Making the Most of Open Spaces

Open Space Holiday Ideas

Whilst tourism businesses continue to try and make sense of the current situation, we like many rural businesses feel we are (currently) able to remain open having made sensible and effective changes to help support the advice from the Government.  We are achieving social distancing by staggering feeding times (where necessary) down at the children's farm, cleaning has been significantly hightened for both our cottages and animal feeding areas; we have closed the games room and play barn and we may need to (if we continue to remain open) explore additional ideas to help keep us all safe. 

We are receiving some helpful feedback and ideas from our guests who are hoping to come and stay.  This is an often confusing and definately complex situation, we don't have all the answers but we know we are trying to keep our business running whilst keeping ourselves, our family and our guests as safe as possible.

So, aside from these measures we have put together a list of 22 Open Space ideas and challenges for families that do decide to continue with their holiday plans.

Open Space ideas

  1. Eggesford Forest : EX18 7LD  https://www.forestryengland.uk/eggesford-forest
  2. Heddon Valley : EX31 4PY  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/heddon-valley
  3. Valley of the rocks : EX35 6JH https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/247/
  4. Tarr Steps : TA22 9HL  https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/tarr-steps
  5. Landacre Bridge : TA24 7SD https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/point-of-interest/landacre-bridge
  6. Watersmeet : EX35 6NT https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/watersmeet
  7. National Trust gardens : https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/devon-gardens-to-discover-in-spring
  8. Wimbleball Lake : TA22 9NU https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/wimbleball-lake
  9. Whistlandpound Reservoir : EX31 4SJ https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/wistlandpound
  10. Fishing (Blackwell) : EX31 4ET  https://www.blakewell.co.uk/
  11. Exmoor National Park : https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/
  12. Dunkery Beacon : TA24 7AT  https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/point-of-interest/dunkery-beacon
  13. Horner Woods : TA24 8TJ  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holnicote-estate/trails/horner-wood-ancient-trees-walk
  14. Lydford Gorge : EX20 4BH https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge
  15. Gnome Reserve : EX22 7XE https://www.gnomereserve.co.uk/
  16. Tarka Trail :  https://www.exploredevon.info/activities/cycle/tarka-trail-braunton-meeth/
  17. Becky Falls : https://www.beckyfalls.com/
  18. Broomhill Sculpture Gardens : EX31 4EX http://www.broomhillart.co.uk/sculpturegardens/
  19. Appledore and Northam Burrows walk : https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/124/
  20. Castle Hill gardens : EX32 0RH https://www.castlehilldevon.co.uk/gardens
  21. Spekes Mill : EX31 1EE https://www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk/explore/spekes-mill
  22. Hartland Abbey and beach :  EX39 6DT https://www.hartlandabbey.com/walk-to-the-sea/

Challenges - Find the following and take a photo:-

  1. From Dunkery Beacon
  2. Deserted rock pool
  3. Unusual flower
  4. A rock that looks like a face
  5. A rock that looks like a bottom!
  6. Branches of a tree that look like…… you decide, but if you have to explain what it is then try again!

Businesses are going to great lengths to keep operating in these unprecadented times.  The Bell Inn at Chittlehampton has always work hard at providing a fantastic service; they have however gone above and beyond by offering to bring beer and food out to your cottage while they remain closed.  I'm sure we could make it worth their while by collaborating and placing a collective order.  Not sure if a single glass of red wine would travel though so a good reason to order a bottle:-)

There will be other great examples of imaginative businesses doing what they can to keep running and we will keep you updated as we discover more of them.

We thank you all.

 

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