets deliver groceries here regularly for our guests. Please use the following address: Drake’s Cottage, South Coombe Farm, Witheridge, Devon EX16 8QL. The nearest supermarkets (and most common deliveries) are Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons (all 10 miles away). Please book a delivery time after the time that you plan to arrive.

Arrival Information

Please send a text message to Simon on (07979) 693483 when you set off, with your estimated arrival time.

Please note that our postcode (EX16 8QL) is shared by a few other farms along our lane, up to half a mile away. Please look out for the two large slate signs at our entrance: “South Coombe Country Cottages”.

As you drive down our long driveway, first you will see a sign asking you to slow down for animals and children. This sign points to the car park on the right. Here there is a site plan, showing you where your cottage is. You are welcome to drive to your cottage and park directly by the cottage to unload the car. Your cottage will be unlocked and ready for you from 3pm, with the keys in the lock inside the door. Once finished unloading, please park back in the car park. There are a couple of special parking spaces closer to cottages, which are reserved for those with accessibility requirements. Please ask Simon for more information.

Your host (Simon) will be pleased to meet and welcome you (if you had sent the arrival time message), and I will show you around the main areas of the site.

Please telephone Simon directly on (07979) 693483 if your arrival time falls outside of the hours of 3pm to 6pm.

Parking

We have plenty of on site parking for all of our guests. Please use the main car park, except for loading and unloading (when you can park directly outside your cottage). The main car park is a maximum of 100 yards from any cottage. We have spaces reserved for those with accessibility requirements closer to the cottages, please ask Simon if required.

Please inform Simon in advance on (07979) 693483 if there are going to be more than two cars arriving for your booking. 

Electric Cars

Currently we do not have dedicated charging for electric cars, however there is one parking space next to an outdoor 3 pin socket, which can be used to top up electric cars range if required. Please do not charge electric cars by running a cable through an open window of your cottage, as this voids our insurance. The nearest fast charging for electric cars is at McDonald’s Tiverton (10 miles), EX16 6SR, or at Exe Valley Leisure Centre in Tiverton, EX16 6SG.

Your Holiday Accommodation

Welcome to Drakes Cottage! Your cottage was once a storage barn at South Coombe Farm, and dates back to around 300 years ago (the main thatched farmhouse is 400 years old). Drakes cottage has the best view of the duck pond, the ducks will often come up to your patio door! Below you will find lots of information about your cottage. If I can do anything to help or to make your stay more comfortable, please message Simon on (07979) 693483.

Kitchen Appliances – instruction manuals are in the small cupboard above the microwave

  • NEFF Fan Oven
  • NEFF Microwave
  • BOSCH 4 – ring induction hob
  • 4 slice toaster
  • Electric Kettle 

Please do not put anything metal into the microwave. The oven and microwave need the clock set before they will operate. In the unlikely event of a power cut, when power is restored the clock needs to be set (any time will do, default is 00:00) so that it is no longer flashing. All of the pots and pans supplied are able to be used on the induction hob. Please do not scrape pots or pans with metal utensils after use, there is a plastic tool for this in the drawer and a soak in the sink followed by the dishwasher should suffice. If you need any help with the appliances, please ask Simon.

Toilet

We have two septic tanks at South Coombe and we are not on mains sewerage. Therefore the following is particularly important: Do not flush anything down the toilet other than urine, faeces and toilet tissue. We have had several incidents where guests have flushed wet wipes or sanitary pads and they have caused a blocked drain, which is a very unpleasant situation that costs money to sort out. If the sewer drain at your cottage becomes blocked due to flushing items other than tissue, it costs £250 to call the local drains company out same day, which you will have to pay. Nappies should be disposed of in the main bin in the car park, “General Waste”. We provide a dedicated bin and sanitary bags in your bathroom for disposal of sanitary pads and tampons.

Disposal of Oils

Please do not dispose of used cooking oil by pouring it down the sink. Instead use the paper towels provided to soak up any used oil and throw these into the bin when finished.

Dining Area

Drakes cottage has the largest open plan living/ dining area. When multiple cottages are booked for a large family group, Drakes is ideal to dine everyone together, as the table can be extended to easily seat 10. Simply open the two catches (one each side, underneath) halfway along the table and pull each side out around half a metre each way. Then pull the centre section out (it hinges open) and finally push from each end of the table to close the gaps up. Then close the latches again. If you need to seat more than 10, we have spare tables, please ask. We also have high chairs and other equipment for babies or young children (see Infants and Children).

Smart TV

The TV is a Smart TV and it is already programmed to use the WiFi (see WiFi) so that you are able to login to your own Netflix or Amazon accounts. Please remember to log out of these before you leave (see At the end of your stay). Press GUIDE for the freeview TV guide in real time. Please do not attempt to plug any external devices into the TV. The chimney breast in Drakes interferes with the TV signal, so for best results please just use the HD channels, which is 701 (BBC1) and upwards.

Heating and hot water

Drakes cottage has an electric immersion heater and hot water cylinder large enough for a bath and other hot water needs. This comes on and off automatically. If there is a high demand on hot water, for example more than one bath, there is a BOOST function which will advance the immersion heater in the hot water cylinder. You can find the timer clock with BOOST function in the airing cupboard in the bathroom. Turn the dial half a turn to BOOST and you will see an orange light come on. If your hot water has run out, allow half an hour for the BOOST function to work. 

The shower is an electric shower which has been left on 3/4 temperature to be optimal. These showers sometimes get hot and cold if they are turned up too high. The electric shower is switched in the bathroom (the switch with the red light) and this mains switch should always be ON (light on) to prevent the shower resetting.

The heating system is one or more wall mounted electric radiators in each room. In cold weather, these will be turned up to high before you arrive, so that the cottage is nice and warm for your arrival. Each radiator has its own control (at the bottom) and simply press the thermometer button to increase or decrease the temperature, or press the power button to turn the radiator on or off.

 The walls of the cottage are very old and very thick – it easily stays nice and warm in any weather. These thick walls also help keep it cool in summer.

Log Burner

The log burner makes for a wonderful warm cosy living and dining area during the colder months. During these months, we will include one sack of logs and one sack of kindling for your stay. We will also provide matches and fire lighters. If you run out, you can buy more from us, please ask Simon. A sack of logs is £10 and a sack of kindling is £5. There is a fire guard provided to keep young children away from the hot stove. Please only burn the logs provided (kiln dried hardwood) to prevent the chimney from getting too much soot buildup. The stove doors must be closed once the fire is going. You can increase or decrease the airflow (and therefore the heat output) using the tool provided, which looks like an Allen key and fits into the brass knob. Turn this to change the airflow. Please only use the log burner when you are in the cottage and do not leave it unattended when burning logs. There is a carbon monoxide detector in the cottage to check those levels are safe.

Garden

Drakes cottage has a shared garden with Tilly’s cottage. This is not fenced in. Please do not leave dogs in the garden whilst you go out and please pick up after your dog. If you forget or run out of dog poo bags, we also sell these in the shop. Dogs must be on leads around the site, however there is a fenced in dog exercise area where they can go off lead (See Dear Dogs).

Please pay attention to young children in the garden, particularly do not let them climb through the fence around the pond. Drakes cottage has its own patio area with outdoor dining table and chairs, which is accessed through the patio doors in the living area. Drakes cottage faces our neighbours across the valley and sound carries easily; please do not play music outdoors later than 9pm.

Barbecue’s

We have two charcoal BBQ’s which are free to borrow, please ask Simon. We will provide the charcoal. Please clean the BBQ after use and empty the ash (once cold) into the main general waste wheelie bin. We also sell disposable BBQ’s in our shop at certain times of year, please ask.

Guest Laundry 

There is a guest laundry in the Tilly’s/ Drakes shared garden. There is a washing machine and tumble dryer, free to use. Please only use the detergent provided, as this works with our septic tanks. The laundry is closed in the winter, because of the risk of frozen pipes. We also store garden furniture in here in the winter. Please use the rotary air dryers instead of the tumble dryer where possible. The rotary dryers are in the lawn next to the shared lawn and you can go through the gate joined to the pink wall to get in.

Rubbish and Recycling

There is a household bin in your cottage lined with a black bin bag. When full, please take it to the large wheelie bin in the car park labelled “General Waste”. You will find another bin bag in the bottom of the bin. Glass must be recycled separately and only put in the green bin in the car park labelled “Glass only”. Plastic bottles, empty metal drinks cans, cardboard and paper can all go into the big recycling wheelie bin in the car park labelled “Mixed Recycling”. The recycling items must be loose and washed out, and NOT in plastic bags. 

The large bins are put out on the road on monday evenings and are back in the car park around 24h later. During the time they are by the road, there are smaller bins in the car park to use. 

We aim to minimise use of plastic at South Coombe, for the sake of the environment. The clear wrappers on our welcome biscuits are actually made from plant cellulose and are compostable, so if these are disposed of in the normal way in general waste, they will dissolve within a matter of a couple of weeks and not end up in the sea! Our guest soaps are wrapped in recycled paper and there are a number of other measures around the site, such as hand sanitiser, which are refillable glass bottles.

Dear Dogs

We love dogs here at South Coombe. We have two of our own; Poppy (a Dalmatian) and Rodger (a French Bulldog). Dogs should be kept on leads around the site generally, as not all of our guests would enjoy being approached by a dog (especially young children). Also, we have free range Ducks, who also aren’t keen on being chased by dogs (dogs that chase them often end up in the pond, which is not fun for owners trying to get them out and wash them off)!

Generally speaking – dogs should not be left in cottages unattended. Please do not leave your dog on its own in the cottage whilst you go out for the day. We like to avoid situations where lonely dogs continuously bark (this may wake sleeping babies) or start to chew furniture. Damage caused in this way is chargeable. However, if your dog is crate trained and happy to be left in a crate, without constantly barking then we are happy to make an exception to this rule, if the dog is used to being crated and left for a few hours in this way – but not all day, please.

We have a fenced in dog exercise area at the top of the sports field. This is only a short walk from the car park and ideal to run off some steam after a long car journey! Dogs are allowed off lead in this area. Dogs can also be off lead in the cottage garden.

Other than the shared outdoor areas, South Coombe benefits from 10 acres of fields. Guests are welcome to walk dogs through the fields on a lead (when sheep are grazing). There are a few times during the year with no sheep in either field. (Check with Simon on arrival). When there are no sheep, you are welcome to let dogs off lead in the fields. 

You can buy tennis balls and dog poo bags in our on-site shop. We love to throw tennis balls for our dogs in the lower field, they burn off a lot of energy running up and down the steep slope to the river at the bottom (the Little Dart River). We have an outdoor tap in the car park with shower attachment to wash off muddy dogs. Please wash muddy dogs before letting them back into the cottage.

A few of our favourite dog walks

Yeo Copse walk – approx 3 miles if no driving

Our favourite dog walk can be taken without the need to drive anywhere. It starts and finishes in Witheridge Parish Hall car park. This is less than 1 mile from us and you can either walk there (turn right out of our driveway and walk 0.8 miles along the lane, you will see the parish hall on your right hand side) or drive there and park for free (postcode EX16 8AG).

From their car park, look towards the children’s outdoor play area and you will see there is a green, octagonal outdoor shelter. Walk towards the shelter and you will see a pedestrian gate in the fence. Go through the gate and turn left and follow the footpath. This path goes between fields for half a mile or so until it reaches a large field (take Wellies in wet weather) and there is a public right of way diagonally across this large field (you can see the trodden area). This field grows Maize for animal feed, so at certain times of year there will be Maize crop growing, from just a couple of inches tall to over 7 feet tall in late spring/ early summer. The path goes between the plants at all times of year. As you get to the edge of the field, follow the path downhill. After a few hundred yards, at the bottom of the field is a wooden gate with a Woodland Trust sign “Yeo Copse”. You can go into the woods through the gate and continue downhill until you reach the Dart River at the bottom. There are fields around the river to explore and these are public access, however please note that there are often cattle grazing to watch out for.

Turn left just before the river and continue your walk through Yeo Copse, it is very pretty along here. After half a mile or so, you will come to the end of the copse, where you can either turn around and go back the way you came (if you want to avoid the steep lanes) or continue to the lane and then turn left, walking back uphill until you reach the road and left again to make it a circular walk back into Witheridge. Why not pop into the dog friendly pub (The Mitre Inn) for a drink or meal? Less than a hundred yards past the pub is a T-junction where you can turn left to get back to the Parish Hall car park (100 yds).

National Trust – Knightshayes – EX16 7RG – Tel. 01884 253264

Knightshayes is a 10 mile drive from us and we go there regularly. There’s a beautiful stately home (dogs can’t go in the house), Cafe, Shop and hundreds of acres of grounds and woodland to explore. Dogs are allowed off lead over most of the land (follow signs). There’s a small car parking and entrance fee to pay for non members of National Trust.

Grand Western Canal – Tiverton – EX16 4HP

The Tiverton canal starts in the centre of Tiverton and runs for 11 miles, away from the town and into some very beautiful countryside. There is a fee paying car park at the start of the canal. There’s also other attractions here over summer, such as horse drawn barges and victorian themed ice cream and cafe barges.

The canal itself is perfect for a dog walk, especially if you have a push chair and infants with you, or elderly or less able relatives who want a flat path and no hills.

It is also ideal for cycling. After 5 miles or so (around the halfway point) is a lovely pub for food, called The Globe Inn (Sampford Peverrel, EX16 7BJ, Tel. 01884 821214). You can also hire bikes from The Globe Inn during high season and their car park is free.

Saunton Sands beach, North Devon – EX33 2NU

This huge sandy beach is widely regarded as the most dog friendly beach in Devon, as it is fully open to dogs all year round. There are many other beaches to choose from along this stretch of coast, for example Woolacombe, many of which have marked zones that allow dogs – and dogs must stay in the zones during high season (May to October). It is around a one hour car journey from us, a journey we make regularly as it is such a good way to exercise Poppy and Rodger!

Infants and Children

Young children are a big part of what we are about at South Coombe and we are a favourite destination for families. Our rural location, well away from main roads gives many families peace of mind and is a reason why so many will return again and again. 

Baby equipment

We have an extensive range of baby equipment which we can lend you during your stay for no extra charge. This can be specified when booking, but in case you missed it, feel free to ask Simon when you arrive. We have the following available to borrow for each cottage;

  • Travel Cot (including mattress and clean fitted sheet)
  • High Chair
  • Stair Gate
  • Change mat
  • Nappy Bin
  • Bumbo
  • Microwavable bottle steriliser
  • Bed guard

Smart TV’s

Every cottage now has a Smart TV and hard wired WiFi (see WiFi) for entertaining little ones during your stay in any weather. Feel free to login to Amazon or Netflix – just remember to log out again before you leave (see At the end of your stay). The WiFi comes up as “Southcoombe Guest” and the password is “enjoyyourstay”.

Toddler indoor playroom

The indoor playroom is in the swimming pool building. You can use the playroom during your daily swim session time (see On site facilities) or before the swim sessions begin for early risers (vacate by 8am) or after the swim sessions end for little ones that are too excited to go to bed on time (8pm onwards)!

Please tidy the indoor playroom when finished, and leave it in a condition how you would expect to find it. In particular, please put play kitchen loose items back in the kitchen when finished and lego or duplo back in the storage boxes and not left over the floor. Also please hang fancy dress items back on their rail.

The playroom is ideal for babies and toddlers, as it is heated to the same temperature as the pool hall (29 degrees) and has comfy sofas for parents to sit on! Parents can also see older children who may be swimming through the indoor window which looks onto the pool itself. Children in the indoor playroom must be accompanied by an adult.

Duck feeding and pets corner

The chickens, ducks and guinea pigs are fed daily at around 10am and children are welcome to join in. Pets corner is where the Guinea Pigs live and children (accompanied by an adult) are welcome in there at any time to handle the Guinea Pigs (or feed them leftover vegetables)! Please remember to close the hutch when finished and use the hand sanitiser on your way out.

Outdoor play areas and sports field

There are two outdoor play areas. The one nearest to the car park is for under 5’s and there is a slide, small climbing structure and set of swings with seats suitable for babies that can crawl, up to 5 years old. These are built to the BS standard for commercial outdoor play equipment and there is impact matting hidden just underneath the level of the surrounding grass. Please do not allow older children to use this equipment as they have their own play structure. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The larger climbing frame is at the top of the orchard, with a taller slide and climbing wall as well as larger set of swings. This is for children over 5 years old. Any children must still be accompanied by an adult.

The sports field is great for any ball sports. A football goal is provided but please bring your own footballs. The grass in the sports field is cut lower than elsewhere, however please note that this is not always possible during long spells of wet weather.

Horse Riding Experiences

Please contact Rose and Crown Stables, Palmers Lodge, Tiverton EX16 8BA. Tel (01884) 252060.

A note about the pond and aviary

The area around the pond and aviary is fenced, but is not suitable for young children. Please do not allow young children to play around this area and especially not unaccompanied. It is often tempting for little ones to follow the ducks – please do not allow children to follow them beyond the fence boundary of the pond.

WiFi

We have invested over £5k in the best possible internet for this area. Each cottage has its own hard wired router that gives plenty of signal anywhere in the cottage. Fibre Optic is not in this region currently, so we are at the mercy of the telephone line. Internet works well here, apart from during storms, where the telephone line moves about a lot and gets wet in the wrong areas, causing the internet to become patchy. However, it usually works well again soon after the storm has passed. 

WiFi will come up on your device as “Southcoombe Guest” and the password is “enjoyyourstay”.

On Site Facilities

One of the great things about South Coombe is how much there is to do on site, in any weather. There are many guests who come here and don’t leave the site in the car for their entire stay.

Indoor swimming pool

The indoor pool is open all year round and heated to 29 degrees. There’s no deep end, the depth is a consistent 1.2m – so it is suitable for all ages and abilities, including babies. We ask that babies please wear a swim nappy and the nappy be disposed of after use in the main “General Waste” bin in the car park. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult for insurance reasons, as there is no lifeguard. The pool is open every day from 8am to 8pm.

Finnish Sauna

The Sauna is a wonderful way to relax, especially in cold weather or after a day of exercise. The minimum age allowed in the Sauna is 16 years. It is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant, or suffering from any heart conditions. The entrance is at the far end of the indoor swimming pool. Towards the top of the glass door you will see a light switch. This will switch on the sauna light for 1 hour on a timer. Inside the glass door (also near the top) is a black switch for the sauna heater. Press the power button and it will start heating automatically. You will see 3.00 on the display because this starts a timer, which automatically turns the heater off, 3 hours after it reaches full temperature. You can also press the power button again when you have finished to turn it off immediately and save power. You will see a sand timer on the sauna wall. Turn this upside down, and the total time for sand to move to the lower chamber is 15 minutes. It is not recommended to use the sauna for longer than 15 minutes. 

There is a bucket and ladle to make more steam. Please fill the bucket from the nearby shower and not the swimming pool water. Use the absolute minimum amount of water possible to make steam; if you use a full ladle it will drip through to the electrical contacts at the bottom of the heater and has broken the sauna in the past. You should use no more than a tablespoon quantity of water, slowly dripped onto the hot rocks so that it evaporates into steam and does not drip through the unit. If you are feeling brave, jump into the nearby shower and have a cold shower to cool off afterwards – this is fantastic for good blood circulation!

Games Room

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The Games room has a Pool table, Table Tennis and Foosball table. The pool table and foosball table have been converted so that they are free to use; do not put a coin in the slot, just push the empty slot to release the balls. Table Tennis balls can be found stored in the side legs of the table. Please put the pool table cover back over the table when you have finished.

This room can be used during your swim time session, or after the pool closes at 8pm. Please do not enter the games room after 8pm if other people are already using it. 

Please do not enter the games room during someone else’s swim session. There will be more flexibility on timings during quieter seasons when the site isn’t full; please check with Simon on arrival. 

Library

There is a Library in the games room. Please feel free to borrow books and aim to finish and return the books before you leave. If you bring a book with you and finish it during your stay, feel free to exchange it for a similar book from the library and you are welcome to leave your old book in the library if you wish.

There are also sections dedicated to children and young children here. This is free to use for all guests.

Toddler indoor playroom

The indoor playroom is also in the swimming pool building. You can use the playroom during your daily swim session time, or before the swim sessions begin for early risers (vacate by 8am) or after the swim sessions end for little ones that are too excited to go to bed on time (8pm onwards)!

Please tidy the indoor playroom when finished, and leave it in a condition how you would expect to find it. In particular, please put play kitchen loose items back in the kitchen when finished and Lego or Duplo back in the storage boxes and not left over the floor. Also please hang fancy dress items back on their rail.

The playroom is ideal for babies and toddlers, as it is heated to the same temperature as the pool hall (29 degrees) and has comfy sofas for parents to sit on! Parents can also see older children who may be swimming through the indoor window, which looks onto the pool itself. Children in the indoor playroom must be accompanied by an adult.

Pets corner

The chickens, ducks and guinea pigs are fed daily at around 10am and children are welcome to join in. Pets corner is where the Guinea Pigs live and children (accompanied by an adult) are welcome in there at any time to handle the Guinea Pigs (or feed them leftover vegetables)! Please remember to close the hutch when finished and use the hand sanitiser on your way out.

Outdoor play areas and sports field

There are two outdoor play areas. The one nearest to the car park is for under 5’s and there is a slide, small climbing structure and set of swings with seats suitable for babies that can crawl, up to 5 years old. These are built to the BS standard for commercial outdoor play equipment and there is impact matting hidden just underneath the level of the surrounding grass. Please do not allow older children to use this equipment as they have their own play structure. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The larger climbing frame is at the top of the orchard, with a taller slide and climbing wall as well as larger set of swings. This is for children over 5 years old. Any children must still be accompanied by an adult.

The sports field is great for any ball sports. A football goal is provided but please bring your own footballs. The grass in the sports field is cut lower than elsewhere, however please note that this is not always possible during long spells of wet weather.

Local Area Guide

South Coombe sits right in the centre of Devon, so it is very well placed for a tranquil, rural setting and only 5 miles from the national park of Exmoor. There are very many options for walking and cycling all over Exmoor, and even more a little further away at the larger national park of Dartmoor.

The nearest beaches of Devon are all around an hour to drive, but easily achievable for a day out.  We have our own beach hut, free for guests to use, in Exmouth (ask Simon for the key and for availability).

The majority of our guests are families, many with dogs, so below is a selection of our favourite days out which will suit families like us (with or without dogs). There are also a LOT of other things to do in Devon, especially if you don’t mind a longer drive. Please ask Simon who will be happy to assist.

Yeo Copse walk – approx 3 miles if no driving

Our favourite dog walk can be taken without the need to drive anywhere. It starts and finishes in Witheridge Parish Hall car park. This is less than 1 mile from us and you can either walk there (turn right out of our driveway and walk 0.8 miles along the lane, you will see the parish hall on your right hand side) or drive there and park for free (postcode EX16 8AG).

From their car park, look towards the children’s outdoor play area and you will see there is a green, octagonal outdoor shelter. Walk towards the shelter and you will see a pedestrian gate in the fence. Go through the gate and turn left and follow the footpath. This path goes between fields for half a mile or so until it reaches a large field (take Wellies in wet weather) and there is a public right of way diagonally across this large field (you can see the trodden area). This field grows Maize for animal feed, so at certain times of year there will be Maize crop growing, from just a couple of inches tall to over 7 feet tall in late spring/ early summer. The path goes between the plants at all times of year. As you get to the edge of the field, follow the path downhill. After a few hundred yards, at the bottom of the field is a wooden gate with a Woodland Trust sign “Yeo Copse”. You can go into the woods through the gate and continue downhill until you reach the Dart River at the bottom. There are fields around the river to explore and these are public access, however please note that there are often cattle grazing to watch out for.

Turn left just before the river and continue your walk through Yeo Copse, it is very pretty along here. After half a mile or so, you will come to the end of the copse, where you can either turn around and go back the way you came (if you want to avoid the steep lanes) or continue to the lane and then turn left, walking back uphill until you reach the road and left again to make it a circular walk back into Witheridge. Why not pop into the dog friendly pub (The Mitre Inn) for a drink or meal? Less than a hundred yards past the pub is a T-junction where you can turn left to get back to the Parish Hall car park (100 yds).

National Trust – Knightshayes – EX16 7RG – Tel. 01884 253264

Knightshayes is a 10 mile drive from us and we go there regularly. There’s a beautiful stately home (dogs can’t go in the house), Cafe, Shop and hundreds of acres of grounds and woodland to explore. Dogs are allowed off lead over most of the land (follow signs). There’s a small car parking and entrance fee to pay for non members of National Trust.

Grand Western Canal – Tiverton – EX16 4HP

The Tiverton canal starts in the centre of Tiverton and runs for 11 miles, away from the town and into some very beautiful countryside. There is a fee paying car park at the start of the canal. There’s also other attractions here over summer, such as horse drawn barges and victorian themed ice cream and cafe barges.

The canal itself is perfect for a dog walk, especially if you have a push chair and infants with you, or elderly or less able relatives who want a flat path and no hills.

It is also ideal for cycling. After 5 miles or so (around the halfway point) is a lovely pub for food, called The Globe Inn (Sampford Peverrel, EX16 7BJ, Tel. 01884 821214). You can also hire bikes from The Globe Inn during high season and their car park is free.

Saunton Sands beach, North Devon – EX33 2NU

This huge sandy beach is widely regarded as the most dog friendly beach in Devon, as it is fully open to dogs all year round. There are many other beaches to choose from along this stretch of coast, for example Woolacombe, many of which have marked zones that allow dogs – and dogs must stay in the zones during high season (May to October). It is around a one hour car journey from us, a journey we make regularly as it is such a good way to exercise Poppy and Rodger!

Qunice Honey Farm, South Molton – EX36 3RD Tel: (01769) 572401

A working honey farm with tours, honey tasting (and for sale), on site Cafe and indoor and outdoor kids play areas. Only 15 minutes drive from us.

Celebrations and Special Occasions

South Coombe caters to special occasions and celebrations of all sizes, from a romantic weekend break in our Merino Shepherds Hut with private hot tub, right up to big family Celebrations of up to 26 guests.

We are happy to accommodate special requests, please contact or ask Simon.

We ask that you refrain from taping birthday banners and such to the walls – please arrange to post this to Simon in advance of your stay and I will be happy to fix it in the cottage to areas that won’t be damaged by tape or pins. If you want champagne, cake or anything else in the cottage prior to arrival, please order and pay for this online in advance and put our address for delivery- and I will be happy to accept the delivery and put it in the cottage prior to your arrival.

Fireworks are not permitted anywhere on site for insurance reasons but also due to the large number of nearby horses and other livestock.

We are happy to put you in touch with local suppliers of marquee’s, or a very local private chef who also runs the restaurant in Witheridge “La Petite Bouchee”. Anita has catered plenty of events here in the past and I always hear great things about the food. She will come and cook a special meal in your cottage. Needs to be arranged in advance.

At the end of your stay

Thank you again for choosing South Coombe and we hope to welcome you back soon. Please like and follow us on social media, to keep up to date with news and offers. We put a monthly offer on Facebook, on a first come first served basis. Its also worth asking Simon about loyalty discounts when considering future bookings.

Please leave the cottage tidy and take any rubbish out to the correct bins. Please strip the beds and put all bed linen (sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases) in the laundry bag provided. Please put used towels (white towels only) in a different laundry bag, or leave them in the shower if there is only one laundry bag.

Remember to log out of your Netflix or Amazon on the Smart TV!

Please put any dirty dishes in the dishwasher and switch it on.

Double check you have your belongings with you, as it can be costly to pay for secure postage.

Leave the key inside the door and the door unlocked.

Safe travels!