Back Overview Features Reviews Days out

Tarka At Town Mills, Great Torrington

12
1
6
4

Tarka at Town Mills is a spacious lodge in North Devon that sleeps 12 guests. This property sits in the historic market town of Torrington. Three separate lodges provide flexible accommodation for extended families or groups of friends. The property works brilliantly for reunions and celebrations.

The town offers easy access to both the North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park. Torrington sits on a hilltop with views across the Torridge Valley. You'll find independent shops and cafes within walking distance.

The accommodation comprises three distinct lodges. Tarka sleeps six with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Otter sleeps four with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Kingfisher sleeps two with one bedroom and one bathroom.

About Tarka At Town Mills

Tarka at Town Mills is a spacious lodge in North Devon that sleeps 12 guests. This property sits in the historic market town of Torrington. Three separate lodges provide flexible accommodation for extended families or groups of friends. The property works brilliantly for reunions and celebrations.

The town offers easy access to both the North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park. Torrington sits on a hilltop with views across the Torridge Valley. You'll find independent shops and cafes within walking distance.

The accommodation comprises three distinct lodges. Tarka sleeps six with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Otter sleeps four with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Kingfisher sleeps two with one bedroom and one bathroom. Each lodge has its own kitchen and living space. The 12 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms give everyone their own space. Private gardens and outdoor seating areas connect the lodges.

Westward Ho! beach lies 8 miles away (18 minutes). RHS Garden Rosemoor is 3 miles distant (8 minutes). The Milky Way Adventure Park sits 6 miles away (15 minutes). Dartington Crystal is 2 miles away (6 minutes).

Tarka at Town Mills combines independence with togetherness. Perfect for multi-generational holidays where privacy matters.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Local Insights: Tarka At Town Mills

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Great Torrington, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Slight rain

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:05am

🌡️
15.60°C
Temperature
💨
7 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
97%
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

Tarka At Town Mills 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

26m

(85 feet above sea level)

Tarka At Town Mills sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
26m
Elevation
📍
Great Torrington
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 Great Torrington 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: 50.9430120° N | Longitude: 4.137425° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Great Torrington (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 Great Torrington, you have approximately 13.84 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 Tarka At Town Mills.

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: 50.9430120, -4.1374250

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Tarka At Town Mills

Three Separate Lodges

Each lodge maintains independence whilst keeping the group together. Perfect for families wanting their own space whilst staying close.

Sleeps Twelve Guests

Accommodates large groups comfortably across three well-equipped lodges. Ideal for extended family gatherings and friend reunions.

Pet Friendly Property

Bring your dogs along on holiday. The property welcomes pets so no family member gets left behind at home.

Town Centre Location

Walk to shops, pubs and restaurants in Torrington. Everything you need is right on your doorstep without needing the car.

Private Outdoor Spaces

Each lodge has its own garden area. Groups can gather outside or retreat to their own private space.

Close to Coast and Moor

North Devon beaches and Exmoor National Park are both within easy reach. Explore coastal paths or moorland walks from your base.

Getting To Tarka At Town Mills

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Tarka at Town Mills by car, take the A386 into Torrington and follow signs for the town centre. The property is located in the historic market town with off-road parking available for multiple vehicles.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Barnstaple, approximately 10 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi or local bus service to Torrington town centre.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Barnstaple station (10 miles)
Town centre location in Torrington

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 3 miles
EX38 8PH
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5RY
Dartington Crystal
Distance: 2 miles
EX38 7AN
Tarka Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX38 8AA
Torridge Valley Walk
Distance: 1 mile
EX38 8HQ
Westward Ho! Beach Walk
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 1LH
Torrington Town Centre
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX38 8HQ
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2DR
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 10 miles
EX31 1BX
Torrington Commons
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX38 7EZ
Torrington 1646 Museum
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX38 8HQ
Rosemoor Garden Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX38 8PH
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Distance: 3 miles
EX38 8PH
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Distance: 6 miles
EX39 5RY
Dartington Crystal
Distance: 2 miles
EX38 7AN
Tarka Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
EX38 8AA
Torridge Valley Walk
Distance: 1 mile
EX38 8HQ
Westward Ho! Beach Walk
Distance: 8 miles
EX39 1LH
Torrington Town Centre
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX38 8HQ
Bideford Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX39 2DR
Barnstaple High Street
Distance: 10 miles
EX31 1BX
Torrington Commons
Distance: 0.3 miles
EX38 7EZ
Torrington 1646 Museum
Distance: 0.2 miles
EX38 8HQ
Rosemoor Garden Centre
Distance: 3 miles
EX38 8PH

Is Tarka At Town Mills Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The Milky Way Adventure Park offers indoor and outdoor rides just 6 miles away. Westward Ho! beach provides sandy shores and rock pools for exploring. RHS Garden Rosemoor has woodland walks and play areas. The property's multiple lodges give teenagers their own space whilst staying close to family. Torrington Commons offers open space for games and outdoor activities within walking distance.
Groups Will Love...
Three separate lodges create the perfect setup for large groups wanting independence and togetherness. Each unit has its own kitchen and living space so families can cook together or separately. The 12 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms mean no queuing for facilities. Private gardens connect the lodges whilst maintaining personal space. This arrangement works brilliantly for multi-generational holidays where everyone values their own territory.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Tarka at Town Mills. Each lodge has outdoor space where pets can roam safely. The Tarka Trail starts nearby offering miles of traffic-free walking along the old railway line. Torrington Commons provides open grassland for exercise within walking distance. Local beaches including Westward Ho! welcome dogs year-round. The town centre location means short walks rather than long car journeys for your pets.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Tarka At Town Mills

The Puffing Billy

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX38 8AA

Black Horse Inn

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX38 7EZ

Torrington Tandoori

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX38 8HQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Tarka At Town Mills

Is Tarka at Town Mills pet friendly?
Yes, the property welcomes pets so you can bring your dogs on holiday. Each lodge has outdoor space where pets can enjoy themselves safely.
How many people does the property sleep?
Tarka at Town Mills sleeps 12 guests across three separate lodges. The largest lodge sleeps six, one sleeps four and the smallest sleeps two people.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
The property has 12 bedrooms in total spread across the three lodges. There are 4 bathrooms shared between all the accommodation units.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, off-road parking is available for guests. Multiple vehicles can be accommodated across the three lodges.
How far is the nearest beach?
Westward Ho! beach is 8 miles away and takes approximately 18 minutes by car. The beach offers sandy shores and coastal walks for all ages.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
RHS Garden Rosemoor is 3 miles away (8 minutes drive). The Milky Way Adventure Park sits 6 miles away (15 minutes) and Dartington Crystal is 2 miles distant.
Are the lodges connected?
The three lodges are separate buildings with their own facilities. They share the same site with outdoor spaces connecting them together.
What facilities does each lodge have?
Each lodge has its own fully equipped kitchen and living area. Every unit is self-contained with private bathrooms and sleeping accommodation throughout.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Appledore
15 cottages
Axminster
5 cottages
Barnstaple
4 cottages
Bideford
35 cottages
Braunton
4 cottages
Brixham
15 cottages
Bude
20 cottages
Chulmleigh
4 cottages
Clovelly
4 cottages
Combe Martin
6 cottages
Cornworthy
3 cottages
Croyde
9 cottages
Dartmouth
33 cottages
Exeter
3 cottages
Halwell
3 cottages
Hartland
6 cottages
Holsworthy
5 cottages
Honiton
4 cottages
Hope Cove
4 cottages
Ilfracombe
12 cottages

Tarka At Town Mills Reviews

Leave a Review
Been to Tarka At Town Mills? Please leave a review and share your holiday experiences.
Name
Month of stay
Year of stay
Review