Mount Pleasant Farm

Fan of fishing? Set off for the lush lakes at Anglers Paradise. Prefer archery? Hit the bullseye at the Arms of Old centre (both 10 minutes’ drive). Or how about hiking? Head to Roadford Reservoir (15 minutes), the largest freshwater area in England's south west, for strolls and watersports. Bikes? Off to the traffic-free Tarka Trail with you (pick it up 10 minutes away in Okehampton). For town times, there’s Launceston (25 minutes), the ancient capital of Cornwall with its castle and a steam railway, as well as Tavistock (half an hour), a canalside ancient stannary settlement that claims to be the home of the cream tea. Try this traditional Devon dessert then bound over to Bude for swims at the sea pool followed by sunbathing in front of the pastel-coloured beach huts (half an hour). Thrill-seekers could organise a surfing lesson on one of the beaches – a top pick is the sandy Summerleaze – or stay dry while dashing around the dodgems at Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre (20 minutes). Keep the fun times going for the kids with outings to The BIG Sheep and The Milky Way Adventure Park – both 45 minutes' drive away and fab for family days out. Grownups may prefer the more leisurely pleasures of RHS Rosemoor and Dartington Crystal (both half an hour).