The Captains House in Bideford | Stunning Group Escape LargeHolidayCottages.com

About The Captains House

The Captains House is a spacious holiday home in North Devon sleeping 10 guests. This property sits in Westward Ho! and offers off-road parking for multiple vehicles plus generous living areas perfect for larger groups. The location puts you right on the coast with direct beach access.

Westward Ho! is a traditional seaside village. The two-mile sandy beach stretches along the coast. Rocky pools appear at low tide and the South West Coast Path runs through the area.

The accommodation includes five bedrooms across three floors. Ground floor features a twin bedroom and family bathroom. First floor has three bedrooms: one king-size, one double and one twin. The second floor contains another king-size bedroom. Two bathrooms serve the property. The open-plan kitchen and dining area seats everyone together. The sitting room has comfortable seating for ten.

Clovelly Village (8 miles, 20 minutes) offers cobbled streets and harbour views. The Big Sheep (3 miles, 10 minutes) provides family entertainment. RHS Garden Rosemoor (15 miles, 25 minutes) displays year-round planting. Dartington Crystal (12 miles, 20 minutes) demonstrates glassblowing.

The Captains House works brilliantly for multi-generational family gatherings who want beach access and coastal walks. Book here for proper seaside holidays with space for everyone.

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Need To Know

✓Elegant and spacious seaside villa with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
✓Located in Instow, Devon, within 1 mile of the coast and a short walk to Instow’s dog-friendly beach
✓Fantastic views over the Torridge estuary towards Appledore
✓Quiet location with very short walk to local amenities including pubs, restaurants, and shops
✓Direct access to South West Coastal Path and proximity to The Tarka Trail
✓Nearby activities include water sports, fishing, golf, and horse riding
✓Suitable for large families, two-family and multi-generational holidays, walkers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts, and dog owners
✓5 bedrooms comprising: 1 kingsize bed (first floor), 1 kingsize bed with ensuite shower cubicle and toilet (second floor), 1 bunk bed (second floor), 2 bedrooms each with 2 single beds (third floor)
✓3 bathrooms including: 1 ensuite shower cubicle with toilet, 1 bathroom with bath and shower attachment plus toilet, 1 shower room with cubicle shower and toilet
✓Gas central heating throughout the house
✓Open, steep, spiral or narrow stairs inside the property; steep steps to the lawned garden area
✓Ground floor kitchen/dining room with seating for 10 and appliances: range cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer, washing machine
✓Kitchen/dining room has Freeview TV and CD player and direct access to enclosed garden, barbecue, and patio area
✓First floor living room with Freeview TV, DVD player, and CD player
✓First floor galleried study room
✓Small, enclosed lawned garden with patio, garden furniture, and barbecue
✓Steep steps leading down to the lawned garden area
✓Secure bike store and garage providing secure cycle and windsurfer storage
✓On-site private parking for up to 3 cars; no electric vehicle charging permitted
✓Superfast fibre broadband and Wi-Fi included
✓Electricity included in the rental price
✓Bed linen and towels provided
✓Welcome pack provided on arrival
✓Cot and highchair available for use
✓Pets allowed with a maximum of 2 dogs; pet charges apply
✓No smoking allowed anywhere on the property
✓Check-in time after 16:00 and check-out before 10:00
✓Decorated at Christmas for seasonal ambiance

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Local Insights: The Captains House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bideford, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:05am

🌡️

16.00°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 Captains 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):

🌌

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)

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

🏔️

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: 51.0504990° N | Longitude: 4.179569° 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 Captains 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

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Captains House

Beachfront Location

Direct access to Westward Ho! beach means morning walks and evening strolls happen right from your doorstep without any driving required.

Sleeps Ten Comfortably

Five bedrooms spread across three floors give everyone their own space whilst keeping the group together under one roof perfectly.

Coastal Path Access

South West Coast Path runs past the property offering spectacular walks for all abilities with stunning Atlantic views throughout the year.

Multiple Bathrooms

Two bathrooms prevent morning queues and make life easier when ten people need to get ready for days out together.

Open Plan Living

Kitchen and dining area flow together so the cook stays part of conversations whilst everyone gathers around the large dining table.

Pet Friendly Policy

Dogs are welcome so the whole family including four-legged members can enjoy this coastal break together without leaving anyone behind.

Getting To The Captains House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Captains House by car, take the A39 towards Bideford then follow signs to Westward Ho! The property sits on the seafront with convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, approximately 9 miles away. From there, local buses or taxis connect to Westward Ho! for the final leg of your journey.

Off-road parking for multiple cars

Barnstaple station (9 miles)

Easily accessible from the A39

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

The Big Sheep

Distance: 3 miles

EX39 5AP

Clovelly Village

Distance: 8 miles

EX39 5TQ

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Distance: 15 miles

EX38 8PH

South West Coast Path

Distance: 0.1 miles

EX39 4HX

Westward Ho! Beach

Distance: 0.1 miles

EX39 1GN

Northam Burrows Country Park

Distance: 1 mile

EX39 1NZ

Bideford Town Centre

Distance: 2.5 miles

EX39 2DR

Tesco Superstore Bideford

Distance: 2 miles

EX39 3QS

Barnstaple High Street

Distance: 9 miles

EX31 1BG

Barnstaple Bus Station

Distance: 9 miles

EX31 1LE

Bideford Bridge

Distance: 2.5 miles

EX39 2QR

Appledore Village

Distance: 3 miles

EX39 1PT

The Big Sheep

Distance: 3 miles

EX39 5AP

Clovelly Village

Distance: 8 miles

EX39 5TQ

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Distance: 15 miles

EX38 8PH

South West Coast Path

Distance: 0.1 miles

EX39 4HX

Westward Ho! Beach

Distance: 0.1 miles

EX39 1GN

Northam Burrows Country Park

Distance: 1 mile

EX39 1NZ

Bideford Town Centre

Distance: 2.5 miles

EX39 2DR

Tesco Superstore Bideford

Distance: 2 miles

EX39 3QS

Barnstaple High Street

Distance: 9 miles

EX31 1BG

Barnstaple Bus Station

Distance: 9 miles

EX31 1LE

Bideford Bridge

Distance: 2.5 miles

EX39 2QR

Appledore Village

Distance: 3 miles

EX39 1PT

Is The Captains House Right For Your Group

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

For Families

Westward Ho! beach provides endless entertainment with two miles of sand for castle building and rock pooling at low tide. The Big Sheep sits just 3 miles away offering rides, shows and animal encounters throughout the year. Northam Burrows Country Park offers space to run around whilst the property's multiple bedrooms give older children their own space away from younger siblings.

Groups Will Love...

The open-plan kitchen and dining area forms the social heart of The Captains House. Everyone gathers around the large dining table for meals together whilst the cook remains part of conversations. The sitting room provides comfortable seating for all ten guests with plenty of space for board games or film nights. This layout keeps groups connected rather than scattered across separate rooms throughout the property.

Pet Friendly

Dogs are welcome at The Captains House making it perfect for pet owners. The beachfront location means direct access to Westward Ho! beach where dogs can run on the sand. South West Coast Path starts right outside offering spectacular walks. Northam Burrows Country Park sits one mile away providing additional space for exercise. The property's layout gives dogs room to settle whilst staying close to their owners.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Captains House

The Pier House

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1LZ

The Sandpiper Inn

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1HB

Café Limelight

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX39 1HB

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Captains House

How many people does The Captains House sleep?

The property sleeps 10 guests across five bedrooms. Three bedrooms have double or king-size beds whilst two offer twin beds for flexible sleeping arrangements.

Is The Captains House pet friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at this property. The beachfront location and coastal path access make it perfect for owners who want to explore with their pets.

What parking is available at the property?

Off-road parking accommodates multiple vehicles directly at the property. This makes arrival and departure straightforward when travelling with a larger group in several cars.

How far is the beach from The Captains House?

The property sits right on the seafront at Westward Ho! with direct beach access. The two-mile sandy beach is literally on your doorstep for morning walks.

What sleeping arrangements are available?

Ground floor has one twin bedroom. First floor contains one king-size, one double and one twin bedroom. Second floor features another king-size bedroom providing varied options for different group makeups.

Are there shops and restaurants nearby?

Westward Ho! village centre sits within walking distance offering shops, cafes and restaurants. The location means you can walk to amenities without needing to drive everywhere.

What attractions are close to The Captains House?

The Big Sheep family park is 3 miles away. Clovelly Village sits 8 miles distant whilst RHS Garden Rosemoor is 15 miles away offering varied days out.

How many bathrooms does the property have?

Two bathrooms serve the property. One sits on the ground floor and another on the first floor making mornings manageable for ten guests.

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The Captains House Reviews

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The Captains House, Bideford

About The Captains House

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

August Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Beachfront Location

Sleeps Ten Comfortably

Coastal Path Access

Multiple Bathrooms

Open Plan Living

Pet Friendly Policy

Getting To The Captains House

By Car

By Train

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Is The Captains House Right For Your Group

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Pier House

The Sandpiper Inn

Café Limelight

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

The Captains House Reviews