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Alminstone House, Woolsery

Visitor Rating
Rating
18
7
3

Alminstone House is a substantial country property in North Devon that sleeps up to 18 guests. This makes it perfect for extended family gatherings or group holidays. The house features seven spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms and generous living areas designed for larger parties.

The property sits in the Devon countryside near the village of Fairy Cross. You get open fields and rolling hills all around. The location puts you within easy reach of both the coast and Exmoor National Park.

Inside you'll find two king-size rooms, two double rooms and two twin rooms across the seven bedrooms. The three bathrooms include two with baths and one with a shower.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About Alminstone House

Alminstone House is a substantial country property in North Devon that sleeps up to 18 guests. This makes it perfect for extended family gatherings or group holidays. The house features seven spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms and generous living areas designed for larger parties.

The property sits in the Devon countryside near the village of Fairy Cross. You get open fields and rolling hills all around. The location puts you within easy reach of both the coast and Exmoor National Park.

Inside you'll find two king-size rooms, two double rooms and two twin rooms across the seven bedrooms. The three bathrooms include two with baths and one with a shower. Downstairs there's a large kitchen-diner, a separate sitting room with wood burner and a games room with pool table and table football.

Westward Ho! beach is 5 miles away (12 minutes). Clovelly village sits 8 miles distant (18 minutes). RHS Garden Rosemoor is 11 miles away (22 minutes). Exmoor National Park begins 15 miles from the house (28 minutes).

Alminstone House works brilliantly for groups wanting space, entertainment and a proper Devon base. Book this for reunions, celebrations or simply getting everyone together under one roof.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: Alminstone House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Woolsery, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Moderate rain

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:02am

🌡️
15.50°C
Temperature
💨
14 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
95%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Alminstone House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

155m

(509 feet above sea level)

Alminstone House sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
155m
Elevation
📍
Woolsery
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Woolsery are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.9575770° N | Longitude: 4.353763° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Woolsery (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:23am

Sunrise

6:14pm

Golden Hour

7:14pm

Sunset

🌅
5:23am
Sunrise
🌇
7:14pm
Sunset
📸
6:14pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:14pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Woolsery, you have approximately 13.85 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Alminstone House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 50.9575770, -4.3537630

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Alminstone House

Games Room Entertainment

Pool table and table football keep everyone entertained whatever the weather. Perfect for competitive family tournaments and evening entertainment after days out exploring Devon.

Six Bedroom Layout

Two king-size, two double and two twin rooms give flexible sleeping for 12 guests. Everyone gets proper beds and space to spread out across three floors.

Wood Burner Warmth

The sitting room wood burner creates a focal point for group gatherings. Brilliant for cosy evenings after coastal walks or Exmoor adventures in cooler months.

Spacious Kitchen Diner

Large kitchen and dining area seats the whole group together for meals. Plenty of worktop space and a big table make catering for 12 straightforward and sociable.

Coastal Location

Westward Ho! beach is just 12 minutes away by car. Sandy shores and surf make this spot ideal for beach-loving groups wanting coastal access.

Rural Setting

Peaceful countryside location near Fairy Cross offers proper relaxation. Fields and hills surround the property whilst keeping attractions and coast within easy reach.

Getting To Alminstone House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Alminstone House by car, take the A39 towards Bideford then follow signs to Fairy Cross. The property is located in the North Devon countryside with off-road parking available for multiple vehicles.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Barnstaple, approximately 12 miles from Alminstone House. From there, you'll need a taxi or hire car to reach the property in the countryside near Fairy Cross.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (12 miles)
Accessible from A39 via Fairy Cross

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Clovelly Village
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 11 miles
EX38 8PH
The Big Sheep
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5AP
Westward Ho! Beach Walk
Distance: 5 miles
EX39 1LH
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 15 miles
EX31 4QX
Bideford Coastal Path
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2QQ
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2DR
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 1BX
Tesco Superstore Bideford
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 3QS
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2QQ
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 2AU
Fairy Cross Village
Distance: 1 mile
EX39 5QA
Clovelly Village
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 11 miles
EX38 8PH
The Big Sheep
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5AP
Westward Ho! Beach Walk
Distance: 5 miles
EX39 1LH
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 15 miles
EX31 4QX
Bideford Coastal Path
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2QQ
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2DR
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 1BX
Tesco Superstore Bideford
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 3QS
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2QQ
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 12 miles
EX31 2AU
Fairy Cross Village
Distance: 1 mile
EX39 5QA

Is Alminstone House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The games room with pool table and table football provides hours of entertainment for children and teenagers. Westward Ho! beach is just 12 minutes away offering sand, surf and rock pools. The Big Sheep family attraction sits 6 miles away with rides and animal encounters. Exmoor National Park offers outdoor adventures within 28 minutes by car.
Groups Will Love...
The dedicated games room at Alminstone House features a full-size pool table and table football. This separate entertainment space means kids and adults can play tournaments whilst others relax in the sitting room. The games room works brilliantly for rainy Devon days or evening entertainment after beach trips and Exmoor walks.
Pet Friendly
Alminstone House welcomes dogs so your pets can join the family holiday. The rural location near Fairy Cross provides fields and countryside walks right from the doorstep. Westward Ho! beach allows dogs year-round on certain sections. The property's large grounds give space for dogs to explore safely. Check with owners about numbers and any supplements.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Alminstone House

The Pig on the Hill

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 5QS

The Hoops Inn

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 5RY

Pier House Restaurant

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1LZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Alminstone House

How many guests does Alminstone House sleep?
The property sleeps 12 guests across six bedrooms with flexible room configurations. There are two king-size rooms, two doubles and two twin rooms spread across three floors.
Is Alminstone House pet friendly?
Yes, the property welcomes dogs so your pets can join the group holiday. Check with the owner regarding the number of dogs permitted and any additional charges that may apply.
What entertainment facilities are available?
The games room includes a full-size pool table and table football for group entertainment. The sitting room has a wood burner and comfortable seating for 12 people to gather together.
How far is the nearest beach?
Westward Ho! beach is 5 miles away and takes approximately 12 minutes by car. This sandy beach offers surfing, rock pools and a long promenade for coastal walks.
What are the bathroom facilities?
The house has three bathrooms to serve 12 guests comfortably. Two bathrooms feature baths whilst the third has a shower, reducing morning queues for larger groups.
Is there parking at the property?
Off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles at Alminstone House. The rural location means you'll need cars to explore the beaches, Exmoor and local attractions easily.
What cooking facilities are provided?
The large kitchen-diner is fully equipped for catering to groups of 12. There's ample worktop space, a dining table seating everyone together and all standard cooking equipment.
What's nearby for group activities?
Clovelly village is 8 miles away, RHS Garden Rosemoor is 11 miles distant and Exmoor National Park starts 15 miles from the house. All attractions are within 30 minutes by car for easy day trips.

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