Welcome to Mornacott, a hiddgen gem nestled within a conservation site on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park, just a short drive from the spectacular North Devon coastline. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Mornacott offers plenty of things to do both onsite and further afield. This guide will help you make the most of your time with us.
Onsite at Mornacott
You may wish to spend your time in the swimming pool and sauna, or indulging in some friendly competition in the games room or out on the sports field. However, there are also various ways to get out and about on the estate.
Walks through our conservation estate:
We are lucky enough to be situated with a beautiful conservation estate, set against the rolling hills of North Devon. Our land is comprised of meadows, farming fields, hedgerows, streams, and woodland, with a network of footpaths which weave through it all.
- Self-guided walking trails: We’ve created five distinct walking routes to access particularly scenic points of the estate, all of which leave right from your front door. The routes vary in length between one and five miles, although it is possible to link several together. Each route has its own map and detailed description in addition to the coloured discs on gate and fence posts to indicate the way. These self-guided walks are a wonderful way to explore the estate at your own pace, soaking up the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the area.
- Guided nature walks: Should you wish for a more immersive experience, we can offer a guided nature walk with one of our knowledgeable team members. As you explore, you can learn more about the local wildlife and history, as well as witness our conservation efforts first-hand.
Wildlife:
- Wildlife safari: Much enjoyed by children and adults alike, our wildlife safari involves a drive around the Mornacott Estate with a countryside guide. Along the way you’ll stop to view the many activities of various animals, including foxes, badgers, owls, and deer. Our specially adapted vehicle allows for greater visibility throughout the drive, while the expert knowledge of our guide provides a deeper understanding of the local wildlife, their habits and habitats.
- Photography stalking: Exmoor is famed for magnificent red deer and we occasionally see a transient herd of around 100 at Mornacott. An early morning or evening stalk with our guide and your camera usually leads to some fantastic wildlife photography.
- Deer viewing hide: Located close to our northern boundary is a specially constructed deer viewing hide where you can secure yourself in a high weatherproof cabin overlooking Exmoor. From this vantage point, one can regularly view (often at very close quarters) transient herds of Exmoor’s famous red deer.
Fishing:
- The River Yeo: For those who have their own gear, enjoy fishing for brown trout and salmon in the river that bisects the land at Mornacott.
- Coarse fishing lake: Try your luck at our well-stocked carp lake.
Out and about in the local area
In addition to the wilds of Exmoor National Park on our doorstep, which provides endless opportunities for adventure or sightseeing, the local area around Mornacott is home to lovely market towns, spectacular beaches, picturesque houses, and unique family activities.
Market towns:
- South Molton: Just five miles from Mornacott, this charming town has a range of facilities including a Post Office, several banks (with cash points), and a supermarket. It also hosts a livestock (nowadays just sheep) market on Thursdays and an excellent pannier market every Thursday and Saturday morning.
- Barnstaple: Known for its historic pannier market from Tuesday to Saturday, this town offers a greater range of shops.
- Tiverton: Visit its general market on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and its second-hand goods market on Mondays.
- Exeter: As the county’s provincial capital, Exeter boasts an excellent range of boutique shops in addition to a weekly farmer’s market held every Thursday morning. Exeter’s Christmas market, usually held on the grounds of the city’s beautiful cathedral, is a seasonal favourite, while throughout the summer you can find the Exeter’s Potters Market on the quayside.
Beaches:
There are no less than 22 popular beaches within easy reach of Mornacott. Many feature in the MCS Good Beach Guide or have seaside awards. A few of our favourites include:
- Saunton Sands: Enjoy eight kilometres of golden sands with the beautiful dunescape of Braunton Burrows in the background. This is one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK and is designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
- Croyde: A top surfer’s beach with board and equipment hire. The beach is beautifully sandy and has excellent facilities complemented by the pretty thatched village of Croyde itself.
- Woolacombe: One of the most popular beaches of the area, with golden sand, a ‘blue flag seaside award resort’, easy access, shops, nature trails and water sports.
- Putsborough: Another popular sandy beach with fewer facilities and often quieter than Woolacombe.
Houses & gardens:
- RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington: An expansive collection of beautiful gardens, with a shop, cafe and restaurant onsite.
- Knighthayes Court, Tiverton: A National Trust house boasting Gothic Revival architecture, 19th-century parkland and various gardens in addition to an onsite shop and cafe.
Family activities:
- Quince Honey Farm, South Molton: This is the world’s largest exhibition of living honeybees, situated within an indoor apiary. The farm has a Honey Factory and expansive Nectar Gardens to explore, and visitors can learn about honey production through an innovative immersive ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience. Indoor and outdoor play areas are great for children, and there is also an onsite restaurant and shop.
- Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe: An exciting family theme park with large grounds and gardens overlooking the sea, Watermouth Castle has numerous attractions, rides, museums and exhibitions.
- Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Lynmouth: Located between the seaside villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, this steam-powered railway takes its carriages up and down the cliff, treating passengers to spectacular views of the North Devon coastline.
- Cobbaton Combat Collection, Chittlehampton: Completely undercover, this collection contains items from both World Wars as well as from the Falklands and Gulf Wars. There is an onsite shop selling refreshments, surplus uniforms and souvenirs.
- The Big Sheep, Bideford: Boasting sheep shows, vast indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a petting farm, and a cafe, farm shop, brewery and distillery, The Big Sheep has attractions for all the family.
- Rock and Rapid Adventures, South Molton: This indoor climbing wall allows beginners and experienced climbers the opportunity to climb to different levels of experience.
More information about local amenities can be found on our FAQ page.
However you choose to spend your time here at Mornacott, we hope you enjoy your stay!
