One of the real advantages of staying in our cottages is just how easy it is to fill your days without overplanning. At Mornacott, everything feels within reach—whether you’re heading out for a wildlife adventure in Exmoor, a relaxed coastal walk, or a simple family day out.
These are the kinds of days that work best here: unhurried, varied, and close enough that you’re never spending hours in the car. You can head out, explore, and return to the calm of the estate—where restored habitats, conservation grazing, and wide open space are part of the experience.
Something a Bit Different: Quince Honey Farm
Just a short drive, Quince Honey Farm is an easy and engaging first outing—particularly for mixed-age groups.
It’s interactive without feeling busy, with live bee demonstrations and a working honey farm that gives a real insight into pollinators and their role in healthy ecosystems. There’s a natural overlap here with the wider landscape—bees, wildflower grasslands, and habitat management all play a part in supporting biodiversity across North Devon.
It’s ideal for a slower morning or an easy afternoon as you settle into your holiday in Devon.
A Thoughtful Wildlife Visit: Exmoor Zoo
Around 30 minutes away, Exmoor Zoo offers a more considered wildlife experience.
Smaller and more personal than many zoos, it focuses on conservation, education, and lesser-known species. The emphasis is on understanding animals and their habitats—something that resonates with the landscape recovery work happening across Mornacott itself.
Home to the UK’s only shoebill, the zoo plays a role in international conservation programmes, making it a meaningful addition to a wildlife-focused stay in Devon.
Stretch Your Legs: The South West Coast Path
For those looking to get outdoors, the South West Coast Path is one of the best ways to experience North Devon properly.
You don’t need to commit to a full hike—shorter sections offer expansive views, coastal wildlife, and a sense of space that complements the quieter inland landscape around Mornacott.
Pair it with a beach stop or a late lunch, and you’ve got a flexible day that fits easily around your stay.
A Proper Beach Day on the North Devon Coast
When the weather’s right—or even when it isn’t—the coast is always worth the trip. From Mornacott, several standout beaches are within easy reach:
Saunton Sands – Space, Surf, and Simplicity
Wide, open, and ideal for surfing or long walks. It’s easy to spend a full day here without it ever feeling crowded—perfect for groups.
Westward Ho! – Classic and Family-Friendly
A relaxed, traditional seaside option with rockpools at low tide and easy places to eat nearby. Simple, reliable, and great with children.
Woody Bay – Wild and Quiet
Tucked into the Exmoor coastline, this is a more peaceful, slightly wilder option. The tidal pool offers a bracing sea dip, and the setting feels closer to nature.
Finding Your Rhythm on a Sustainable Holiday in Devon
The best days here are rarely overplanned. One outing, maybe two, with time to come back, reset, and enjoy the estate itself.
That’s where Mornacott stands apart from typical holiday cottages in North Devon. Beyond the day trips, you’re returning to a landscape actively being restored—river corridors, wildflower grasslands, and conservation grazing all shaping the experience around you.
Whether it’s a morning at the honey farm, an afternoon on the coast, or a slower day exploring the estate’s own trails (see more on our activities page), everything is designed to feel easy, considered, and genuinely restorative.
Written by Laura Hartshorn