Harvesting Blackberries

Fungi at Huxtable Farm

Fungi at Huxtable Farm

September is a time to enjoy natures harvest; tomatoes, figs, apples, blackberries & elderberries. I love making delicious compotes and scrummy homemade jam to sample at the breakfast table and jams for campers to purchase.

Whilst staying at Huxtable Farm during September you are very welcome to pick some apples and blackberries to take home or walk around the farm, looking for the different varieties of fungi we have.

There are still some dates available on the camping pitches but B&B is fully booked during September.

Camping availability

Walking-North-Devon, Exmoor & South West Coast Path

Walking-North-Devon, Exmoor & South West Coast Path

Here’s some ideas of what to do & see on your visit to North Devon & Exmoor during September;- Take a ride on a differnet train; the narrow gauge stream train at Woody Bay Station, on Lynton Lynmouths Cliff Railway powered by water or the West Somerset Railway steam train.

Enjoy autumnal walks from Huxtable Farm, through wooded valleys (Coombes) and breathtaking views from hill tops. A few miles away explore the expanse of Exmoor and cliff top views of the South West Coast Path.

RHS Rosemoor

RHS Rosemoor

There are so many beautiful Gardens to visit in North Devon;  Castle Hill gardens 2 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B, Marwood Hill Gardens, Tapely Park Instow, not forgetting RHS Rosemoor near Torrington, you will be spoilt for choice.

Dartington Crystal, glassware company, is great to visit any time of year; watch the glass blowers, have a go at painting glass or browse the shop for a special gift for a family or friend.

If you wish to have a car free day there are so many free things you can do at Huxtable Farm B&B

Events taking place in North Devon during September;-

Books by North Devon Authors

Books by North Devon Authors

Barnstaple Funfair 13th, 14th & 15th September 2023

15th – 24th September 2023: – Appledore Book Festival – A chance to meet your favourite author!

Here at Huxtable Farm we giving all who stay here a free copy of our book ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm’, telling you all about the farm, it’s history, Huxtable ancestry and its neighbours!

Antony, Jackie & Bella, the dog, look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm.

 

Lynton-Lynmouth-Railway

Lynton-Lynmouth-Railway

Walk the Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

August School Holidays – Fun with the children

It’s August so the summer holidays have arrived and it’s time to have some family fun in North Devon, whilst staying at Huxtable Farm, either in the ensuite family B&B bedrooms or camping on the three exclusive camping pitches, each with their own private bathroom.

B&B availability   Camping availability

Pedro Peacock

Pedro Peacock

Meet Pedro, the peacock, hens, chicks, guinea fowl and Jacob sheep.

Explore the farm via it’s Devon Wildlife Farm Trail or Treasure Trail and get back to nature; fish for newts and see what other wildlife you can find in the pond.

Count how many teapots are hanging in the teapot tree and find the fairies.

Fairies

See how many fairies you can find in the quiet corner of the farm next to the stream

Build a den in the woodland

Build a den in the woodland

Jacob sheep and Sunset

or just watch the sunset

Here’s some other suggestions of ‘Free things to do on the farm’

With so many beautiful places to visit in North Devon there’s so much to see and do:

Spot majestic Exmoor ponies on Exmoor

Spot majestic Exmoor ponies on Exmoor

Cycle the Tarka Trail

Cycle the Tarka Trail

Go surfing at the beach

Go surfing at the beach

Go swimming in Westward Ho! sea pool

Go swimming in Westward Ho! sea pool

Visit the many Gardens of North Devon including RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Visit the many Gardens of North Devon including RHS Rosemoor Gardens

 

 

Walk parts of the South West Coast Path e.g Morthoe Point, North Devon

Walk parts of the South West Coast Path e.g Morthoe Point, North Devon

Click here for a link to family attractions to visit in North Devon

Events during August

2nd August 2023 – North Devon Show, Barnstaple

18, 19 & 20th August 2023 RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

We also recommend that you book places to eat at in the evening prior to your arrival in August, please view “Local eating places in North Devon”

 

RHS Rosemoor June Roses

June & July- Things to do in North Devon

Camping pitch

Camping at Huxtable Farm

Now that the summer days are longer and warmer camping at Huxtable Farm is popular, especially if you wish to camp with no other campers next to you and have your own private bathroom.

If you have family members who are not keen on camping, then Huxtable Farm has the luxury of being able to offer them Huxtable Farms B&B accommodation, whilst those who wish to camp under canvas or the stars can still do so.

With the farm (woodland, pasture, pond & stream) to explore, via it’s Devon Wildlife Trail, you have a chance to ‘ Get back to nature’, breath in the countryside and enjoy the space our farm has to offer.

Here’s a link to some suggestions of FREE things you can do on the farm too.

Check B&B availability

Check Camping availability

Gardens of North Devon

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Roses in June

June & July are also fantastic times to visit the wonderful gardens in North Devon including; RHS Rosemoor, with it’s Rose festival 17th June – 16Th July (Rosemmor probably has the largest variety of roses, more than 2000, in the UK), Castle Hill Gardens (just 2 miles down the road from Huxtable Farm), Marwood Hill gardens just the other side of Barnstaple, Tapeley Park at Instow and National Trust Arlington Court, 12 miles north west of Huxtable Farm.

Cycling theTarka Trail, North Devon

Cycling theTarka Trail, North Devon

For the adverturous, there are bike trails, such as the Tarka trail or mountain biking on Exmoor with ‘Exmoor Adventures‘ who also offer paddle boarding, kayaking, rock climbing & archery. Surfing at the reknowned beaches of Croyde, Saunton and Woolacombe, or kite surfing at Westward Ho! Off road adventures at ‘Keypitts’, where you can have a 4X4 Landrover experience, go Quad biking or Axe throwing.

Fruit; Raspberries, Gooseberries and Logenberries

Fruit; Raspberries, Gooseberries and Logenberries

Here on the farm, it’s a busy time, picking fruit, to be used at the breakfast table either served fresh, as a compote or homemade jam to enjoy on freshly baked toasted bread.

It’s also time when the Jacob sheep are shorn and their Jacob fleeces are sorted so that they are suitable for crafters to purchase, such as spinners or felters.

Shearing the Jacob sheep in June

Shearing the Jacob sheep in June

 

Fish for frogs in the pond

August – School Holidays – lets have some fun ;)

The children have broken up from school and the August summer holidays are here!

Explore the farm via it’s Devon Wildlife Farm Trail or Treasure Trail  and get back to nature;

Count how many teapots are hanging in the teapot tree and

Fairies

See how many fairies you can find in the quiet corner of the farm next to the stream

Build a den in the woodland

Build a den in the woodland

Fish for frogs in the pond

Fish for frogs in the pond

Jacob sheep and Sunset

or just watch the sunset

Here’s some other suggestions of ‘Free things to do on the farm’

With so many beautiful places to visit in North Devon there’s so much to see and do:

Spot majestic Exmoor ponies on Exmoor

Spot majestic Exmoor ponies on Exmoor

Cycle the Tarka Trail

Cycle the Tarka Trail

Go surfing at the beach

Go surfing at the beach

Go swimming in Westward Ho! sea pool

Go swimming in Westward Ho! sea pool

Visit the many Gardens of North Devon including RHS Rosemoor Gardens

Visit the many Gardens of North Devon including RHS Rosemoor Gardens

 

 

Walk parts of the South West Coast Path e.g Morthoe Point, North Devon

Walk parts of the South West Coast Path e.g Morthoe Point, North Devon

Link to family attractions to visit in North Devon

We look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm B&B and Camping, North Devon and helping you decide what to do each day.

B&B availability Camping availability

Events well worth visiting during August

3rd August 2022 – North Devon Show, Barnstaple

19, 20 & 21st August RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

Wild English Bluebells at Huxtable Farm B&B

May – Walks in North Devon, Exmoor and South West Coast Path

Sunset walk river Barle Exmoor

Sunset walk river Barle Exmoor

The Devon hedgerows are littered with Yellow primrose (Devon’s County flower), pink campions, bluebells, cow parsley & wild garlic at the moment. The bluebells are looking fabulous and the wild garlic has an amazing aroma, as I walk the Devon Wildlife Farm Trail with Bella, our friendly Springer, I really must make some garlic pesto! The blossom; cherry, crabapple & hawthorn is stunning – It’s such a beautiful time of year to dust off the walking boots and discover a new trail on Exmoor or walk part of the South West Coast Path.

Treasure Trail at Huxtable farm B&B, near South Molton

Treasure Trail at Huxtable farm B&B, near South Molton

Walking in North Devon during May is very popular – The Macmillan Way West and Tarka Trail, both passing the entrance to Huxtable Farm B&B so we get quite a few staying over night and we always enjoying hearing about everyone’s adventures!

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 varied habitats; woodland, pasture, pond, bracken slope and hedges. To make it even more interesting we also have a ‘Treasure Trail’ for you to enjoy!

Walking in North Devon & Exmoor

Check available B&B dates at Huxtable Farm B&B and available Camping Pitches (Only three exclusive pitches each with their own wash room)

B&B availability

Camping availability

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

Tame lamb in bluebells

Tame lamb in bluebells

Lambing has been good and the lambs are growing well in the fields. We have a tame, orphan lamb who enjoy being fed a bottle of milk, going for a walk and having a cuddle.

We’ve just enjoyed this years first crop of rhubarb at breakfast. 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 fabulous this month with it’s camellias in flower as is Marwood Hill Garden with it’s beautiful wisteria archway.

Events taking place during May;

RHS Rosemoor Gardens Spring Plant Fair 7-8th May & other events

Point to point horse racing

Point to point horse racing, North Devon

15th & 22nd May & 5th June 2022 – Point to Point at Bratton Down.

Bee Keeping experience days at Quince Honey Farm 18th & 19th May

Clovelly Seaweed Festival, 29th May 2022 : Promoting seaweed for its immense health & nutritional benefits and in aid of North Devon Hospice

or just come and enjoy panoramic views at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon

Flower Pots at Huxtable Farm B&B

Flower Pots at Huxtable Farm B&B & Camping pitches

Braunton Burrows

Braunton Burrows

Tame orphan Romney lamb cuddle

March – Lambing and Mothers Day

lamb chilling on starw bales

 

Love this time of year, the days are getting longer, brighter and drier with some refreshing, frosty mornings. Nature is waking up the daffodils, crocuses and primroses bringing some much needed colour to the farm. Some bees are venturing out for a little food and the frogs and toads are spawning in the pond. It’s also a time of sleep deprivation & great anticipation, as we get up at various times during the night to check on the sheep to see if they require any lambing assistance.

With Mother’s Day (27th March) approaching we get the chance to express our love to all Mothers i.e those who have strong bonds with children whether they are their own blood siblings or not.

Set of 5 cards of your choice £10

Set of 5 cards of your choice £10

Here are some idea’s to help you spoil your special Mum; Buy a unique gift from Huxtable Farm’s Shop; 100% Jacob wool throws, cushions, scarves, yarn and knitting kits or some notelets or a print painted by Jackie.

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool knitting kits

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool knitting kits

 

Give your mother a Voucher to stay at Huxtable Farm B&B at sometime later this year, where she will be welcomed with a Devon cream tea then in the morning enjoy a delicious freshly cooked breakfast next to the crackling log fire in the medieval dining room – Telephone 01598 760254 or e-mail for more details.

Check available B&B dates at Huxtable Farm B&B and available Camping Pitches (Only three exclusive pitches each with their own wash room)

B&B availability Camping availability
Print Nineteen Card

Print Nineteen Card

Don’t for get that all important Mother’s Day card too. Our daughter, Natalie has that unique, individual, botanical card you may wish to send from Printnineteen. Quite a few bits of foliage used by Natalie in her prints has been sourced from Huxtable Farm.

We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy the lambs this April and seeing you for the rest of the year.

Please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2022 by looking at Huxtable Farm B&B’s local Events/Farm Calendar so that you can plan your next stay to coincide with an event that interests you.

Check available B&B dates at Huxtable Farm B&B and available Camping Pitches (Only three exclusive pitches each with their own wash room)

B&B availability Camping availability
Children Easter Egg Hunt

Children Easter Egg Hunt

 

Bottle feeding Jacob lamb, who's mother doesn'y have enough milk for two lambs

Bottle feeding Jacob lamb, who’s mother doesn’t have enough milk for two lambs

Lamb enjoying a piggy back

Lamb enjoying a piggy back

Morning sunrise looking towards Castle Hill Gardens

February 2022 – Snowdrops, first signs of Spring

snowdrops

snowdrops

The first signs of Spring!- Snowdrops and catkins are out whilst daffodils are peeking through the ground. As we watch nature coming back to life, it’s a wonderful reminder that spring is on the way and, we hope, better and happier times for us all.

As Huxtable Farm is situated within North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Beauty and close to Exmoors Dark Skies Reserve, on clear crisp days we are experiencing some stunning sunrises, sunsets and starry skies, like in the photograph above.

Hazel tee flowers and catkins

Hazel tee flowers and catkins

We are looking forward to welcoming you back to the B&B & camping pitches in April 2022. To help with social distancing etc. the number of B&B bedrooms on offer have been be reduced to two en-suite rooms; one family bedroom and a twin bedded room and each of the three camping pitches have their own private wash rooms.

Camping in tent

Camping in tent

Check B&B availability at Huxtable Farm Check Camping availability at Huxtable Farm
National Trust Baggy Point

National Trust Baggy Point

Here’s some ideas of what to do & see on your visit to Huxtable Farm in North Devon near Exmoor;

Please click here for some 2022 events dates to look forward to. If you wish to have a car free day there are so many free things you can do at Huxtable Farm . Enjoy walks from Huxtable Farm, through wooded valleys (Coombes), visit the fabulous Beaches of North Devon , a family attraction, or one of the many beatifulful Gardens of North Devon;  including Castle Hill gardens (RHS partner garden) only 2 miles from Huxtable Farm or 19 miles to RHS Rosemoor near Torrington.

Elephants with removable outfit, Hand Knitted with Huxtable Farm Jacob Wool £19 each

Elephants with removable outfit, Hand Knitted with Huxtable Farm Jacob Wool £19 each

Don’t forget if you are looking at finding a unqiue gift, card or print for some one, please do have a look at what’s available made from our Jacob sheep wool, including these gorgeous hand knitted elephants with removeable clothing,  Jacob wool throws, cushions, knitting kits and hand knitted hats – All made with Devon love.

If you’d like to receive ‘Huxtable Farm’s Newletter’, I don’t send many, with the occasional offer please sign up here  ‘Huxtable Farm’s Newletter’.

 

From our family to yours with warm regards Jackie & Antony

Huxtable Farm view from bench on a frosty morning

Winter – Christmas gifts from Huxtable Farm

If you’ve started to think about Christmas please do have a look at our unique Christmas gifts made from our Jacob sheeps’ wool, including these gorgeous hand knitted elephants with removeable clothing, Jacob wool throws & cushions, knitting kits, hand knitted hats etc. All made with love.

Unique Christmas gifts from Huxtable Farm

Hand Knitted elephants with removable clothing £19 each

Hand Knitted elephants (approx 20cm tall) with removable clothing £19 each

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool throw

Huxtable Farm Jacob wool throws and cushions, only a few dark throws & cushions available now.

Printnineteen Christmas Cards

Printnineteen Christmas Cards

 

Thinking of supporting small businesses, our daughter, Natalie’s business, ‘Print Nineteen’, has some beautiful unique cards and prints (including personalised), many produced from foliage from around the farm. Do have a look at her beautiful new Christmas cards and gift wrap paper.

 

We look forward to welcoming you back to Huxtable Farm‘s; two B&B bedrooms (a family bedroom and twin bedroom) and three camping pitches, each with thier own bathroom, from April 2022. To avoid disappiont it may be advisable to book early. In the meantime, we are busy maintaining the farm ; hedge laying, fencing and selling logs for winter fuel.

B&B availability

Camping availability

Here’s some ideas of what to do & see on your visit to North Devon & Exmoor.

If you wish to have a car free day there are so many free things you can do at Huxtable Farm

Enjoy walks from Huxtable Farm, through wooded valleys (Coombes) and enjoy the glorious golden, autumnal colours of the tree canopy.

Visit the fabulous Beaches of North Devon , take a scenic walk (Walking in North Devon) or here is a link to some ideas for days out for the family.

There are so many beautiful Gardens to visit in North Devon;  Castle Hill gardens 2 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B, Marwood Hill Gardens, Tapely Park Instow, not forgetting RHS Rosemoor near Torrington, you will be spoilt for choice.

Devon-Cream-Tea-welcome on arrival

Devon Cream Tea welcome on arrival for B&B guests

Hay making

August; School holidays & time to explore!

Fishing in Pond

Fish for newts, water boat men and find out what else is in the pond!

The hay is in the barns, most of the fruit picking is done and the school holidays are upon us – August and it’s time to enjoy the farm and it’s surroundings.

Get back to nature; Explore the farm via it’s Devon Wildlife Farm Trail or  Treasure Trail.

Build a den in the woodland

Build a den in the woodland and dams in the stream

Fairies

See how many fairies you can find

Spot the Peachicks

Spot the Peachicks

With so many beautiful places to visit in North Devon there’s so much to see and do:

Spot majestic Exmoor ponies on Exmoor

Spot majestic Exmoor ponies on Exmoor

Cycle the Tarka Trail

Cycle the Tarka Trail

Go surfing at the beach

Go surfing at the beach

Go swimming in Westward Ho! sea pool

Go swimming in Westward Ho! sea pool

Visit North Devon Gardens including RHS Rosemoor

Visit North Devon Gardens including RHS Rosemoor

Walk parts of the South West Coast Path e.g Morthoe Point, North Devon

Walk parts of the South West Coast Path e.g Morthoe Point, North Devon

We look forward to welcoming you.

B&B availability Camping availability

 

 

 

 

 

Camping in a tent

July – Gardens, fruit picking, camping and things to do

Rockie - the tame lamb

Rockie – the tame lamb

 

July – The orphan tame lamb, ‘Rockie’ (Jacob cross Romney sheep breed), has been weaned off his bottle of milk and joined the flock so that he has some friends to play with!

rhubarb, gooseberries and redcuurants

rhubarb, gooseberries and redcurrants

 

 

 

Picking has started in the fruit garden  – Gooseberry’s, redcurrants, rhubarb and the raspberries will be ready soon.

Fresh home-grown fruit, compotes and homemade jams for the breakfast table – ‘Elderflower & Gooseberry’ is a firm favourite on Huxtable Farm’s warm toasted home baked granary toast or a croissant.

Raw Jacob fleece

Raw Jacob fleece

Spinning raw fleece

Spinning raw fleece

 

The sheep are pleased to have been shorn now that the weather is warm, so we have some lovely Jacob and Romney fleeces available for spinners & felters to purchase and enjoy.

 

Camping pitchNow that the summer holidays are upon us we are offering camping at Huxtable Farm; Three individual camping pitches situated at different locationa around the farm, each with their own private wash room. A wash room with fridge and freezer space is available for all campers as is a games room.

Things to do and places to visit this July;

Enjoy sitting the garden at Huxtable Farm or walk the farm’s Devon Wildlife Farm Trail

Pond on farm Devon Wildlife trail

Pond on farm Devon Wildlife trail

We are so lucky to have so many beautiful gardens to visit in North Devon; Castle Hill only 2 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B, Marwood Hill gardens just the other side of Barnstaple, Tapeley Park at Instow and National Trust Arlington Court 12 miles away. Not forgetting RHS Rosemoor just south at Torrington.

June 6th – 19th July – RHS Garden Rosemoor – Rose Festival – The largest rose gardens in the South West.

Quince Honey Farm, Exmoor Zoo and Coombe Martin Dinosaur and Wildlife park are within 20mins drive from Huxtable Farm. Click here to see more local family attractions and things to to in North Devon

Gardens of North Devon

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Rose Festival July

Statue of Dr Smart at Marwood Hill Gardens

Statue of Dr Smart at Marwood Hill Gardens

A few photographs taken a round the farm recently for you to ENJOY 🙂

Shorn Jacob sheep

Shorn Jacob sheep

Lily in the Devon Wildlife Pond

Lily in the Devon Wildlife Pond at Huxtable Farm

Time to sit back and watch the world go by !

Time to sit back and watch the world go by !