Spring lambs and sunshine :)

Jacob lamb resting

Thoughts are with everyone during this Corvid-19 pandemic, it all feels so surreal!

Here at Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast, we have decided to close initially until the 1st May and will review at the end of April whether this will need to be extended. We are respecting the government’s recommendations and would hate to be a reason for spreading Corvid-19 further.

If you have any bookings with us in the immediate future please do get in contact if we haven’t contacted you already, so that we can arrange to postone your break until later in the year.

Eggs in incubator

Life here on the farm continues; Our small flock of The Jacob ewes have started lambing.

Some eggs are now in the incubator and one of our hens has gone broody so we should have some chicks hatching around Easter weekend. In everyones absence a tawny owl has decided to move in to an old dove hole in the farmhouse and is sitting on her eggs.

Tawny owl on eggs

Hopefully, when this pendemic is all over we will see you later in the year.

Please have a look at the fantastic variety of events due to take place in North Devon during 2020 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 dates at Huxtable Farm B&B, West Buckland, Barnstaple, Devon and Exmoor

Availability

In the meantime, we wish you all the very best in the weeks ahead and hope that you, your family & friends stay safe & healthy.

As promised here’s some photographs for you to enjoy.

Jacob lamb feeding

Jacob ewe and lamb at trough

Jacob ewe and lambs

Jacob lambs

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Happy New Year – Welcome to 2020

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2020 from all at Huxtable Farm B&B, we look forward to welcoming you in 2020 🙂

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Huxtable Farm Bed and Breakfast Photos

Please click on this link (2020 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 12th 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: 22nd March Mother Day, 12th April Easter Day & Bank Holidays 8th & 25th May. 21st June – Fathers Day and Summer Bank Holiday 26th August.

Huxtable 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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September – Things to see & do in North Devon

Harvesting Figs, Blackberries, Apples & Tomatoes

Here at Huxtable Farm B&B, we are busy picking apples and blackberries to make a delicious compote to serve at the breakfast table. Whilst staying at Huxtable Farm B&B you are very welcome to pick some apples and blackberries to take home and do some fabulous fungi spotting around the farm.

Book your stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

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

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

Enjoy an autumnal walk 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

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

Events taking place in North Devon during September;-

Books by North Devon Authors

20 – 28th September: – Appledore Book Festival – A chance to meet your favourite author! Here at Huxtable Farm B&B we have available to purchase ‘Huxtable The Story of a Devon Farm’ telling you all about the farm, it’s history, Huxtable ancestry and its neighbours!

13 – 29th September:- Art Trek North Devon – Local artists open their studio’s for you to visit to see what they do.

To celebrate for start of 2019 Rugby World Cup, a record breaking Rugby Ball is being made by Aramis arriving in South Molton Town (6 miles from Huxtable Farm B&B) on the 15th September, where there will be lots of entertainment

September is Carnival time ;

21st September Barnstaple Carnival & Fair.

28th September South Molton Carnival

We look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon with a delicious Cream Tea in the afternoon.

Devon-Cream-Tea-welcome on arrival

Autumn leaves (Autumn walks in North Devon)

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August/September – Things to see & do in North Devon

Guinea Fowl

The Guinea Fowl, love wondering around the garden and farm at this time of year pecking at the grass seed, they’re very entertaining to watch!

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

Otherwise there is so much to see & do in North Devon, here are a few ideas; –

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.

Book your stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

Valley of the Rocks, near Lynton

20th – 31st August the Pleasure Dome Open Air Theatre Company will be performing ‘Lorna Doone’, at The Valley of Rocks near Lynton and Lynmouth, celebrating 150th Anniversary of Lorna Doone written by R.D Blackmore.

24th August the Grand Tour MINI Run at The Big Sheep

20th & 27th August Creative Crafts at National Trust Arlington Court

Sunflowers

24 -26th August Quince Honey Farm Sunflower Festival

Now until – 1st September Family Fun Garden Adventures with the Very Hungary Caterpillar at 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 you will be spoilt for choice

Dartington Crystal, glassware company great to visit any time of year, watch the glass blowers & have a go at painting glass.

What’s happening in September!

Books by North Devon Authors

13 – 29th September:- Art Trek North Devon – Local artists open their studio’s for you to visit to see what they do.

September is Carnival time ;

21st September Barnstaple Carnival & Fair.

28th September South Molton Carnival

We look forward to welcoming you to Huxtable Farm B&B, Devon with a delicious Cream Tea in the afternoon.

Devon-Cream-Tea-welcome on arrival

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August – Things to do in North Devon & Exmoor

Tame lambs 3mths

The tame lambs are 3 mths now and how fast they have grown, enjoying their creep feed each morning and grazing on the grass.

Campers in a Teepee

There’s so much to see and do in North Devon & Exmoor during August, whist staying at Huxtable Farm B&B, near Barnstaple, either in the farmhouse bed and breakfast accommodation or camping. Here’s a little sample of what’s happening in the area;

7th August North Devon Show

4th – 11th August Combe Martin Carnival week

Exmoor Zoo Meerkats

11th August Appledore and Instow Regatta Day , a day of races and activities.

10th and 11th August Exmoor Zoo Metamorphosis (specialist bug exhibitor)

Dartington Crystal, glassware company great to visit any time of year, watch the glass blowers & have a go at painting glass.

20th – 31st August the Pleasure Dome Open Air Theatre Company will be performing ‘Lorna Doone’, at The Valley of Rocks near Lynton and Lynmouth, celebrating 150th Anniversary of Lorna Doone.

RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

3rd & 4th August Clovelly Lifeboat Weekend & Maritime Festival, in aid of the R.N.L.I.

17, 18 & 19th August RHS Rosemoor Flower Show

18th August Appledore Carnival

24th August the Grand Tour MINI Run at The Big Sheep

6th, 13th, 20th & 27th August Creative Crafts at National Trust Arlington Court

Marwood Hill Gardens

24 -26th August Quince Honey Farm Sunflower Festival

20th July – 1st September Family Fun Garden Adventures with the Very Hungary Caterpillar at 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 you will be spoilt for choice

Fly a kite as high as you can!

Not forgetting that there are so many Free things to do at Huxtable Farm B&B and beautiful North Devon places to visit; Beaches , Historic Houses & North Devon Heritage sites and family fun things to do

Looking forward to September;

20 – 28th September: – Appledore Book Festival – A chance to meet your favourite author!

13 – 29th September:- Art Trek North Devon – Local artists open their studio’s for you to visit to see what they do.

Spot the young buzzard in its nest in the woodland

Forage for Hazelnuts

Relax in the hammock

Statue of Dr Smart at Marwood Hill Gardens

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June – North Devon Events and things to do

Campers in the orchard

Now that the summer days are longer and warmer camping at Huxtable Farm is available as alternative accommodation or in addition to B&B accommodation for other members of the family. With the farm to explore via it’s Devon Wildlife Trail the family have a chance to get back to nature, here’s a link to some ideas of FREE things you can do on the farm

Cards

In addition to Jacob wool items; throws, cushions, made from the fleeces of our ewes Jackie now has some prints of her water colour painting available to purchase too

The orphan tame (Romney) lambs are growing well, enjoying their bottles of milk

The wildlife on the farm are busy too; The Tawny Owl chicks have left their box, the Blue tit is busy feeding it’s chicks and bees are collecting nectar. Do come enjoy Huxtable Farm’s Devon Wildlife Farm Trail around the farm.

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Events taking place during June in the North Devon area;

Point-to-point racing in North Devon (Bratton Down & Umberleigh)

June 15th & 16th – Devon D-Day Saunton Sands Beach – Historic vehicles and re-enactments, live music – 40’s disco, bar tent, picnic on the beach, Military Wives Choir & Spitfire fly past.

June 1st & 2nd – South Molton Vintage Rally, Steam engines, vintage cars, motorbikes, military vehicle and much more…. Comsland Cross EX36 3NW

June 9th – Bratton Down Point to Point Races

June 21st, 22nd & 23rd – Gold Coast Oceanfest, Croyde, Headliners – Craig David, The Cuban Brothers, Billy Lockett to name a few.

June 15th – 21st July – RHS Garden Rosemoor – Rose Festival

There are 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.

Gardens of North Devon
RHS Rosemoor Roses in June

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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.

Book your stay at Huxtable Farm B&B

: 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.