Its not just all surfing and beaches! Situated right on the Devon/Cornwall border, the farm is the perfect location to explore and see what else these counties have to offer...
The one thing both counties are famous for is Cream Teas - but beware, they get pretty fussy about which way up the jam & cream go! As long as there's plenty of both I'm not fussed, but if you're looking for a great cream tea locally then you can't go wrong with The Rectory Farm Tea Rooms at Morwenstow who won a Taste of The West GOLD award in 2017. Whilst you're there, walk off all those calories and explore the dramatic south west coast path at Morwenstow - don't forget to look out for Hawkers Hut- the hideaway of eccentric local poet and vicar Rev. Hawker, who's poem Song of The Western Men, became the Cornish national anthem
Cornwall's industrial history means that it is a World heritage site. Head south on the A30 or across the moors and you can't miss the ruins of engine houses dotted around. A large number of sites in West Cornwall were used for filming Poldark - including Botallack & Levant Mine. Closer to home, head east onto Dartmoor and explore the ancient stannary town of Tavistock, and find about the history of mining at nearby Morwellham Quay. Of course one area of disused china clay pits have been turned into what is probably Cornwall's most famous attraction - The Eden Project
Historic Houses & Glorious Gardens
The wealth brought in by a long history of tin and copper mining means that there are a large number of stately homes and gardens to explore. Lanhydrock near Bodmin is a popular choice, but if you're visiting at Christmas, a trip to Cothele to see its famous garland is a must. Cornwall has a multitude of gardens to choose from but my personal favourite (if you are lucky enough to be visiting at the right time) is Tregothnan, the home of Cornish tea and probably the best gardens in Cornwall.These gardens are only open just one weekend a year (13th & 14th April 2019 will be the next time). Don't forget Devon though - RHS Rosemoor and Hartland Abbey are well worth visiting all year round.
Fishing has also long been at the heart of both Cornish & Devon life. The village of Clovelly on the North Devon Coast was recently in the running for village of the year. Uniquely, this village is entirely privately owned and its steep cobbled streets only accessible on foot (or donkey) although there is landrover access for an extra fee. There is an entry fee to the village but this includes parking and entry to Clovelly's museums, Visitors centre and Clovelly Court Gardens. In Cornwall, Boscastle
should be on your to do list. Made famous by the devastating floods in 2004, the village has been restored to its former glory. Look out for the Devils Bellows blow hole and the rebuilt Museum of Witchcraft (the original building was destroyed in the floods)
Wildlife of all varieties can be enjoyed across both counties, but known as the Galapagos of the south
west, Lundy has to be top of the list for a visit. From the Norse for "Puffin Island", this small island of the North Devon coast, is a haven for seabirds as well as in a marine conservation area. Puffin numbers are on the rise again (after the population was nearly wiped out by rats) and between April & September is the best time to spot these and many other species of birds such as Manx Shearwater, Razorbills and Guillemots. Enjoy a day on Lundy and you will also be able to spot the wild deer, goats and ponies scattered among the 42 scheduled ancient monuments and listed buildings and seals bobbing in the waters below the cliffs. The boat trip across from Bideford on the MS Oldenberg is also often a chance to spot dolphins. If you'd like to explore more thoroughly, the rangers offer guided tours both on land and below the water!
Explore the Moors. In just 30 minutes you can be on Dartmoor which has great walking and cycling routes for all abilities. If you're looking for a relatively easy walk, then a lakeside route round Meldon Reservoir near Okehampton is a good choice. If you're feeling a bit more Hound of The Baskervilles, then head to central Dartmoor - there are some easy routes from the visitors centres at Haytor and Princetown and lots of little car parks dotted along the main routes with short walks up to the tors for some great views. Although you can see Brown Willy from the farm (Bodmin's highest point), Bodmin Moor is about 45 minutes away, home to the famous Jamaica Inn (and some say The Beast!). Enjoy an easy stroll along Golitha Falls - or if you're feeling energetic, a bit of rock scrambling along the riverside to experience them at their best.