The local area
Weirford House is very well situated for touring Devon and North Cornwall and has, of course, the wonderful open spaces and the high Tors of Dartmoor only a few miles away. Belstone is four miles away yet it is truly on the high moor and The Tors public house there is well worth a visit. The nearest sandy beach that we frequent is near Bude in North Cornwall, which is about 45 minutes by car. Travelling a little further will take you to the North Devon coast with its high cliffs and spectacular scenery. Lynton and Lynmouth are a particular favourite of ours. Exmoor is less than an hour away.
Travelling south opens up a world of wonderful beaches on the South Devon Coast with places like Brixham, Dartmouth and Salcombe to explore. Dartmouth has the added attraction of the Dartmouth Steam Railway - a trip not to be missed. Totnes is part way to the coast and makes a very interesting stopping point on the way. Going west, into Cornwall: Tintagle, Boscastle and the Eden Project are all within a reasonable drive time. Travelling east will take you to the Cathedral City of Exeter, which has much to explore and many places to eat.
Train to Exeter
The line from Okehampton to Exeter was reopened in 2021 and provides a fast link to the city. The train stops at Exeter St Davids station for main line trains and and goes on to Exeter Central station which is very close to the high street. Trains are currently every 2 hours, but an hourly service begins in May 2022.
Travelling south opens up a world of wonderful beaches on the South Devon Coast with places like Brixham, Dartmouth and Salcombe to explore. Dartmouth has the added attraction of the Dartmouth Steam Railway - a trip not to be missed. Totnes is part way to the coast and makes a very interesting stopping point on the way. Going west, into Cornwall: Tintagle, Boscastle and the Eden Project are all within a reasonable drive time. Travelling east will take you to the Cathedral City of Exeter, which has much to explore and many places to eat.
Train to Exeter
The line from Okehampton to Exeter was reopened in 2021 and provides a fast link to the city. The train stops at Exeter St Davids station for main line trains and and goes on to Exeter Central station which is very close to the high street. Trains are currently every 2 hours, but an hourly service begins in May 2022.
Images of Dartmoor - click to enlarge an image
Walking on Dartmoor
Sampford Courtenay is close to the northern edge of Dartmoor and is an ideal base for walkers. The area offers a great variety of dramatic moorland, riverside and coastal scenery aswell as numerous routes through quiet villages and along peaceful country lanes and tracks.Long distance routes such as the Tarka Trail, Dartmoor Way and Two Moors Way are within easy reach. You will find a good collection of walking books and maps to browse through whilst planning your walk and we can help with suggestions. You may want to explore the country of the two rivers which inspired Williamson when he wrote Tarka the Otter.
A useful site for walks is: http://www.wreckstorm.com/richkni/dartmoor/index.htm
A useful site for walks is: http://www.wreckstorm.com/richkni/dartmoor/index.htm
Cycling in the area
We have secure storage for cycles. Cycles can be hired at various points or can be delivered. http://www.devoncyclehire.co.uk/
The Tarka trail can be reached along little-used lanes at Meeth, a few miles from here. The paved trail, on the old railway track, then goes over 30 miles through wonderful countryside to Barnstaple and over the river to Braunton. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/tarka-trail
The Granite Way starts at Okehampton station and ends at Lydford entirely along old railway lines. The trail follows the edge of the moor with some wonderful views.
http://bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/cycling/lydford.shtml
The Tarka trail can be reached along little-used lanes at Meeth, a few miles from here. The paved trail, on the old railway track, then goes over 30 miles through wonderful countryside to Barnstaple and over the river to Braunton. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/tarka-trail
The Granite Way starts at Okehampton station and ends at Lydford entirely along old railway lines. The trail follows the edge of the moor with some wonderful views.
http://bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/cycling/lydford.shtml
Eating and shopping
The New Inn is a short walk from Weirford House and provides excellent food and drinks . http://www.newinnsampfordcourtenay.co.uk
The Railway at North Tawton is a traditional Devon pub which also does good food and drink. http://www.therailwaynorthtawton.co.uk
North Tawton has a Spar, Fish and Chips, Newsagent , hairdresser and Kebab shop. It is 2 miles from here.
Okehampton is 4 miles away and has Waitrose, Co-op and Lidl supermarkets with numerous small shops, cafes and restaurants. There is an excellent Dartmoor museum in the town
The Railway at North Tawton is a traditional Devon pub which also does good food and drink. http://www.therailwaynorthtawton.co.uk
North Tawton has a Spar, Fish and Chips, Newsagent , hairdresser and Kebab shop. It is 2 miles from here.
Okehampton is 4 miles away and has Waitrose, Co-op and Lidl supermarkets with numerous small shops, cafes and restaurants. There is an excellent Dartmoor museum in the town