Nici’s guidebook

Arlington Court - Visit this neoclassical country house to see displays of model ships, costume, pewter, and shells amassed by the last owner, the eccentric and widely travelled Miss Chichester. The 3,500 acre estate includes formal Victorian and walled kitchen gardens as well as informal parkland. Don’t miss the collection of over 50 horse-drawn carriages, ranging from the humble Hansom cab to the grandiose State Coach. Potters Hill, - North Devon’s mini mountain, and hike across Woolacombe Down to spot Exmoor ponies. Just a stone’s throw away from the dunes of Woolacombe's wide, sandy bay, but a million miles away from the crowds. Morte Point and Baggy Point - The tapering headland of Morte Point is renowed for both its wild beauty and treacherous sea conditions. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and watch out for wildlife, such as seals and hovering kestrels. Baggy Point, on the other end of Woolacombe beach, is a haven for thrill seekers, but for those who just want an amble, there’s also an easy access route. Watersmeet - Enjoy the challenges of the tumbling rocks and deep pools of this dramatic river gorge and ancient woodland. Canoeing and fishing both take place in the East Lyn River; or look out for otters, red deer, buzzards, dippers, heron and a variety of flowers and insects. A visit here is not complete without sampling a cream tea in the garden of Watersmeet House There is also Knightshayes Court which is a Victorian country house near Tiverton, Devon, designed by William Burges for the Heathcoat-Amory family. Nikolaus Pevsner describes it as "an eloquent expression of High Victorian ideals in a country house of moderate size." The house is Grade I listed. It also has woodland walks and a walled garden. About 45 mins from Nuthatch.