North Devon Connections. From Bristol to Bucks Mills

I so enjoy watching "Great Canal Journeys" with Timothy West and Prunella Scales. This week, as they were bobbing on the floating harbour at Bristol, the historic Schooner Kathleen and May sailed by. Leaving their canal boat they enjoyed a trip on The Matthew of Bristol then made the crossing from Clevedon to Ilfracombe aboard the Waverley Paddle Steamer, both vessels are regular visitors to North Devon The Kathleen and May was purchased by Steve Clark, OBE in 1999. It was restored and berthed in Bideford until 2010. Tim and Pru finally made a nostalgic trip to Bucks Mills and Johns Cottage where Prunella spent her childhood during the war. They were welcomed back to Bucks Mills at St. Anne’s Church by Chris Braund and 90 year old Conrad William James. At one time, almost every resident was related to the Braunds. King Cottage was once the home of the "King of Bucks", Captain James Braund.

Beyond the gate John's, Bucks Mills,- Photo copyright Pat Adams

The Lime Kiln and the steep walk down to the  beach at Bucks Mills - Photo copyright Pat Adams

King Cottage at the top of the hill - Artists Judith Ackland and Mary Stella Edwards used the Cabin on the left as their studio - Photo copyright Pat Adams

 Tap here for more information on Bucks Mills and it's history
  Catch Up Channel 4 Great Canal Journeys

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The Waverley is the world’s last sea going paddle steamer

The Matthew of Bristol is a replica of the 15th century caravel that John Cabot sailed from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497.

The Kathleen and May Schooner was purchased and towed to Brunswick Wharf, East-the-Water, Bideford then restored by Steve Clark in 1999. As a result of his efforts in this restoration he was awarded the OBE in 2008. Since 2010 Kathleen & May has been berthed in Albert Dock beside Merseyside Maritime Museum.

"Britain’s Best Holiday Park". August Bank Holiday celebrations at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

Join Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in Devon this August Bank Holiday when it celebrates scooping the title of Britain’s Best Holiday Park.

Its flagship Park, Golden Coast, beat off stiff competition to achieve this prestigious award and a wealth of celebrations will be taking place at August Bank Holiday when the trophy is presented by the organisers of the contest, Towergate Insurance.

A party atmosphere will prevail and guests will enjoy live music, an award ceremony, fun entertainment - including a bouncy castle and games and activities for the children - along with an evening firework extravaganza.

To mark the achievement, the company is highlighting two-night bank holiday breaks - starting on 29 August - at the extra special on-line price of just £199 for a party of up to six people - equating to less than £34 each - staying in a Bronze villa or apartment.

In addition to enjoying the above celebratory activities, guests can also enjoy 40 free facilities including heated indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor water play areas, tennis, fishing, a cinema, plus children’s clubs and nightly entertainment. Other facilities, payable, include a surfing simulator, a high ropes course, 10-pin bowling and a 3D cinema.

 0843 208 0368, www.woolacombe.co.uk

Outstanding. 4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

Suddenly it’s summer and time for adventure weekends away with mates or action-packed family holidays and where better to experience the very best of coast and countryside activities than Bideford Bay and the North Devon Gold Coast. The lively resort of Woolacombe is most famous for surfing and its award winning beach. Three miles of golden sand stretching out between two National Trust promontories, Baggy Point and Morte Point. High above Woolacombe is the picturesque village of Mortehoe, steeped in history and a perfect location for nature lovers hoping to explore the South West Coast Path and Morte Point. There is a wide variety of accommodation on offer including camping and touring, value and luxury caravans for hire with panoramic sea views, self catering holiday lodges, farmhouses, apartments, villas and bungalows. We know the kids love the beach but even they can get a little bored building sandcastles and rock-pooling but if you stay in one of the four seaside Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks you’re free to use the facilities on all four. You and the family can choose from over 40 FREE activities and there is even a bus service between the Parks and down to the beach. Happy Holidays!

4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

1. Golden Coast. Situated at the head of a picturesque valley, the Park is a resort within itself, perfect for countryside walks with all the facilities you could dream of to keep all ages entertained from dusk to dawn. Outstanding leisure facilities and activities. A wide choice of holiday accommodation, camping and touring. Sports Complex with surfing simulator, high ropes course, climbing wall, adventure play areas and more! 

2. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Village In an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the sea. Caravan holiday homes and stunning camping site. Excellent facilities and activities. Packed full of fun and overlooking the beach, this lively Park enjoys magnificent views across the bay and offers excellent facilities and activities to satisfy all ages including pitch & putt, adventure golf, a 9-hole family golf course and tennis courts will provide hours of free fun for everyone. Plus any weather bowling, volleyball or just have a kick around on the sports field.

3. Easewell Farm Ideally placed for exploring North Devon, the Park is in a great location nestled amidst glorious National Parkland. The Park is home to the Woolacombe & Mortehoe Golf Club, a comprehensive 9-hole course affiliated to the Golfer’s Union. Farm cottages, camping & touring with superb leisure facilities. A haven of peace and tranquillity with unforgettable views over the surrounding countryside and Woolacombe Bay.

4. Twitchen House An Edwardian manor house is at the heart of the Park, set in acres of picturesque woodland beside a sleepy Devon lane that meanders down to the village of Mortehoe. Twitchen House is an ideal haven for leisurely holidays. It is also perfect for ‘outdoorsy’ types with plenty of sports action. You can brave the 24ft climbing wall, cast out at the fishing pond or head over to the crazy golf. This pretty Park is surrounded by miles of National Trust parkland with its own footpath down to the sea and those three miles of golden sand.

 Visit Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks website for details & the latest Offers 
Tel: 0843 2080 377

Yapham - A Haven of Tranquility and Beauty

Yapham self catering cottages are situated on the stunning Hartland Peninsula equidistant between Bideford and Bude. This peninsula is a 'Hidden Gem', totally unspoilt and quite unique in it's rugged beauty and wildness. The three award-winning barn conversions are beamed throughout and full of character. Yapham Coastal Cottages are set down a private drive with marvellous views across the valley towards the sea. Ideally situated in landscaped gardens within seven acres of grounds including an ancient two-acre woodland and newly planted orchard you are assured of complete privacy. Guests are welcomed with a delicious Devon Cream Tea, chocolates and flowers. Yapham is ideally located for Exmoor, Dartmoor, the Eden Project and Cornwall. If you want to experience the best of North Devon’s coast and countryside then book your stay today. Yapham is a haven of tranquility and beauty with no noise or light pollution, you can almost touch the stars!

Click here for more accommodation details and availability

YAPHAM COASTAL COTTAGES
Hartland, Devon, EX39 6AN. Tel:01237 441916 

Web Address: www.yaphamcottages.co.uk

All three cottages are now dog friendly

Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Bucks Mills Breaks and "The Braunds"

Melinda's Cottage, is a delightful cottage in the quiet village of Bucks Mills within a conservation area on the edge of beautiful Bideford Bay. Rumour has it that the cottages were built from the timbers of Spanish galleons fleeing the Armada. The Braunds, who lived in every cottage in the village, were thought to be descended from the Spanish survivors. However it is believed that this cottage was built in about 1830. The last Braund to live here was Melinda with her husband, who worked as a chauffeur, and her seven children. The cottage was originally thatched and it is now listed. It retains many original features including the very old range which was made by Bodley in Bideford. Today the cottage is owned by the Stevens who have stayed in many self-catering cottages and have tried to provide everything for a super holiday. It is available for holidays and short breaks all year round and is a good base for exploring Bideford, Barnstaple, Clovelly, Westward-Ho! and is also close to Hartland Quay. An honest 5 minutes walk from the cottage, the path leads you passed the old lime kilns to a pebbly, sandy beach with lovely rock pools and safe swimming. The North Devon Coast Path crosses the village, leading to Clovelly in one direction and through the woods to Peppercombe in the other. Click here for more accommodation details and availability
 

MELINDA'S COTTAGE
Melinda's Cottage, 5, Forest Gardens, Bucks Mills, Nr. Bideford, North Devon, EX39 5DY
Tel: 01458 850349 Email: john.joanna@btinternet.com
Click here to visit Melinda's Cottage's Web Page

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Explore Bucks Mills with the North Devon Focus Picture

North Devon Focus on the Braund Society - "A Name to be Reckoned With"