Hillside & The Barn in Croyde, near Woolacombe | Stunning Group Escape LargeHolidayCottages.com

About Hillside & The Barn

Hillside & The Barn offers two separate properties in rural Devon, perfect for groups wanting countryside peace. The properties sleep up to 12 guests combined, making this ideal for extended family gatherings or friends celebrating together. Both lodges sit on a working farm with beautiful valley views.

The location puts you in the heart of East Devon's rolling hills. Open farmland surrounds the properties. You'll find quiet lanes for walking and plenty of space for children to explore safely.

Hillside accommodates six guests across three bedrooms with two bathrooms. The Barn also sleeps six in three bedrooms with two bathrooms. Each property has its own kitchen and living space, giving groups flexibility. Both feature wood burners and enclosed gardens. Combined, you get six bedrooms and four bathrooms across the two properties.

Exeter sits 8 miles away (20 minutes). The Jurassic Coast reaches Sidmouth in 7 miles (15 minutes). Bicton Park Botanical Gardens lies 4 miles away (10 minutes). Crealy Theme Park sits 6 miles distant (12 minutes).

Book Hillside & The Barn for multi-generational holidays where everyone gets their own space whilst staying close together.

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Need To Know

✓Dog-friendly accommodation
✓Beautiful gardens
✓Separate barn for additional guests
✓Open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner
✓Wood burner
✓BBQ facilities
✓Patios and decks
✓Parking for 5 cars
✓Close to sandy beach
✓Nearby pub and dining options
✓Family wet room
✓Smart TV in the barn

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Local Insights: Hillside & The Barn

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Croyde, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

19°C

Overcast

Updated: 7 Sep 2026, 3:03am

🌡️

18.90°C

Temperature

💨

5 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

87%

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 September 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

Hillside & The Barn 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):

🌌

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

(23 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️

Elevation

📍

Croyde

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 Croyde 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: 50.7160000° N | Longitude: 3.533° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Croyde (Monday, 7 September 2026):

5:35am

Sunrise

5:48pm

Golden Hour

6:48pm

Sunset

🌅

5:35am

Sunrise

🌇

6:48pm

Sunset

📸

5:48pm

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 (5:48pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Croyde, you have approximately 13.21 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Hillside & The Barn.

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

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Hillside & The Barn

Two Separate Properties

Each lodge has its own kitchen and living areas, giving families privacy whilst staying together on the same site.

Sleeps 16 Combined

Eight bedrooms across both properties mean extended families and friend groups can all stay together without feeling cramped.

Working Farm Setting

Children love seeing real farm animals and exploring the countryside safely within the property grounds.

Wood Burners

Both properties feature cosy wood burners, perfect for gathering around after days exploring the Devon countryside together.

Enclosed Gardens

Private outdoor spaces at each property let groups enjoy meals outside whilst children and dogs play safely.

Valley Views

Stunning rural vistas across East Devon farmland provide a peaceful backdrop for your group gathering.

Getting To Hillside & The Barn

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Hillside & The Barn by car, take the M5 to junction 30 and follow the A376 towards Exmouth. Turn onto the A3052 and follow signs for Clyst St Mary. The properties are located on a working farm with off-road parking available at both lodges.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Exeter St Davids, approximately 8 miles away. From there, a taxi takes around 20 minutes to reach the properties in the Devon countryside.

Off-road parking at both properties

Exeter St Davids station (8 miles)

Accessible from M5 junction 30

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Distance: 4 miles

EX9 7BJ

Crealy Theme Park

Distance: 6 miles

EX5 1DR

Sidmouth Beach

Distance: 7 miles

EX10 8AY

Woodbury Common

Distance: 3 miles

EX5 1LF

East Devon Way

Distance: 2 miles

EX5 2ED

Otter Valley Walk

Distance: 5 miles

EX11 1QX

Exeter City Centre

Distance: 8 miles

EX1 1QB

Tesco Superstore Exeter

Distance: 6 miles

EX2 7HY

Exmouth Town Centre

Distance: 7 miles

EX8 1DU

Exeter St Davids Station

Distance: 8 miles

EX4 4NT

Exeter Bus Station

Distance: 8 miles

EX1 1RP

Clyst St Mary Village

Distance: 1 mile

EX5 1AJ

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Distance: 4 miles

EX9 7BJ

Crealy Theme Park

Distance: 6 miles

EX5 1DR

Sidmouth Beach

Distance: 7 miles

EX10 8AY

Woodbury Common

Distance: 3 miles

EX5 1LF

East Devon Way

Distance: 2 miles

EX5 2ED

Otter Valley Walk

Distance: 5 miles

EX11 1QX

Exeter City Centre

Distance: 8 miles

EX1 1QB

Tesco Superstore Exeter

Distance: 6 miles

EX2 7HY

Exmouth Town Centre

Distance: 7 miles

EX8 1DU

Exeter St Davids Station

Distance: 8 miles

EX4 4NT

Exeter Bus Station

Distance: 8 miles

EX1 1RP

Clyst St Mary Village

Distance: 1 mile

EX5 1AJ

Is Hillside & The Barn Right For Your Group

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

For Families

Children will love the working farm setting with animals to see and open spaces to explore safely. The enclosed gardens at both properties provide secure play areas. Crealy Theme Park sits just 6 miles away for exciting days out. Bicton Park offers botanical gardens and a railway. The beaches at Sidmouth are perfect for bucket-and-spade fun.

Groups Will Love...

The two separate properties create the perfect setup for large groups wanting togetherness and privacy. Eight bedrooms across both lodges mean everyone gets comfortable sleeping space. Each property has its own kitchen and living area, so families can cook together or separately. The wood burners in both properties create cosy gathering spots for evening entertainment and conversation.

Pet Friendly

Dogs are welcome at Hillside & The Barn, making this perfect for groups travelling with pets. The enclosed gardens at both properties give dogs safe spaces to run and play. Surrounding farmland offers excellent walking routes straight from your door. Woodbury Common lies just 3 miles away with extensive heathland for longer dog walks.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Hillside & The Barn

The Jack in the Green Inn

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX5 1JJ

The Halfway Inn

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX5 2UQ

The Puffing Billy

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX8 5BU

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Hillside & The Barn

Is Hillside & The Barn pet friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at this property. The enclosed gardens at both lodges provide safe outdoor spaces for your pets to enjoy.

How many guests can stay?

The two properties combined sleep 16 guests across eight bedrooms. Hillside has four bedrooms and The Barn also has four bedrooms.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Each property sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Hillside offers three bathrooms whilst The Barn provides two bathrooms for guests.

Is there parking available?

Yes, off-road parking is available at both properties. Multiple vehicles can be accommodated across the two lodges.

What facilities do the kitchens have?

Both properties feature fully equipped kitchens with everything needed for group catering. Each lodge has its own separate kitchen and dining space.

Are the properties close together?

Yes, both lodges sit on the same farm site. Groups can easily move between properties whilst maintaining privacy in separate buildings.

What's nearby for groups?

Exeter lies 8 miles away with shops and restaurants. The Jurassic Coast at Sidmouth is 7 miles distant for beach days.

Can we light the wood burners?

Yes, both properties have wood burners for guest use. They create a cosy atmosphere for groups gathering in the evenings.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Hillside & The Barn Reviews

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Hillside & The Barn, Croyde

About Hillside & The Barn

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Weather & Local Conditions

What to Expect Through the Year

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bortle Scale Rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

Best Stargazing Conditions

Location & Elevation

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

Coordinates

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Planning Your Days by Season

September Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Two Separate Properties

Sleeps 16 Combined

Working Farm Setting

Wood Burners

Enclosed Gardens

Valley Views

Getting To Hillside & The Barn

By Car

By Train

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Is Hillside & The Barn Right For Your Group

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Jack in the Green Inn

The Halfway Inn

The Puffing Billy

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Hillside & The Barn Reviews