Tarka Trail Horsebox and Valais View Bell Tent

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: Open plan
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

In a former life, Tarka Trail Horsebox travelled to shows and fairs all over the country. The spacious lorry has since become a cosy, off-grid retreat, comfortably sleeping 4 with room for up to 6 for those happy to share space.

Secluded in rural North Devon, this is the perfect setting for wildlife-spotting… from cheeky rabbits, grazing deer and resident goats, to the playful otters you just might glimpse on the nearby Tarka Trail: a breath-takingly beautiful 180-mile loop named for Henry Williamson’s classic novel, Tarka the Otter.

The cheerful blue-and-white horsebox is perfectly positioned to overlook the Torridge Estuary, accessed by a peaceful, tree-lined lane that will banish any lingering urban cares to oblivion! And although you’re in the best possible place for a digital detox, you’ll have all the facilities you could want for a relaxing and comfort-filled break.

There’s a well-equipped kitchen area for effortless meal preparation, and even ‘proper’ toilet and shower facilities for freshening up in style (especially handy after a long day of exploring the Tarka Trail).

You’ll have a choice of comfy sleeping spaces: a full double bedroom, a small double over the cab, and an occasional sofa bed in the living area for if the group grows to six — ideal for adventurous spirits happy to share space. The décor throughout is warm and welcoming, to inspire a soothing sense of home.

On sunny days the fenced, pet-and-child-safe garden is a joy to spend time in, and there’s a firepit that’s perfect for sizzling barbecue suppers devoured by sunset. Linger awhile for a dessert of toasted marshmallows, and perhaps a dip in your bubbling hot tub as the stars make their appearance in the clear night sky… bliss.

If you prefer more traditional glamping accommodation, the dog-friendly Valais View Bell Tent is beautifully set in a securely-fenced garden, with green views that take in the resident goats and friendly Valais sheep.  Sleeping up to four guests in a double and two camp beds, the cosy 5m bell tent also boasts its very own kitchenette, private shower room and toilet, and a firepit for unwinding under the stars.

At a glance

• A cosy converted horse lorry, secluded in open North Devon countryside in Landcross, close to Bideford along the iconic Tarka Trail.
• Sleeps 4 comfortably, in a full double bedroom and a small double over the cab, with an occasional sofa bed for up to 6 at a squeeze.
• Off-grid conveniences include a kitchen area and ‘proper’ shower and toilet facilities in the lorry.
• There is a secure fenced garden for dogs and children, with a firepit and stargazing hot tub.
• Also available is Valais View Bell Tent, sleeping up to 4 guests in its own securely-fenced garden with private kitchen and bathroom facilities.
• Bideford is around 30 minutes’ walk away, with Instow a few miles further – ideal for riverside pub lunches!

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs
• Off-Grid

Accommodation Options

More information

Cradle morning coffee outside (and say hello to those curious goats and sheep!) as you plan the day ahead. You might like to wander along the road, where the neighbours often have honesty boxes for fresh eggs – ideal for a slap-up breakfast.

What else? Walk or cycle along the Tarka trail towards Bideford, and see the house where Tarka the Otter is said to have been written. Or head just a few miles further to Instow, where you can hole yourselves up in your choice of riverside pubs.

The owners have personally written a detailed guide to the local area, so you’ll never run out of things to do. Yet if you should decide to stay put in that beautiful garden, or get lost between the pages of a good book in your cosy horsebox, not a soul would blame you!

Things to note

Dogs can be off the lead in your chosen accommodation’s secure, fenced garden, but we do recommend keeping them on a lead once out exploring the surrounding fields and woodland, out of respect for the local wildlife and grazing animals. The Tarka Trail itself is fully paved, so wellies aren’t usually needed — but Devon weather can turn, and surrounding woodland paths can get muddy after heavy rain, so it’s worth packing a pair just in case!