It’s true that the focus at Beera Farmhouse is on you and your stay. It’s just possible that while you’re here, you will want for nothing…

Simply put, we are in the ideal setting from which to experience the best that the South West has to offer.

Devon an Cornwall are world famous for many types of terrain which offer a wide variety of challenging and not-so-challenging walks. From the wilds of Dartmoor to the breathtaking coastlines walks long and short, flat and undulating are to found wherever you wish to visit. We have quite a library of maps and walking guides in the lounge here at Beera which you are welcome to use to plan your days with us.

Fishing:

Tavistock Trout Fishery – This local fishery is a great place to go to fish trout. One mile from Tavistock on the A386. There is also a good pub on the opposite side of the road called ‘The Trout n Tipple‘ which serves real ale and great food. All fly fishing lakes at the fishery are on site. You will be welcome to fish, even if you just want to “have a go“. Tackle and tuition can be arranged at a minimal charge. You can watch the fish being fed; see the variety of animals from including sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, geese and ponies, roaming on their farm.

There is also a children’s fishing lake, which both adults and children enjoy. Fishing is also available at Roadford Reservoir and Burrator Reservoir.

Visit SW Lakes Trust for more information.

Of course Devon and Cornwall’s fantastic coastline offers many opportunities to fish as well, whether that be from the beach, the rocks or from a fishing boat trip which are available at most of the larger harbours in the area.

Cycling:

The Granite Way, forming part of the National Cycle network Route 27 ‚ Devon Coast to Coast‚ offers great cycling for all abilities, mostly off the road on the former Southern Region railway line. You could also visit Okehampton castle, Bluebell wood, Lydford Castle and stop off at numerous places for refreshments. Much of the Way is within the Dartmoor national park.

Devon Cycle Hire;- provides top quality bikes for all sizes, along with buggies and tag-a-long buggies. Route guides are available free of charge as is the free customer car park and is the only hire centre with its own access onto the beautiful Granite Way cycle trail. There’s everything you need for a fantastic day out cycling on Dartmoor at Devon Cycle Hire, for more information Tel 01837 861 141.

The Camel Trail , near Wadebridge, Cornwall , has 16 miles of traffic free cycling along which you can enjoy a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. The trail covers an area from Padstow to Pooley Bridge along some of Cornwall’s most beautiful countryside.

Bikes can be hired from Bridge Bike Hire, The Camel Trail, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7AL. Tel: 01208 813050 Email bridgebikehire@btconnect.com or visit the website at Bridge Bike Hire

There are many other delightful places to cycle including Burrator Rervoir, Roadford Reservoir and Dartmoor National Park.

Horse riding:

Why not explore Dartmoor on horse back, an ancient and still very rewarding way to get around and see the moors.

Riding stables;
Cholwell, Mary Tavy, Tavistock www.cholwellridingstables.co.uk – 01822 810526
Eastlake, Belstone, Okehampton www.eastlakeridingstables.co.uk – 01837 52513
Skaigh, Belstone, Okehampton www.skaighstables.co.uk – 01837 840917

Watersports:

Surfing is a local pastime for many here in the South West and there are many beaches and resorts offering board and wetsuit hire. Place of note are Woolacombe, Newquay and Bude.

At Roadford Reservoir, (20 minute drive from Beera), visitors to the lake can learn to sail, kayak, windsurf and even build a raft.

Equipment is available for hire or you can launch your own. Please visit their web site for more info www.swlakestrust.org.uk or phone 01409 211 507. There are even courses for children as young as 8 year old.

Many of the seaside resorts in the area also have opportunities for off-shore watersports including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and jetski hire. Plymouth, Torquay and Falmouth are guaranteed to offer some of the best facilities.

Scuba Diving is widely catered for in Devon and Cornwall and there are many clubs, instructors and some great venues allowing you to explore another world of local wildlife.

Canoeing up the river Tamar is a great way to view the natural beauty of the area. Steeply sloping woodland, mine chimneys and old quays, are all part of the scenery from this majestic and famous river. Bring your canoe and or hire a Canadian canoe from ‘Canoe Tamar’ guided canoe trips provide the perfect family activity in all weather.

Hire a boat from Calstock and enjoy the experience of cruising a quiet, historical section of the Tamar‚ at your own pace. Potter up to Morwellham Quay or drift down to Cotehele National Trust estate and picnic on the quay or visit the restaurant. Keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers, cormorants, buzzards or even a leaping salmon! Contact 01822 835 968

Near St Austell in Cornwall, this world famous and utterly fascinating project comprises an under cover rain forest and arid desert nestling within two gigantic geodesic conservatories, made from 800 huge steel hexagons. The whole valley has been created from a disused quarry and the landscaping, plantlife and seasonal events are not to be missed.

Calstock:

Nearby Calstock has been a river port since Saxon times, the village with its tall white houses clings to the steep Cornish bank of the Tamar fourteen miles upriver from Plymouth.

Morwellham Quay:

As featured on the recent TV series “The Victorian Farm” Morwellham is a great day out for all the family about 20 minutes from Beera. Experience life as it was nearly 150 years ago without electricity, telephones or TV. Explore the village cottages, experience the live demonstrations in the workshops, try on traditional costumes, then take the riverside tram for a unique underground experience deep into the ground to see what life was like as a Victorian miner.

National Trust Properties:

A few of the National Trust properties which are within easy reach of Beera Farmhouse.

Visit their website or download the free iPhone app

Lydford Gorge:

About 30 mins away, this famous gorge is 1 miles long and can be viewed from a circular walk through woods and along the river. View the 30m high White Lady Waterfall and a series of whirlpools including the Devils Cauldron. Open daily from April to November.

Cotehele:

Cotehele is only 15 mins away nestling into the hillside of the Tamar Valley built between 1485 and 1627, beautiful gardens with a medieval dovecote and Victorian summer house. The old Mill has been restored to working condition and at the Quay the old buildings house an Art and Craft Gallery. Open daily except Fridays.

Lanhydrock:

Lanhydrock is about 45 mins away. A fascinating 19th century house, the magnificent 32m long gallery from the 17th century survived a fire in 1881. It was built with the latest in contemporary living, including central heating. There are wonderful gardens with magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias. Open April to November.

Saltram:

Saltram takes about an hour to reach but is well worth it. A remarkable George II mansion, complete with it’s original contents, including Chinese wallpaper, china, pictures and fine period furniture. The 18th century gardens house an orangery and chapel. Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility‚ was filmed here a few years ago. Open April to September.

Antony House:

A beautiful 18th century mansion contains fine collections of paintings,furniture and textiles. It was recently chosen as the set for the film Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton

The West Country has numerous other National Trust properties; Buckland Abbey once owned by Sir Francis Drake, Killerton, Knightshayes Court, St Michael’s Mount, Castle Drogo, Arlington Court and Finch Foundry.

The Coastline:

Beera provides an ideal base for touring the famous outline of the West Country with its rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the North Cornish/Devon coastline and the many quaint fishing villages of the South coast. Often used by filmmakers and artists with good reason, the coastline has so much to offer whatever your interests or abilities. And you can be sure to find a quality place to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

Other places of interest include The National Marine Aquarium and glass works at the Barbican Plymouth, The National Maritime Museum at Falmouth, Dingles Steam Village, Paignton Zoo, Woodlands Adventure Park and Babbacombe Model Village.

Trethorne Leisure Farm, 15 minute drive to the west. Trethorne offers a wide range of activities, from golf, a driving range, bowling, crazy golf, farm animals which you can feed, pony rides and a large play area with ball pools, climbing wall, trampolines, and much more. Great place for all weather activities.

Donkey Park:

The Donkey Park, 15 minute drive south of Beera. Have a ride or feed the donkeys. Small indoor play barn and outdoor play area. Cafe and small animal area. Great for young children or people who love donkeys!

Dobwalls:

Dobwalls theme park, 35 minute drive, south west. Dobwalls has numberous miniature diesel locomotives which take you around the park. There is an outside play area, picnic area and a large indoor barn with fast food restaurant. Brilliant for rainy days with young energetic children!

National Trust Properties:

A few of the National Trust properties which are within easy reach of Beera Farmhouse.

Visit their website or download the free iPhone app

Lydford Gorge:

About 30 mins away, this famous gorge is 1 miles long and can be viewed from a circular walk through woods and along the river. View the 30m high White Lady Waterfall and a series of whirlpools including the Devils Cauldron. Open daily from April to November.

Cotehele:

Cotehele is only 15 mins away nestling into the hillside of the Tamar Valley built between 1485 and 1627, beautiful gardens with a medieval dovecote and Victorian summer house. The old Mill has been restored to working condition and at the Quay the old buildings house an Art and Craft Gallery. Open daily except Fridays.

Lanhydrock:

Lanhydrock is about 45 mins away. A fascinating 19th century house, the magnificent 32m long gallery from the 17th century survived a fire in 1881. It was built with the latest in contemporary living, including central heating. There are wonderful gardens with magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias. Open April to November.

Saltram:

Saltram takes about an hour to reach but is well worth it. A remarkable George II mansion, complete with it’s original contents, including Chinese wallpaper, china, pictures and fine period furniture. The 18th century gardens house an orangery and chapel. Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility‚ was filmed here a few years ago. Open April to September.

Antony House:

A beautiful 18th century mansion contains fine collections of paintings,furniture and textiles. It was recently chosen as the set for the film Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton

The West Country has numerous other National Trust properties; Buckland Abbey once owned by Sir Francis Drake, Killerton, Knightshayes Court, St Michael’s Mount, Castle Drogo, Arlington Court and Finch Foundry.

A 15 minute walk takes you to the quiet hamlet of Horse bridge, with it’s 15th century Pub, The Royal Inn‚ offering excellent food and a friendly welcome. Then just a few more steps takes you to the oldest bridge over the Tamar which was built in 1437 and on into Cornwall. The Inn was once a Nunnery and the bridge was built by French Benedictine monks. As you enter the Inn look for the seal leaded into the granite step beneath your feet, reputed to have been given by Charles I‚ for services rendered.

Just across the valley is an Off Road driving centre, with enough mud, water, steep climbs and ruts to keep the even more experienced off-road happy. You can also have a go at Archery and Clay Pigeon Shooting whilst there. Please contact Shirley on 01579 370718 or email traxandtrails@lineone.net or visit their website – www.traxandtrails.co.uk

Milton Abbot:

Milton Abbot has a 15th century Church with a beautiful oak lychgate, a general store, pub and post office.
You can start the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail from Milton Abbot, where you can walk to Calstock in Cornwall and then take the Tamar Valley Railway over to Bere Alston in Devon.
Just up the road is Endsleigh Garden Nursery, set in an old walled garden, in woods above the River Tamar, where a wide selection of plants, trees and shrubs are grown and sold. Well worth a visit on your way home to pick up a few plants if you like gardening.

Here at Beera we have wonderful views down the Tamar and across the valley into Cornwall, if you like to draw or paint, why not bring your easel, pencils, paints and brushes with you and spend a day here painting.

Tavistock:

7 miles south east and situated on the edge of Dartmoor is a thriving market town rich in over 1000 years of history. It is an ancient stannary town and it has the ruins of a Benedictine abbey founded in 974 AD which is still visible in the town centre.

Trade has always been important to Tavistock and it is still a lovely market town to walk around and have a browse in some shops. There is a pannier market behind the town hall which sells locally made crafts and produce. The delicatessen Crebers is a must (a good place to buy gifts to take home), I don’t know how to describe Crebers, only that you have to go there to experience the old charm of how shops used to be back in the 1930′s, they sell wonderful cheese’s, chocolates, coffee ground to your taste and you can even buy ground spices by the oz! For those who love cheese, Country Cheeses is a another must. There is a good cycle shop for those who are bringing their bikes on holiday with them.

When you have had enough shopping stop and have a Devon cream tea in one of the many cafes and coffee shops.

Swimming – Meadowlands is a leisure pool and offers excellent swimming facilities for all abilities, car parking on site.

Local entertainment can be found in many of the local pubs but centres around ‘The Wharf’ which has a variety of drama, live music, ballet, opera, art and films.

Churches – Church of England 8am, 9.45 and 6pm, Roman Catholic 9.15am. Methodist church 9:15am and 10.45, for more info: www.tmc.me.uk

Eating out – there are numerous restaurants and pubs in and around Tavistock. The well renowned, Horn of Plenty restaurant, is about 10 minutes from here, approx £40- £60 per person but well worth it, there is also Browns in the centre of Tavistock which serves excellent food, slightly less money. There are of course traditional fish and chip shops, several Indian and Chinese take-aways / restaurants and even a Mexican restaurant.

Local Taxis
Abbey: 01822 617473
Jaycars: 07860 298808
TC: 07814 214656

Launceston:

8 miles north west lies what was once the ancient capital of Cornwall, Launceston. It has a 12th century castle, steam railway, 2 golf courses, a driving range, family fun park, numerous pubs and many shops. My husband and I have tested out Desizns restaurant, just for you, and found it to be most satisfactory and cannot wait to go back. The Harris Arms, 3 miles east of Launceston also has a very good reputation for its food for more details see www.theharrisarms.co.uk

And of course, not too far away, there are the bigger cities of Plymouth, Exeter and Truro.

There is a selection of marmalade’s and jams on display here for you to choose what you would like to purchase to take home as a memento of your visit.

As a trained chef, Hilary will delight you with a choice of cooked breakfast options all prepared and served the way you expect from a 4 star B&B.

Perhaps you’d like the classic Farmhouse breakfast, delicious poached eggs on your choice of toast, or even scrambled eggs with smoked salmon in a toasted bagel.

Whatever your dietary needs / requirements, a Beera Breakfast is an experience you don’t want to miss.
All our preserves are made on the premises by Hilary. Why not take a jar of marmalade or jam home with you?

On selected evenings Hilary will push the boat out for you, at your request, with a sumptuous evening meal cooked to perfection. All made from locally grown produce and hand-reared farm stock. You are welcome to invite friends or family to come and dine with you.

Affording stunning views across the Tamar Valley, this room has a king size four poster bed and original oak flooring. The feel here is of classic country luxury.

All the rooms have en-suite facilities consisting of a wash basin, toilet and power shower. A colour TV, tea/coffee tray, hairdryer, shoe cleaning facilities, toiletries, towels, bathrobes, sewing kit, heaters and blankets for cooler nights. Wireless broadband available.