High Bickington Cottages with Hot Tubs

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High Bickington Guide

High Bickington, a picturesque North Devon village, offers an excellent base for exploring the stunning countryside while enjoying cottages with hot tubs. Located between Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks, this peaceful rural setting provides easy access to both the rugged north coast and the gentler south coast beaches.

The village sits on a ridge overlooking the Taw Valley with spectacular views. According to TripAdvisor, nearby RHS Garden Rosemoor (4.5/5) and Dartington Crystal (4/5) rank as top attractions. The area is also known for excellent walking and cycling routes through the unspoiled Devon countryside.

High Bickington has an interesting historical connection to World War II when it served as a base for American troops preparing for D-Day. The village pub, The Golden Lion, dates back to the 17th century and was reportedly visited by Sir Francis Drake.

Cottage holidays here offer privacy and freedom you won't find in hotels. Options range from cosy romantic retreats to large farmhouses for groups. Many properties feature hot tubs where you can relax while enjoying the spectacular Devon night sky.

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Sightseeing

High Bickington's central Devon location makes it perfect for exploring this beautiful county. The village itself has a lovely parish church, St Mary's, with parts dating back to the 13th century. I recommend taking the short walk up to the church for fantastic views across the Taw Valley.

RHS Garden Rosemoor (EX38 8PH) is just 7 miles away and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Open daily 10am-5pm, these stunning gardens span 65 acres with themed garden rooms, woodland walks and a restaurant serving excellent local food. The winter garden is particularly impressive if you're visiting outside summer months.

Dartington Crystal (EX38 8EX) in nearby Torrington offers factory tours where you can watch skilled craftspeople at work. TripAdvisor rates it 4/5 and it's open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sundays 10am-4pm. We think the glass blowing demonstrations are fascinating for all ages.

The beaches of North Devon are within easy reach too. Westward Ho! is about 30 minutes' drive and has a huge expanse of sand plus rock pools at low tide. Saunton Sands and Croyde, both popular with surfers, are about 40 minutes away.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages in High Bickington welcome dogs, making this an ideal spot for a holiday with your four-legged family members. The surrounding countryside offers endless walking opportunities right from your doorstep.

The Golden Lion pub in the village is dog-friendly and serves good food. They even provide water bowls and treats for canine visitors. Perfect after a long walk when you want a pint but don't want to leave your dog behind.

Beaches with year-round dog access include Instow (30 minutes' drive) and parts of Westward Ho! For summer visits when some beaches have restrictions, the Tarka Trail provides 180 miles of car-free paths following the route taken by Tarka the Otter in Henry Williamson's famous book.

Most cottages with hot tubs have enclosed gardens, but do check the specific property details. I always recommend bringing your dog's bed and familiar toys to help them settle in quickly.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in High Bickington

The Two Moors Way passes close to High Bickington. This 102-mile walking route connects Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. You don't need to tackle the whole thing! The section near High Bickington offers beautiful river views and woodland paths. A visitor last summer wrote: "Absolutely stunning scenery and well-marked paths. We saw kingfishers by the river and deer in the early morning."

Tapeley Park Gardens (EX39 4NT) is about 20 minutes' drive away and offers something different. These sustainable gardens include one of the oldest permaculture gardens in the UK. Open Sunday to Thursday, 10am-5pm between March and October. The views across the Torridge estuary are fantastic and there's a nice tea room too. Recent visitors have praised the "peaceful atmosphere" and "interesting approach to gardening."

Castle Hill Gardens (EX32 0TQ) near Filleigh cover 50 acres of parkland with follies, statues and woodland. Open February to October, Sunday to Friday 11am-5pm. The Palladian house (not open to the public) provides a dramatic backdrop. One visitor noted: "We spent hours exploring the grounds and still didn't see everything. The hot tub back at our cottage was very welcome after all that walking!"

Is High Bickington suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Many cottages provide equipment like high chairs and cots. The Big Sheep (EX39 5AP) is a farm-themed attraction about 25 minutes away with rides and animal feeding. Exmoor Zoo and Combe Martin Wildlife Park are both within driving distance too.

What's the best time of year to visit High Bickington?

Each season has its appeal. Spring brings lambs in the fields and bluebells in the woods. Summer offers the best beach weather. Autumn has spectacular colours in the woodlands. Winter is quieter but still beautiful and there's nothing better than watching the sunset from your hot tub on a crisp winter evening.

Are there good places to eat nearby?

The Golden Lion in the village serves good pub food. The Bell Inn at Chittlehampton (10 minutes' drive) has an excellent reputation for locally-sourced food. For special occasions, try The Coach & Horses in Barnstaple, which has won awards for its Sunday roasts.

Do I need a car?

Yes, public transport is limited. A car is essential for exploring the area properly and reaching shops and attractions.

Where's the nearest supermarket?

Umberleigh has a small shop for essentials (10 minutes' drive). For bigger shops, Barnstaple (20 minutes) has Tesco, Sainsbury's and Lidl. Many supermarkets deliver to cottages in High Bickington if you book a slot in advance.

What if it rains?

Devon can be wet! Fortunately, there are indoor options nearby including Dartington Crystal, The Milky Way Adventure Park and the Burton Art Gallery in Bideford. Or simply enjoy your cottage's hot tub - they're great even in the rain!