Spring in Torridge

Activities

Spring adds new life with lambs, bunnies, and other wildlife. Head to an attraction such as the Big Sheep for animal activities. Or you can spot them at the Northam Burrows Country Park and working farms around the region. 

The coast path comes alive in Spring with a wealth of wildflowers, particularly around Hartland Abbey and Brownsham. Great Torrington is another great destination for spring walks. Park at the Commons and wander through the woodland gardens.

Easter is a great time to enjoy some family fun- from guided walks at the Northam Burrows Visitor centre to the Easter chick hunt in Clovelly. Hartland Abbey also host a range of events including Easter egg hunts and wildflower events.

Wildlife

In March and April, many of Torridge’s woodlands are filled with a carpet of bluebells. This wildflower attracts many pollinating insects, bringing a buzz of life. Head to Brownsham Woods to experience the blue carpet at its best!

One of Torridge’s most iconic species, the puffin or the ‘clown of the coast’, live in burrows at the top of Lundy’s cliffs. We are lucky to have a large colony between April and September making Lundy worth a visit!

Summer in Torridge

Activities

Summer is a great time to visit Torridge because of the local events, such as the Soap Box Derby, Bideford Water Festival (and the Cardboard Boat Regatta), and RHS Rosemoor’s Rose Festival, bringing a lot of fun for all the family.

It is also a great season for activities such as wild swimming, mountain biking, surfing, windsurfing, wildlife tours, cycling the Tarka trail, and local produce tours. 

Wildlife

In summer, butterflies, moths, and dragonflies are abundant. A particular butterfly haven is Marsland nature reserve where you can spot two rare UK butterflies- the small pearl-bordered and pearl-bordered fritillary. In total, 34 species of butterfly have been recorded at Marsland. Or why not go on a dragonfly and damselfly safari at Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve? 

Wildflowers are particularly spectacular in Summer. Head to Dunsdon and Vealand Farm (both near Holsworthy) to see the Culm grassland burst into colour!

Autumn in Torridge

Activities

Become a leaf peeper! A leaf peeper is someone who visits wooded areas to view the changing colours of the foliage, a craze that is increasing in England since COVID. Enjoy autumnal colours along the Tarka Trail and at Torrington Commons, Holsworthy Woods and Cookworthy Woods.

Autumn is also a great season to enjoy the magical stars at Hartland, Black Torrington and Sheepwash, in particular. Experience some of the darkest skies in the region before the winter chill sets in! Look up and you can experience thousands of stars with your naked eye.

Or for those active folk, Ride head to the coast to see the waves are at their best. September to November is the ideal time for surfing and bodyboarding. Westward Ho! beach offers over two miles of sandy beach, as well as sea pool, perfect for a dip.

Wildlife

In autumn Devon’s animals prepare for the long cold days ahead. A visit to Halwill Junction or Meeth Quarry will show song thrushes and blackbirds as they gorge themselves on the blackberries in the hedgerow. Green Woodpecker can also be spotted climbing tree trunks at Halwill Junction in autumn, listen out for the laughing ‘yaffle’ call.

Listen out for the famous twit-twoo of Tawny Owls at Halsdon nature reserve. The elusive otter can also be seen here if you are lucky.

Why not head over to Lundy Island to see the playful grey seal return to the shore to give birth to fluffy white pups?

Winter in Torridge

Activities

Misty days, festive cheer, and the possibility of snow make this the most magical season of all. Curl up in front of the fire and enjoy the warm atmosphere of our traditional pubs.

Enjoy the magical stars! Hartland, Black Torrington, and Sheepwash experience some of the darkest skies in the region, perfect for star gazing. Look up and experience thousands of stars with your naked eye.

Although it may seem like wildlife goes to ground in the winter, there is still a lot to see. Winter can bring some crisp and dry days- perfect for wrapping up warm and heading out for a walk with the crunch of frosty leaves under foot. 

From the 'aglow' festival at Rosemoor to the Christmas lights in the towns of Bideford, Torrington, Clovelly and Holsworthy- there is plenty of sparkle to brighten the dark nights. Not forgetting the Christmas markets full of local produce and crafts.

Wildlife

If you head to Ash Moor you can hear the chatter of redwings and fieldfares as they search for food in the fields.  

Snow drops will start to push through the frozen soil of the woodlands at the end of winter. Head to RHS Rosemoor for a spectacular white carpet of snow drops.