Open-air swimmers reach record numbers

The number of open-air swimming enthusiasts is set to reach record numbers in 2015, exploding in recent years to reach numbers in the tens of thousands engaging in the activity regularly. The past ten years has seen a sharp increase in people taking up the sport – the Outdoor Swimming Society, for instance, had just 300 members in 2006, but has now reached an incredible 23,000 members to date. More and more events are also taking place, with around 100 organised events taking place each year, such as the Great Swim Series, which had over 22,000 people taking part over five races held throughout the year. Outdoor swimming has extra benefits attached to it compared to regular indoor swimming – not only is it better exercise, as swimmers have to work against the resistance of the waves, but they are also able to appreciate the nature around them and feel a sense of serenity and tranquillity. The drop in temperature may put those new to it off, but those who have become accustomed to the cold described outdoor swimming as an invigorating and refreshing experience. Smythen Farm is close to a number of top coastal spots, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in Devon’s clear waters. Alternatively, if you’ve decided that outdoor swimming is not for you, you can enjoy our indoor swimming pool at possibly the best holiday cottage complex Devon has to offer.

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Our Luxury Holiday Cottages


Honey Pot Cottage
Honey Pot Cottage

Honey Pot is a beautiful, compact cottage ideal for couples. Honey Pot is dog-friendly and fully equipped for a comfortable break in North Devon.

  • Sleeps: 2. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Primrose Lane  Cottage
Primrose Lane Cottage

Primrose Lane cottage is a dog-friendly, compact cottage. Boasting a double bedroom, Primrose Lane cottage can sleep up to 3 with a pull out sofa bed ideal for children

  • Sleeps: 2. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Buttercup Cottage
Buttercup Cottage

Buttercup Cottage is an ideal cottage for families, especially those with fury members as its dog-friendly. Located in the courtyard, Buttercup cottage can sleep 4

  • Sleeps: 4. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Honeysuckle Cottage
Honeysuckle Cottage

Located in the courtyard, Honeysuckle Cottage is dog-friendly and ideal for families of up to 4.

  • Sleeps: 4. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Sea View  Cottage
Sea View Cottage

Sea View cottage is a superb, dog-friendly holiday cottage with stunning views across the North Devon coast. Ideal for families of 5. The bedrooms have the amazing view across the Sterridge valley and the Bristol Channel to Wales

  • Sleeps: 5. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:

Sunalways Cottage
Sunalways Cottage

Sunalways Cottage is a spacious, family-friendly cottage sleeping 5 with beautiful views of the Sterridge valley. The vaulted ceilings give a large bright spacious living area

  • Sleeps: 5. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Fisherswood  Cottage
Fisherswood Cottage

Fisherswood Cottage is a large and spacious cottage with beautiful vaulted ceilings. Sleeping up to 5 guests.

  • Sleeps: 5. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Forest View  Cottage
Forest View Cottage

Forest View Cottage is a large, spacious cottage ideal for large families. This cottage is dog-friendly and can sleep up to 6 guests.

  • Sleeps: 6. Rooms: 4
  • Dog Friendly:
Meadow Sweet Cottage
Meadow Sweet Cottage

Meadow Sweet is dog friendly and the largest cottage at Smythen Farm. Book this cottage early as its well sort-after for large families or 2 families sharing. Meadow Sweet boasts stunning views across the Sterridge Valley.

  • Sleeps: 10. Rooms: 4
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