LOCAL FACILITIES
Pilton retains its charm and interest. The ancient priory church of St. Mary’s dominates the top of the street of fine buildings which contains a flower shop and a hairdresser as well as places within walking distance for a meal or a pint. The Green Man pub in the middle of the street gets its title from the annual community festival in July (‘Green Man’ day); it serves food as well as drink and is opposite our fish and chip shop. The Reform Inn (the Barum Brewery ) at the foot of the street provides drink, on the same side of the street near the Reform is a take-
NORTH DEVON
Always beautiful, North Devon is very varied with dramatic coastline ranging from Hartland’s folding ridged cliffs to the wreckers’ coast between Ilfracombe and Baggy Point. There are activities for all on the door-
SPORT
You will find beaches for all tastes, surfing at Saunton or Croyde (life-
You can fish in the local fish farm (Muddiford) or in the sea, from land or by boat. There is paint-
CULTURE/SIGHT-
Most towns are quite small, yet a village, such as Braunton, can be almost as big. Barnstaple, Bideford, South Molton and Holsworthy still have market days. You can find some small shops selling locally made or grown produce/food stuffs as well as alternative health or beauty products, clothes and accessories, also second-
Many N. Devon towns have interesting buildings; Torrington and Tiverton had castles. Their churches are often large and many in this area have retained their distinctive and unique wooden carvings and furnishings.
The agricultural backbone of the area is still evident in the many small farms as well as the large estates (some now owned by the National Trust) and the numerous plant nurseries and gardens open to visitors. Several gardens can be seen near Barnstaple (Arlington Court, walled and kitchen garden), Marwood Hill Gardens); Killerton, near Tiverton, like Arlington belongs to the National Trust. All sell plants or you can visit one of the many garden centres or the markets to pick up that special one.
There are still areas of unspoilt countryside to enjoy and the National Park on Exmoor or the National Trust coastal path offer miles of available walking. Arlington Court near Barnstaple has many trails to suit all ages and abilities, small children or wheel-