Local Area Information
You'll find so much to keep you busy nearby that you won't have enough time!
Here are a few highlights:
Eating Out
The Bush Inn. The Bush is our local pub, it's a 13th Century country pub, riddled with history and intrigue. Keep warm and cosy by the open fire in winter and in the summer enjoy the beer garden with beautiful sea views. Food is good "pub grub" and it's worth booking as space inside is limited. Time it right and you may well end up enjoying some local live music. 01288 331242. www.thebushinnmorwenstow.com
The Old Smithy. Just across the border into Devon you will find the Old Smithy in the village of Welcombe. A lovely old thatched pub with a great garden to while away a summer evening. There are lots of amazing walks from Dene Lodge that find their way to The Old Smithy! Again, it's worth booking on 01288 331 305. http://www.theoldsmithyinn.co.uk/
The Farmers Arms. The Farmers Arms is a bit further away but well worth the trip. Recently it has been completely refurbished and now serves amazing food! You can eat quite reasonably in the bar or enjoy fine dining in the relaxed and informal restaurant. Always best to book. 01237 4393287. www.woolsery.com/pub
The Hartland Quay Hotel. This pub is perched on the edge of the cliff in nearby Hartland and is a fabulous place to sit outside and watch a dramatic sunset over the sea. Good pub grub is served outside and indoors but you really want to be outside at this dramatic venue. 01237 441 218. hartlandquayhotel.co.uk
Beaches
Stanbury Mouth is our nearest beach at the end of our road. It was reported as one of the best hidden beaches in the country by the Telegraph and is a real treat. If you are willing to clamber down the path you will probably find the sandy beach virtually empty even on a hot summer's day. Wear good shoes!
Duckpool is a short drive away or a lovely hour and a half walk. If you don't walk you can park right by the beach. It can be quite rocky but in the summer there is usually a good swathe of sand.
Sandymouth is simply stunning and just 10 minutes away from Dene Lodge. In the winter the sand recedes but in the spring and summer there are acres of sand and if you time it right you can walk all the way to Bude on the beach. If the tide turns there is a lovely walk back over the cliffs. There's a National Trust car park at Sandymouth and you will need to pay if you aren't a member.
Marsland Mouth is right on the border between Cornwall and Devon. You can drive a few minutes round the corner from Dene Lodge then walk down the valley to the beach.
Further afield there are two great beaches at Bude as well as Widemouth Beach, Crackington Haven and many more.
Towns and Villages
Bude is our local town with lots of individual shops, restaurants and entertainment. There are gorgeous sandy beaches with surf schools; the famous Bude sea pool and other activities. The historic wharf area is well worth a visit and you can take a stroll from there along the canal which takes you through some beautiful scenery and a nature reserve.
Further down the Cornish coast there are plenty of places to visit. Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac (home of Doc Martin), St Ives and more. You can also reach the Eden Project, Exeter, Plymouth and Truro in about an hour and a half.
Heading into Devon you can explore Bideford, Barnstaple, Saunton Sands, Appledore and many more gorgeous little villages.
Visiting Clovelly is a must! It's only about 20 minutes away and is a stunning historic village. Clinging to the cliffs of North Devon the village is cobbled and pedestrianised where villagers use sledges to move their shopping around. It's a fabulous day out. www.clovelly.co.uk
Walking
There are so many amazing walks from Dene Lodge or in the wider vicinity. We provide Ordnance Survey maps in all the properties and will gladly advise you on where you can go whether you want a leisurely stroll to a hostelry or a full-on hike along the coast path.
Other Places of Interest
If historical houses and sites are your thing there are some great places to visit. The National Trust have LLanhydrock; Cotehele and Castle Drago within easy reach. Near to Dene Lodge is the privately owned Hartland Abbey which is well worth a visit. Further down the coast you will find the dramatic Tintagel castle ruins perched precariously on the clifftop. There is a new bridge saving you quite a climb but you will need a ticket; in high season you need to get this in advance.
If adrenaline is more up your street why not visit the North Devon Wakepark? Check out their website to see the water based adventures on offer www.northdevonwakepark.co.uk