Things to do at Carswell Farm

Carswell Holidays has everything for a great coastal and countryside escape. Let your imagination run wild on the farm. We offer a host of activities from foraging workshops to mountain bike hire. Whether you’re a young adventurer or a relaxed rambler, there is something for everyone.

Endless outdoor activities allow you to get back to nature and get up close to our surrounding wildlife. Trek the coastal path down to Wadham Beach where children can discover the diverse marine life in the rockpools, or hire our Red Paddle paddle boards for the day and explore nearby River Yealm in Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo.

Leisurely cycle over to Mothecombe beach, on one of our six Mountain Bikes and stop off at Surfing Cow for a well deserved ice-cream.

End your day on our very own private beach, this unique location offers hidden coves and moments of reflection. If you’ve ever wondered which seaweed is edible, we host two seaweed foraging workshops during the summer. Where Trudy enlightens you with all the health benefits and finishing up by cooking and enjoying a feast together.

Stand up paddleboarding at Mothecombe beach

What’s SUP! A great way to explore our hidden coastline, is on water. From the estuary at Mothecombe to the beautiful river at Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo. We now have four Red Paddle Co Paddleboards, available to hire for the duration of your stay with us.

Each Paddleboard has its own carry bag, pump, ankle leash, and buoyancy aid.

Please note the hire is at your own risk, subject to availability, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

We will ask you to sign an electronic disclaimer. 

The paddleboards are only bookable for the duration of your stay:

£70 per paddleboard (7 days)

£50 per paddleboard (5 days)

£40 per paddleboard (4 days)

£30 per paddleboard ( 3 days)

£20 per paddleboard (2 days)

We advise to pre-book by contacting Jo, to avoid disappointment

bikes available to hire

A great way to explore our beautiful hidden coastline, is on bike. Leave the car at our office or at your holiday cottage and head off to Mothecombe beach for the afternoon or cycle down to Noss Mayo and stop for lunch at The Ship Inn. Our Country lanes are perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery, a quick stop in one of the many gateways where you’ll spot one of our cows grazing in the fields, watch a Buzzard swoop down, hunting its prey.

We have 6 mountain bikes available to hire for 24 hours, with helmet and puncture repair kit.

Please note the hire is at your own risk, subject to availability, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

We will ask you to sign an electronic bike hire agreement before pick up. 

3 x Adult Bikes

1 x Youth/Young Adult Bike

2 x Children Bikes (under 10)

Please contact Jo to hire a bike during your stay

tennis court at carswell farm

Doubles, singles or quadruples, no we’re not talking about drinks, we’re talking about tennis! We now offer the opportunity to use Carswell Farm’s hardcore tennis court (pre-book) – for guests wanting to stay active whilst on holiday or children wish to continue their tennis lesson, why not get in touch and book!

*Please bring your own tennis rackets and balls, pre-bookable only for one hour at a time. The tennis courts are within the grounds of the owners house, therefore no dogs allowed.

family forage in devon

Embark on a culinary adventure with our foraging workshops! Discover the hidden treasures of nature, learn how to harvest the wild foods amongst us, and how to forage sustainably.

Trudy Turrell takes you on a walk of discovery, where you learn ancient techniques, fascinating health benefits and afterwards you’ll cook up a feast in our field kitchen.

farm conservation tour

Join Geoff Sayers, landowner, and owner of Carswell Farm for a unique and personal farm tour experience.

Carswell Farm is home to a large herd of organic dairy cows and other domesticated animals. We also have some amazing habitat ranging from seabirds, rock pools, coastal scrub, ponds, orchards, meadows, and woodland.

Start by meeting at the Estate Offices at Carswell Farm and venture out in our Land Rover or on foot. Where you will learn first-hand knowledge about organic milk production, discuss our conservation work and its future whilst visiting some of Geoff’s special places and taking in some breath-taking views.

dairy farm visit

Carswell Farm is an organic working dairy farm, and while we can’t offer hands on experience on the farm, you will usually see some of our cows or calves in the fields around the cottages. We do also offer you the chance to come and watch the cows being milked – just contact Jo before or during your stay to arrange a suitable day. We meet you at your cottage at 3.15pm, then drive about a mile to the milking parlour. Wellies or boots are advised.

private beach for guests to use

The Blue Lagoon is our private cove which is only accessible to guests staying at Carswell Holidays. The walk to the cove is reasonably challenging and not suitable for everyone, however we highly recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon and spending a few hours enjoying the beach and its beautiful surroundings.

Our top tip: Take a packed lunch and your swimsuit – the water can be beautifully clear and offers great swimming conditions.

Guests will find directions in their holiday cottage.