January 2019 – Looking forward to Spring – photography & painting

January is a time for me to explore some other crafts – painting and photography – Here’s a few Crystal Ball photographs from around the farm and a couple of water colour paintings of friends house – Enjoy;

Crystal Ball photo at Huxtable Farm

Water colour painting of local house

If you are a photographer or artist you are welcome to practice your skills at Huxtable Farm B&B whilst staying here, find a quiet area on the farm and experiment – woodland, pond, stream with waterfall, with a variety of wildlife, pasture with sheep, hens and panoramic views of Devon, including a picturesque valley! Check out available B&B dates here

Please click on this link (2019 events dates) for some events to look forward to whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B and here for things you can do for free such as ;- Witness our small flock of Jacob ewes lambing during the weeks of April. Easter is on the 21st April; look forward to Easter Egg hunts at all the attractions in the area; Quince Honey Farm opening in April at it’s new larger site, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Other dates to remember: 31st March Mother Day, 21st April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 6th & 27th May. 16th June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 26th August.

Already the snowdrops are emerging and a few primroses, Devon’s flower, are bringing some colour to this cooler month.

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0SR

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Happy New Year – 2019

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2019 from all at Huxtable Farm B&B xx

Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Photos

Please click on this link (2019 events dates) for some events to look forward to whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B and here for things you can do for free

Such as ;- Witness our small flock of Jacob ewes lambing during the weeks of April. Easter is on the 21st April; to look forward to Easter Egg hunts at all the attractions in the area; Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Other dates to remember: 31st March Mother Day, 21st April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 6th & 27th May. 16th June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 26th August.

Huxtabke Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 0SR

Our Springer looks forward to showing you around the farm 🙂

A taster of Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Accommodation, near Barnstaple/Exmoor/SouthMolton North Devon

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October – Half Term – Things to do

Apple Picking

Here at Huxtable Farm B&B, we are still busy picking apples so that we have plenty to serve as a compote at the breakfast table. Whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B you are very welcome to pick your own apples and do some fabulous fungi spotting, there have been some great varieties this year, here are a few photographs for you to enjoy.

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: Fungi at Huxtable Farm B&B

There is still so much to do in North Devon during October;

Autumn leaves at North Devon B&B

Enjoy an autumnal walk from Huxtable Farm, through woodlands amongst the glorious golden colours of the tree canopy.

Taste delicious West Country Food at award winning eateries, local farmers markets and food festivals e.g. North Devon Food Fest 21st October

Have a Batty time, at National Trust Arlington Court, by following the spooky bat trail and finding out more about the bats that live at Arlington Court 20th -28th October 2018

Moon seen from Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve

Gaze at the stars and moon on a clear, crisp night or during Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 20th October – 4th November

Hunt for Exmoor Red Deer (with your eyes & camera) during the rutting season (October) when Stags give their location away when they ‘roar’ also know as ‘bolving’ Exmoor Rangers lead deer walks and there are a few 4X4 off road tour guides who will show you where to find the deer.

Don’t forget to click on this link to see what ‘Things you can do for free at Huxtable Farm’

Pumpkin carving 26, 27 & 28th October at RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Ruth Bateman’s easel

New this October at Huxtable Farm – Three day painting expressive and experimental painting course at Huxtable Farm 23^rd, 24^th & 25^th October 2018 10am – 4pm with Ruth Bateman – Click here to find out the details

Bespoke art day with Ruth Bateman

Book your stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

Huxtable Farm, West Buckland, situated half way between Barnstaple & South Molton, near Exmoor National Park, Devon

New valley view through trees on Huxtable Farm Devon Wildlife Trail, now that our neighbour has felled a woodland area

Beautiful valley view through trees on Huxtable Farm Devon Wildlife Trail

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September – Things to do & Tour of Britain 2018

Tour of Britain North Devon

Tour of Britain 2018 – Travelled through North Devon on Monday 3rd September – The cyclist rode through a building (South Molton Pannier Market) for the first time in its 12 years , then on to Filleigh (3 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B), to Barnstaple then a circuit to Coombe Martin, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Croyde, Braunton and finishing in Barnstaple about 3.45pm, thrilling to see although all over in a few minutes!

Harvesting Figs, Blackberries, Apples & Tomatoes

September and here at Huxtable Farm B&B, we are busy harvesting natures delicious, natural food from the hedgerows and trees, blackberries, elderberries, sloes, hazelnuts and a wide variety of apples from small crab apples to pippins. – You are welcome to pick your own too and do some fungi spotting whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B!

The forbidden fruit – Apples, are well used in Devon to produce delicious apple juice and Devon Cider/Scrumpy! You can sample locally produced ‘Little Emlett Orchard’ apple juice at Huxtable Farms’ breakfast. One of Devon’s Cider makers is situated within 10 miles of Huxtable Farm; Hancocks Cider, Clapworthy Mill, established over 50 yrs ago uses 35 tons of Devon apples to produce about 5,000 gallons of Cider a year.

Autumn leaves at Huxtable Farm B&B North Devon

There is still so much to do in North Devon during September, from enjoying autumnal walks from Huxtable Farm, through woods amongst the glorious golden colours of the tree canopy, to tasting delicious west country food at food festivals, book and craft fairs, or enjoying all the fun & excitement of Barnstaple and South Molton Carnivals & Fun Fairs.

North Devon Food Festivals

Click here to see what ‘Things you can do for free at Huxtable Farm’ or on the links below for; Events and things to do in North Devon during September:-

21st – 29th September Appledore Book Festival where you have a chance to meet authors such as Michael Palin, Michael Morpurgo (author of the ‘War Horse’) and Kate Mosse.

RHS Rosemoor Gardens – Has so many events during September including; 7th – 8th September – Autumn Design for Living weekend , 15 – 16th September – The Taste of Autumn Artisan Food Fair , 23 September – Autumn – Plant Fair. 28th – 30th September – Real Ale, Gin & Music Weekend.

South Molton Carnival 29th September

Art Trek 2018 – North Devon Open Studios 14th – 30th September. Huxtable Farm’s Jacob wool is part of this years Art Trek open to the public on the 15th, 16th, 18th, 25th, 29th & 30th September 11am – 4pm.

Art Trek North Devon 2018

Art Trek at Huxtable Farm

Art Trek tea & cakes

October dates for your diary; –

Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 20th October – 4th October

North Devon Food Fest 21st October

New this year at Huxtable Farm – Three day painting course with Ruth Bateman – 23, 24 & 25th October – Click here to find out the details

Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, situated half way between Barnstaple & South Molton, near Exmoor National Park, Devon

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August – Things to do in North Devon

Cards painted by Jackie

Although a bit of the shock to the system, the much need rain at the end of July will be great to get the grass growing again. and the sheep will be happy not be eating what looked & felt like crispy hay!

In the good weather I’ve been busy painting producung some cards and prints available to purchase, printed from some of my art work.

There’s so much to see and do in North Devon with so much going on during August, here’s a little sample of what’s happening;

Instow from Appledore

1st August North Devon Show

4th – 11th August Combe Martin Carnival week

5th August Appledore and Instow Regatta Day , a day of races and activities.

10th August World Championship Crabbing Contest on , starting at 5pm on Appledore Quay.

11th August; Lynmouth Raft Race, The Big Sheep BMX Day, Ilfracombe’s South West Birdman, where people jump of the pier in an attempt to fly in fun costumes

11th and 12th August Exmoor Zoo Bug Weekend – Get up close to some of England’s bugs

16th August Dartington Crystal, glassware company are having a gin event. They’ll be making their own crystal gin for one day only and are also offering free engraving when you buy a bottle of gin and a pair of gin glasses.

18th August the Pleasure Dome Theatre Company will be performing Lear at the Valley of Rocks near Lynton and Lynmouth

RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

18th August Clovelly’s Gig Regatta Day with live music and BBQ

17, 18 & 19th August RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

18th – 19th August Bubblicious Bubble Weekend at The Big Sheep, where you can make some gigantic bubbles 🙂

19th August Appledore Carnival

23rd – 25th August at the Landmark Theatre Ilfracombe Beer Festival

25th August the Grand Tour MINI Run at The Big Sheep

National Trust Arlington Court

26th August Marshall from Paw Patrol will be at The Big Sheep

26th August Ilfracombe Carnival

27th August. Watch the end of the annual MINI Madness Grand Tour in Ilfracombe

31st August Alice’s adventures in Wonderland at National Trust Arlington Court

Throughout August Quince Honey Farm will be hosting live beekeeping demonstrations and RHS Garden Rosemoor are holding a Jurassic Discovery Garden Trail

Not forgetting that there are so many Free things to do at Huxtable Farm B&B

and beautiful North Devon places to visit;

Valley of the Rocks near Lynton and Lynmouth

Watersmeet Exmoor

National Trust Arlington Court

Baggy Point Cafe Sandleigh

September & October at Huxtable Farm ;

New this year at Huxtable Farm – Three day painting course with Ruth Bateman – 23, 24 & 25th October – Click here to find out the details

Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, North Devon, England

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July – Fruit, butterflies & Things to do in North Devon

Butterfly-tortoiseshell

Butterfly Peacock

Butterfly Green Veined White

Butterfly Meadow Brown

Butterfly

Speckled wood Butterfly

The warm sunny weather this summer has been great for the butterflies

Shorn Jacob sheep

Fruit; Raspberries, Gooseberries and Logenberries

The ewes are pleased to have been shorn on the 2/7/18 and we now have Jacob fleeces available to purchase for spinning or felting. We also have some brown fleeces, a perfect natural material for when the weather gets colder and your plants e.g. Dalia’s need some protection from the frost.

Fruit picking is going well; the redcurrants are now Redcurrant Jelly, delicious with our Huxtable Farm Jacob Lamb. The gooseberries ‘Elderflower & Gooseberry Jam’ to have at the breakfast table with a warm croissant or some toasted homemade bread. The raspberries and loganberries as fresh fruit for breakfast.

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival

Things to do/Events this July;

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival has 2000 roses on display now 16th June – 22nd July – The largest rose gardens in the South West.

RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

17, 18 & 19th August RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

New valley view through trees on Huxtable Farm Devon Wildlife Trail, now that our neighbour has felled a woodland area

National Trust Arlington Court – What’s on in July

Things to do for free at Huxtable Farm B&B

Tiverton Mid Devon Show 28th July

North Devon Show 1st August

Visit & see beautiful North Devon places;

National Trust Baggy Point near Croyde beach

Exmoor ponies near Landacre Bridge Exmoor

Tarr Steps Exmoor

Fly catcher on nest

Or stay at Huxtable Farm and enjoy the wildlife, such as these two very different fly catchers!

Cobwebs

Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, North Devon EX32 0SR

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July – Fruit picking and things to do

Butterflies & grasshopper at Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon/Exmoor

The beautiful weather through out May and July has been lovely for the butterflies, grasshopper and insects around the farm but the sheep are looking forward to getting shorn on the 1st July –

The ‘King’ sheep at Huxtable Farm B&B

Some sheep decided to shed their fleece already and who blames them, this Jacob obviously is keen to be the ‘King’ of the flock keeping it’s mane 🙂

Gooseberry & Elderflower Jam

Fruit picking has started – Gooseberry’s, redcurrants and the raspberries will be ready soon.

Fresh home-grown fruit for the breakfast table and homemade jams – ‘Elderflower & Gooseberry’ is a favourite jam with many to have on Huxtable Farm’s home baked granary toast or croissant.

Things to do/Events this July;

RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival has 2000 roses on display now 16th June – 22nd July – The largest rose gardens in the South West.

Clovelly Maritime Festival 14th July

National Trust Arlington Court – What’s on in July

Things to do for free at Huxtable Farm B&B

Tiverton Mid Devon Show 28th July

North Devon Show 1st August

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May – Bluebell walks, Beautiful Gardens, Devon County Show and more …

Lambing finished a few days ago and the lambs are growing well, despite the grass not growing as vigorously as it should be at this time of year.

Please click HERE to view other video’s taken at Huxtable Farm B&B.

rhubarb in garden

We’ve just enjoyed this years first rhubarb at breakfast and soon I’ll be able to plant out the various seedlings from the greenhouse too. With so much to do in the garden at this time of year it’s always great to have a break and visit RHS Rosemoor Gardens and see what the experts are doing and get inspiration from the other glorious Gardens of North Devon; Castle Hill Gardens (just down the road from Huxtable Farm) is looking good this month with it’s camellias in flower. Marwood Hill Garden with it’s beautiful wisteria archway.

Walking in North Devon during May is very popular staying over night at Huxtable Farm B&B whilst walking the Macmillan Way West or Tarka Trail, both passing the entrance to Huxtable Farm – We always enjoying hearing about everyone’s adventures! Click here for information on walking & cycling in North Devon.

Treasue Trail at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon

If you enjoy a walk in the countryside, Huxtable Farm’s Devon Wildlife farm trail has a variety beautiful wild flowers and foliage to enjoy in its variety of habitats; woodland, pasture, pond, bracken slope and hedges. To make it even more interesting we even have a ‘Treasure Trail’ for you to enjoy!

Events taking place during May;

The Devon County Show, takes place this month on the 17th, 18th & 19th May, near Exeter. With something for everyone from prize winning animals, new vehicles & machinery to beautiful crafts & scrumptious food & drink, this is a great day out for all.

RHS Rosemoor Gardens Spring Design & Living Fair 5th – 7th May, Plant Heritage Spring Fair 12th – 13th May & future event – RHS Rossmoor’s Flower Show 17th -19th August.

20th May & 10th June 2018 – Point to Point at Bratton Down.

Tomatoes, vines & sunflowers in greenhouse

Fun filled drop in craft and ranger days at National Trust Arlington Court

Bee Keeping experience days at Quince Honey Farm

Meet ‘Chase’ from Paw Patrol at The Milky Way Adventure Park 2nd June

Meet Rex the T-Rex and his baby dinosaurs at The Big Sheep Adventure Park 6th May

In June you can look forward to;

The South Molton Vintage Rally: 2nd & 3rd June : Cars, motorcycles, steam engines, crafts, & demonstrations of rural skills.

Clovelly Seaweed Festival, 27th May : Promoting seaweed for its immense health & nutritional benefits, in aid of North Devon Hospice

or just come and enjoy panoramic views from Huxtable Farm B&B!

Enjoying the view South towards Dartmoor

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February-Snowdrops and things to do this year

Bird box

Time to enjoy the beautiful snowdrops of North Devon, littered in the hedgerow at Huxtable Farm B&B , RHS Rosemoor and at Snowdrop Valley (a privately owned remote valley in a hidden part of Exmoor close to Whedden Cross open to the public 27th Jan – 25th Feb)

The bird boxes are up around the farm again – Looking forward to house this year’s Spring birds.

Stream on Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

This February you can also get a taste of Exmoor by sampling the delicious, local food prepared by some great Exmoor restaurants during ‘The Exmoor Food Festival’ – Eat your way across Exmoor during February 2018! Participating restaurants across the region will offer 2 courses for £10.00 / 3 courses for £15.00 between 1st and 28th February. Great to stop off at during a walk on Exmoor or after having done Huxtable Farm’s Wildlife Trail

Our flock of sheep are due to start lambing at the end of March and during April – Do come and enjoy this time of year with us.

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon in February and March we have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 13th March 2018.

Owl box on Wildlife farm trail

Otherwise, please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2018 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar

Including some #Easter #Egg hunts to look forward to at all the attractions in the area;
April – RHS Rosemoor – Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt & Easter crafts.
Easter fun at National Trust Arlington Court & Cadburys Easter Eggs Hunt.
Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, NT Arlington Court, RHS Rosemoor, Hartland Abbey and find the Easter chicks at Clovelly!

Bottle fed tame lamb

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February – Snow drops, Valentines, Pancake day and things to do

Snowdrop bank at Huxtable Farm B&B North Devon

Breath taking sunset at the end a fresh, crisp frosty day at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon, with Valentines approaching!

Breath taking sunset at the end a fresh, crisp frosty day at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon, with Pancake day Valentines approaching!

We hope everyone is keeping warm during these fresh, crisp, frosty days. Here the wood burners are roaring with wood from the farm – great for warming up next to having come in from outside.

Roaring log fires at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon and the first frog spawn of 2017 will soon be appearing in the Devon Wildlife pond!

Roaring log fires at Huxtable Farm B&B, North Devon and the first frog spawn of 2018 have appeared in the Devon Wildlife pond!

To help you enjoy what’s going on in North Devon in February and March we have some SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES at Huxtable Farm B&B until 13th March 2018.

Otherwise, please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2018 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar

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Blog

January 2019 – Looking forward to Spring – photography & painting

Happy New Year – 2019

October – Half Term – Things to do

September – Things to do & Tour of Britain 2018

August – Things to do in North Devon

July – Fruit, butterflies & Things to do in North Devon

July – Fruit picking and things to do

May – Bluebell walks, Beautiful Gardens, Devon County Show and more …

February-Snowdrops and things to do this year

February – Snow drops, Valentines, Pancake day and things to do

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