Middle Dean Cottages are located on the edge of Goodleigh, a pretty North Devon countryside village, which is home to some excellent footpaths, as well as The New Inn, a fantastic pub serving evening meals. Just a short drive from Goodleigh is North Devon’s largest town, Barnstaple, which has a good range of shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as some handy attractions such as a leisure and tennis centre, a trampoline park and a roller skate park.
Within a half hour drive of the cottages are a selection of beautiful golden beaches, including Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton and Westward Ho!. These award-winning, family friendly beaches are patrolled by lifeguards from Easter through to the end of October and, as well as offering a selection of water sports for all ages and abilities they are also ideal for just building sandcastles or paddling in the shallows. If visiting the cottage with a wheelchair user, many of the beaches in North Devon have accessible slipways and offer all terrain wheelchairs for rent.
North Devon is well known for its footpaths and bridleways. Some of the most famous walks in the aren include the South West Coast Path, which takes in beauty spots such as Heddon’s Mouth and Lynmouth or the Tarka Trail, which is a lovely tarmacked pathway beginning in Braunton and ending in Meeth on the edge of Dartmoor - a favourite section for many users of the trail is the part between Barmstaple and Instow, which includes Fremington Quay, home to an excellent cafe. For the more adventurous walker there are many paths across Exmoor National Park, which are guaranteed to wow with plenty of flora and fauna on show no matter what the season.
Across North Devon there are many attractions to accommodate all ages no matter what the weather. In the peak season the likes of the Milky Way, the Big Sheep and Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park provide hours of entertainment for those visiting with youngsters, alternatively there is Exmoor Zoo and Quince Honey Farm that are open all year round and are ideal for all the family.
Looking for something more relaxing? The National Trust managed Arlington Court is within easy reach of the cottage and has some great seasonal events, as does RHS Rosemoor near Torrington. Other nearby attractions include Watermouth Castle, Marwood Gardens and Broomhill.