Harcombes is a brilliant place to stay for large group holidays and short breaks in the UK; this is a house that has something for all ages, with snooze space for 20 guests and an annexe available for 2 more adults at an extra charge (see The Annexe). You’ll have exclusive use of the heated pool (allocated daily slots Mar-Oct), shared use of a games room and play field, and you are free to roam the 52 acres of glorious private grounds; amble through the fields and woodlands, see the 500 year old oak tree, look out for wildlife, paddle in the stream.
If you’re planning on exploring the local area, plan well, because there’s so much to see and do in these parts! All around is the beautiful countryside of the East Devon National Landscape – outdoorsy types will love it! If you like cycling, head down to Topsham and pick up the Exe Estuary Trail for stunning scenery along an almost traffic free route. Walkers can go for a short stroll or a hearty hike on the East Devon Way, or only a few miles away, on the South West Coast Path.
Harcombes is well situated for days by the sea, with the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site within a 15 minute drive. Go to Sidmouth to stroll along the esplanade, hire kayaks and canoes, spuddle in the rockpools at Jacob’s Ladder Beach then climb the steps to the clifftop gardens. Exmouth has 2 miles of sandy beach so is great for families, and fantastic if you’re into watersports, with windsurfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding being regular activities. Pootle along the winding lane to Branscombe, a picturesque coastal village where flower hung cottages line the hill that slopes down towards the beach; walk over the cliffs to Beer, a peaceful fishing village where in the summer, Ducky’s Beach Café serves fresh crab sandwiches down by the shore. Up on the hill are Pecorama, a must for train fanatics, and the fascinating underground caverns at Beer Quarry Caves.
Just over the Dorset border is Lyme Regis where you can stroll along the harbour to the little Marine Aquarium, join a mackerel fishing trip or take an exhilarating rib ride. Back in town there’s Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, guide led fossil hunts from the town museum, and mini golf in the gardens on the hill.
If a day in the city appeals, get yourselves down to Exeter where you can shop til you drop, visit the gorgeously Gothic Cathedral and the fascinating RAM Museum, or explore the medieval Underground Passages. For fabulous family days out go to Crealy Theme Park where there are over 60 rides, to Wildwood Devon to spot the wolves and ride the zip wire, or to The Donkey Sanctuary, home to hundreds of happy donks. There are historic houses nearby, glorious gardens, a castle and a vineyard, country pubs and beachfront restaurants.
Pack it in, love it all. Spend evenings gathered together, relaxing on the balcony back at Harcombes as the sun sinks gently over the Devon hills. Book today for your perfect large group holiday!