Location

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Mortehoe Village

“Gateway to a wild, remote coast with a rich history of wrecking and  smuggling. Amazing walking, wildlife and sunbathing seals.” 

The National Trust

There are two pubs – both with good food menus, an award-winning Fish and Chip Shop, an outdoor tea room, a takeaway, a Post Office, a village store, and a small tea room/lunch venue. The village dates back to the doomsday book, and so we have our own Museum and a beautiful Norman church. There is also a small children’s play area. 

Walking

From the window of our sitting room that wild and remote coast is your view.  Directly opposite is access to the Coastal Path going North-East towards Morte Point, Bull Lighthouse, Lee, and eventually Ilfracombe. Behind our Cottage, the Coastal Path goes South-West to Combesgate and Woolacombe, on to Putsborough and then Croyde. Seals are regularly spotted basking in the sunshine at Morte Point. These are really lovely walks.  

Beaches

Where do we start?  North Devon beaches are spectacular.  A short walk (longer on the way back!) from the Cottage is Grunta Beach – best visited at low tide – a small sandy cove with lots of rocks.

About a mile from us is the award-winning Woolacombe beach, fabulous surfing and just wonderful for a good stomp to blow away any cobwebs.  Dog friendly, and plenty of parking. 

Other beaches nearby that need a visit are Putsborough, Croyde, and Saunton Sands. 

Ilfracombe (10 min drive)

This thriving harbour town is great for shopping, eating out, the theatre and cinema, and a visit to Damien Hirst’s “Verity” Statue. From here you can get boat trips across to Lundy Island. 

Barnstaple (30 min drive)

This is where to go for the bigger shops, and the pannier market on a wet day. 

Other Days Out

• Arlington Court – National Trust House and Gardens
• Marwood Hill Gardens
• Broomhill Sculpture Gardens and Contemporary Art Gallery
• Ilfracombe and Woolacombe Golf Range
• Cycle Hire on the Tarka Trail – Braunton 

For those younger at heart :-

• Watermouth Castle
• Combe Martin Wildlife Park
• Milky Way
• Big Sheep
• Air Extreme Trampoline Park
• Quad Biking at Key Pitts Off-Road Adventure
• Horse riding at Mullocott Stable
• Funder Island, Woolacombe
• H2Outdoors – coasteering, kayak hire, high ropes, surfing, wild swimming etc. (Book through H2Outdoors, Shop 9, The Candar Centre, Fore Street, Ilfracombe)
• North Devon Arena and Family Skate Centre – Skating, soft play, roller disco, scooters

There are local bus services from the Village to Ilfracombe, and to Woolacombe and Barnstaple. 

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