Local area
Natsley Farm is situated in Exmoor National Park in North Devon.
North Devon is a rural area filled with ancient villages, bustling market towns, dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and miles of unspoiled, rolling green countryside. Many areas are designated AONB (Areas of outstanding natural beauty) and the coast line and burrows of Saunton are UNESCO protected due to the unique flora and fauna that grow there.
Exmoor is the only national park in England to contain coastline and much of Exmoor and the coast is owned and managed by The National Trust.
Activities
Walking
There are footpaths and bridleways throughout Exmoor, many of which are accessible right from Natsley Farm, but if you wanted to travel further afield you could pick up the Two Moors Way which travels from South Devon up to Lynton on North Devon's northern coast.
From Lynton you can join the South West Coast Path which follows the entire south west peninsula, taking in the breath taking Valley of rocks. Both the Two Moors Way and South West Coast Path are included in The Tarka Trail which is a 180 mile, figure 8 route which covers all of the best North Devon has to offer.
Cycling
One section of the Tarka Trail is a 30 mile stretch of old railway line which is the longest, flat tarmacked cycle route in the UK. It runs from Braunton in the north of the region to Okehampton in the south. You can pick up the trail in the nearby market town of Barnstaple which is the administrative centre for the district. There are many local companies offering cycle hire and support.
If you prefer a more challenging ride, there are plenty of off-road routes following bridleways throughout Exmoor traversing hills with stunning views and traveling through woods and copses along the way.
Water activities
One of the most popular activities in North Devon is surfing as the region boasts some of the best surfing beaches in Europe. Croyde Bay offers tall, fast moving waves, ideal for sport surfing while Saunton, Putsborough and Woolacombe have gentler, smaller rolling waves which are popular with beginners and long board surfers. Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe offer surf hire and lessons.
There are also local companies who offer other water activities such as coasteering, cliff jumping, diving and boat excursions for fishing, visiting the nearby island of Lundy or just for the pleasure of being out on the water.
Further inland, North Devon has many private lakes and fisheries suitable for both families and experienced fishing enthusiasts.
Shopping
The nearest town to Natsley Farm is South Molton which is a traditional, rural market town, full of charm and character. Along with all the practical shops, there is a wealth of art shops, antique shops and tea rooms to keep you entertained for an afternoon. There is also an historic indoor market full of artisan crafts and locally produced organic foods.
Barnstaple town centre also has it's own Pannier Market, but being the main town in the region offers more everyday shopping with all the well-known high-street brands. A great place if you are looking for clothes or just out for a coffee.
Braunton and Croyde are the villages to shop in if you are looking for west suits and surf gear. For art lovers, Lynton and Lynmouth is the place to go.
Eating
Most of the coastal villages have a history of fishing and the sea and this is reflected in the pubs and restaurants. Appledore, Instow and Ilfracombe all offer award winning sea food restaurants. If you are looking for something more exotic like Indian, Thai, Nepalese or Caribbean then Barnstaple is the place to be.
Most of the towns and villages have pubs and restaurants offering standard meals and one of the finest is The Rock in Georgeham which is a 400 year old building full of charm and an excellent choice of foods and drinks.
