Skyber Barn Guidebook
Wildlife and nature
Hembury Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland only 20-30 minute walk from Skyber Barn or 5 minute drive. There is a stunning stretch of river perfect for wild swimming and an iron age hillfort at the top of the woods. There's lots of wildlife to be seen including rare butterflies and birds, including several species of fritillary butterfly in the summer and kingfishers on the river.
8 locals recommend
Hembury Woods car park and picnic area
Hembury Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland only 20-30 minute walk from Skyber Barn or 5 minute drive. There is a stunning stretch of river perfect for wild swimming and an iron age hillfort at the top of the woods. There's lots of wildlife to be seen including rare butterflies and birds, including several species of fritillary butterfly in the summer and kingfishers on the river.
Spitchwick and the area around New Bridge car park is one of the most beautiful locations in Devon. The steep-sided valley of the Dart River amongst mossy ancient oak woodland makes a perfect place for a walk or a swim. Head down river and you get to Spitchwick common, a favourite for family picnics and river swims.
24 locals recommend
Spitchwick
Spitchwick and the area around New Bridge car park is one of the most beautiful locations in Devon. The steep-sided valley of the Dart River amongst mossy ancient oak woodland makes a perfect place for a walk or a swim. Head down river and you get to Spitchwick common, a favourite for family picnics and river swims.
The east of Dartmoor between Widecombe and Bovey Tracey contains some incredible locations. Visit Emsworthy Mire in May for blankets of bluebells, cuckoos and lots of other wildlife. Holwell Lawn on the high moor also has a wonderful display of bluebells. Hay Tor and the other tors in the region offer stunning views. It's an incredible place to explore, and you don't have to go far to escape the crowds, even in the height of summer.
101 locals recommend
Haytor Rocks
The east of Dartmoor between Widecombe and Bovey Tracey contains some incredible locations. Visit Emsworthy Mire in May for blankets of bluebells, cuckoos and lots of other wildlife. Holwell Lawn on the high moor also has a wonderful display of bluebells. Hay Tor and the other tors in the region offer stunning views. It's an incredible place to explore, and you don't have to go far to escape the crowds, even in the height of summer.
Food scene
Badger's holt is a great place to for a cream tea or a brunch. There are stunning walks along the river, through ancient woodland and open moor.
12 locals recommend
Badgers Holt Restaurant & Tearooms
Badger's holt is a great place to for a cream tea or a brunch. There are stunning walks along the river, through ancient woodland and open moor.
The Rugglestone Inn
Centuries-old pub with tonnes of character!
Another very old pub (11th century) with lots of character and grrrrreat food.
35 locals recommend
The Church House Inn
Another very old pub (11th century) with lots of character and grrrrreat food.
Furzeleigh Mill
Ashburton RoadLovely restaurant on the outskirts of Buckfastleigh - lovely service and great food!
Sightseeing
The grounds of Buckfast Abbey offers a peaceful place to come for a walk, explore, picnic, or to have a look in the abbey itself.
72 locals recommend
Buckfast Abbey
The grounds of Buckfast Abbey offers a peaceful place to come for a walk, explore, picnic, or to have a look in the abbey itself.
See amazing tropical butterflies and loads of different species of otter from around the world!
55 locals recommend
Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Dart Bridge RoadSee amazing tropical butterflies and loads of different species of otter from around the world!
Groceries
Great little independent grocery shop, also does coffee and cake! Lots of character.
8 locals recommend
The Seed Wholefood Store and Cafe
40 Fore StGreat little independent grocery shop, also does coffee and cake! Lots of character.