Enjoy your stay at
Simcoe Lodge
Everything you need to get the most out of your stay
Arrival
Where We Are
Wolford Lodge
Limers Lane
Dunkeswell
Devon
EX14 4SQ
PLEASE NOTE: Simcoe Lodge is the marketing name for the house; the property name is Wolford Lodge. The property name will need to be mentioned when ordering online for delivery.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in | 4pm |
Check-out | 10am |
Check-out for Sundays | 4pm |
Main contact, Rupert Douglas-Pennant | 07976 393432 | [email protected] |
Useful Contacts
House Queries & Key Holder
Rupert Douglas-Pennant
07976 393432 | [email protected]
Emergencies
In the case of a serious emergency, dial 999
Other emergency contacts can be found below.
Nearest Hospital
Honiton Hospital
Marlpits Road, Honiton EX14 2DE (10-minute drive)
01404 540540
Amenities
Banks
Honiton is just 10 minutes away and has a range of banks on the High Street.
Post Office
Dunkeswell Post Office
Highfield Post Office, Culme Way, Dunkeswell, Honiton EX14 4JP (5-minute drive)
01404 891966
Petrol Stations
BP
A35, Offwell, Honiton EX14 9RP (10-minute drive)
01404 831228
Getting To Us
Best postcode to use for satnavs | EX14 4SQ |
Nearest train stations | Honiton (10-minute drive) and Tiverton Parkway (25-minute drive) |
Nearest airport | Exeter (20-minute drive) |
Taxis | Sparkys Taxis | 01404 47670 |
Directions
From A30 Honiton take exit A35 Dorchester
After 190yds turn right onto Langford Road towards Combe Raleigh, Luppit (follow signs for Wolford Chapel)
After 3 miles take the left fork off road to Dunkeswell
Pass Wolford Farm and look out for White Lodge on the left; turn in front of this by iron fencing/gate down the drive to the Main House.
If you get to Wolford Chapel you’ve gone too far.
Cooking & Dining
Chef & Catering Services
Milkshed Catering
Perfect for a private dinner party in the comfort of the house. Whether your event is small and intimate or larger with more people, they will provide fantastic food and great service, using the best fresh produce available.
07860 581680 | www.milkshedcatering.com
Brenda Selway
Great local caterer offering drop-off meals and catering in.
01404 871 590 / 07816 129 767 | [email protected]
Dineindulge
A unique & truly special private chef experience brought direct to you. Combining a personal chef hire service with restaurant-quality cuisine, Dineindulge is designed to be affordable, accessible & simple to book for anyone.
www.dineindulge.co.uk/?ref_code=KATETOMS
Great Places to Eat & Drink
Pubs
Drewe Arms
A medieval building with a quirky, tasteful interior: sisal flooring and antique beams abound. The bar has a wonderful selection of ales – five pumps offering an ever changing feast of hops – plus ciders and lagers both on tap and bottled, backed up by a splendid choice of soft drinks and a wine cellar to delight in. Also featuring a woodburning stove and an expansive garden and patio area with tables and seating. Daily specials are available and all ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal, where possible.
Broadhembury, Honiton, EX14 3NF (5-minute drive)
01404 841267 | www.drewearmsinn.co.uk
THE PIG at Combe
THE PIG is nestled in the Otter Valley near Honiton, Devon. It is a secluded, mellow, honey-coloured Elizabethan gem set in 3,500 acres of lush Devonshire countryside, and offers menus consisting of fresh fish as well as the very best Devonshire cheese and locally reared meat. What cannot be grown in THE PIG’s kitchen garden will be sourced within a 25-mile radius.
Gittisham, Honiton, Devon EX14 3AD (15-minute drive)
01404 540 400 | www.thepighotel.com/at-combe
Restaurants
The Railway
A local pub, child-friendly, not owned by any brewery or PLC’s, with a few awards & medals under its belt but humble enough not to bore you with it. Family-run with the help of a cracking team, The Railway is near the centre of town & station. Although not essential, booking is recommended.
Queen street, Honiton, EX14 1HE (10-minute drive)
01404 47976 | www.therailwayhoniton.co.uk
The Jack in the Green
Their beef and pork travel no distance at all, the chicken and duck are both free range. Pheasant, partridge, snipe, pigeon, venison and woodcock all feature on the Specials board when they are at their best. As a venue the Jack can also host parties and other special occasions.
Rockbeare, Nr Exeter, Devon. EX5 2EE (20-minute drive)
01404 822240 | www.jackinthegreen.uk.com
HIX Oyster & Fish Bar
Cool and contemporary seafood restaurant run by a renowned chef, with views over the harbour.
Cobb Rd, Lyme Regis DT7 3JP (30-minute drive)
01297 446910 | www.hixrestaurants.co.uk
Shopping for Food
Convenience Stores
Dunkeswell Village Store & Post Office
Highfield Post Office, Culme Way, Dunkeswell, Honiton EX14 4JP (5-minute drive)
01404 891966
Supermarkets
Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s all deliver to the house.
Tesco
Battishorne Way, Honiton EX14 2XD (10-minute drive)
0345 677 9359
Waitrose
Stowford Rise, Sidmouth EX10 9GA (25-minute drive)
01395 519416
Sainsbury’s
Holyrood Street, Chard TA20 2AJ (25-minute drive)
01460 704100
Wine Merchants
Wine World
83 High St, Honiton EX14 1PG (10-minute drive)
01404 43767
Bakeries
The Crusty Cob
70 High St, Honiton EX14 1PD (10-minute drive)
01404 41769 | www.thecrustycob.com
Farm Shops
The Little Farm Shop
Probably the smallest farm shop in Devon, but that doesn’t stop them from producing some of the finest cured meats and succulent own recipe sausages that you will ever taste.
Wilmington, Honiton, Devon EX14 9JR (15-minute drive)
07904 554888 / 01404 831885 | www.thelittlefarmshop.com
Royal Oak Farm Shop
Royal Oak Farm is a stunning example of a quintessentially English tea room, a traditional pick-your-own fruit farm and a gorgeous farm shop packed to the brim with produce grown and meat reared within just a few miles.
Royal Oak Farm, Cotleigh, nr Honiton, Devon EX14 9LF (15-minute drive)
01404 831 223 | www.royaloakfarm.co.uk
Farmers’ Markets
Honiton
The market is held along the wide High Street of this historic Lace Town every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the year. The market days have contributed to the vibrancy and appeal of Honiton since the granting of their charter in 1257. Stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, plants, clothing, jewellery, bric-a-brac, crafts and antiques are set up to bring an added dimension to Honiton’s fine Georgian High Street.
Lace Walk Car Park, Honiton, EX14 1LT (10-minute drive)
07980 922696 | www.foodanddrinkdevon.co.uk/whats-on/honiton-farmers-market
Things to Do
Clay-Pigeon Shooting
The Big Shoot, Exeter
No matter which direction you look in at this Exeter location, you are guaranteed to see jaw-dropping views, but these are absolutely nothing compared to the action-packed thrills you’ll have when you’re cracking clays. They have a wide range of shotguns, as well as expert tuition that will ensure you are smashing every target in sight within moments. It won’t be long before you are tackling each of the automated clay traps, that will be flinging targets into your line of fire at rapid speeds!
0800 078 9508 | www.thebigshoot.co.uk
Golf
Honiton Golf Club
A beautiful mature parkland course, relatively flat and providing easy walking, but can still be deceptively challenging for the more ambitious player. Some of the holes offer wonderful views out to the moors, Hembury Fort and Blackdowns, and on a good day you can see the sea towards West Bay near Bridport.
The Clubhouse, Middlehills, Honiton, Devon, EX14 9TR (10-minute drive)
01404 44422 | www.honitongolfclub.co.uk
Sidmouth Golf Club
Cotmaton Rd, Sidmouth EX10 8SX (30-minute drive)
01395 513451 | www.sidmouthgolfclub.co.uk
Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding
Combe Wood
10 acres of mixed ash and oak woodland. Criss-crossed with pathways, this is the perfect place for a sheltered walk on a warm day.
near Honiton, Devon, EX14 (5-minute drive)
01752346585 | www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/combe-wood
Blackdown Hills
The Blackdown Hills AONB is close by and perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding and more. Please see the site below for detailed information and routes.
01823 680681 | www.blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk
Wild Walks in Devon
Enjoy Devon’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife sites with a Devon Wildlife Trust walk. Each Wild Walk takes in a DWT nature reserve and the countryside around it.
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Devenish Pitt Riding School
Offering hacks and lessons from a friendly team of very experienced instructors, with a superb family of reliable horses and ponies to suit all sizes and abilities of riders.
Marian Banks, Devenish Pitt, Farway nr Colyton, EX24 6EG (15-minute drive)
01404 871355 | www.devenishpitt.com
Sheldon Riding School
Blackborough, Cullompton EX15 2JF (10-minute drive)
01823 681118 | www.sheldonridingcentre.co.uk
Fishing
Hollies Trout Farm & Fishery
Set in the midst of the beautiful Blackdown hills, in a secluded hidden valley surrounded by woodlands containing a rich variety of wildlife. Open all year round, from dawn to dusk, offering fresh fish, gourmet fish products and superb fly fishing.
Slade Lane, Sheldon, Honiton EX14 4QS (10-minute drive)
01404 841428 | www.holliestroutfarm.co.uk
Tandem Skydiving
Skydive Buzz
A once-in-a-lifetime experience. This centre has some of the best facilities in the UK, including one of the most comfortable and fastest-climbing jump planes in the world.
01404 890222 | www.skydiveukltd.com
Breweries
Lyme Regis Brewery, Tap and Shop
Sit outside in The Town Mill’s historic cobbled courtyard, sup a pint or two, and watch the world go by.
Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3PU (30-minute drive)
01297 444354 | www.lymeregisbrewery.com
Beaches
Town Beach
This beach is manned by RNLI lifeguards during the peak season, so it’s the ideal place to swim and paddle. There are kiosks, takeaways, cafes, restaurants and public houses.
Lyme Regis (30-minute drive)
Monmouth Beach
Bordering this beach are holiday chalets, beach huts, the bowling green, Lyme Regis Power Boat Club, Boat Building Academy, and the council-run car parks.
Lyme Regis (30-minute drive)
Church Cliff Beach
This is in front of the rock armour that protects the promenade. It is sandy in places and at low tide there is an extensive rock ledge with hundreds of rock pools where you can catch shrimps.
The River Lym flows into the bay on this part of the beach so you will have to paddle if you want to walk along the sands. The beach is covered at high tide.
Lyme Regis (30-minute drive)
Beer Beach
Beer beach is a natural suntrap and the waters in the bay are very sheltered with the imposing limestone cliffs giving protection from the wind. Because it is a ‘working beach’ the picturesque paraphernalia of the fishing industry with its brightly coloured wooden boats, nets, winches and neon-coloured floats add to its charm with the added bonus of being able to watch fishermen landing their catches of fresh fish, crabs, lobsters and scallops.
Beer (25-minute drive)
Branscombe Beach
Branscombe is a great family beach, with rockpools for exploring and stones to skim! Branscombe village is part of the Jurassic Coastline, and is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Branscombe (25-minute drive)
Historical Buildings
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in England and is the jewel in the heritage crown of the county of Devon, as well as the seat of the Bishop and the Mother Church of the Diocese. The building itself is a remarkable feat of engineering, design and craftsmanship. It has the longest stretch of unbroken Gothic vaulting in the world, stunning stained glass windows and an intricately carved image screen on the West Front. Pilgrims and visitors have been making their way to Exeter Cathedral since medieval times and it remains one of the most visited places in the West Country.
1 The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS (35-minute drive)
01392 285983 | www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk
Forde Abbey Historic House & Gardens
Forde Abbey in Dorset is a treasure dating back almost 900 years. It is a family home as well as a living and breathing working estate, and welcomes visitors all year round.
Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset. TA20 4LU (35-minute drive)
01460 220231 | www.fordeabbey.co.uk
Top Things to Do for Children
Crealy Great Adventure Park & Resort
Nestling in over 100 acres of beautiful East Devon countryside and featuring over 60 rides and attractions, Crealy truly is the South West’s number one family day out. Offering a wide selection of outdoor rides as well as extensive indoor soft play areas, attractions, and a whole host of different animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, Devon EX5 1DR (25-minute drive)
01395 233200 | www.crealy.co.uk
Raceworld Indoor Karting
Providing professional racing equipment to give you both a fast and challenging 350m indoor track that is accessable and extremely fun for all experience levels.
Unit 4, Greendale Business Park, Sidmouth Road, Woodbury Salterton, Nr Exeter, Devon EX5 1EW (25-minute drive)
01395 233397 | www.raceworld-karting.co.uk
Beer Quarry Caves
At Beer Quarry Caves, an extensive complex of 2,000-year-old man-made caverns, you can join an hour-long tour conducted by trained guides, who will teach you about the centuries of quarrying the famous Beer Stone.
EX12 3AT (25-minute drive)
01297 680 282 | www.beerquarrycaves.co.uk
Diggerland
All ages can jump into the front seat of real diggers, dumpers and other full-sized construction machinery, enjoying 18 different rides, such as a mini digger that digs for buried treasure or tenpin bowling with a twist. You can even take control of a Komatsu PC14 and try to knock over skittles with a mini wrecking ball!
Verbeer Manor, Willand, Collumpton, Devon, EX15 2PE (25-minute drive)
0871 2277007 | www.diggerland.com
Yarak Birds of Prey
This is a special place, made even more special for bird lovers. It is not open to the general public as a visitor centre so booking a visit ensures an intimate experience of viewing some of the most beautiful birds of prey, including Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Owls.
Langford, Nr Cullompton, Devon EX15 1RG (20-minute drive)
01884 277297 | www.yarakbirdsofprey.co.uk
Axe Valley Wildlife Park
Hand feed free-range birds, handle a snake or a tarantula, and meet the armadillo, zebra, lemur or flamingos – these are just a few of the things children can do at this hidden gem.
Summerleaze Farm, Axminster, Devon, EX13 7RA (20-minute drive)
01297 34472 | www.axevalleypark.co.uk
Axeminster Museum
The museum building is almost as fascinating as the artefacts inside it. Peer inside the old police cells, which now form part of the Arts Cafe next door! Open between May and September, and free to visit.
Thomas Whitty House, Silver Street, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AH (25-minute drive)
01297 34137 | www.axminsterheritage.org
Lyme Regis Museum
This museum is an architectural gem and is packed with fascinating displays offering an insight into Lyme’s early and maritime history, its internationally important geology, its fossils and the many significant writers connected with the town, from Jane Austen to John Fowles.
Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3HX (30-minute drive)
01297 443370 | www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
This small family-run aquarium prides itself on offering all visitors a truly interactive experience. It showcases the marine life of the Jurassic coast, and kids and adults have the opportunity to interact with the sea creatures.
The Cobb, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JJ (30-minute drive)
01297 444230 | www.lymeregismarineaquarium.co.uk
Edge Watersports
Unit 1+2 Shelly Court, The Pierhead, Exmouth Marina, Exmouth EX8 1ER (40-minute drive)
01395 222 551 | www.edgewatersports.com
Useful Information
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
• Sleeps up to 16
• 6 bedrooms | 2 family bathrooms (one with bath; one with bath and walk-in shower)
• Downstairs WC
Bedrooms | Sleeps | Beds | Features |
Bedroom 1 | 2 | King | |
Bedroom 2 | 2 | Large Double | |
Bedroom 3 | 2 | Double | Plus Single Trundle |
Bedroom 4 | 2 | Double | |
Bedroom 5 | 2 | Double | |
Bedroom 6 | 4 | 2 Bunks | Plus Roll-out Single |
Cooking and Dining
• Private chef and catering available
• Dining table comfortably seating 16 (additional table available)
• Two electric fan ovens; one gas hob
• American fridge-freezer with water and ice machine
• Coal BBQ (coal not provided)
• Tables and chairs outside
• Dishwasher
Where We Are
• Set amongst 158 acres of grounds including woods
• Nearest train stations: Honiton, and Tiverton Parkway (with regular trains to London Paddington)
• Nearest airport: Exeter
• Taxis available
• Parking for 10 cars
• Honiton | East Devon | EX14 4SQ
Inside
• Piano and drum set
• 43″ TV with Freeview in snug
• DVD player and lots of DVDs
• Selection of books around house
• 2 SONOS speakers
• Wi-Fi (BT)
• 2 open fires (logs provided)
Outside
• 158 acres of grounds including woods
• 1-hour (safe) marked walk in the estate grounds
• All-weather tennis court
• Swingball, cricket, croquet, football, table tennis
• 3 tree swings
• Zipwire
• Hammock
• Wendy house
• Pond in garden
Activities
• For real action, head to Skydive Buzz
• Land Rover Experience West Country
• Get swinging at Honiton Golf Club
• Learn about stories of the area at Exeter Cathedral
• Marvel at seven centuries of history at Powderham Castle
• For more history and culture, head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
• For shopping, head to Exeter’s Princesshay and Cathedral Quarter
• Just 40 minutes away the wonderful Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks can be enjoyed
• Visit the Jurassic Coast’s bustling fishing village of Beer
For Children
• Trek the trails with Bearhouse Alpacas
• Head to the world-famous donkey sanctuary
• Try nine holes of crazy golf
• Go on an army adventure around a crashed plane
• Head to Crealy Great Adventure Park for 60 rides
• Explore the caverns at Beer Quarry Caves
• Pop to Escot for playgrounds, mazes and more
• Travel the Beer Heights Light Railway
• Feed the free-range birds at Axe Valley
• Try fly fishing at Hollies trout farm
Payment Process
• We take a one-third deposit at the time of booking
• The balance is due three months before the date booked
Cautionary Deposit
• £750 refundable deposit
House Restrictions
• Noise policy in place
• Not suitable for stag and hen parties
• One well-behaved dog welcome (not upstairs)
• Bouncy castles welcome
• Fireworks welcome
Arrival and Departure
• Check in is 4pm
• Check out is 10am
• Check out on Sundays is 4pm
What’s Included
• Welcome hamper
• Linen, towels and essentials
• Washing machine and tumble dryer
• Travel cot with linen
• 2 high chairs, plus 1 that fits on chair