Tag: devon

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Brixham #50places2026

Last week when we had the partial solar eclipse I wrote about my visit to Brixham back in 1999 to see the total solar eclipse we had in the UK.

Since that visit, I hadn’t actually been back to Brixham, though had visited many other places in that area. Even just back in February I had driven pass the turning for Brixham when I was visiting Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust property.

I decided I did need to visit Brixham again, so taking a day off work, I headed down to Devon. Though it was a weekday, you guessed it, I still had trouble finding a parking space, eventually ending up at the multi-story car park (which had been built in an abandoned quarry). This, though, in the end was quite fortunate, as I left the car park and walked into the harbourside, I remembered that was this was exactly where I had stopped my car twenty seven years ago to see the total solar eclipse.

I had a lovely time in Brixham, as I had found somewhere to park, I could walk along the Brixham Breakwater, around the harbour, and then end up at Rockfish for lunch.

Certainly I don’t think I will leave it so long before I visit again.

I was pleased to have reached my fifty places in 2025 for my #50places2025 series of blog posts. This year I am planning to do something similar with a new hashtag, #50places2026 and it will be the same rules. Each time I visit a place I will post a blog post and some photographs. I can’t repeat places, and in an extra twist I can’t use the fifty places I visited in 2025 in the list as well (though I anticipate visiting some of those places again).

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The 1999 Solar Eclipse

Image by Danehrr22 from Pixabay

Today in the UK we will have a partial solar eclipse and I was reminded of the total solar eclipse was had twenty seven years ago on the 11th August 1999. 

At the time I was living in Bristol. There had been ample press coverage that there was going to be a solar eclipse, and this was the first visible eclipse in the United Kingdom since June 29, 1927.

However, the moon’s shadow was only going to cover parts of Cornwall and Devon. Bristol would see a partial eclipse, but I wanted to see the total eclipse.

I was up early and I drove off down the M5 towards Cornwall and Devon. Lots of other people had the same idea as me.

I stopped off at Exeter Services to check my map and see where I should go. I don’t remember where I got the map from, but it showed the path of the shadow across Devon and Cornwall. These were the days before ubiquitous sat nav. However I knew that I wasn’t going to make Cornwall, so I headed down towards the Torbay area. I was pleased when I realised I was in the path of the shadow. I kept going south though.

I ended up in Brixham. As would be expected there was no parking, and the time of the eclipse was nearing. 

It was very strange, first with all the birds, and then suddenly it went very dark. Not pitch black as it is at night, but certainly dark to be very weird. Then the shadow passed and it was bright again.

As I had just stopped the car, I couldn’t explore Brixham or get a coffee, I also wanted to miss the crowds, so I got back in the car and headed home to Bristol. It was very busy getting out of Devon, but once I was on the M5, it was pretty straightforward to get home.

I was really pleased I had taken the plunge and driven down to Devon to see the eclipse, the next total solar eclipse visible from the UK will be in 2090.

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Barna Barrow #50places2026

I was on my way back from Arlington Court I was driving along the A39 coastal road to Bridgwater via Minehead and it looked magnificent. I decided I would stop and have enjoy the views on foot. As I left Lynmouth at the top of the hill was a National Trust car park, well that’s handy.

Barna Barrow is the name of the National Trust car park, but from there you can access the coastal paths along the North Devon coast.

I went for a walk along the paths with amazing views of the sea and Wales in the distance.

Current saving £333.75
One adult n/a
Parking n/a
Total saving £0
Cumulative saving £429.75
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £333.75

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Woody Bay #50places2026

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway opened in 1898 and ran for 19 miles connecting the North Devon town of Barnstaple with the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth.  Due to the difficult terrain    a narrow gauge railway was constructed. It was never a success, it became part of the Southern Railway, and despite investment, the railway was closed in 1935.

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust was formed in 2000. They worked on the railway and a short section was reopened to passengers in 2004, which was extended in 2006.

We made our first visit to Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in June 2006. Back then we rode the train to Killington Lane. It has to be said that there isn’t much to do at Killington Lane.

We did another visit in April 2011 and once again we rode the train. Our last visit was in April 2014.

Over the last ten years I have driven past Woody Bay a few times, and do remember at least once seeing the train steaming to the station along the line.

Since I visited in 2014, the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust had gained a new steam locomotive, Lyn, a replica of one of the steam locomotives that the Southern Railway used in 1923. I had wanted to plan a return visit to see this loco in action.

This time, it was a fleeting visit, and I didn’t travel on the train itself. However, I did take the time to visit the tearoom, and did treat myself to a teatowel in the shop.

I did enjoy watching this recreation of the original Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust steaming in and out of Woody Bay station.

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Arlington Court #50places2026

Looking over the National Trust website, I was planning where I should go in the future. Arlington Court was on my list, but even though it is about eighty miles away is a two hour drive.  Whilst planning I also saw that Arlington Court had EV chargers, which made planning the trip so much easier.

Though I enjoy visiting National Trust properties, I did have another reason for visiting Arlington Court. Checking the Arlington Court page on the National Trust website they talked about a painting of two of the Chichester family who lived there, which was painted in 1849. Reading the description I realised that Caroline Chichester was my great great great aunt, she had been married to my great great great uncle.

Went to reception and got my card scanned. I then headed to the house. Upon my arrival at the house I was given a warm welcome and I asked about the painting.

I was taken to the room with the painting, though mentioned on the webs page, I was expecting a small painting, it was much bigger, 100 x 84 inches. It’s a fascinating painting which dominates the room it is in.

Had some lovely conversations with various volunteers and staff about my uncle and his connection to the house. After chatting for a while I went to explore the rest of the house. It is a lovely house and hasn’t been changed much since it (and the contents) was given to the National Trust in 1945.

Arlington Court

Intriguing Regency house and impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, set in a picturesque garden.

Current saving £310.55
One adult £18
Parking £5.20
Total saving £23.20
Cumulative saving £429.75
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £333.75

After exploring the house, I headed to the Kitchen Cafe for some refreshment. It was a beautiful hot day, so I had a single espresso, iced water and a cheese scone. It was a nice scone, but I have had lots of cheese scones at various National Trust properties over the years. As I said it was a nice scone, but it wasn’t one of the best I’ve had, it was a little dry compared to others I’ve had. Not sure if that was the scone or possible the weather.

After finishing my refreshments, I headed to the Carriages Museum. This was quite fascinating, showcasing a range of different carriages that were used in houses like Arlington Court.

Headed back to the shop, bought a tea towel as one does.

I drove to Arlington Court going down the M5 and then taking the A361 Barnstaple Road. This is longer from a distance perspective, but is quicker. Coming home though, I took the shorter distance route, on the A39, which though takes longer, is a lot more scenic, and I had planned a couple of stops on the way as well.

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Shute Barton #50places2026

Shute Barton was on my list of places to visit. However the house is only open to members of the public eight times a year for pre-booked guided tours. You aren’t able to book tickets until 2 weeks before these dates. I missed the June dates as I was working, but I was able to book a ticket for July.

It’s not too far from Weston, but half of the journey is on slower country roads. I arrived and parked the car, it was quite busy the car parking. Made my way to the house and a volunteer checked my booking. 

Shute Barton

A 14th century Medieval manor house with Tudor additions, with royal connections. A building of battlements and towers set in the rolling east Devon countryside,

Current saving £305.30
One adult £5.25
Parking n/a
Total saving £5.25
Cumulative saving £406.55
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £310.55

The tour was excellent, we learnt about the house, it’s history and the different owners and occupants. There are links to other properties in the area as well. The property is usually used as a holiday letting, hence the reason for the restricted opening times.

The final chapter was to enjoy the garden.

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A la Ronde #50places2026

A la Ronde

After visiting Castle Drogo, it was only a short drive to A la Ronde, which is just past Exeter on the road to Exmouth.

A la Ronde

Characterful 16-sided house and grounds with views of the Exe estuary, built in 1796 by cousins Jane & Mary Parminter. Filled with curious mementoes of their Grand Tour travels, and handcrafted decorations from shell, feather and paper.

Current saving £118.30
One adult £12.00
Parking Free
Total saving £12.00
Cumulative saving £226.30
Membership cost £96
Net cumulative saving £130.30

I loved this house, this is not a grand mansion, but certainly is a large house across four floors. The odd shaped house has odd shaped rooms. The house was the brainchild of two cousins, who after touring Europe for ten years wanted a house that echoed their experiences. A later relative, as they do, converted the house, adding another floor to the property. The top floor is now closed to visitors, and was more of a gallery decorated with shells and feathers. It is now too delicate for people to go and see. What I initially didn’t realise that there is also a lower ground floor that comprises the kitchen and store rooms.

This was an beautiful house and an incredible experience. Certainly a place I would like to visit again.