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A sunny March day exploring Marwood Gardens I often wonder how come in the UK Father's Day is in the middle of June when the weather is warm and pleasant, and Mother's Day, in contrast, is in the middle of March, when even the best spring weather is still pretty chilly. Wouldn't it be a great idea to swap them around each year so it was fair? Last year the weather on Mother's Day was a little nippy but it was sunny and bright so I suggested we visit the lovely Marwood Gardens, near Barnstaple. Renowned for its stunning colours from early Spring to late Autumn, this steep valley was bought in 1949 by Dr Jimmy Smart and nowadays is home to many special collections of plants including camellias, magnolias and astilbes. This privately owned garden boasts 20 acres of shrubs and trees with three lakes as well as a lovely tearoom and plant sales area. The beautiful magnolia pictured on the left is one of over eighty varieties that are spread throughout the garden and they looked amazing as we wandered around. There's also the most gorgeous wisteria near the entrance and so much more to explore. They also hold a variety of events and activities at the gardens throughout the year so be sure to check out Marwood Hill Gardens if you are planning to come and stay with us sometime. Join us at Newberry Valley Park, perfectly nestled between the coast and the countryside. Book now to secure your spot and immerse yourself in the delights North Devon has to offer you!

The site is closed until March 2025 and the staff are currently away enjoying a well-earned break with their families over the Christmas and New Year period. While we absolutely love welcoming guests throughout the season, there's a unique charm to having the site all to ourselves in winter. A misty view over the lake Boxing day here started with blue sky and sunshine however the mist slowly rolled in by lunchtime. This meant that by the time we had got ourselves organised to stroll around the park to work off the Christmas excesses, it was somewhat chillier than earlier in the day. Not only that but the fog lay low producing an eerie, yet in its way a rather beautiful atmosphere. Heron in the mist I didn't spot it at first but my eagle-eyed son, Ashley, pointed out the heron at the side of the lake in the distance. He often visits us (the Heron, that is, not Ashley!), undoubtedly to have something to eat. Thankfully he's not generally greedy and I'm sure he knows better than to tackle our big fish! Though it may not look too inviting on these misty winter days, the fishing lake is a popular spot throughout the season. I love to watch the large carp cruising around beneath the surface like submarines, soaking up the sunshine whilst teasing the fishermen. Here's where you can find out more about coarse fishing on our lovely campsite ( below are three photos of the many sent to us each year by happy fishermen). Join us at Newberry Valley Park, perfectly nestled on the edge of the lovely seaside village of Combe Martin. Book now to secure your spot and immerse yourself in the delights North Devon has to offer you!

I was 60 in September. Every birthday can stimulate reflection and contemplation, but when it’s at the start of a new decade it somehow inspires, in me at least, to take a look more deeply at my life. The result was my ‘near and far bucket list’.   Just to explain a little more… the near and far aspect is simple. The ‘far’ list includes faraway places to visit and is not restricted to be undertaken or completed within my 60th year. However, the ‘near’ list is all about visiting local places and doing lots of new and different things close by all within the next twelve months.   At my great age (I am going to leave that statement as an ambiguous one 😊) it’s too easy to get complacent and stuck in a comfort zone but my dear friend kicked off the year by treating me to a brilliant evening of axe throwing. Norse Hawk  is located just outside Barnstaple (about 30 – 40 minutes’ drive from us here depending on traffic). Sophie welcomed us with a full health and safety briefing and a demonstration of how to throw, then it was time to give it a go.  Well, I tried and I tried and…. I couldn’t hit the target. Time after time the axe bounced, banged, and bumped its way to the floor. Sophie guided and encouraged us with helpful tips and suggestions until eventually, with a celebratory whoop I hit the target, and with a bullseye! Here’s the photo as proof.   Once we had got the gist of it, Sophie introduced some fun individual and team games to add a bit of extra pressure, and our session flew by with loads of laughter and chatter.   They do custom, family and group bookings and anyone from 9+ can try their hand. Sessions do need to be pre-booked so if you are tempted take a look here . It really was brilliant fun, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to do something a bit different.

Each Autumn plenty of good things happen around North Devon that provide great entertainment for locals and visitors alike. The month kicks off with the Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival , attracting local, national, and international visitors. You can enjoy a vast array of attractions, local food, live music, and family entertainment, all for FREE over the weekend. This year on 7th September it’s the Ilfracombe Bike Show which has in previous years attracted more than 500 bikes and trikes as well as stalls promoting various aspects of road use. It’s a great opportunity to meander along the seafront amidst motorbikes of all shapes and sizes. The Devon Open Studios event runs for two weeks each September featuring the work of established names alongside new and emerging artists throughout Devon. In the north of the county, there are 12 locations to visit enabling you to support local artists and makers, which in turn helps to sustain the regional economy and contributes to the vitality of local communities. As well as these events you’ll find some lovely gardens in the region worth a visit with an abundance of seasonal colour. Look out for Marwood Hill Gardens and RHS Rosemoor . Whatever your interests, there's bound to be something to keep you engaged in the region Happy memories are what our business is all about at Newberry Valley. And the most important part of our day is creating the ideal environment for you and your family to enjoy those special holiday moments together.

There are times when the simple loving loyalty and soulful connection with my dog is far easier than having to deal with people, but then again, I have had some pretty challenging canines in my life over the years too. Even with the difficult ones, it’s fair to say that I have a real soft spot for dogs. At one time we had four large pooches living with us which was pretty chaotic. Now we have just our lovely Luna who loves to sit in our lounge windowsill and watch all the comings and goings in the driveway outside. We love dogs Prior to us buying the campsite in May 2006, dogs were not accepted on the campsite. As soon as we took over that had to change immediately. Martin and I have always had dogs since we were children - over the years between us we have had labradors, dalmatians, rottweilers, German shepherds and even a wolfdog so for me there was no debate – the rules changed and we do all we can to accommodate your furry friends on-site. After all, they are family members. So we have created a few things to make holidaying with your mutt easier. There’s our dog wash facility where you can swill off their feet to avoid muddy paw prints in your van or tent and then we also have the fully fenced dog field where they can have a good run-off lead. Due to the topography and hilly landscape of Combe Martin the dog field is all on a slope – it certainly does get my heart pumping and somewhat challenges my fitness levels but for most dogs, it’s a walk in the park (pardon the pun!!) Happy dogs, happy campers In general, we prefer no more than two dogs per pitch, but we do accept more when the owners are confident that their animals are used to camping and would not cause excessive noise issues or other interference with neighbouring guests. We suggest that if you have more than two dogs do get in touch by phone 01271 882334 or email us at relax@newberryvalleypark.co.uk so that we can discuss your individual circumstances. To check out the dog-friendly page on our website CLICK HERE Tail-wagging tales We are ideally positioned with a dog-friendly beach literally just a few minutes’ walk from the site entrance. The larger beach in the bay doesn’t allow dogs from May to September however Newberry Beach which is actually closer to the campsite, welcomes them all year round. It's a fab place for them to explore and have a refreshing swim leaving you and your family with many joyful memories and a happy and healthy dog. So don’t leave them whining in the kennels… plan your relaxing break with your pooch today.

Lee has been a warden here at Newberry Valley for many years now and is a keen fisherman in his spare time. You'll often see him alongside our two-acre coarse fishing lake on his days off or in the evenings after a long day at work, enjoying the last rays of the sun before it heads over the hill. It's so peaceful sitting there by the side of the lake, watching the world go by. There are some amazing big fish in there too - carp, tench, roach, and perch. On a summer's day, you can spot them gliding stealthily along just beneath the surface like a mini-submarine. They do like to tease the fishermen! Anyway, back to Lee. It's true to say that he has been feeling very pleased with himself recently. He has, over the years caught several decent-sized carp but this week he landed a big one. Look at that happy face (Lee's face, that is.) The carp doesn't look too pleased but what a fabulous fish. I have a feeling some of our regular customers have previously nicknamed this one "Arfa" because he only has half a tail. Of course, he was very well cared for and was soon returned to the water, safe and sound with Lee continuing to feel very chuffed (even a little smug) with his achievement. Wildlife Haven As well as the fish in the lake, it's a haven for other wildlife too including frogs and newts, moorhens, herons, kingfishers, and plenty of ducks. Personally, the actual sport of fishing doesn't float my boat but if you love nature like me then you'll certainly enjoy a gentle stroll around, even if you don't want to fish. Fab Fishing Holidays We have many loyal guests who come and stay primarily with fishing in mind. In addition to the coarse fishing we have on-site, you can try your hand at sea fishing in the village too, and there are organised fishing trips available from Ilfracombe Harbour which is only 5 miles away. For more information about our on-site fishing click here. Maybe you can land a big one like Lee, or you can just experience the simple pleasures of our park and lake. Book your getaway now. We can't wait to welcome you!

As you may have read from my last post, we have been celebrating recently after the news of becoming the Regional Winner for Devon Award in the Top 100 Sites 2024 from Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome Magazines. Winning awards isn’t our main goal, but it feels good when people notice our hard work. A lot of this praise is because of our team members like Karen, who joined us in 2018. Karen is somewhat obsessed with cleanliness which is great for us working on our campsite as one of her primary daily tasks is to keep the facility blocks sparkling. Over the past 7 years, her diligence and care have contributed significantly to maintaining the high standards we want for all our guests. You only need to read some of our glowing reviews to know what a brilliant job she and the other wardens and staff do here. So, when Karen's birthday fell on the Friday before the early May bank holiday we decided it was only right to have a staff BBQ in the early evening. This way, all the staff could help out when customers arrived and at the same time we could have a tasty bite to eat, a spot of mood music, and a light-hearted gathering to celebrate her special day. As you can see, she was most surprised when Camilla brought out a birthday cake and we sang to her but you'll be glad to hear that she managed to blow out all the candles! Karen’s hard work helps us keep up our high standards, and that’s a big reason we win awards. Thanks to Karen and our entire team! If you, or someone special to you, has a reason to celebrate coming up soon, then why not consider booking a short break with us? We can't wait to welcome you (and we are all expert cake eaters too!)

Get ready for an enchanting playtime like no other as our local theme park, Watermouth Castle prepares to unveil its latest additions: Hobbledown Bay, a Pixie Role Play Village, and The Mining Village. Watermouth Castle is only a few minutes' drive from Newberry Valley and has kept many families entertained over the years. Built in 1825 this formidable building was almost derelict when it was purchased by Richard Haines in 1977. With determination and hard work, he turned it into one of North Devon's top family attractions. Now owned by the UK-based Escapade Group the exciting news is that with planning permission now granted, the £850k project will breathe new life into the amusement park, replacing outdated areas with bespoke play equipment designed to spark creativity and adventure. Nestled within the Castle grounds, these magical outdoor play areas promise to ignite children’s imaginations and create unforgettable moments for families. Let Your Inner Child Out to Play Mums and Dads, seize your chance to unleash your inner pixie! Picture wooden structures, all interconnected by tunnels, slides, walkways, and climbing walls, offering endless exploration and fun. But the adventure doesn't end there. At the enchanting new Mining Village, a world of sand and water play awaits, inviting hands-on enjoyment for all ages. And for even more excitement, the Big River ride has undergone a spectacular transformation, boasting new animatronics, boats, and enhanced crazy golf. This lovely family Theme Park will re-open for the new season on 18th March with the new additions of Hobbledown Bay and The Mining Village scheduled to be open by May 2024 so there should be plenty to keep the kids happily occupied throughout the summer. You can visit the Watermouth Castle website for more information about this unique local attraction and you can find out about loads of other places to explore on our website So get your play clothes on, relax, and let your imagination run wild with a break at Newberry Valley campsite.

Our village has a rather fascinating history - for such a seaside location, Combe Martin has an unusually industrial heritage. Silver Mining: 800 Years (in 8 Sentences) Historical records unveil an intriguing tale: from the late 1200s, the Crown initiated silver and lead mining right in our village, a practice that ebbed and flowed over the centuries. During the English Civil War between 1646 and 1648, the mines were reopened, despite facing persistent drainage problems. However, the late 1600s saw a turning point as innovative engineers introduced new pumps, marking the most productive era of these mines. Yet, this golden period drew to a close by the end of the 17th century. In subsequent years, iron ore became the focus of mining activities, but by the late 19th century, the mines ceased operations. If you are feeling intrepid then, thanks to a team of volunteers, you can visit the silver mines. With a tendency towards claustrophobia it's not somewhere I can honestly say I have visited despite the fact it's free! To find out more click here, you can also join the private Facebook group too. 1930s Onwards Lime burning flourished here from the eighteenth century up to the 1930s, providing a key material for plaster and decorative paints. You might still stumble upon some of the old lime kilns scattered around the area. As the nineteenth century gave way to the early twentieth, the focus shifted towards commercial market gardening in the sheltered valleys. The south-facing fields offered the perfect climate for a variety of crops, including potatoes, hemp, and the delicious Combe Martin strawberries, a local delight that continues to be celebrated. The photograph to the right captures a moment from the 1890s, showing a group of strawberry pickers hard at work in the village. If you visit us in June, you're in for a treat at the Annual Strawberry Fair, where you can indulge in these famous strawberries to your heart's content and when paired with fresh Devon Cream it's a heavenly combination! Of course, given the harbour and sheltered bay, Combe Martin also has a vibrant maritime history with shipbuilding, fishing, and trading playing important parts in the growth of the village over the centuries. So that's this brief history lesson over... You can also find loads of interesting information on our unique history at the Combe Martin Museum. It's only a 10-minute walk from the site entrance and has lots to see and get involved with. Come, stay with us, and experience the joys of this unique coastal village. Book your getaway now. We can't wait to welcome you!

I remember spending many hours as a child dipping into rock pools to discover whole new worlds. Hours would pass by watching all the different sea creatures going about their day. I recall giggling time and again with my brother as we gently touched the anemone tentacles and felt them suck onto the end of our fingers. Simple moments that make happy memories. We are very blessed to be so close to Combe Martin Beach which is one of the best rock pooling beaches in Devon. It is only a few minutes to walk to the beach from the site entrance. No need to get in the car, just wander down to the village with a bucket at the ready. Not only does it offer a sheltered bay for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding but also, as the tide recedes, it leaves behind an amazing selection of rock pools affording you great views of sponges, volcano barnacles, mussels, limpets, shore crabs, alien-like green and pink anemones and lots more. It really is a great place for children and adults alike to explore. Combe Martin Bay has been chosen as an ideal place for the RSPCA and other wildlife rescue charities to release seal pups back into the wild, into the sea. Unfortunately, we don't have much prior warning about when the releases are to go ahead. It's a wonderful sight as the pups splish and splash their way into the deep blue sea... fingers crossed you'll be lucky enough to see a seal release when you visit. Happy memories are what our business is all about at Newberry Valley. And the most important part of our day is creating the ideal environment for you and your family to enjoy those special holiday moments together.