North Devon is a beautiful, wild, and green part of the south-west that perfectly captures the essence of unspoiled rural England. With its narrow lanes, high hedgerows, country walks, and rugged coastline dotted with fishing villages, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing weekend getaway. I headed there with friends to enjoy the fresh air, woodland walks, and sea views.

We stayed at Beech Tree Cottage, available through Premier Cottages, nestled in the leafy grounds of an old Rectory. The estate, known as Penhaven Country Cottages, has six renovated cottages that serve as holiday homes. Our cottage overlooked farmland on one side and gardens on the other. The Rectory itself was once a country house hotel and is now awaiting further renovation.

The small village of Parkham, where our cottage was located, boasts an impressive church, a farm shop open on weekdays, and the 13th-century Bell Inn just a short walk away. The setting was quintessentially rural Devon, with primroses and daffodils outside our bedroom window and plenty of muddy woodland walks starting right from our front door.

We arrived on a Friday night, quickly settling into our well-equipped cottage. The sitting room featured comfy sofas, a brown shaggy rug, and a stone fireplace that begged for a wood-burning stove. The room had a purple theme with a velvet easy chair, purple light shades, an oak coffee table, and a flat-screen TV.

The large kitchen was a highlight, with cream-painted cupboards, cheerful multi-colored tiles, a terracotta tiled floor, and a spacious wooden table perfect for cooking and dining. It had all the conveniences of home, including a dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and freezer.

Upstairs, we claimed the master bedroom with its en suite shower room, decorated in primrose yellow and leaf green, reflecting the spring flowers and woodland outside. Our friends took the second bedroom with twin beds that could be pushed together, while the third single bedroom had a warm red theme. The furniture throughout was solid oak, and the second bathroom featured a jacuzzi and a shower above the bath.

On Saturday morning, we woke to birdsong. While the others enjoyed their coffee, I explored the Rectory gardens, which were in full bloom with camellias and wild rhododendrons. We decided to visit the nearby village of Clovelly, known for its timeless charm. The village, privately owned by the Clovelly Estate, is a tourist attraction where you leave your car at the top of the hill and enter through the visitor center.

Despite the light rain, we carefully walked down the steep, cobbled lane to the harbour, admiring the pretty cottages and flowers. The street is too steep for vehicles, so donkeys and plastic sledges are used for transport. At the harbour, we saw lobster pots and fishing boats, remnants of the village’s thriving fishing past. We sheltered from the rain under the eaves of the Red Lion Inn and explored The Fisherman’s Cottage, a small museum showcasing the village’s history.

We had lunch at the New Inn and then embarked on a cliff walk towards Mouthmill Cove. The path took us through fields and along the cliff edge, offering stunning views. We passed the Angels Wings shelter, built in 1826, and continued through muddy woodland paths covered with bright green lichen. At the lookout point above Mouthmill Cove, we enjoyed the rugged cliffs and wild sea views.

On our return, we visited Clovelly Court and the beautiful old parish church of All Saints, surrounded by daffodils and blooming wild quince. We then drove back to the cottage for tea. That evening, we dined at The Hoops Inn, enjoying an excellent pub meal with friendly service.

On Sunday morning, I explored the woods owned by the Penhaven Estate. The damp air and drizzle made the moss-covered tree trunks and ivy-clad trees even more enchanting. We passed wild rhododendron bushes and bluebell leaves, which would soon create a sea of blue.

For lunch, we stopped at the Merry Harriers Garden Centre for their excellent carvery. Our weekend in North Devon was relaxing but too short to fully explore this wild and unspoiled area. Next time, I plan to visit more coastal beaches, take a boat to Lundy Island, or explore the villages of Lynton and Lynmouth.

For those seeking a relaxing break in the beautiful Devon countryside, with easy access to the coastline and beaches, Penhaven Cottages is an excellent choice. Families and groups of friends can rent cottages close together while still enjoying their own space. However, a car is necessary to get around, as the location is very rural, and the nearest shop is a short drive away. The mobile phone signal is poor, and the Wi-Fi was weak during our stay, though the owner assured us it had been fixed.

Heather and friends stayed at Penhaven Cottages in North Devon through Premier Cottages, which specializes in self-catering luxury holidays and short breaks throughout the UK and Ireland. Premier Cottages offers a collection of independently owned holiday cottages, all awarded 4 or 5-star status, and their quality cottages have won numerous tourism awards for excellence.