Activities

Things to do

Mornacott cottages & farmhouse are fortunate to be situated within a beautiful conservation estate, set against the rolling hills of North Devon. We offer a range of experiences across our expansive estate, designed to help you explore and embrace this spectacular natural setting. Combined with our onsite facilities, many guests find they have no need to leave the estate at all!

We are, however, nestled against the southern edge of Exmoor National Park, with the scenic North Devon coastline within easy reach. Beyond the fantastic experiences we offer onsite, there is plenty more to explore in this remarkable region. We have handpicked a few of our favourite local attractions to recommend.

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Wildlife safari

This exciting night-time wildlife safari involves a drive around the Mornacott Estate with a countryside guide. Along the way you’ll stop to view the many activities of various animals, including foxes, badgers, owls, and deer. Our specially adapted vehicle allows for great viewing opportunities throughout the drive, while the expert knowledge of our guide provides a deeper understanding of the local wildlife, their habits and habitats. To book, please contact our onsite team giving at least 48 hours' notice.

Swimming pool & sauna

Indulge in our onsite swimming pool and sauna, heated by our biomass generator using naturally felled wood from across the estate. Floor to ceiling windows lead to the terrace, with outstanding views across the countryside.

Nature walks

Our land is comprised of meadows, farming fields, hedgerows, streams, and woodland, with a network of footpaths which weave through it all. We have five distinct walking routes which access particularly scenic points of the estate. The routes vary in length between one and five miles, although it is possible to link several together. These self-guided walks are a wonderful way to explore the estate at your own pace, soaking up the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the area.

Photography deer stalking experience

Exmoor is famed for magnificent red deer and we occasionally see a transient herd of around 100 at Mornacott. An early morning or evening stalk with our guide and your camera usually leads to some fantastic wildlife photography. Please contact our onsite team to book, giving at least 48 hours' notice.

Free range chickens

There are several chickens here at Mornacott, from the smart Welsummer to rescued battery hens. With advance notice, it’s usually possible to help with the feeding and collect your own fresh eggs for breakfast, if the chickens have obliged!

Wildlife viewing hide

Located close to our northern boundary is a specially constructed deer viewing hide where you can secure yourself in a high weatherproof cabin overlooking Exmoor. From this vantage point, one can regularly view (often at very close quarters) transient herds of Exmoor’s famous red deer.

Games room & sports field

Let your competitive streak loose in our games room, with table tennis, table football, pool and darts. Our scenic sports field, overlooking the hills, is large enough for energetic football or rugby games, or alternatively set up the badminton net or try out our croquet set.

Fishing

Our coarse fishing lake is well-stocked with carp and rudd, offering some great fishing opportunities for those who have their own fishing gear. Alternatively, the River Yeo bisects the estate, where you can try your luck fishing for brown trout and salmon.

Local beaches

There are no less than 22 popular beaches within easy reach of Mornacott. Many feature in the MCS Good Beach Guide or have seaside awards. A few of our favourites include:

Saunton Sands: Enjoy eight kilometres of golden sands with the beautiful dunescape of Braunton Burrows in the background. This is one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK and is designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Croyde: A top surfer’s beach with board and equipment hire. The beach is beautifully sandy and has excellent facilities complemented by the pretty thatched village of Croyde itself.

Woolacombe: One of the most popular beaches of the area, with golden sand, a ‘blue flag seaside award resort’, easy access, shops, nature trails and water sports.

Putsborough: Another popular sandy beach with fewer facilities and often quieter than Woolacombe.

Horse riding

We can recommend the wonderful West Anstey Farm Stables, located just on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Here, beginners and more experienced riders alike can join a trip straight up onto the moorland, to explore the wilds of Exmoor from the vantage point of a horse or pony.

Phone: 01398 341354

Quince honey farm

This is the world’s largest exhibition of living honeybees, situated within an indoor apiary. The farm has a Honey Factory and expansive Nectar Gardens to explore, and visitors can learn about honey production through an innovative immersive ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience. Indoor and outdoor play areas are great for children, and there is also an onsite restaurant and shop.

Book here

Clay pigeon shooting

We can arrange a tailored clay pigeon shooting experience complete with tuition from an expert. Set within the local Devon countryside, this is a relaxed experience allowing you to go at your own pace, with as much guidance as you’d like. Suitable for all abilities.

Please contact the Mornacott team if you'd like to book.

RHS Garden Rosemoor

This is an expansive collection of beautiful gardens, with a shop, café and restaurant onsite.

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