Whispering Thatch is an idyllic house in the country for large group holidays, weekends away with friends, and happy family celebrations. It feels quite magical here – this 15th century Devon longhouse has been lovingly renovated to sleep 14 guests in 6 bedrooms. The views over the Otter Valley are breathtaking, the large garden has a hot tub and a children's play area; there’s access to a games room and larger grounds with riverside walks. Inside is country modern with everything you need for your large group holiday in the country. Come and fill your lungs with fresh country air, listen to the birdsong and watch squirrels scampering on the lawn.
If your idea is to stay put and not drive anywhere all week, you’ll be fine here, just doddering around the fields. There are several walks right from the doorstep, down across the fields to the River Luv, up to Dumpdon Hill, or over to Hembury Fort. The town of Honiton is just down the road, with supermarkets, an art gallery and pottery, and a lively market twice a week.
There’s plenty for families to do in this part of Devon; take the little ones out to see the fairy garden at Heron Farm, have a day out at Wildwood Devon or the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth, or go down to Haldon Forest for Segways and Go Ape. Spend time in Exeter where you can visit the RAM Museum, take a tour of the medieval Underground Passages, or see the Gothic cathedral. Closer to home you can have fun on the go-karts at Dunkeswell Raceway, or watch the banger racing at Smeatharpe Stadium; if planes are more your thing go to Dunkeswell Aerodrome to watch the microlights come and go and have a bite to eat at the Aviator Coffee Bar & Restaurant. Depending on the time of year, you might catch one of the annual events in East Devon, like Honiton Agricultural Show, Sidmouth Folk Festival or the world famous Tar Barrels in Ottery St Mary.
The beaches of the Jurassic Coast can be reached within 30 minutes, so head over for days by the sea; play on the sand at Sidmouth, or soak up the charm of unspoilt villages like Branscombe, or Beer where you can have crab sandwiches at Ducky’s Beach Café and go out on a fishing boat. If you prefer to get off the beaten track, book up for pony trekking at Devenish Pitt Farm, or plan a hearty hike in the Blackdown Hills where there are plenty of footpaths and bridleways to explore. Amble up to Dumpdon Hill, just up behind the cottage; march the ramparts of the Iron Age fort, walk through bluebell woods in late spring. A few miles away you can puff your way to the summit of Culmstock Beacon, admire the incredible panoramic views, and then stroll back down for lunch at the Culm Valley Inn. And that’s another thing – there are some very good places to eat round these parts – the Pig at Combe and The Drewe Arms at Broadhembury are highly recommended. Have beautiful holidays, make wonderful memories when you stay at Whispering Thatch. Book today!
NB: Although Whispering Thatch is on the same farm as Meadows Drift and a smaller holiday cottage, it has its own private entrance and is separate to the other properties.