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Dartmoor National Park

Did you know Holsworthy Holiday Cottages are just a stones through from the amazing wilderness of Dartmoor National Park. In fact we are just a lovely 30 minute drive away.

Park up at the old Meldon Quarry or Reservoir car parks and the wonders start right there. The reservoir is a gorgeous spot for a picnic, or for the start of a dramatic hike to a rocky tor, bolder strewn river or ancient woodland.

Alternatively have a short stroll and find the hidden lake in the old quarry pictured above.

Remember! Keep your eyes peeled for Dartmoor Ponies and other wildlife.

If you need more information just ask us, it really is a great day out!

www.dartmoor.gov.uk

Peace and Quiet…for adults only

A big change has just taken place ready for 2023! Holsworthy Holiday Cottages at Southcombe Farm is now adults only accommodation. A haven for peace and quiet in a wonderful private rural environment.

Our changeover days are now primarily, Friday and Monday making it easier for weekend breaks. Our minimum stay has been reduced to just two nights at the weekends, meaning you can now stay with us without having to take a day off work!

We look forward to welcoming you soon for a relaxing break in Heavenly Devon!

Recommendations, Reviews and Feedback

It’s always great to get feedback about your stay. It helps us know what you thought of your accommodation and how we might improve. It also helps future guests decide if we are suitable for them. This is our latest review from a booking.com guest:-

A very enjoyable, relaxing and comfortable stay.

  • The Homestead cottage has everything you need and has been done to high standard and is very comfortable, very clean, and we loved the porch seating and hammock, which was ideal for relaxing in lovely countryside surroundings and very peaceful. I didn’t cook this holiday, but there is waitrose and Co op and also M&S at petrol station nearby. Bude has Morrisons, which is about 15 mins drive.
    It is a good base to explore the many beauty spots which we travelled to, including Bude, Widemouth bay, Polzeath, Crackington Haven, Tintagel, Padstow, Boscastle and Port Isaac and we also did lots of body boarding. Paul was a great host, checked our family in and also checked we was ok with everything and then when I had a query, Paul got straight back to me,(so was always at hand if was needed), and then didn’t see him until home time for checking out. The Rydon Inn nearby for food is fabulous. We would definitely go back and would highly recommend holsworthy holiday cottages. Thank you for a memorable holiday!

For more booking.com reviews.

Swale Burning

Swale burning or swaling has been carried out in Devon for thousands of years, since prehistoric settlers first brought their livestock here.

Today swaling is still carried out on moorland and rare patches of traditional grassland called Culm. Here at Southcombe Farm we have two culm meadows which are county wildlife sites. These meadows are extremely rich in wildflowers and wildlife and are looked after using traditional methods.

Swaling

Burning is carried out most winters between the beginning of November and the end of March. It gets rid of old growth and promotes the new. Regular burning also prevents build up of large amounts of combustable debris which if ignited could cause a more dangerous wildfire.

This year we carried out our burn on the 17th of March after it had been dry for a few weeks and a strong westerly wind was blowing.

After giving the Fire Brigade notice of our intentions the fires were lit!

Within a few hours everything was burned out and clear for new Spring growth.

Today, just a few weeks later, the vigorous Spring growth is coming through. In a few more weeks the area will be a lush green bed full of wildlife and wild flowers.

In fact May and June are a great time to visit us as the wild flowers are amazing. Everything from Bluebells to Marsh Orchids on the farm trail!

After burn culm

Spring – Just around the corner!

Spring is just around the corner and you know because nature is showing us!

Frogs spawn is all around, snow drops are out and the daffodils are not far behind!

Almost Spring at Holsworthy Holiday Cottages!

See our Facebook page for lots more photos of the nature to be found at Southcombe Farm / Holsworthy Holiday Cottages! Photos!

See for yourself! Book a stay with us!

Trees Glorious Trees!

Tree Planting @ Holsworthy Holiday Cottages!

Did you know that over the last two years we have planted over 200 new native trees!  This winter we will be planting at least another 100.
Each tree, over its lifetime, say 100 years, will absorb at least 250Kg of carbon.
These pictures show new trees in the hidden valley and a one year old Oak in its tree guard.   We have also planted Scotts Pine,  Sycamore, Chestnut, Horse Chestnut, Ash, Beech, Mountain Ash and Hazel.
When you stay with us make sure you take a walk through our existing woods, see the new trees and breath in that lovely Devon country air!