Sometimes the strangest things can get you feeling all nostalgic; the sight of frogspawn, the sound of a campfire, the smell of the farm. If yours was a childhood spent outdoors, any, or all, of these things might put you in the mood to reminisce. But the “good old days” aren’t over yet – you just have to know where to look for them. Put Beatrix Potter and Enid Blyton back on the shelf, pull on your wellies and book a stay at Puddleduck Valley. This tiny two-yurt glamping site is a place where pond-dipping, egg-collecting, goat-herding and tree-climbing are all a part of daily life.
Puddleduck Valley’s two yurts are out back of the main farmhouse, a beautful old building dating back to the 1650s. The canvas structures share a little meadow but each has its own space with a fire pit and picnic bench outside and an indoor hotel-style bathroom a short walk away. Inside, the yurts are comfortably furnished with a made-up king-sized bed and two singles. You can cook on the fire or head to the farmhouse where there’s a fully-equipped kitchen that’s just for yurt guests alongside a shared conservatory with space to eat, read and play games. It’s also where you can find out about the local area – but perhaps a better way is to ask site owners Phil, Melanie and their daughters Heidi and Abigail. They’ve lived here since 2012 and are full of useful information which they’re willing to share. They’ll tell you where to find the best beaches on the North Devon coast, where to walk in Dartmoor and where to picnic in the National Trust parkland next door.
Of course, some of the most exciting adventures are right here on the farm. There are seven acres of woodland and meadows to explore with a menagerie of animals at its heart; cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and a herd of friendly goats. You can see the animals whenever you like but send the kids (of the human kind) out early if they want to play farmer and collect eggs for your breakfast. For a wilder encounter, borrow nets and head down to the pond to find frogs, newts and tadpoles. There’s a rowing boat to borrow free-of-charge, a clay pit dug-out so you can sculpt muddy faces on the trees (you’ll see) and, to help you explore, a cycle trail and nature treasure hunts. The best part of all this newly discovered, old-fashioned fun? Puddleduck Valley is as sustainable as it comes, with hot water and heating from a biomass boiler, electricity from renewable sources and a dedicated commitment to recycling. It turns out there’s little need for nostalgia here after all. In fact, the good old days are here to stay.
At the bottom of the Puddleduck Valley garden, you can walk straight through to the Forestry Commission-owned Bramble Wood or Dunsland (01237 441976), 250 acres of National Trust parkland which once surrounded a grand house – great for walks and picnics. Both Cookworthy Forest and Holsworthy Woods are a five-minute drive and have more good walking and cycling trails. From Holsworthy you can head out on foot, bike or horseback on the Ruby Way, a reclaimed railway line. Alternatively head out on the Tarka Trail, 20 minutes’ drive away. There’s archery for ages eight plus, at Dragon Archery (07500 112834) just five minutes’ drive from site. Dartmoor National Park (01626 832093) and the North Devon/Cornwall coast are both about 30 minutes’ drive away (in opposite directions). Family fun at The Big Sheep Theme Park is also about 30 minutes’ drive and The Eden Project is an hour’s drive from site. There’s plenty more information on local attractions on site – and Phil and Melanie have plenty of suggestions too.
A little welcome pack is provided for your arrival and eggs from Puddleduck chickens are freely available. For more supplies head to Holsworthy, five miles away, where there’s a supermarket and a Wednesday market. It’s also where you’ll find the recommended Rydon Inn (01409 259444) if you fancy a meal out. The closest pub to site, a lovely walk away, is the Bickford Arms (01409 221318), also recommended, and about a mile away.