Welcome to Acorn Retreat
‘Unique’ describes Acorn Retreat. Quality self catering cottage-style apartment designed for two set in a wild life haven of 10 acres with landscaped grounds and lakes. Bordered by the River Bray and surrounded by woodland.
Fully equipped kitchen including gas hob and oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, hairdryer, iron and board, en suite bathroom with electric shower, sink and WC, hot water, heated towel rail, electric heaters and open flame gas fire, private designated Super-fast WiFi connection, Smart phones set to WiFi for reception and calls, Smart TV Sky TV and Netflix, radio, library, wide range of games, information books and brochures. Electric charging point for electric cars. Type 2 or 7 kW or 32A charger.
For nature lovers we have for your enjoyment binoculars, bat detectors, moth trap, a hide with scope for wildlife watching, wildlife camera. For the sporty there is available fly fishing only for wild Brown trout on the lakes and in the river. Lots of trails to walk on Exmoor plus the South West coastal path with breathtaking views starts just a few miles away. Or sit and relax in your own elevated private garden or in the grounds at the many picnic tables found by the lakes and the river. .
Exmoor area is designated international ‘Dark Sky’ status (no light pollutants) with designated points on Exmoor for night sky watching. Annual ‘Dark Sky’ festival is held in October with top speakers and activities for the budding astronomists.
Each season brings its own signature here at Oakmead. The autumn tints in this area are truly magnificent, the red deer are heard ‘rutting’ up in the woodland, otters, herons and kingfishers who watch for fish on the lake. In Spring, the woodland is full of Snowdrops, Primroses and Daffodils. The Lily Pond comes alive in Summer with full exotic splendor and is joined by the flowering shrubs and herbaceous plants.
In The Area
Situated on the edge of Exmoor above the village of Brayford. Glorious scenery offering the perfect destination with as much exploring, walking, fishing and wildlife watching as you can manage. Within easy reach of the dramatic North Devon coastline, Exmoor countryside, UNESCO heritage site of Brauton Burrows, National Trust properties: Arlington and Dunster Castle and Exmoor National Park. For a longer day out jump on the ferry at Ilfracombe to Lundy Island walk round the island to Jenny’s Cove to spot Puffins.
Characterful pubs to suit all budgets and good shopping in nearby towns of South Molton and Barnstaple. Weekly food markets and monthly Farmers Markets.
Out & About
Dunster Medieval Village and National Trust Dunster Castle. 20 miles across the moors.
National Trust Arlington Court 6 miles
Heddons Mouth, Watersmeet and Tarr Steps 8 miles.
UNESCO area of Braunton Burrows 9 miles. Unique flora and fauna can be found. Borrow our identification guidebook .
Ilfracombe 12 miles. Port to Lundy or take the Princess around the bay for a boat trip. See Damien Hurst’s huge bronze statue ‘Verity’ which overlooks the harbour controversial but definitely remarkable. Visit the Edwardian ‘Tunnels’ and Lady’s beach. Entry fee to beaches.
Exmoor Zoo 5 miles.
Heritage Coast, Porlock, Lynton and Lynmouth 15 – 20 miles. Porlock now growing Oysters on a community enterprise grant. From Porlock Walk up to Culbone Church on the SW coastal path. a wooded walk with sea views around 5 miles return.
Sandy beaches and many coves and coastal walks: Saunton Sands, Woolacombe, Putsborough and the famous surf beach at Croyde 12 miles away. Trek around the headland from Baggy Point. There’s a National Trust car park at Baggy Point and a great garden cafe. Next door you can hire surf boards or sign up for lessons
Bikers, jump on the nice and flat, traffic free Tarka Trail. Start in Barnstaple 8 miles . Offers 30 miles off road cycling or walking. Bike hire roughly £12 day. FromBarnstaple cycle to Femington Quay for coffee and birdwatching at the estuary then onto Instow for lunch and beach combing then maybe just further on (climb through hole in the fence) take in Taperley Park Gardens then back to town . Park free behind the college.
We have maps for the north and south routes of the Tarka Trail . Lots of eating places along the tracks.
Watersmeet: Spectacular scenery – breathe in the fresh sea air and walk along the river from Lynmouth to Watersmeet.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Valley of the Rocks one mile from Lynton -meet the hefted goats. Walk the path and take in the steepest cliffs in the country. Hope you like heights.
Eat Out
Wide variety of characterful pubs and eateries, Tea Gardens to suit all budgets. Challacombe Black Venus, Winsford Tea Garden, Exmoor White Horse,
Walk Out
Visit this Exmoor website to help you plan walks in the area.
There also many cycling tracks throughout the area.
Evenings Out
‘Queens Theatre’ Barnstaple
The Plough Arts: Music at The George and Great Torrington
Films at Scott Cinema in Barnstaple.
Sail Out
Ferries to Lundy Island from Bideford Port or Ilfracombe Port, Or for shorter trips take National Park Bird spotting boat trips from Lynton, Also Fishing boat excursions offered from Ilfracombe
Availability & Enquiries
Please view our availability and price bands in the calendar below.
Short or Long Stays are Welcome. Minimum 3 days
One medium-sized, well-behaved dog by request: £15 week
What's On
Jan 6th Porlock Wassail
1st Feb ‘Snow Drop Valley’ Wheddon Cross,Exmoor. Picture book blanket of snow drops planted by the monks of Dunster open during Feb each year. Free admittance.
1st – 28th Feb Exmoor Food Fest. Participating restaurants: 2 courses £10, 3 courses £15. Plus a 2 day food street market in Dunster and up in the Tithebarn in Dunster Castle
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Wildflower Trail. First two weeks in May. Informing self-led trail. Learn the names of the Wild Flowers in the Heddon Valley. Pick up the trail map at the NT shop by the car park.
Lynmouth Boat Trip start first week in June Look for rare nesting birds along this dramatic coastline. Book at the National Park in Lynmouth £15. Ranger accompanied.
First week in June: Clovelly Seaweed Festival 10am-5pm . Seaweed products, seaweed foods,seaweed foot spa and seaweed activities.
Wed.Last week in July: Dunster Country Fair. Don your green wellies for a day of country pursuits in the grounds of Dunster Castle. Largest hound show in UK, equestrian events held in the grounds of Dunster Castle tickets currently £12 or £10 on line.
First Saturday July Clovelly: Gig Regatta all day. Pilot gigs race across the bay.
First Wednesday first week in August: . North Devon Agricultural Show one day event full programme in main ring, 100’s stalls, food and flower tents.
August RHS Rosemoor Gardens now holds its own Flower Show Talks and advice, trade stands and nurseries. Check RHS website for date.
Sunday first week in September Clovelly Lobster and Crab Fair Cooking demos Padstow hatchery exhibit and release of baby lobsters .
End September: Autumn Steam Railway Gala. Woody Bay Station, This atmospheric period station at 964 ft. on Exmoor is highest station in southern England. Attractions, real ale and BBQ.
First weekend October RHS Rosemoor Gardens Apple Day 12 miles
First Sunday December – ‘Dulverton by Starlight’ Late shops and fireworks. Dunster by Candlelight always the first Friday and Saturday of December: Medieval Village evening street festival plus fireworks. A brilliant night.
