One of the lovely things about the summer months is our return guests. Marion and David Sherwood have been holidaying at Pickwell for over 40 years and this gorgeous photo of their extended family now includes grandchildren and Dulcie the dog, alongside many happy memories. In fact 40% of our visitors are return guests or recommendations.
The Sherwood's have certainly seen lots of changes over the years - including décor - as this 1980's brochure shows.
The kitchens in 1980 and the kitchens now.
Considering an Autumn break?
The Autumn hues are showing their first brilliant colours and September and October are a great time to visit North Devon. As the farmers collect the last cuts of hay and the fields turn golden brown it is a site to behold. The roads are freed up, and there is the opportunity to get some great deals on accommodation. Or if you like more action then it is a great time to take up surfing away from the crowds or try the more sedate paddle boarding. We can put you in touch with the best places to begin.
Well, for people who love peace and quiet, the roads are no longer an obstacle course and the exquisite coastal paths stretch out with hardly a soul to be seen. For people who love peace and quiet, you may be pleased to know there are a lot less people than in the summer holidays.
It is only a half mile walk from us to the beautiful Putsborough beach, and you may just find you have it all to yourself. With the summer heat down a few degrees it is the perfect time to stretch your legs and explore or just simply relax.
Or if you like more action then it is a great time to take up surfing away from the crowds or try the more sedate paddle boarding. We can put you in touch with the best places to begin.
And new for Pickwell Manor, if you have a special occasion that you would love to celebrate with your family and friends of up to 27 people, then we have the perfect venue. Our luxury apartments, Bliss, Grace, Affinity and The Chapel give you private access to the Manor and we include the ballroom and snug to meet all your catering needs. Please phone Julia for more details on 01271 890110 or visit our web site www.pickwellmanor.co.uk/group-bookings
We love our woodland. As recently-arrived new managers, we have been amazed to see the grounds burst into new life with a carpet of blue bells and wild garlic, and now replaced with a glorious canopy of luxuriant leaves.
The cast-off branches make a campfire if we still have the odd chilly evening and it is a wonderful and safe place for young children to discover the freedom of exploration in our six acres of woodland.
But trees are not just nature's givers. They take carbon from our atmosphere as well and are perhaps our best chance of a cleaner, carbon-free future. So we are delighted to say that for every booking at Pickwell Manor, we now plants two trees - One in the Amazon rainforest, through the Coolearth.org project, which has to date protected 216 million acres of rain forest, and one through the WeForest.org project which has globally planted over 20 million trees in strategic areas. So, you can book your holiday now and help plant new trees without even picking up a shovel. We like that.
Remembering D Day
Pickwell Manor has survived more than a few wars in its 1000 year plus history. On 15th and 16th June one of our local beaches, the magnificent Saunton Sands, is host to spectacular aircraft landings, numerous military vehicles and one of the largest battle displays ever to take place in the South West. There really is always something going on in this marvellous part of England.
Of Sunsets and Friends.
What makes a memorable holiday? One visitor told us it is the spectacular sunsets that she will remember forever. Of course, we can't promise one every night, but when they come they really are spectacular. A glass of wine on a bench overlooking the sea and a friend to share it with. That really is a memory worth keeping.
25% off when you stay with us this June*
Thinking of getting away, escaping work and heading for some sun? Or with Fathers Day this Sunday, why not treat him to a weekend away! Book a last minute stay with us this June and get 25% off! Singles, couples, families, four legged friends, we've got accommodation to suit everyone. Check Availability Now and add 'LASTMINUTEJUNE2019' to get 25% off your stay ☀️
*Offer excludes the treehouses. 3/7 nights available. Check in must be before June 28th 2019.
Our TripAdvisor rating is 5 star with a special certificate of excellence. TripAdvisor gives a Certificate of Excellence to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers.
It may not be the surfers favoured beach but we think this is an absolute gem. With a fair wind and a high tide you can have this little cove all to yourself and thrill at the waves rushing up the beach and breaking over the rocks. At low tide it reveals some of the prettiest shells and pebbles that can be found along our Devon coastline.
But Barricane beach has another surprise: From now, and through the summer season, and from 5 - 7.30pm, the beach side café serves exquisite and authentic Sri Lankan curries that you can enjoy with a BYO bottle of your favourite wine or beer and watch the sunset. Why - you could think you really were in Sri Lanka.
Staycation is the new buzz word and for us it means avoiding the Brexit effect and rediscovering what our parents knew all along; that the best of Britain’s coastline really is exquisite. Sure we may get the odd rainy day in Devon but we are well and truly geared up for it with 100's of great things to do on your doorstep to make up for that. And when the sun comes out you really may wonder why you spent all those years suffering security checks and flight delays when we have so much to offer at home.
Relax - Unwind - Walk - Cycle - Surf - Play tennis - Run - (or just sit)
We all have different things that make a holiday special to us. We believe we have got them all covered and for some gentle exercise our new electric bikes will even take the strain out of the hills for you.
If you have stayed at Pickwell Manor before we welcome you back with 10% discount, and if you haven't you will only have to read our TripAdvisor reviews to see what great value for money we offer. Singles, couples, families and also your dog will forever love this coastal retreat. For availability visit www.pickwellmanor.co.uk
For the first time you can now also celebrate the New Year here with a group booking. It seems like a long way off doesn't it but of course there is only one opportunity for a group to book this space at Pickwell, and as our previous guests we wanted you to be the first to know. The available dates are 28th Dec to 2nd Jan and the price is £6000 for up to 27 guests.
Group booking which includes Bliss, Affinity, Grace and The Chapel, sleeps up to 27 and you can even bring up to two dogs staying with you in Grace. Perfect for a special birthday or wedding anniversary that you can share with friends and family. And at only £111 per person for 3 nights, it is amazing value as well.
If you have stayed here before you will know what a very special place Pickwell Manor really is. Relax and unwind are the two words we here most often from our lovely guests.
If you feel some unwinding time is needed for you, we have some last minute availability in our Chapel & Amity apartment this Friday 12th April until Friday 19th with 20% off. Just add EASTER20 online or if you have any questions please e-mail julia@pickwellmanor.co.uk
As well as our Pickwell chocolate bunny hunt, there's lots of things to keep you busy over the Easter holidays. Beach clean, Croyde Craft Market, National trust Easter Egg Hunts ( 10th - 22nd April) on Baggy Point and Woolacombe, St. Georges family walk on Good Friday followed by refreshments.
New managers Simon and Julia have arrived and so have new animals Kensa and her daughter Magsy.
Your children will love our pets corner - feeding the animals and collecting the eggs from our very friendly chickens - so why not find a date in your diary and join us for a short or long break in this beautiful part of the world.
Simon and Julia Hawthorne have recently arrived as the new managers at Pickwell Manor, and this is what they have to say -
For the last 30 years, our home has been the Derbyshire village of Whaley Bridge, and so North Devon is quite a change - but what a change. We have had some fabulous weather for February and splendid Camelia's adorn almost every garden, and the daffodils are already in full bloom. We are going to enjoy the climate.
We have loved exploring the magnificent Putsborough beach - arguably one of Britain's finest, with its huge breakers, so loved by the surfing community. A short drive away we have discovered Lee Bay, hosting a multitude of rock pools at low tide, evoking so many childhood memories as they reveal their hoard of seaside treasure.
Our first walk along the headland at Morte Point boasted stunning views along the coastline and across the ocean to Lundy Island - then followed by an excellent Carvery dinner at the Chichester Arms at Morthoe. We feel very blessed.
Perhaps though, it is the people that make Pickwell so special, and the warmest of welcomes we have received will also always be extended to you.
If you are able to come - as repeat guests or for the first time - you will find many old friends and some new. Along with new accommodation in the form of our superb and romantic tree houses and magnificent apartment - Grace. Both Amity and Grace are now dog friendly so your pet can enjoy your holiday too.
And new for 2019 - Can you imagine celebrating New Year in this amazing place. Well now you can make a Group Booking and bring in the New Year in style. Phone Julia for details on 01271 890110 or e-mail julia@pickwellmanor.co.uk
Holly, Ben, Tilly and Thea are leaving us at the end of March to start their own new adventure. They would like to say a huge thank you to all the guests over the last 3 years who have made their time here so special. Please do say hello if you bump into them on the beach or in the local pub! We wish them every success and happiness.
We so look forward to meeting you and sharing this special place,
