North of England
Scotland
6ft Canadian Cedar Hot Tub available for a supplement. A 2-4 night stay is £250, 5 nights -7 nights £350, please contact the local office 14 days in advance to book this."Please Note: For health and safety reasons, we thoroughly clean and refill the hot tub between each set of guests.
Therefore, upon your arrival, the hot tub may not be up to its optimum temperature. We switch it on and set it to the correct temperature for you, but please allow several hours for it to heat up completely.
We apologise for any inconvenience, but this ensures the tub is properly prepared for your stay. Nestled in the heart of a lush valley within 4 acres of sprawling meadows and at the end of a winding lane is The Farmhouse at Broad Downs.
This stunning property seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance. The exterior retains the original character and inside the rich warm palette complements the surrounding landscape.
Large windows invite the natural light to flood the rooms affording breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. Stepping inside from the ample parking area you are greeted by a vast open plan living area where high vaulted ceilings showcase the impressive architecture.
The stylishly furnished sitting area combines vintage and contemporary décor accented by a double-sided wood burner providing a welcome ambience whilst the generous dining area sets the stage for memorable gatherings. Accessed from the sitting area is the vast sun terrace, an expansive outdoor haven, perfect for soaking up the sun and with generous seating to enjoy al fresco BBQ dining, or gather together under the stars whilst gathered around the firepit.
The kitchen is well equipped with a Heritage stove, additional electric oven, larder fridge and further fridge freezer. The central island provides a useful preparation area.
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of The Farmhouse at Broad Downs, with real driving times.
Sat nav: PL7 5FB
A charity-run zoo on the edge of Dartmoor, with a breeding programme and the story behind We Bought a Zoo.
Dartmoor Zoological Park is a 33-acre zoo just north of Sparkwell, on the south-west edge of Dartmoor in Devon. It is run by a charity that focuses on conservation, education and research, and it belongs to BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Sat nav: TQ9 7DQ
Devon's largest theme park mixes water rides, a zoo farm and big indoor play areas, whatever the weather.
Woodlands is a family-owned, all-weather theme park on the A3122, about 5 miles from Dartmouth in South Devon. It covers over 90 acres, with 16 rides, around 500 animals and several play zones, each with its own rides and attractions. There are water rides, a zoo farm and a falconry display with over 50 birds of prey.
Tip: Not every ride runs every day, so check the park's website for opening times and which rides are open before you set off.
Sat nav: TQ4 7EU
An 80-acre Devon zoo with tigers, gorillas and giraffes, plus play areas, gardens and indoor habitats.
Paignton Zoo covers 80 acres of animal enclosures and gardens, and most families spend a full day here. You can follow the four zones (Wetlands, Islands, Grasslands and Rainforests), catch the daily talks and feeding sessions, and wander through nature trails in Clennon Gorge wildlife reserve.
Tip: Book tickets online ahead of your visit to save money.
Sat nav: PL4 0LF
See over 5,000 sea creatures in Plymouth, from local sharks and rays to Caribbean reef fish and jellyfish.
The National Marine Aquarium sits in Sutton Harbour, near the Barbican in Plymouth. It is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity, and is split into four zones: Plymouth Sound, Eddystone Reef, Atlantic Ocean and Blue Planet. You'll see local sharks, rays and octopus, a jellyfish exhibit, and a huge Atlantic tank holding around 1,000 Caribbean fish, with lemon and sand tiger sharks.
Tip: Pre-book your tickets online, as entry can't be guaranteed without a booking, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
Sat nav: TQ5 0ES
Agatha Christie's former holiday home, styled as in the 1950s, with woodland gardens running down to the Dart estuary.
Greenway was once the holiday home of crime writer Agatha Christie. The house is styled as it looked in the 1950s and is filled with personal collections belonging to Christie and her family, including archaeological pieces, silver, china and books. The National Trust owns it.
Tip: Parking must be pre-booked, so arrange it before you go. You can also arrive by ferry from Dartmouth.
Sat nav: TQ6 0JN
A coastal artillery fort guarding the Dart Estuary for over 600 years, with hands-on history and sea views.
Dartmouth Castle is an English Heritage fortress that has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary for over 600 years. It is one of the most beautifully located fortresses in England, with the water all around and fine views out to sea. Its earliest parts date from the 1380s, and it is described as the oldest known purpose-built coast artillery fort in Britain.
Tip: Booking tickets in advance is encouraged, and check for any local road closures on your route before driving.
Sat nav: TQ9 5NU
A well-preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castle with sweeping views over Totnes, the River Dart and Dartmoor.
Totnes Castle is one of the best preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in England, standing at the highest point of the hilltop town of Totnes in Devon. It was raised soon after the Conquest, and the stone shell-keep that crowns the mound dates from around the 14th century. It is now cared for by English Heritage.
Sat nav: PL7 4NW
Ride a steam or diesel train through the Plym Valley on a restored part of an old Great Western branch line.
The Plym Valley Railway is a heritage railway on part of the old Great Western line from Plymouth to Tavistock, which closed in 1962. Trains run from Marsh Mills station to Plym Bridge, a journey of about 1.5 miles of track. Marsh Mills is also a railway centre where volunteers preserve and restore steam and diesel locomotives, carriages and wagons.
Tip: There is no parking at Marsh Mills station, but the Coypool Park and Ride car park is directly opposite and can be used by railway visitors at weekends.
Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.
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