Nature & Scenery

Welcome to Easiglide Bude Segway Experience

Looking for a unique adventure? Come and put your skills to the test on our two-wheeled Segway experience!
Located in the picturesque coastal town of Bude, our Segway adventure offers breathtaking scenery, from sea views to rolling countryside, and you might even spot some alpacas!

Segwaying is fantastic fun for the entire family, from the little ones (7+) to nan and grandad!

Don’t worry if you haven’t tried it before—show no fear. Our instructor will guide you through the basics, and you’ll be cruising around on two wheels in no time. We guarantee you’ll be hooked and eager for more!

We also accommodate larger groups, so if you have a birthday party or special event approaching, give us a call, secure your slot, and let us provide the entertainment!

What are you waiting for?

Book your Segway experience now and dive into some serious fun!

About
Hartland Abbey holds a unique charm as it continues to be cherished by the family, distinguishing itself from many ancestral homes that have transitioned into mere museums. Here, you’ll encounter the genuine warmth and hospitality that can only be found in a home that is truly lived in.

Experience a heartfelt welcome as you step through the doors, followed by the option of a captivating, guided tour for groups, should you desire one. Alternatively, take your time to explore the house, gardens, and scenic walks at your own pace, indulging in a delightful lunch or cream tea—or why not both?

Whether you opt for a guided tour or a leisurely wander, Hartland Abbey promises an unforgettable experience imbued with the essence of family heritage and a genuine sense of home.

History
Constructed in 1157 and consecrated by Bishop Bartholomew of Exeter in 1160 AD, Hartland Abbey began its journey as a monastery for the regular canons of the Order of St Augustine of Hippo. For nearly four centuries, it stood as a spiritual haven until 1539 when it witnessed the dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII’s reign, becoming the last monastery in the country to succumb to this fate.

Following its dissolution, Henry VIII bestowed Hartland Abbey upon Mr. William Abbott, the Sergeant of his Wine Cellar at Hampton Court. This generous gift initiated a new chapter in the abbey’s history, as the Abbott family became its custodians, passing down the stewardship through generations. Today, descendants of Mr. William Abbott continue to reside within the Abbey, preserving its rich heritage and sharing its captivating stories with visitors.

Visitor Information
A visit to Hartland Abbey promises fun and fascination for visitors of all ages, with its enchanting gardens and sprawling grounds offering a delightful array of activities. While adults immerse themselves in the rich history of the house and gardens, children can embark on an adventure with the Abbey Quiz (with a prize for all), follow the Malory Towers Trail, or explore the charming paths and woodland walks teeming with nature’s wonders—a total of 3 1/2 miles to explore!

Indulge in delicious homemade light lunches and cream teas at the Old Kitchens Tea Room (accessible only with House and/or Garden tickets), offering a delightful culinary experience amidst historic surroundings.

Don’t miss out on the engaging exhibitions, museum, gift shop, and plant stall, where you can uncover treasures and souvenirs to cherish.

While access to the house involves steps and may pose challenges for wheelchairs, assistance is available. The Tea Room and Exhibitions offer flat and wheelchair-accessible pathways. Unfortunately, electric mobility wheelchairs cannot be accommodated inside the house due to narrow rooms and corridors. However, the surrounding gravel areas provide ease of movement, and the gardens boast accessible sections, such as The Shrubbery.

For outdoor enthusiasts, picnics can be enjoyed on the spacious grassy car park, offering a perfect setting for relaxation and al fresco dining.

While they adore dogs at Hartland Abbey, they kindly request that they remain on leads. Guide dogs are welcome inside the house. Ample parking is available adjacent to the house, ensuring convenience for all visitors.

Welcome to Docton Mill Tea Rooms & Gardens, a hidden gem in the heart of Hartland, North Devon.

Discover the captivating story of Docton Mill Wild Flower Gardens, nestled in a stunning valley just 1000m from the coast. Originating in the 1930s, the garden faced a period of neglect in the 1970s. The resurgence in 1980 brought about the renovation of the Mill, extensive planting, and the creation of a new Bog Garden and borders, accompanied by the planting of numerous trees. The new millennium ushered in further developments, including the Magnolia Garden, expansive Herbaceous borders, Woodland Garden, and a Greenhouse area for extensive plant propagation.

Our Wild Flower Gardens follow a theme of natural simplicity. In spring, witness displays of narcissi, primulas, camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, all framed by the enchanting presence of bluebells. Summer brings a profusion of roses, including a rose bank of Felicia and Pax, alongside the Herbaceous border. Explore a field boasting 25 varieties of magnolia, ensuring a garden that captivates throughout the seasons.

Garden Entry:

• Adults: £6.50
• Children (U18): Free (Under 2.3m in height)

Awards and Accolades:

• Voted Best Tea Room in North Devon (North Devon Food & Drink Awards)
• Gold Medal Winner at Devon County Show
• Voted Best Cream Tea in Devon (North Devon Food & Drink Awards)

Garden Features:

• Spectacular narcissi display in spring
• Enchanting river walk with naturalised narcissi, bluebells, and wild garlic
• Superb bog garden, celebrated in Rosemary Verey’s “Good Planting”
• Extensive 140m herbaceous border
• Wildflower gardens

Tea Room Delights:

• Award-winning tea room serving light lunches with specialty salads
• Locally sourced ingredients
• No entry charge to use the Tea Room
• Last teas served at 4:30 pm

Pet-Friendly Atmosphere:

• Dogs allowed on short leads

Additional Offerings:

• Plant sales area
• RHS Partnership Garden every Saturday throughout the season

Disabled Facilities:

• Due to the topographical layout, the garden is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with serious walking disabilities. For further details, please call 01237 441369.

Keypitts adventure centre in Ilfracombe, North Devon,  specialize in thrilling activities such as Quad Biking, Axe Throwing, Mini Land Rovers, and the 4×4 Land Rover Experience.

With over two decades of experience, Keypitts off-road centre has been providing exciting activities for enthusiasts of all ages.

Established on a Family Run Farm in 1998 who diversified to offer a range of activities that their own family enjoyed. This endeavour has blossomed into a successful business, providing a safe and exhilarating all-terrain experience for everyone.

Keypitts activities cater to all ages and abilities, inviting you to push your limits on the farm’s expansive 200 acres of captivating and scenic terrain. As an all-weather attraction, who remain open throughout the year—rain or shine. In fact, the wetter it gets, the better the experience!

Quad Bikes
Choose from an extensive range of quads suitable for ages 6 and above, featuring 50cc to 450cc Yamaha’s, Honda’s, Adly’s, and Cf Moto’s. Whether you’re a small kid or a big kid at heart, they have the perfect bikes for everyone.

• The Badger Run for 6-7 year olds
• The Novice Ride 8 years and over
• The Skill Ride 10 years and over (The most popular ride)
• The Superskill Ride 12 years and over. Riders under 16 must have been before and have completed The Skill Course

Off Road 4 x 4 Land Rover Experience
Experience the thrill of off-road exploration with a 4×4 Land Rover Adventure. Keypitts invites you to master the art of off-road driving in the Land Rover Discovery, the ultimate vehicle for the job. Embark on a 30–45-minute journey across an expansive 200 acres of challenging terrain.

The course starts with moderate difficulty and gradually intensifies as you progress. Fear not, experienced off-road driving instructors are there every step of the way, ready to assist. If you find any part too challenging or feel uncomfortable, the instructor can take control – though this is a rare occurrence. Gain valuable off-road driving skills and a deeper understanding of navigating challenging landscapes, all while enjoying a unique day out in North Devon.

Please note that participants must possess a full driving license to operate the vehicle, and you can bring up to 3 passengers along. If no one in your group has a driving license, you can still enjoy the adventure with up to 4 passengers on a guided 4×4 ride, expertly driven by one of our skilled instructors.

Mini Land Rover Experience
The Mini Land Rover Experience at Keypitts is designed specifically for the little adventurers aged 3 to 10! Imagine the joy on your children’s faces as they take the wheel and navigate our purpose-built track.

Rest assured, parents, we’ve got your peace of mind covered. While your little ones are in control, you’ll have a remote control at your fingertips to intervene if they encounter any challenges. Each vehicle can accommodate up to 2 children, ensuring a delightful and safe driving experience for your little explorers.

Axe Throwing
Have you ever experienced the thrill of axe throwing? If not, now is the perfect time to give it a shot at Keypitts! This unique and exciting activity will put your aim to the test, adding a distinctive flair to your day out in North Devon.

Even if you’re already skilled at axe throwing, this is an excellent opportunity to further refine your abilities. Showcase your talent and compete with others using our points system, injecting an extra layer of fun and friendly competition into the experience.

We provide professional throwing axes, along with Tomahawks or Mousehawks for our younger participants. With three targets marked with varying points and increasing difficulty, you’ll quickly discover the nuanced technique behind successfully throwing an axe!

Discover the wonders of the sea with Independent Charters, departing from Clovelly Harbour, the historic fishing village of North Devon. This family-run business, led by Dave and Doug Walls, brings over 40 years of angling expertise and more than two decades as Lifeboat Crew at Clovelly.

You will set sail in a Mitchell 31 MK II boat, boasting onboard toilet and handwash amenities. This vessel provides seating for up to 12 passengers, including a dedicated crew member. Your skipper will navigate the waters with ease on this reliable and spacious boat, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your companions.

Choose from an array of options, including sea angling trips, sea fly fishing, boat charter fishing, reef & wreck fishing, and Marine Wildlife & Lundy Island expeditions.

The rich waters around North Devon offer opportunities to catch Pollock, bream, sea trout, mackerel, tope, Porbegle, and more.

Join Doug and Dave for an unforgettable maritime adventure, where their passion meets a wealth of experience.

Bude Sea Pool is a beautiful, part natural, part man-made swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach. Created in 1930, the Sea Pool has provided safe bathing at Bude for over 80 years. It is one of the very few tidal swimming pools which still remains open to the general public today and is open throughout the year, free for all to enjoy. The Pool is topped up by the sea at high tide each day.

The Sea Pool is managed by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, a local volunteer-run charity. FoBSP depend upon donations, grants, sponsorship and membership contributions to fund the Pool’s upkeep.

The Sea Pool is manned by FoBSP staff during the summer season at different times, depending on the tides and weather conditions. When the FoBSP flags are flying, Sea Pool staff are on duty and will be happy to help you.

The FoBSP have taken reasonable care to ensure the Sea Pool is safe for you to enjoy. As it is a natural pool the environment changes with the tide, so please make your own assessment of the Pool before use. The FoBSP request that you enjoy this facility responsibly, and consider the well-being of other users and the surrounding environment. Children must be supervised by an adult and must not be left unattended. Dogs should be kept on a lead and are not permitted to enter the Pool.

There may be groups using the pool such as the RNLI and the Bude Surf Lifesaving Club, and on very rare occasions the Pool may be closed for maintenance or for organised events.

How big is Bude Sea Pool?

• Bude Sea Pool is around 91m long and 45m wide, although because it is a semi-natural structure these are only approximate measurements.
• It holds 4 million litres of sea water.

How deep is Bude Sea Pool?

• The sea washes in twice a day, refreshing the water, and also bringing in sand and stones. It is hard to say exactly the depth in a given area, so please be extra careful when entering, and please don’t dive into the water.

How warm is the water in Bude Sea Pool?

• The water temperature varies from around 11C in April through to 18C in August and September. That can feel quite chilly, so you may want to take your time to acclimatise to the temperature, or wear a wetsuit.

How much does it cost to use?

• Bude Sea Pool is free for all to use.  Users are most welcome to contribute where possible by leaving a donation, becoming a Friend or making a purchase from the Shop.

Clovelly is a unique village once owned by the Queen of England and from Elizabethan days until today, it has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. Clinging to a 400 foot cliff in North Devon, it has no vehicular traffic on its steeply cobbled street, just donkeys and sledges. The man-powered sledges transport all goods to the village, from groceries to furniture. Donkeys used to be the main form of transport for centuries, but now mainly give children rides during the summer or can be seen posing for photographs in the street.

There is much to see and do, and the village hosts a variety of events throughout the year. As well as live music, demonstrations, street entertainments, stalls galore and craft activities, you can also find out more about seaweed at the ‘Know Your Seaweed’ Talks and experience the Shipwreck Survival Workshop.

Pencarrow House and Gardens are tucked away in the heart of Cornwall and has been the cherished family abode of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for nearly five centuries. The family opened its doors to the public in the 1970’s. Since then, they have joyfully welcomed families, history aficionados, nature enthusiasts and beloved dogs and their owners, creating cherished memories for all who visit. This sets it apart as a truly distinctive destination separate from the National Trust.

Hidden amidst the picturesque landscapes bordering Bodmin Moor, this Cornish architectural treasure boasts a plethora of attractions suitable for all. The dog friendly enchanting Grade II listed gardens, which can be explored over the 50-acre estate. An ancient Iron Age fort, a delightful children’s play area, along with a cozy café and a charming gift shop, promise an unforgettable experience. ensuring there’s something special for every member of the family.”

Pencarrow House & Gardens hosts a vibrant array of events throughout the year. From family-friendly gatherings to nostalgic delights, there’s something for everyone. Bluebell Sundays are a highlight, the ever-popular Teddy Bears Picnic, and each year they delight visitors with their festive Christmas Craft Fair.

The Peacock Café, is housed within a stunning vaulted building with abundant outdoor seating. Treat yourself to tantalizing cakes, delectable lunches, and a wide array of teas and coffees, all freshly prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients from Cornwall. Adjacent to the café is a charming natural children’s play area, complete with a one-of-a-kind Wendy house featuring a slate roof!

Please note, there is no entrance fee for visiting the café alone. Just inform one of the friendly shop staff upon your arrival.

Canoeing, or Canadian Canoeing, allows a group of people (typically two, but can accommodate up to four) to paddle a large open-cockpit canoe. One key distinction between an open canoe and a kayak is the type of paddle used; canoes utilize single-bladed paddles, whereas kayaks use double-ended paddles.

Shoreline’s canoeing courses primarily take place on the historic rural Bude Canal, which meanders up the Neat Valley for nearly two miles. This canal offers an ideal setting to teach canoeing techniques in a safe and sheltered environment.

For the Canal Canoe Adventure, you’ll be equip you with a canoe and provide initial instruction on paddling and maneuvering techniques. After some practice time, you’ll get a brief and you’ll be provided a challenge map before allowing you to venture off on your own to explore the canal and discover the answers to the challenge’s questions. It’s a fantastic experience for groups or families, ensuring everyone stays engaged and entertained, including your furry friends!

Coasteering is an exhilarating mix of fun, thrills, and excitement. Upon arrival, the team at Shoreline will outfit you in wetsuits, buoyancy jackets, helmets, and a pair of old trainers before setting off to explore the rugged coastline of North Cornwall.

Whether you’re keen on swimming, diving, scrambling, or jumping, there are plenty of options to cater to everyone’s adrenaline levels. Their carefully selected location boasts sea caves, rocky outcrops to navigate, and ample opportunities for thrilling deep-water jumps.

But coasteering isn’t just for the adrenaline junkies. With jumps of various heights (all optional) and stunning underwater flora and fauna to admire, there’s something for everyone in this activity.

Rest assured, they only conduct sessions when sea and weather conditions are optimal. Their experienced instructor team, led by a qualified Beach Lifeguard Trainer and Mountain Instructor,ensures every session is conducted with safety and professionalism as top priorities.