The Whitechapel Estate - The Local Area
There are few places in Britain that lay claim to such a beautiful combination of stunning landscapes. A coastline of spectacular cliffs, secret coves and golden beaches together with a hinterland of wild moorland, sparkling river valleys and lush rolling hills make North Devon and Exmoor a very special place to visit.
Whitechapel is extremely well placed for exploring the whole of North Devon. We are also situated within an hour's journey of Dartmoor, meaning South Devon is easily within reach.
With a 171 sq km area of outstanding natural beauty and World Class Status, North Devon is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve because of its blend of special landscapes and wildlife areas, rich cultural heritage and communities that care about it and want to sustain it into the future. North Devon is a truly unique place to visit.
North Devon has managed to maintain a delicate balance between its heritage and modern life. It is a friendly, laid-back and beautiful part of the country.
There are lots of things to see in the local area but below are a favourites ....
South Molton
South Molton (the nearest town to us, journey time by car 5 minutes), originated in early Saxon times. It is rich in traditional architecture and has a growing reputation for its antique shops, There is a regular pannier market on Thursdays and Saturdays, selling fine arts and crafts and local produce. Today it still flourishes as a market town and also boasts the largest honey farm in the country. South Molton also boasts a modern indoor climbing wall also an indoor swimming pool.
Exmoor
Exmoor, one of the smallest of Britain's National Parks, is also known as Lorna Doone country as it is the base of R.D. Blackmore's famous novel of the same name. Amongst the beautiful moorland lie several beautiful villages including Dunster - with its magnificent Dunster Castle. Exford is the ideal base to explore the ancient Tarr Steps and to take part in fishing, shooting and riding. Journey time by car to the moor is approximately 10 minutes.
Beaches
North Devon has some of the finest beaches in the UK. Here are a few:
Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a lively village with plenty of atmosphere, a fantastic beach, great pubs, restaurants. Visitors of all ages will find plenty to do away from the beach. There's a friendly, laid-back atmosphere here which visitors enjoy, bringing them back year after year. The beach lies between Morte Point and Baggy Point. It is a three-mile long stretch of golden sand - with Blue Flag and Premier Seaside Beach awards for it's cleanliness, water quality and facilities. Life guards ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water. The beach has easy disabled access, complete with shop, parking, water sports, toilets, safe swimming, and refreshments.
The rolling surf bringing unbroken Atlantic breakers from across thousands of miles of ocean to pound on this same sandy beach has something to do with it. The surfing lifestyle has brought many thousands of people to this corner of North Devon over the years. Journey time by car to Woolacombe is approximately 45 minutes.
Barricane Beach and Coombesgate Beach
If you want to get away from the crowds that fill Woolacombe during the height of the main season, then Barricane Beach and Coombesgate Beach (which can be reached from Barricane when the tide is out) are the ideal alternatives. At low tide, these beaches are full of large pools; providing safe places for children to play in. Barricane has a cafe supplying freshly prepared snacks and more, plus, mugs of tea and coffee (and awesome South Indian Thali). Journey time by car to Woolacombe is approximately 45 minutes.
Lundy Island
Lundy Island is 3 miles long and half a mile wide and has a history stretching back to Neolithic period. The name 'Lundy' derives from Norse for 'Puffin Island' - and you can still see many of these unusual birds on the island today.
It is owned by the National Trust and welcomes visitors to view its stunning landscape and beautiful and diverse wildlife. You can sail there on the MS Oldenburg from Ilfracombe or Bideford, or if you're feeling really adventurous you can fly there by helicopter.
Lynton and Lynmouth
Lynton and Lynmouth are known as the Little Switzerland of England.
These two little villages grew slowly around two deep wooded river valleys in Exmoor. The Victorians made holiday centres of the towns and opened a cliff railway in 1890 to connect Lynmouth to Lynton, creating some stunning views. Journey time by car is approximately 45 minutes.
Local pubs and places to eat
There is so much choice, places with great ales, food and location but here are a few suggestions:
South Molton has an array of takeaways, restaurants, cafés and pubs. Journey time by car to South Molton is approximately 7 minutes.
Pubs on Exmoor
The Tarr Farm Inn over looking the ancient Tarr Steps
The White Horse at Exford, journey time by car approx 45 minutes)
Pubs near South Molton
The Exeter Inn, Chittlehamholt - journey time by car to Chittlehamholt approx 10 minutes.
The Red Lion and The Globe Inn - both in Chumleigh, journey time by car to Chulmleigh approx 25 minutes)
Stags head Inn Filleigh, journey time by car to Filleigh approx 10 minutes
