The
following comments have been left by previous guests at Riverview Court.
2011
Season
10th 17th September. We came for a peaceful relaxing holiday and that is what we have enjoyed.
This is our second visit to Bideford and last year we stayed in the other house which is equally as good as this one.
The weather at the beginning of the week was not too good – a few showers and a bit windy, especially on the coast, but from Wednesday onwards it was mainly dry and sunny. The views of the river and countryside make this an extremely beautiful place to be and we look forward to returning again next year.
3rd - 9th September. Very nice house with a great location. Nice watching the birds when tide is out. The short walk into town was a nice easy flat walk. Our dog liked the Park – plenty of other dogs to play with. The beach at Instow is also great for dogs and well worth a visit, and Tesco’s on the way – Take sign for Eastleigh but go straight on up the hill. As for the house, the sofa – it could do with throwing away (broken) and please get rid of carpets in the loo’s and bathroom – very 80’s and unhygienic plus a blind in downstairs loo would be nice. [Owner’s comments: We don't understand the comment on the sofa as it was new this season] But all is all a great stay. Thanks for milk etc. very welcome by others in book. Mr Chips in Bideford are great and good value. If you want shops try Atlantic Village only a couple of miles, easy to find, take A39 towards Bude and follow signs. There is a Marks & Spencer outlet plus loads of other designer shops and there is also a small Asda – no petrol station though cheapest fuel around is Morrisons in Bideford. Thanks again for a nice clean house, but could be a bit better.
27th August - 3rd September. Beautifully situated, enjoyed river views and bird life, even found a hedgehog in the yard one evening. Sadly lacking in a decent size fridge whilst having a huge freezer, letter box doesn’t fit, knives are blunt or broken and there is room for slim-line dishwasher and a new toaster. Visited all the local shops and beaches, enjoyed Mr Chips but found “Hoops” a little uninteresting. hankfully the sun has shone this week. Thank you for the welcome tray and immediate essentials. [Owner’s comments: Toaster replaced, sharp knives are in the drawer]
20th - 27th August. The cottage is in a lovely situation. We enjoyed watching the river in all its many moods. Not having visited Devon for many years, we enjoyed trips to the local coastal resorts and spent several hours on some glorious beaches even if we needed coats not sun cream! The cottage was just as stated in the brochure and was just what we needed. Enough room for us, our daughter and her luggage! Many Thanks for the welcome tray, and if the weather could also have been re-arranged it would have really been heaven on earth. P.S. Toaster still working on one side only! Light bulb needed for lounge lamp.
6th - 13th August. As this was our first year coming to a cottage we were all really impressed by it – even our dog Molly. The cottage is set in a beautiful location and we have all loved the walks to the town centre and the bike tracks. We’ve enjoyed going to Westward Ho! Each night and it’s ideal if you have an energetic dog! We have been very unlucky with the weather and have enjoyed returning to places such as Clovelly. The cottage is very clean and we have enjoyed playing cards each night and we were very grateful for the thoughtful gestures of tea and biscuits when we arrived. We have all had a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday. Thank you.
30th July - 5th August. Hi. We had a lovely time in Bideford. The cottage is great, the sofa is very comfy, knives could be better, but I am afraid to say twice a day someone kept stealing the river. [Owner’s comments: Sharp knives are in the drawer]. See you soon.
23rd - 30th July. House very close to Bideford with a lovely walk along the coast. Very well equipped with everything you need. Mad good use of the BBQ. The views were lovely and the house is a good base for visiting the area. We had lovely meals in the Blacksmiths Arms - had the Sunday Carvery and Serendipity – lovely pasta and brilliant service. The only downsides we found were that the cottage could be a lot cleaner – dirty walls and skirtings etc. and the sofa is uncomfortable. [Owner’s comments: Disappointed with this comment as so many people have praised the cleanliness of the house. The sofa is a new one, so not sure why it was felt to be uncomfortable]. The provision of the highchair and stairgate was very helpful for our 6 month old son however we did have trouble fitting our travel cot into the 2nd bedroom. (Owner’s comments: The cot provided is designed to fit into the back bedroom). Thank you for the tray – it was lovely to arrive and not have to go out for supplies straight away.
9th - 23rd July. Very pleasant stay, and accommodation sufficient for our purposes. TV could do to be a bit larger, at our age the eyes tend to find small is not too good. Been coming to Bideford for 28 years, but first time staying on river. Could not be better for views, and fascinating watching the birds and the river traffic. Hope to come again next year, if we could only get 2 weeks of good weather. Friendly neighbours made us feel welcome.
2nd - 9th July. Back again for our 5th year – how time flies! Another lovely week in our “home from home”, with no broken bones this year. We all enjoyed the walk down the river to Bideford in the evening, and the exercise made me feel less guilty about the lovely kebabs from “Mr Ali’s” Less birds to watch at this time of year (they must all be nesting), but the ever changing view of the river still fascinates. As usual there was everything we could want in the house, and everything was very clean. We’ll be back again next year.
18th - 25th June. Lovely holiday in very comfortable accommodation, most convenient for shopping etc. We have visited many interesting places from Hartland Abbey, Clovelly, Appledore and up to Woolacombe. Very impressed with North Devon coastline. Weather ranged from sunshine to very cold but didn’t keep us in even to a visit to the Atlantic Village!!
4th - 11th June. We spent another lovely time here this year (our third visit). We had some lovely walks here and at Instow (good for dog walks). Retail therapy on our wet day was spent at Atlantic Village.
We can recommend “Trawlers” fish and chips and Riversford Hotel at Northam and Honeymoon for Chinese/Thai.
Thank you for a lovely stay and the supplies of tea, coffee and milk – much appreciated.
23rd - 30th April. First time in Devon. We had a lovely time, the weather has been kind to us. Bideford is a nice place. We have walked several times to the Bideford bridge and back.
The cottage is nice, warm, clean and well equipped. Thank you for the welcome tray.
The “Tourist Information” pack is useful.
All in all, great and enjoyable holiday.
2010
Season
6th – 11th December. Despite the temperature outside being below freezing for the first few days, this was a cosy and warm home from home.
Enjoyed waking up to the lovely river view each morning. Walked into Bideford several times and also once to Instow (and back) on the Tarka Trail.
All in all a great holiday – we may well be back!
20th – 29th November. Our second stay here and we love the location, the views are fantastic and so convenient for town. We have been very comfortable and you have provided everything we could possibly need.
Thank you, we will be back.
23rd – 30th October. Good location and fantastic weather. We have enjoyed our stay here and will definitely book again. River was lovely to watch in the mornings but nights were a bit noisy due to the bridge but all in all we had a lovely time.
Please change the sofa!! [Owner’s comment. We have.]
9th – 14th October. The weather has been splendid! Misty mornings, but sunny and very warm later.
We have enjoyed our stay here. Last year we stayed in No.62 – think it is a little quieter as it is further away from the new bridge.
The river and the birds have been a delight again.
2nd – 9th October. Our 4th year coming to this house and we still think its wonderful. The view of the river is different every day and the bird watching is great.
Holiday a bit different this year as we arrived on Saturday, but on Monday my husband John broke his leg! Not at the house, we were at Docton Mill Gardens – so beware if it is wet underfoot! Can really recommend Barnstaple Hospital – both A&E and the Fracture Clinic were quick and helpful.
We can’t understand the comment aout the toaster (see previous page) as we used it every day this week. Knives also seem fine. Settee is a bit low for me but in general everything is great, including the neighbours.
18th – 25th September. A very enjoyable holiday in your lovely cottage. Tea, coffee, biscuits much appreciated on arrival.
Enjoyed an excellent meal in Lathwells Restaurant (Cooper Street).
Visited Watersmeet (NT) on Exmoor – lovely river, walks and waterfalls. Good coffee and cakes at the NT coffee shop. Also visited Lynmouth and then followed the coastal path road to the Valley of the Rocks – very atmospheric- continued on coastal road towards Martinhoe. A very narrow road, but spectacular views. We also visited Docton Mill and Gardens – lovely gardens and walks. Devon tea with scones, cream and jam excellent in the tea rooms. A couple of problems at the cottage. Toaster does not work and a very strong smell of tobacco smoke in lounge – obviously someone had not adhered to the rules of a non smoking property.
PS. Beautiful views and gardens at Tapely House Park, Instow.
11th – 18th September. Weather mixed. Thank you for a lovely week, nice and clean and very comfortale (welcome pack lovely). Neighbours both sides very nice, especially Pat. Lost of good food pubs in Bideford.
4th – 11th September. Had a really nice week. Weather has been up and down but we didn’t care, needed the rest.
Cottage has been great. Enjoyed being here. Thanks for milk, biscuits – they were nice.
Have been to a few places - Woolacoombe, Ilfracombe, Westward Ho! – have enjoyed them all.
28th August – 4th September. Had a great time here. This cottage will be greatly missed by us all. Check out the “Thatched Inn” for a great meal.
Saunton Beach and Coombe Martin are lovely spots. Bideford nice to shop – although there are too many chavs!
Days out in Bude and Padstow were also great. Westward Ho! is a tip. Ha Ha!
21st – 28th August. An excellent week in a superb location, loved watching the river come in and out, the boats and the wildlife. Highlight was trip to see Mist and the other sheepdogs at Borough Farm. Had hoped to cycle on the Tarka Trail but weather not friendly enough on our available days. Knives still blunt (see previous comments), but found that Morrisons have knives at 50p and 80p – spoil yourselves. [Owners comments: two knives in drawer sharpened – the other appear OK?] Bideford is a superb location – lots to do and all so close to accommodation. Looking forward to coming back soon.
14th – 21st August. Very enjoyable stay. Lovely accom. – very clean.
Enjoyed walking coastal path to Appledore. Ventured into Cornwall to Bude and Boscastle. Westward Ho! is so close with all the seaside amenities.
Enjoyed meals at Blacksmiths Arms and Cafecino Plus.
Had cause to visit Bideford Medical Centre – very professional.
Not our first visit to Bideford and certainly not our last!
7th – 14th August. Lovely cottage – cosy + nice and clean. Fantastic view. A real joy to wake up to. Very well equipped with essentials. Thank you!
Location makes it a good place to explore. Bideford Town Centre so cloase – 5 min walk via coastal path,. A number of lovely independent shops.
Westward Ho! – lovely beach. Although only able to enjoy on our one day of sunny weather. Appledore – nice walk – good ice cream. Various events during the summer. We saw the crab catching competition.
Northam Burrows – fantastic scenery. Despite poor weather, enjoyed Atlantic Village Shopping outlet + kids loved Funderzone (Soft Play Area in Barnstaple). Very reasonably priced.
Enjoyed coffee & cake in Cafecino but meal very disappointing.
Overall a wonderful holiday in a beautiful part of England. Thank you.
31st July – 7th August. Lovely cottage, very well equipped, thankyou for welcome tray in kitchen and spare bin bags. Stunning views and loved watching the tide coming in/going out.
Good that towels were provided didn’t have a bath mat but “improvised” with rubber one. [Owners note: sorry this must have been an omission – a clean bath mat is provided every week].
Enjoyed walking out of patio door along coastal path into Bideford, a lovely little town – an excellent shop called the “Original Factory Shop” – big brands at factory prices. Went back several times. My daughter loved it in there (7 years old), prices very good.
Went to Atlantic Village Shopping Outlet as weather was not good on Thur/Fri. A good selection of different shops and a big Asda, as well as a kids fun area at the far end.
Nice beach at Instow but not much else, and very disappointed with Appledore – expected lots of shops but hardly any and no beach there.
Chip shop very nice on Quay but portions very small (take away). We went there on our first night as we had spend 5½ hours on the M5 Motorway. It was great to find a Morrisons on our doorstep for basic shop when we got here.
After holidaying with Hoseasons for the last 4 years this was definitely a big improvement. We will definitely book with holiday cottages again. Thank you.
26th – 31st July. Silver Wedding Anniversary! First visit to Bideford. Ideal, clean house with lush views (just needed sharper knives). Local Morrisons great. Local couple next door very friendly and helpful.
RHS Rosemoor gardens a MUST SEE, if you love gardening! Victoria Park nearby is great if you have an energetic Westie with you!
Spent last day at Instow and Appledore walking and chilling out. Really appreciated being allowed to bring our dog to Devon. We’ll be back.
4th – 10th July. Very much enjoyed the stay. Beds were very comfy, the views and walk lovely.
Only downside settee too low and obviously broken. [Owners note – this has been replaced]. Knives still blunt (no problem).
26th June – 3rd July. Two years ago we stayed in the other River View Holidays cottage but found this one to be more comfortable.
The weather was kind, any rain was at night or late evening. Harry enjoyed all the local walks and was very partial to Mr Chips.
We enjoyed a meal at the Thatched Inn but then returned to our favourite – the Boat House at Instow for excellent meals from a vary varied menu with many selections.
Our only downside was that we found the knives in the block to be blunt (bread & fruit) [Owners note: there is also a set of sharp knives in the drawer].
19th – 26th June. How lucky can you be? The second week of our holidays was here in Bideford and not a drop of rain the whole time! Cottage is a lovely place to explore the local area. From our favourite finds are:-
On the flip side, places that we would not go back to are:-
The Custom House Pub in Bideford, Westward Ho!, Bude.
Top Tips: Take plenty of change for parking and wear trainers on walk to Appledore.
15th – 21st May. First time here. Very pleased with warm, clean, well equipped house. Thank you to the house-keeper. Have enjoyed a very pleasant and peaceful week which was just what was needed. Enjoyed visits to Appledore and Instow.
10th – 17th April. The cottage has made an excellent base for our holiday. Wonderful to wake up each morning to river view. Fortunate with the weather – warm spring sunshite all but Wednesday which was cool but dry.
Enjoyed Bude and Woolacombe beaches. Tasty sandwiches from Woolacombe’s beach café. Excellent “deli” in Coombe Martin. Café at the Arts Centre/Museum in Bideford good.
2009
Season
24th – 31st October. Weather very good for time of year, very little rain. Instow – nice beach within easy reach for walking dog and energetic toddler. Westward Ho – no sand at high tide
Pig on the Hill – great food and welcome. Dartington Crystal – a fascinating trip, worthy of an afternoon visit. Great to watch glass blowing. Clovelly – definitely worth a visit. From harbour, £4 boat trip entertaining. Mould in corner of bedroom (double) [Owner: leak fixed – problem resolved]. No Mirror in twin room [Owner: mirror installed]. Washing basket (to take clothes to line) would be handy. [Owner: basket now provided].
12th – 26th September. We have enjoyed another 2 weeks at this delightful location. The walks in the area are superb and we’ve had 2 good weeks of weather. We particularly enjoyed the Maritime Museum at Appledore – extremely informative. It’s lovely to be able to watch wading birds from the window!
22nd - 29th August. Good Places to Visit: Westward Ho! – A wide selection of arcades, Go Karting, Crazy Golf, beach which allows dogs, shops and restaurants. A good fish and chip shop is the “Golden Fry”. Co-op and newsagents available. Braddicks is good on an evening for children activities, bingo and quizzes. The “Carousel” amusements had Prize Bingo which anyone can play. You can win gorgeous cuddly toys, shortbread and fudge, with much more when you save up your vouchers. Good Pubs: The White Hart Inn, allows dogs but food is only served when they feel like it. The Westleigh Inn, allows dogs, don’t buy a child’s portion as there is hardly anything to eat. The Kings Arms, allows dogs with nice homemade food. Golden Fry fish ‘n’ chips is nice. Country Cousins. Food looked nice. The cottage is nice and it is good for the dog as it has got an enclosed garden. To improve the cottage you could have a mirror in the bedroom with the 2 single beds in it. Also could change the sofa in the living room as it is not that comfortable.
25th July – 1st August. Bideford is a great base for visiting loads of places in North Devon. We went to the Big Sheep, which was great. The Milky Way was pleasantly surprisingly good. We went to the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park at Coombe Martin – great displays and animals – but I would never have gone if I knew you had to queue on the main road, to pay on the way to a car park on the steepest hill. The site is very steep and slippery – we saw two injuries and a woman taken off in an ambulance! Weather was unsettled but managed to see plenty and have a great holiday.
11th – 18th July. Great holiday base, well equipped and good location. Ate out a few times. Everything seemed reasonably priced, good fare. For takeaway, Mr Chips was excellent. If Luton play in the South West cup next season we will be back. UP THE HATTERS + Good Luck to Bideford in the coming football season. P.S. Locals very friendly – everyone greets you with a happy good morning!
20th June – 4th July. Very nice cottage with lovely views – very peaceful. A couple of small things would have made life easier – a butter knife and a basket to take the washing out to the line. [Owner: basket now provided] Also the bedding is a bit tired. [Owner: bedding replaced]. Apart from that we’ve had a lovely couple of weeks, with nice weather too! Instow, Saunton Sands and Bude have good beaches, and Rosemoor, Docton Mill and Tapely Park are lovely gardens. Excellent fish & chips at Mr Chips in Bideford! Also, the neighbours are friendly!
6th – 13th June. House was very comfortable and met our needs well. After a wet journey the welcoming cuppa was appreciated. After Saturday, the weather cleared up and we were able to do quite a lot – favourite excursions were the Torrington 1646 Museum and Clovelly. We tried several restaurants and no really bad experiences. In Bideford the Kings Arms was good and moderately priced. Walked part of the Tarka Trail and Hobby Drive at Clovelly. A very good centre for seeing something of North Devon.
16th – 23rd May. A nice, well equipped house with wonderful views. We found the location very good – local buses frequent, to use with our over 60’s bus passes! The only improvement could have been the weather!
9th – 16th May. A really good house – the best we have tried for many years. Excellent cream teas at Docton Mill and Rosemoor. Especially good lunch at the Pig on the Hill, awful at the Farmer’s Arms on A39 to Bude. Good meal at Thatched Inn at Abbotsham
2nd – 8th May. A therapeutic scene from the lounge, when the tide is high and the boats are bobbing and the handsome mallards are assembled on the wall. A comfy cottage in a good location. A pity the weather was rather mixed, but we made the best of it and have been out and around to lots of places. Couldn’t get as much walking on the coastal path as we’d have liked – the wind was a real annoyance this week. We like Bideford very much and will have to come again.
2008
Season
27th - 30th October. A most pleasant welcome of tea/coffee & biscuits which was most appreciated. A lovely clan place to stay with a cosy homely feel about it. Fantastic view of the river at the back.
4th - 11th October. Our second time here & it was as wonderful as last year. The house is great, with everything we need, & seeing all the birds at low tide is a treat! We would recommend Ali's Charcoal Grill for take aways, and Spice for a good meal too. We had a Sunday Lunch at the Hunter's Inn at Newton Tracey which was also very good.
13th - 20th September. Have had an enjoyable stay. Perhaps for our next visit please put another shilling in the Sun meter!!!. Food: Mr Ho; the book says best take away, incorrect, in our opinion the food was most unpleasant. Thatched Inn; Food well cooked and plenty off it. Have brought menu back and put in folder. Hoops Inn; Food good, restaurant has one menu but in bar you can have both restaurant & bar menu.
6th - 13th September. Lovely relaxing holiday, great views, house was like a home from home. Very comfortable everything we needed and a good base central to getting around to everywhere. Would recommend this place. Tried most restaurants recommended in this book by others and never had a bad meal. Look forward to coming back.
30th August - 6th September. A lovely house at which to be based as it appeared to be central to all of the places to visit in the beautiful "neck of the woods". We enjoyed (especially our 5 year old daughter) the safe and friendly environment. The view across the river is gorgeous and we will miss it very much.
23rd - 30th August. Great relaxing holiday, despite the weather. 'The Beaver, in Appledore one of the best pubs around, real ale too, and definately recommend Chiorstow Country Restaurant at Hartland - excellent food! Great walks all around. Look forward to coming back soon.
16th - 23rd August. Fantastic cottage, great base for exploring North Devon and NE Cornwall. Despite the weather we had a lovely holiday and would/will recommend this place/Bideford. Clovelly is definitely worth a visit as is Bude. If you like real ale (like my hubby) The Pig on the Hill a must - it gets busy, so get there early (loads for Kids to do there, while mum+dad relax! Cycle the Tarka trail, if you get the chance, its relatively flat but be warned there is sometimes nowhere to stop for refreshments. Best to ask before you set off - scenery is fantastic. Counting the days to our next Devon Holiday.
9th - 16th August. Enjoyed the cottage and the lovely views. Costal path to Bideford a very nice walk - a super park for children (or dogs). Would recommend The Big Sheep for a day out with Chirdren. Exmoor zoo was great and Quince Honey farm very interesting. Lovely cafe/gallery at aforementioned park. As others before - Mr Spice very nice.
26th July - 2nd August. Lovely cottage, really enjoyed the river views. Instow lovely beach very sandy. The wayfarer Inn lovely food.
19th - 26th. We recommend Ilfracombe for strolls in the evening and a great seadide atmosphere. Lundy (Island) well worth a visit, spectacular views from the cliffs. Recommended beaches: Saunton Sands, Bude, Woolacombe beach not so good. Lovely clean accomodation, kids loved it!.
28th June - 5th July . Comfortable, well equipped house in a good position. For eating we would recommend the Sand Cats Cafe in Westward Ho!, Caféano In Bideford and the Coach and Horses at Buckland Brewer.
7th - 14th June . What a lovely cottage, with such great views and helpful backup housekeeping service. Would definitely recommend to others.
17th - 24th May . Thank you for the tea & Biscuits etc. Very welcoming. We couldn't have wished for a lovlier, cleaner & positioned cottage. Had a lovely week, the weather has been really kind. WOuld definately recommend to family and friends.
10th - 11th May. Only stayed one night but accomodation clean & homely. Can really recommend the Boathouse at Instow for Food. 01271 861292. But be warned, book to avoid disappointment. They do operate a turn up and wait system. Great stay and thanks for letting us stay for just one night.
3rd - 10th May. Lovely views, lots to watch on the river. Lovely area, kids enjoted everything. Light bulb went in bathroom caused trip to go. Neighbour helped find fusebox in downstairs loo. [Editor: Housekeeper is available for such problems].
2007
Season
13th - 20th October. Another lovely week, loads of great walks and colin our english setter feels it is now his 'Second Home'! Thank you.
8th - 15th September. Our first time in this area too. Great river views and good walks enjoyed by our westie. Nice house - we especially appreciated being able to bring our dog.
1st - 8th September. Our first time here and we've had a wondeful time! the house if lovely, great views & everything you could want inside. We completely recommend the Exmoor Zoological park - a good drive but well worth it. We will be back.
25th August - 1st September. Another great holiday. Instow beach and Tarka Trail again. There is a great fun pool called Cascades at Ruda holiday park on far aide of Croyde bay, works on hour sessions. "Coast" is great for lunch when you come out, check when they stop serving food though. "2nd time we went to Billy Bud's in Croyde village, nice play area and garden. The Karting Centre at Barnstaple was great fun - 3 speeds of kart, 6 minute races, you can turn up anytime. The Spice in Bideford is great for a curry. Have a great holiday.
4th - 18th August. Excellent time was had by all. Recommend "Beaver Inn" at Appledore (Irsha St), very friendly, good ale and biscuits for all dogs! Dog friendly beaches - Saunton Sands, Woolacombe, Westward Ho!. Have a good holiday.
28th July - 4th August. A wonderful holiday that was over much too quick. We wish we could take the river view with us. We recommend the beach at Widemouth Bay (we know its in Cornwall!) but the girls loved it.
2nd - 9th June. Enjoyed the house and view. Would recommend "Tea on the Green" at Westward Ho! for cream teas and sandwiches (huge portions!) & good service. Lovely walk from Bideford to Instow along Tarka Trail. Would love to return soon.
26th May - 2nd June. Thanks for another lovely stay. Exmoor Zoo is lovely -its very much like a sanctuary rather than a zoo. New by-pass at Barnstaple takes alot off journeys to Croyde etc.
5th - 12 May. We enjoyed our stay in this lovely holiday home, set in a beautiful area - even though the weather wasn't too kind. Our do's, as elderly as we, loved the Tarka Trail - both directions, and the coast walk. We would recommend "The Bar" at Instow - great food and atmosphere.
2006 Season
9th - 16th September 2006. We had a great time. Couldn’t ask for anything better. House and all in it was perfect. Forget your car, use the public transport. We’ve been to all the main places, all by bus. Mr Chips is good for take-away fish & chips. White Hart good for pub food & drinks. The Spice is excellent in every way. Quigleys has good beer but food is not up to the standard expected. Would recommend Bideford and this Cottage to friends and family. Thank You.
2nd - 9th September 2006. We had a brilliant time, the house is perfect with wonderful views. Enjoyed a lovely meal at The Spice in Bideford on our last night.
19th - 26th August 2006. Clovelly village very picturesque, steep hill down (and especially back up) although there is a very nice pub halfway up. ‘Beach’ is rocky rather than sandy. Instow beach is very nice & sandy and the Wayfarers pub nearby serves lovely food. Croyde Bay nice, busy, lost of surfing. Barnstaple – traffic a problem, avoid if you can [Editor: New bridge opening soon to provide a bypass]. Recommend a bike ride along the Tarka trail, bike hire in Bideford other side of old bridge. Live music jam night Tuesdays in Bideford. Crabby Dicks in Bideford to watch footy. We had a great time, would come again. Thanks.
12th - 19th August 2006. A very enjoyable visit, house very nice, unfortunately weather not good enough for beaches but some nice places to visit. Exmoor Zoo definitely worth a visit, also Diggerland for the kids. Enjoyed Lynmouth too. Riding at Kingsland stables near Woolsey was very good.
[Editor: Later telephone Message] We’ve just spent a week at Riverview in Bideford. I’m just phoning to say how much we enjoyed the cottage, how well appointed it was, everything was thought off. Believe me, we have stayed at some places where we had to clean before we could even go in, it was spotlessly clean and we were very impressed and are quite sure that we will recommend you to anyone.
5th - 12 August 2006. Clovelly village well worth a visit, quaint and pretty. Hartland lighthouse and Hartland quay ditto, beach at the quay has sand and rock pools, only £1.50 to park, kids loved it. Food and service good at White Hart pub in Bideford. House comfortable and clean, love the views of the river. House has everything you would need from home appliance wise – well thought out.
Well thought out accommodation and great tourist information, very helpful! Nice little touches like that have helped to make it a home from home. Many Thanks.
28th July - 5th August 2006. Saunton Sands beach really good for children, very sandy near Braunton & Croyde Bay. £5 parking all day and toilets and shop/café close by. Killarney Springs theme park, don’t bother - not much there, half the things advertised were not working or didn’t exist, kids disappointed. House lovely, views overlooking the river great, very comfortable and clean!
22nd - 29th July 2006. Instow beach is nice for a local beach, as is Appledore. Free parking on road for 2 hours but car park is only £2 for the day. Some locals say road parking is never checked but we didn’t like to try it. [Editor: It most certainly is checked!] Croyde beach is manned by lifeguards - £5 car park all day. Good amenities for food and drinks and beach shop. Surfing lessons very popular. Watch the surfing at Westward Ho! in the early evening. Plenty of eating places here. “The Burrows” beach (just past Appledore) is very large and popular (visit the wildlife hut at the end of the car park, it has loo’s!) This is all good if you want to stay local.