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The Gem, Bideford

Visitor Rating
Rating
Exceptional
10
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4

The Gem is a spacious five-bedroom property in North Devon, perfect for groups of up to 10 people. This property offers a private hot tub, off-road parking for multiple vehicles and welcomes pets. The location provides easy access to both coastal attractions and countryside walks.

North Devon offers stunning coastline and rolling hills. The area is known for its beaches and outdoor activities. You'll find market towns and villages within easy reach.

The accommodation includes five bedrooms sleeping 10 guests across different room configurations. There are four bathrooms throughout the property. The social spaces include a kitchen, dining area and living room where your group can gather.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About The Gem

The Gem is a spacious five-bedroom property in North Devon, perfect for groups of up to 10 people. This property offers a private hot tub, off-road parking for multiple vehicles and welcomes pets. The location provides easy access to both coastal attractions and countryside walks.

North Devon offers stunning coastline and rolling hills. The area is known for its beaches and outdoor activities. You'll find market towns and villages within easy reach.

The accommodation includes five bedrooms sleeping 10 guests across different room configurations. There are four bathrooms throughout the property. The social spaces include a kitchen, dining area and living room where your group can gather. Each bedroom is set up to accommodate different group sizes and sleeping arrangements.

Westward Ho! Beach is 2 miles away (5 minutes). Clovelly Village sits 11 miles away (25 minutes). RHS Garden Rosemoor is 14 miles away (30 minutes). Exmoor National Park is 15 miles away (35 minutes).

This property works well for extended families or friend groups wanting coastal access. The hot tub and pet-friendly policy make The Gem particularly suitable for groups seeking outdoor breaks.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: The Gem

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bideford, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:02am

🌡️
15.70°C
Temperature
💨
10 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
92%
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

The Gem 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

46m

(151 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️
46m
Elevation
📍
Bideford
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 Bideford 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: 51.0536000° N | Longitude: 4.19594° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

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

5:22am

Sunrise

6:13pm

Golden Hour

7:13pm

Sunset

🌅
5:22am
Sunrise
🌇
7:13pm
Sunset
📸
6:13pm
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 (6:13pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Bideford, 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 The Gem.

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

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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: 51.0536000, -4.1959400

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Gem

Private Hot Tub

Relax together in your own hot tub after days exploring the North Devon coast and countryside attractions.

Sleeps Ten Guests

Five bedrooms and four bathrooms provide comfortable accommodation for larger family groups and friends travelling together.

Pet Friendly Property

Bring your dogs along on holiday so the whole family can enjoy this North Devon break together.

Coastal Location

Westward Ho! Beach is just two miles away offering surfing, swimming and coastal walks for active groups.

Multiple Bathrooms

Four bathrooms mean no morning queues when getting ready for days out exploring the local area.

Off-Road Parking

Convenient parking for multiple vehicles makes arrival and daily trips out straightforward for your group.

Getting To The Gem

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Gem by car, take the A39 towards Bideford and follow signs to Westward Ho!. The property is easily accessible with off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, approximately 8 miles away. From there, take a taxi or local bus service to reach the property.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (8 miles)
Easily accessible from the A39

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 1LH
Clovelly Village
Distance: 11 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 14 miles
EX38 8PH
South West Coast Path
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 1LH
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 15 miles
EX35 6NU
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 1 mile
EX39 1TB
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2DR
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 1BX
Tesco Superstore Bideford
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 3QS
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2QE
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 2AU
Taxi Services Bideford
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2DR
Westward Ho! Beach
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 1LH
Clovelly Village
Distance: 11 miles
EX39 5TQ
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 14 miles
EX38 8PH
South West Coast Path
Distance: 2 miles
EX39 1LH
Exmoor National Park
Distance: 15 miles
EX35 6NU
Northam Burrows Country Park
Distance: 1 mile
EX39 1TB
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2DR
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 1BX
Tesco Superstore Bideford
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 3QS
Bideford Bus Station
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2QE
Barnstaple Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
EX31 2AU
Taxi Services Bideford
Distance: 3 miles
EX39 2DR

Is The Gem Right For Your Group

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

For Families
Children can enjoy Westward Ho! Beach for surfing lessons, rock pooling and sandcastle building. The Big Sheep attraction offers rides and animal encounters. Exmoor National Park provides space for outdoor adventures. The hot tub at the property gives kids somewhere to splash about. RHS Garden Rosemoor has family trails and play areas.
Groups Will Love...
The private hot tub at The Gem provides the perfect spot for your group to unwind after busy days exploring North Devon. It seats several people comfortably and offers a relaxing space for evening conversations. The hot tub is available throughout your stay and adds a special touch to your group holiday experience.
Pet Friendly
The Gem welcomes dogs so your pets can join the family holiday. North Devon offers excellent dog-friendly beaches and coastal paths. Westward Ho! Beach allows dogs year-round on certain sections. Northam Burrows Country Park provides open spaces for exercise. Local pubs and cafes welcome well-behaved dogs. The property gives your pets a comfortable base.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Gem

The Pier House

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1LZ

The Royal Hotel

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 2EQ

The Coaching Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 3QB

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Gem

Is The Gem pet friendly?
Yes, The Gem welcomes pets so you can bring your dogs on holiday. This makes it ideal for groups who want to include their four-legged family members.
How many people does The Gem sleep?
The property sleeps 10 guests across five bedrooms. Four bathrooms serve the group comfortably.
Does The Gem have a hot tub?
Yes, there is a private hot tub at the property. Your group can use it throughout your stay.
Where is The Gem located?
The property is in North Devon near Westward Ho!, postcode EX39 1RB. It's close to beaches and Exmoor National Park.
What parking is available at The Gem?
Off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles. This makes it convenient for groups arriving in separate cars.
What beaches are near The Gem?
Westward Ho! Beach is 2 miles away, approximately 5 minutes by car. Other North Devon beaches are within easy driving distance.
What can groups do near The Gem?
Visit Clovelly Village, explore Exmoor National Park, enjoy RHS Garden Rosemoor, or try surfing at local beaches. All these attractions suit different group interests.
What facilities does The Gem have for groups?
The property includes a kitchen, dining area, living room and outdoor hot tub. These spaces allow your group to cook, eat and relax together.

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The Gem Reviews

Emma
We really enjoyed our stay! The house was spacious and well kitted out for all nine of us. Stunning views and a lovely vibe. Definitely booking again and recommending to friends!
Emma W.
We had a fantastic stay! The place was stunning, spotlessand some nice treats and food were a lovely touch. Everyone agreed it was brilliantand we're already planning to come back. Thanks so much for a great experience!
Alex
We loved staying here! The location is perfect, right in the middle of the village with plenty of parking. The views are stunningand the garden is lovely. Our dog was really happyand the kids enjoyed the games room. The hot tub under the stars was definitely the best part. We'll be back!
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