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Ploughmans Retreat, Bude

Visitor Rating
Rating
12
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Ploughmans Retreat is a spacious holiday lodge in North Devon, perfect for groups of up to twelve people. This well-equipped property offers six bedrooms, making it ideal for multi-family gatherings or friends escaping together. The lodge features off-road parking for two cars and sits in a peaceful rural setting.

The surrounding North Devon countryside provides a beautiful backdrop for your stay. Rolling hills and quiet lanes make this an excellent base for exploring the region.

The accommodation comprises six bedrooms sleeping twelve guests across comfortable spaces. Four bathrooms serve the property. The lodge includes a well-appointed kitchen and a generous living area where your group can gather.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

About Ploughmans Retreat

Ploughmans Retreat is a spacious holiday lodge in North Devon, perfect for groups of up to twelve people. This well-equipped property offers six bedrooms, making it ideal for multi-family gatherings or friends escaping together. The lodge features off-road parking for two cars and sits in a peaceful rural setting.

The surrounding North Devon countryside provides a beautiful backdrop for your stay. Rolling hills and quiet lanes make this an excellent base for exploring the region.

The accommodation comprises six bedrooms sleeping twelve guests across comfortable spaces. Four bathrooms serve the property. The lodge includes a well-appointed kitchen and a generous living area where your group can gather. Each bedroom is thoughtfully furnished to maximise comfort during your stay.

Nearby attractions include Bude Sea Pool (8 miles, 15 minutes), a fantastic outdoor swimming spot. The South West Coast Path offers spectacular walking routes. Tintagel Castle sits 12 miles away (25 minutes). Boscastle harbour is 9 miles distant (20 minutes).

Ploughmans Retreat delivers everything your group needs for a memorable North Devon break. Book now for countryside peace combined with coastal adventures.

Check Prices & Availability »
At HolidayCottages.co.uk

Need To Know

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Local Insights: Ploughmans Retreat

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bude, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

14°C

Clear sky

Updated: 20 Jul 2026, 2:51am

🌡️
13.80°C
Temperature
💨
9 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
89%
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 July 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

Ploughmans Retreat 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

180m

(591 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️
180m
Elevation
📍
Bude
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 Bude 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: 50.8956000° N | Longitude: 4.4607° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bude (Monday, 20 July 2026):

4:25am

Sunrise

7:22pm

Golden Hour

8:22pm

Sunset

🌅
4:25am
Sunrise
🌇
8:22pm
Sunset
📸
7:22pm
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 (7:22pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Bude, you have approximately 15.95 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 Ploughmans Retreat.

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: 20 Jul 2026 | Location: 50.8956000, -4.4607000

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Ploughmans Retreat

Spacious Four-Bedroom Layout

Eight guests sleep comfortably across four well-planned bedrooms, giving everyone their own space whilst staying together as a group.

Peaceful Rural Location

The quiet countryside setting provides a relaxing escape from busy life, with beautiful North Devon landscapes right on your doorstep.

Convenient Parking Facilities

Off-road parking for two vehicles means no hassle with street parking, making arrival and departure straightforward for your group.

Excellent Coastal Access

Bude's beaches and sea pool are just fifteen minutes away, perfect for groups wanting coastal adventures during their stay.

Well-Equipped Kitchen

The fully fitted kitchen makes catering for eight people easy, whether cooking big breakfasts or preparing evening meals together.

Great Walking Base

Access to the South West Coast Path and surrounding countryside trails means fantastic walking opportunities for active groups.

Getting To Ploughmans Retreat

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Ploughmans Retreat by car, follow the A39 Atlantic Highway through North Devon. The lodge is located near Bude with straightforward access from main roads. Off-road parking for two cars is available at the property.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Exeter St Davids, approximately 50 miles away. From there, you can hire a car or arrange a taxi transfer to complete your journey to this North Devon retreat.

Off-road parking for two cars
Exeter St Davids station (50 miles)
Accessible from A39 Atlantic Highway

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Bude Sea Pool
Distance: 8 miles
EX23 8LE
Tintagel Castle
Distance: 12 miles
PL34 0HE
Boscastle Harbour
Distance: 9 miles
PL35 0HD
South West Coast Path
Distance: 8 miles
EX23 8LG
Bude Canal
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8NG
Compass Point
Distance: 8 miles
EX23 0LW
Bude Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE
Morrisons Bude
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LY
Holsworthy Market
Distance: 11 miles
EX22 6AN
Bude Bus Services
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE
Bude Visitor Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE
Bude Sea Pool
Distance: 8 miles
EX23 8LE
Tintagel Castle
Distance: 12 miles
PL34 0HE
Boscastle Harbour
Distance: 9 miles
PL35 0HD
South West Coast Path
Distance: 8 miles
EX23 8LG
Bude Canal
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8NG
Compass Point
Distance: 8 miles
EX23 0LW
Bude Town Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE
Morrisons Bude
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LY
Holsworthy Market
Distance: 11 miles
EX22 6AN
Bude Bus Services
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE
Bude Visitor Centre
Distance: 7 miles
EX23 8LE

Is Ploughmans Retreat Right For Your Group

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

For Families
Children will love the proximity to Bude's sandy beaches and the famous sea pool, perfect for safe swimming and rock pooling. The surrounding countryside offers space for outdoor games and exploration. Tintagel Castle provides an exciting day out with legends of King Arthur to fire young imaginations. The property's four bedrooms give families flexibility for different age groups.
Groups Will Love...
The spacious living area at Ploughmans Retreat provides the perfect gathering space for groups of eight. Everyone can relax together after days exploring North Devon's coast and countryside. The well-equipped kitchen makes group catering straightforward, whether preparing packed lunches for beach trips or cooking evening meals together. Four bedrooms ensure privacy when needed whilst maintaining that important group atmosphere.
Pet Friendly
Ploughmans Retreat welcomes dogs, making it perfect for groups who consider their pets part of the family. The rural location provides excellent walking opportunities straight from the door. Nearby beaches at Bude offer dog-friendly sections throughout the year. The surrounding countryside features numerous footpaths and trails where your dogs can explore safely. Check specific pet policies and any charges when booking.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Ploughmans Retreat

The Barge at Helebridge

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX23 0LY

The Bush Inn, Morwenstow

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX23 9SR

Life's a Beach, Bude

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: EX23 8LG

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Ploughmans Retreat

Is Ploughmans Retreat pet friendly?
Yes, Ploughmans Retreat welcomes pets, making it perfect for groups who want to bring their dogs along. Please check specific pet policies and any additional charges when booking.
How many people does the property sleep?
The lodge sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. Two bathrooms serve the property, making it suitable for multi-family groups or friends travelling together.
What parking is available at Ploughmans Retreat?
Off-road parking for two cars is provided at the property. This dedicated parking makes arrival convenient and ensures your vehicles are secure throughout your stay.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Four bedrooms accommodate eight guests in total. The specific bedroom configurations provide flexible sleeping arrangements for different group compositions and family sizes.
What facilities are in the kitchen?
The kitchen is fully equipped for preparing meals for eight people. All essential appliances and cooking equipment are provided for self-catering during your stay.
How far is Ploughmans Retreat from the beach?
Bude's beaches are approximately eight miles away, around fifteen minutes by car. The famous Bude Sea Pool offers outdoor swimming and is easily accessible from the property.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
Tintagel Castle is 12 miles away, Boscastle harbour sits 9 miles distant and the South West Coast Path offers excellent walking. Bude town centre provides shops and restaurants within easy reach.
Is the property suitable for elderly guests?
The lodge layout should be considered based on individual mobility needs. Contact the property directly to discuss specific accessibility requirements and ground floor facilities before booking.

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