Umberleigh Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Umberleigh Guide

Umberleigh, a small village in North Devon, offers a perfect rural retreat for those seeking cottages with hot tubs. Located in the Taw Valley, it's surrounded by rolling countryside and sits on the River Taw, providing stunning views from many properties.

The area boasts several popular attractions including RHS Garden Rosemoor (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) and Arlington Court (4/5 on TripAdvisor). Castle Hill Gardens and Exmoor Zoo are also within easy reach, making it ideal for day trips.

Interestingly, Umberleigh was once home to a medieval palace belonging to King Athelstan, the first king of all England. The foundations can still be spotted by eagle-eyed visitors walking near the church.

Cottage options range from converted barns with hot tubs to riverside lodges. Many properties accommodate groups of 6-10 people, perfect for family gatherings. For something different, some local farms offer glamping pods with private hot tubs too.

Get More From Your Umberleigh Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Umberleigh sits in a prime spot for exploring Devon's best bits. The village itself is tiny but pretty with the 14th century St Mary's Church worth popping into. Most visitors use it as a base to explore further afield.

RHS Garden Rosemoor (EX38 8PH) is just 7 miles away and opens 10am-5pm daily. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the stunning formal gardens and woodland walks. The restaurant serves excellent cream teas too.

Arlington Court (EX31 4LP) is a National Trust property 12 miles from Umberleigh. This regency house with carriage museum scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor. Open 10am-5pm (March-October) and 11am-4pm (November-February). The extensive grounds are perfect for walks and spotting the resident deer herd.

Castle Hill Gardens (EX32 0TQ) offers 50 acres of stunning landscaped gardens with temples, follies and statues. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am-4pm.

Pet Friendly

Many Umberleigh cottages welcome dogs, making it a top spot for holidays with your four-legged mate. The Rising Sun pub in the village allows dogs in the bar area and garden, serving good pub grub and local ales.

The Tarka Trail passes near Umberleigh, offering 30 miles of flat, traffic-free walking and cycling. It follows the route taken by Tarka the Otter in Henry Williamson's famous book. Dogs will love the riverside sections and open countryside.

Beaches are a big draw for dog owners. Instow Beach (25 minutes drive) allows dogs year-round, while Saunton Sands (35 minutes) has sections where dogs can run free even in summer. After a day out, your cottage hot tub will be waiting!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Umberleigh

1. Dartington Crystal (EX38 8DX) is the UK's only remaining glass factory. Watch skilled craftspeople blow and shape molten glass into beautiful products. The factory tour is fascinating and the shop sells seconds at bargain prices. One visitor wrote: "Watching the glass blowers was mesmerising, could have stayed all day." Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.

2. Exmoor Zoo (EX31 4SG) is a small but excellent zoo focusing on conservation. Home to the rare black leopards (called the "Exmoor Beast") and over 200 species. Kids love the daily talks and feeding sessions. A recent visitor commented: "Not as big as some zoos but much more personal with amazing keeper talks." Open daily 10am-5pm summer, 10am-4pm winter.

3. South West Distillery (EX39 5DJ) offers tours showing how they make their award-winning gin and rum. The tasting session at the end is generous and you might need to flip a coin for who's driving back to your hot tub cottage! A TripAdvisor review states: "Brilliant tour, learned loads and the gin samples were plentiful!" Tours run Thursday-Sunday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Is Umberleigh good for families with young children?

Yes! The Big Sheep (EX39 5AP) is 20 minutes away with farm animals, rides and indoor play areas for rainy days. The Milky Way Adventure Park offers rides and attractions for all ages. Many cottages provide games and DVDs for evenings after a hot tub dip.

Where's the nearest supermarket to Umberleigh?

There's a small Spar shop in the village for essentials. For bigger shops, Sainsbury's in Barnstaple (15 minutes drive) or Tesco in South Molton (15 minutes) are your best bets. Many visitors do an online delivery to their cottage for the start of their stay.

Can I get around without a car?

It's tricky. Umberleigh has a small train station on the Tarka Line with services to Exeter and Barnstaple, but they're infrequent. Taxis are available but need booking in advance. I'd definitely recommend bringing a car to make the most of your stay and the surrounding area.

What's the best time of year to visit?

May to September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub and exploring. That said, winter breaks have their own charm - imagine sitting in your hot tub watching steam rise while fields are frosty around you! Christmas markets in Barnstaple and South Molton are worth a visit in December.

Are there any good places to eat in Umberleigh?

The Rising Sun pub serves good hearty food. For something special, try The Coach and Horses in Barnstaple or The Grove Inn in Kings Nympton (both about 15 minutes drive). Many cottages have great kitchens too if you fancy cooking with local produce.

Is there good mobile reception and WiFi in Umberleigh cottages?

Mobile reception can be patchy in the valley. Most cottages offer WiFi but speeds might not match what you're used to at home. It's worth checking with your cottage provider before booking if this is important to you.

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