The existing brochure does not perhaps do justice to describing the location of Muddlebridge or to the rich variety of things there are to do and see in North Devon, all within easy driving distance of Muddlebridge. Guests who have not previously known the area regularly comment to us that they had no idea that North Devon had so much to offer. Many also say that one week is nothing like long enough to really get to know the area or to take advantage of all there is to see and do. So we hope that this brief summary will give you a few ideas and help you plan a visit to the area.

Our small complex is not remote, buried in the countryside, but conveniently located in a picturesque semi-rural setting just off the old Barnstaple to Bideford road. Yet within half a mile, are village post office(s), newsagents, convenience stores and a chemist, while within a mile and a half, there is a large Sainsburys superstore. There is a good selection of pubs, restaurants and take-aways within a 5-10 minute drive (we keep a file of menus for guests to borrow). We are even on the regular bus service (15 minute daytime frequency) between Barnstaple and Bideford/ Westward Ho!

The 180-mile Tarka Trail, and even longer South West Coastal Path, pass within 800 yards of Muddlebridge, at Fremington Quay. The restoration and regeneration of this historic Quay, completed during 2001, offers our guests a very attractive and interesting location to while away a spare hour or two. The completed scheme provides:

A new single-track access lane from just outside our drive entrance to the large, open Quay front;

A visitor centre with cafe/restaurant, local museum and nature exhibition;

A 'Look-out' tower over the fascinating and picturesque estuary of the River Taw;

Access to the estuary-side beaches and woodland paths.

The Taw Estuary is included in the first 'Biosphere' in the UK, recently designated by UNESCO.

For about 25 miles south of us, the Tarka Trail follows the line of an old railway line, and provides a mainly flat, traffic-free path, ideal for cycling. For the first seven miles or so, it passes through mainly open countryside or alongside the Taw/Torridge estuaries, then bends away inland through pretty wooded valleys and farmland, to the village of Meeth. This section of the Tarka Trail is also now part of the National Cycle Network's 'Westcountry Way' (Bristol to Padstow). For really enthusiastic cyclists, taking this well-signed route north-west from Barnstaple gives a tough but scenic climb up onto Exmoor and across to Dulverton on quiet country roads.

The pleasant little estuary-side village of Instow is just four miles along the road, offering the nearest beach and several good places for couples and families to eat. The Royal North Devon Yacht Club is based here. A couple of miles further are the old port town of Bideford , the quaint village of Appledore with its narrow streets and strong roots in fishing and ship-building, and the two-mile sandy beach at Northam Burrows, where the Royal North Devon Golf Club links course is located.

On the north side of Barnstaple, still little more than a 20-minute drive, are the fabulous long sandy beaches of Saunton Sands, Croyde and Woolacombe/Putsborough (recently voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world). All three are wonderful for beach games, surfing (standing up and lying down varieties!) , and Saunton has some fascinating dunes immediately behind the beach, as well as two outstanding 18-hole links courses. Woolacombe also offers a couple of tiny coves with rock pools, shells and brightly coloured pebbles. From Croyde, there is a lovely coastal walk along to Baggy Point, with the option to continue round to Woolacombe.

In total, there are now about seven golf courses within about a 20-minute drive of Muddlebridge. Whilst the riding stables next to us no longer operate, riding is available at Westward Ho!, Croyde and at several stables on Exmoor. Extensive indoor sports facilities are available at the nearby North Devon Leisure Centre in Barnstaple. Tennis, ten-pin bowling and karting are also available in Barnstaple.

Because the milder weather of the West Country has helped to encourage the lengthening of the holiday season, there are now at least a dozen different family attractions in the area, catering for most interests and ages, open for 7-8 months of the year and, a few, even at weekends during the winter. The best half dozen can usually entertain a family for about two-thirds of a day, and virtually all of these are within an easy half-an-hour's drive of Muddlebridge, though a couple are closer .

There are a number of beautiful gardens in the area open to the public (RHS Rosemoor, Marwood Hill, Tapeley Park and Docton Mill); all are within a 20-minute drive, as is the National Trust's Arlington Court, whose fascinating house and lovely rambling grounds recently won it the title of 'Best National Trust Property' (as voted by the public). There are at least five other renowned National Trust properties within about an hour's drive.

Within half-an-hour's drive are most of the rugged but beautiful sections of the North Devon coastline: south at Clovelly, Hartland, Bucks Mills, Welcombe, etc., and north around Lynton and Lynmouth (connected by a fascinating cliff railway), with fabulous walks to Watersmeet and the stunning coastline at The Valley of the Rocks, and the bays and coves of the small villages on either side of the intriguing Victorian resort of Ilfracombe. Alternatively, a 30-minute drive from Muddlebridge will take you well up onto the spectacular countryside of Exmoor National Park, to open isolated moorland or to some of its pretty villages, both being ideal bases for the many recognised walks which Exmoor offers. Tarr Steps, Landacre Bridge and Dunkery Beacon are just a few of the beauty spots well worth visiting on Exmoor, as well as the villages of Exford and Winsford.

While up on Exmoor, you could consider carrying on to the lively seaside resort of Minehead, home of the well-known West Somerset Railway which offers steam-hauled trains for a 20-mile trip east along the coast and on towards Taunton, or to the nearby picturesque and centuries old village of Dunster, where the well maintained Castle is another National Trust property, or to Porlock Weir, taking in the famous 1-in-5 Porlock Hill with its spectacular views.

Just in case North Devon and Exmoor do not have enough scenery to cater for those who like rugged countryside and coastline, you could always consider venturing south into North Cornwall, possibly as far afield as 'King Arthur Country', the coastline around Tintagel and Boscastle.

A 45-minute drive south-east from Muddlebridge takes you inland to the pretty market town of Hatherleigh, which has many old listed thatched houses, and a large livestock and general market on Tuesday mornings. About half way to Hatherleigh is the historic town of Great Torrington, the home of Dartington Crystal, offering factory tours and a large 'seconds' shop. Hatherleigh and the nearer market town of South Molton both offer a number of antique shops. Just beyond Hatherleigh is Okehampton and the northern edges of Dartmoor.

The cathedral city of Exeter is just an hour away by road or by train, the latter being the Tarka Line which winds its way through some very attractive countryside. Exeter provides excellent shopping, although Barnstaple itself has grown a lot in the past decade or so and now offers an indoor shopping precinct, many national retailers but also a number of interesting local shops, and the fascinating Butchers Row, adjacent to the bustling Pannier Market. For the past few years, Barnstaple has won top national and international awards for its summer floral displays, including, in 1996and again in 1998, the Gold award for 'Prettiest Floral Town in Europe' in the Entente Florale Competition.

Depending on your interests, there are plenty of other things to do and places to visit in North Devon, including several small museums, art galleries, potteries and craft centres but we hope that these two sides have given you a few ideas on how to get the most out of a leisurely or action-packed holiday at Muddlebridge, as well of course as enjoying all the facilities here. And if you run out of ideas during your visit, we'll always be happy to give you a few more suggestions.

Muddlebridge therefore provides the perfect venue for guests of all ages, whatever their interests, to enjoy a memorable visit to North Devon.

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