Overview
Sat quietly amongst the rolling countryside of North Devon, Libbear Barton is home to a central (very handsome) Georgian farmhouse and an intimate collection of luxury cottages, scattered across a 40-acre farm. Perfectly peaceful yet still within striking distance of the coast and Devon’s best-known landscapes, the sandy beaches of Bude, rugged Dartmoor National Park and plenty of local villages promise a no-pressure countryside escape. A Devon Tourism Awards Gold Winner for Self Catering, it’s the kind of place where you can do as much (or as little) as you like
What do we mean? Sprawling across a huge stretch of countryside with plenty of fun on offer for children, the setting itself does much of the legwork. Days tend to revolve around exploring the grounds (roughly the size of 30 football pitches!), where you’ll find a double-storey soft play, games room, playground and little lake (with a rowing boat to borrow depending on the season). Each cottage also has a trampoline in the garden, there’s egg collecting to join in with, and every tiny traveller enjoys a petting farm experience included in their stay. Here, little ones can get hands on with miniature Mediterranean donkeys, guinea pigs, hens and ducks
One of the biggest draws is the indoor pool – which you book private slots to use, meaning you’ll always have it to yourselves. Heated to a very welcome 30°C, it’s warm enough for even the smallest swimmers and a reliable activity whatever the weather (if you’d like, you can even book a private lesson in). The pool building also includes a sauna and small gym, useful for parents hoping to squeeze in a little me-time. Alternatively, your hosts can help arrange a local babysitter if you’d like to spend some quality time together
The accommodation itself strikes a comfortable balance between charmingly traditional and practical. Original features remain where possible, while interiors have been updated with spacious kitchens (all boasting washer dryers — the stuff of dreams once you’re a parent!), relaxed living areas and everything needed for self-catering stays. These are cottages designed for real family life rather than overly styled weekend escapes, which often leave mums and dads on edge. All major supermarkets will happily deliver too, so you can arrange for groceries to arrive just after you do (our favourite trick!)
Then there are the blackout blinds, baby monitors, cots, highchairs, stairgates, changing mats and nightlights… in short, all the thoughtful touches that make packing far simpler than usual. You’ll even be welcomed with traditional Devon scones, jam and clotted cream on arrival, a very fitting start to a countryside stay. Plus there’s the option of private hot tubs to hire! (And in our experience, a little evening relaxation is never something you’ll regret)
Mama
Get in touch
Nearest station
If we’re being honest, this spot is best reached on four wheels! From London for example, the journey by car usually takes between three and four hours (maximum), depending on the traffic
Okehampton Station is technically closest, at approximately a 40 minutes’ drive away. The nearest major rail connections are Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple, both of which take roughly an hour to reach from Libbear Barton
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are particularly lovely in this part of Devon, when the countryside feels peaceful, the beaches are less busy and come evening, everything turns golden (it’s a great time of year for animal encounters, too!)
Summer brings warmer days, made for sandy adventures and surfing (honestly, there’s nowhere like the British seaside in the sun)
Winter stays have their own appeal, too, thanks to the cosy cottage setup, roaring fires and that reliably warm indoor pool. Picture the scene – a wild Dartmoor walk to spot the donkeys, followed by blankets and red wine come evening!
It’s also worth googling exact dates for the Okehampton Show, a traditional Devon agricultural event which is held each summer, and Shebfest, a small but popular music festival held about five minutes away, with some great headline acts (2026 line up includes Kaiser Chiefs!)
Favourite room
Libbear Barton is a top contender for larger families and group getaways, with their smallest cottage sleeping 8 all the way up to Toad Hall, comfortably accommodating 16! It’s also worth noting, all cottages have private fenced gardens complete with BBQs, seating & big trampolines (can you imagine a more dreamy summer’s evening?!). To run through all the options:
Toad Hall (main Georgian farmhouse) sleeps 16
Mole End sleeps 8
Otter’s Den sleeps 8
Badger’s House sleeps 9
Nearby
Libbear Barton sits in a quiet pocket of North Devon countryside near the village of Shebbear, surrounded by rolling farmland and winding country lanes. While it feels peacefully rural, there’s plenty to explore within easy reach
The sandy beaches around Bude are about half an hour away and ideal for family days by the sea, while Dartmoor National Park offers wild open landscapes, ponies and endless walking routes. Closer to home, small Devon villages provide a solid selection of country pubs and local farm shops, making it easy to settle into the slower pace of rural life
And rest assured, all guests receive access to a detailed digital guidebook before arrival, which includes your host’s tried-and-tested favourite beaches, family walks, pubs, farm shops & nearby day trips (all the insider intel you could need!)
Price
The smallest cottages (Mole End & Otter’s Den, each sleeping 8) starts from £200 per night in low season and £570 per night in high season
The largest cottage (Toad Hall, sleeping 16) starts from £550 per night in low season and £980 per night in high season
Worth waking the baby for
01
Clovelly Village
Often described as “stepping back in time”, Clovelly is one of North Devon’s most distinctive coastal villages, known for its ridiculously pretty cobbled street that winds down to a small working harbour. Cars aren’t allowed, so visitors amble past whitewashed cottages and craft shops, peeking stunning sea views along the way. It’s steep, but more than worth the effort (there’s a great pub at the bottom)
02
Bude Sea Pool
Located beside Summerleaze Beach, this large tidal pool offers a sheltered place to swim when the sea is a little rough. It fills naturally with seawater at high tide and is a favourite with families thanks to the calmer conditions and easy access from the beach. Pair it with fish and chips in Bude afterwards for a classic summer’s seaside afternoon
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RHS Garden Rosemoor
Set in a beautiful valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor is recognised as one of Devon’s best gardens – alongside pretty planting and seasonal displays there are large open lawns, woodland walks and a dedicated children’s garden with play areas and nature trails
