Useful Information

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Before you arrive

While you’re here

We look forward to welcoming you to Wolf Wood Treehouses. Here’s some useful information about your arrival and stay.

Contacting us

If you would like to get in touch before or during your stay, please give us a call – either Rachel on or Sam on , or drop us an email.

Finding us

Satnav is usually pretty good at getting you to our door. Our postcode is EX20 4JD, or search for Wolf Wood Treehouses. Heading from the east, Satnav sometimes guides you in on the small back roads after coming off the A30. However, it’s a much easier drive via the A3079 signed for Bude.

Check-in/out

Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is 11am.

You can now check yourself in to your treehouse so you don’t have to worry about getting here by any particular time. We will send you a pre-arrival email and text message with your code for your key safe, next to your front door.

On arrival, follow the gravel track down to the wood store, then the tarmac track into the woods. Park in the marked parking bay for your treehouse. When leaving, there is a turning circle at the bottom of the hill.

Spa Treehouse is accessed by taking the left fork in the woods next to The Lookout Treehouse (signed), and has its own parking and turning space.

Please drive slowly and carefully in the woods at 10MPH or less.

On departure, leave your treehouse unlocked and the key on the table.

NOTE:
If snow or ice is forecast please park at the wood store after unloading your luggage. If there is sitting snow or ice, do not drive into the woods – depending on arrival time, we should be able to transfer your luggage down on the buggy.

Shopping

We recommend shopping before arrival as Wolf Wood is about a 20-minute drive from the shops. The nearest supermarkets are in Okehampton (Waitrose, Co-op and Lidl) and there is a ‘Little Waitrose’ at the petrol station at Sourton Cross (just off the A30). Or if you’d like some local produce for your stay – visit one of our local farm shops – Farmer Luxton’s in Okehampton or Strawberry Fields in Lifton.

What’s provided in Treehouse

Kitchen
Your treehouse has a well-equipped kitchen with an oven and induction hob, fridge with ice-box, dishwasher, cutlery/crockery, pots, pans and utensils – hopefully all you’ll need to prepare delicious meals! We also provide a few basics, including tea, fresh organic coffee (and cafetiere) and a Nespresso machine with a selection of coffee pods, sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper as well as washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, cloths etc.

Entertainment
Each treehouse has WiFi broadband (password in welcome folder), although it’s not the fasted connection due to our rural location. Also provided are a Smart TV, (Netflix and on-demand), smart speaker and digital radio.

We also supply a selection of games, books, maps and binoculars.

Toiletries And Linen
Your king-sized bed is made up with crisp white bed linen and a bed throw. We also provide robes and slippers, and fluffy organic cotton bath towels (not beach towels), as well as hand wash, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

Other Bits And Bobs
In season, we provide a vase of locally grown fresh flowers. We also provide a selection of tealights and holders (only use in holder).

There’s also a hair-drier, iron and compact ironing board, as well as first aid kit.

We’re always keen to make sure your stay is as special as possible so if you do have any suggestions, please share them. Also, if you do break anything, or find anything damaged, do let us know!

Heating

Each treehouse has a large wood-burning stove, providing plenty of heat to keep you toasty warm whatever the weather. We provide matches, firelighters, kindling and plenty of logs for your stay. Fire-lighting and safety instructions are by the wood-burner. Please read these carefully before use and do feel free to ask if you have any queries.

There is a small wall-mounted electric heater to keep the chill off when the wood-burner isn’t in use.

For hot weather, we provide free-standing fans. Please request one if there isn’t one in your treehouse and you’d like one.

Electric vehicle charging

We have two 7kW chargers in the top carpark. Scan the QR code on the unit for fees and instructions for use. We’d be grateful if you could move your car once it is charged.

Rubbish and recycling

There is a pull-out double bin under the kitchen sink. The front bin is for general waste and the rear is for recycling (paper, glass, tin, plastic, cardboard). To the side of the pull-out bin there is a compost bin for food waste with a green bin liner. If you need to empty your dustbin or recycling, leave it up to the metal bin by the log store in the top car park. We will sort it from there.

Arriving by public transport

Rail
There are regular mainline railway services in to Exeter St David’s. From there, you can catch the newly re-opened branch line to Okehampton, which is a short taxi ride (15 mins) from us.

Buses
There are regular bus services from Exeter to Okehampton (6A).

Taxi
Our local taxi firm is Swift Taxis – 07734 956 925. Please book well in advance!

A few polite requests and other things you should know

Our treehouses are strictly non-smoking or vaping spaces.

To respect the privacy of all guests, I’m afraid we don’t allow drones.

The river (which can be very fast flowing in flood) and pond are among the many potential hazards in the woodland environment. So please take care when exploring the woods and accompany children at all times.

Please don’t put anything other than toilet tissue down the toilet (even ‘flushable’ wipes!). We have an eco-sewage treatment plant that will block if face wipes/wet wipes/sanitary products/nappies etc. are flushed.

Due to the risk of fire, please don’t use any barbeques or fire bowls other than those provided down by the river. Help yourself to wood from the small wood store down next to the river path (not the one in the top car park), where you’ll also find the swing griddle pans for the fire bowls. Don’t forget to take a few firelighters and matches from your treehouse. (Note: during periods of exceptionally dry weather, we may not allow any fires/BBQ’s in the woods due to high fire risk).

In your treehouse, please only use the tealights in the holders provided and carefully follow safety instructions when using the wood-burner.

Please acquaint yourselves with the fire and woodland safety information sheet (on display in your treehouse).

We ask that you play music at a level that respects other guests’ enjoyment of the peace and quiet that Wolf Woods offers, and that all music is turned off by 10pm.

The water in the treehouse is drinkable. Hot water is provided by a large ‘immersion’ hot water cylinder. This holds plenty of piping hot water for your outdoor bath. However, please note that it takes several hours to re-heat (as we don’t have gas boilers given our rural location), so don’t forget to put the plug in! The hot water is always on so will be piping hot again after 3 to 4 hours from cold.

Insects – if you have the windows and/or door open at night, it is advisable to keep the inside lighting low and shut the curtains to reduce the number of insects and moths that are attracted inside.

One final thing, although they can be sweet and charming, please don’t feed the squirrels. They get emboldened and quickly become a pest – and can get a little pushy!

Last minute cancellations

Due to the small scale of our business, I’m afraid we are unable to offer refunds for last minute cancellations. For this reason, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. It’s relatively cheap for UK holiday cover (policies starting from under £10) and will cover you for any last-minute disasters. If you do have to cancel, please inform us by email at the earliest opportunity.

While you’re here

Explore the woods

A footpath meanders around the 12 acres of Wolf Wood – feel free to explore as far as any closed gates or fences and please stay on the near side of the river. But, for privacy, please keep respectable distance from the other treehouses.

There are several picnic areas along the river, each with a picnic table and fire bowl. Please help yourself to wood from the wood store down by the river, where you’ll also find griddle pans if you want to have a BBQ by the river.

Depending on rainfall, the river can range from a trickle in the summer to a torrent after heavy rain. But whatever the weather, it offers a magical space to sit by and what all the natural comings and goings.

The woods have a wide variety of native trees including chestnut, oak, ash, hazel, rowan, willow, beech, birch and holly. Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers; a carpet of bluebells interspersed with primroses, red campions and purple orchids.

We have also created a pond at the North end of the woods, which provides a year-round water habitat for a whole host of pond-dwellers.

Wolf Woods rich and diverse environment provides the perfect habitat for a wide range of wildlife including deer, squirrels, foxes, bats, mice, frogs, toads, owls, woodpeckers, treecreepers and gold crests to name but a few. Find a comfy spot to quietly sit and wait to see which creatures reveal themselves.

The woodland is a natural wild environment, and whilst we want guests to be free to explore, we advise you to take care. The stream, whilst usually gently flowing, can be fast flowing and more dangerous after heavy/persistent rainfall and the pond is un-fenced, so children should be accompanied at all times.

Care should also be taken when walking in the woods. There are many slippery and uneven surfaces, as well as potential hazards from falling deadwood, twigs and branches, especially during windy weather. During stormy weather and high winds, we advise that you stick to the main tarmacked road.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do ask…

The woodland sauna

We have a wonderful wood-fired woodland sauna that is free to use for all our guests – we highly recommend it!

It is tucked away down the footpath past The Lookout Treehouse, nestled in the trees (see map). It has a huge window overlooking the wood so you can watch the woodland world go by as you sweat out the toxins.

You are welcome to use the woodland sauna any time between 8am and 10pm. It’s self-service, so you’ll need to light it and give it an hour to warm up (full instructions are in the sauna).

To check it’s free, simply drop us a text and let us know when you’d like to use it – a 2-hour time-slot is ideal.

Food and drink

There are a range of pubs and restaurants close-by to suit different tastes and budgets – offering everything from fine dining tasting menus, elegant cream teas, traditional pub grub, gastropub food, tapas and locally sourced menus.

Local pubs and restaurants can be very busy – so it’s worth booking in advance.

THE CLOVELLY INN, Bratton Clovelly.
Our local village community pub serving traditional (basic) pub fare. It’s only ¾ of a mile down the road so easily walkable!
www.clovellyinn.co.uk

THE DARTMOOR INN, Lydford.
Gastropub on the edge of Dartmoor – great for dinner or lunch after a walk on the moor (also see Brat Tor below).
www.dartmoorinn.com

COOMBESHEAD FARM, Lewannick.
Fantastic food, often raised or grown on the farm, cooked to perfection. Dinners Thursday to Sunday and Saturday and Sunday lunch only. Book well in advance as it’s a very special place and on a lot of foodies bucket lists!
www.coombesheadfarm.co.uk

THE BLACK RIVER INN, Black Torrington.
Devon tapas cooked on a wood fire.
www.blackriverinn.co.uk

THE CASTLE INN, Lydford.
Decent pub food with a nice beer garden – a good choice on warm evenings.
www.castleinnlydford.co.uk

THE CORNISH ARMS, Tavistock.
Gastropub serving good food.
www.thecornisharmstavistock.co.uk

LEWTRENCHARD MANOR, Lewdown.
Restaurant in beautiful surroundings offering high quality food and taster menu – ideal for a special occasion.
www.lewtrenchard.co.uk

THE TORS INN, Belstone.
Based right up on Dartmoor, this pub does a good burger and beer to enjoy on one of their outdoor picnic benches – ideal after a wild swim at Cullever Steps.
www.thetorsinn.co.uk

THE OXENHAM ARMS, South Zeal.
A pub that is great after a walk on the moor or a wild swim at Shilley Pools. Has a large garden ideal for warmer evenings.
www.theoxenhamarms.com

THE BEARSLAKE INN, Sourton.
Traditional thatched pub serving locally-sourced pub grub. Perfect for dinner after a walk on the moor.
www.bearslakeinn.com

THE ROCK INN, Haytor.
Lovely pub for lunch or dinner after climbing Haytor.
www.rock-inn.co.uk/eat

HOTEL ENDSLEIGH, Tavistock.
Part of the Polizzi owned collection of country hotels, set in beautiful gardens. Indulge with a cream tea on the patio in summer.
www.hotelendsleigh.com

TEMPLE, Bude.
A bar and restaurant serving tapas style meals with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce.
www.templecornwall.com

LIFE’S A BEACH, Bude.
Overlooking Summerleaze Beach in Bude – great for fish and chips or an ice cream.
www.lifesabeach.info

THE PIG, and LOBSTER SHED, Harlyn Bay.
With a focus on top-quality local produce, choose from the restaurant or more relaxed outdoor dining on the terrace of the Lobster shed.
www.thepighotel.com/at-harlyn-bay/

Beach guide

BUDE
Distance: 24 miles (40 minute drive)
The closest beach to Wolf Wood, there are 3 beaches, beach cafes, restaurants, a fantastic (free) sea pool.

SANDYMOUTH
Distance: 26 miles (45 minute drive)
A beautiful, unspoilt beach of pebbles and sand, backed by incredible twisted cliffs. It also has a national trust café (with toilet). Check the tide as the beach is small at high-tide!

HARLYN BAY / CONSTANTINE BAY
Distance: 56 miles (1 hour 10 minute drive)
A stone’s throw from the harbour town of Padstow are the white sandy beaches that stretch between Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay. Stop off for a bite to eat at The Pig to make a day of it!

Walking and swimming

DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK
Dartmoor is on our doorstep. This vast moorland wilderness is defined by its craggy landscape, forests, rivers, wetlands and tors (rock formations). Trails wind through valleys with Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and abandoned medieval farmhouses. The area is dotted with villages, including Princetown, home to Dartmoor Prison used during the Napoleonic Wars.
www.dartmoor.gov.uk

Here are a few of our local favourites…

BRAT TOR (WIDGERY CROSS) AND GREAT LINKS TOR
Access: 13 miles (20 minute drive) | 2 to 3 hour walk depending on route

Drive to the village of Lydford (EX20 4AY) and take the small track next to the Dartmoor Inn. There is a gate up onto the moor – go through the gate and the (free) carpark is just up the track on the right. From here you can walk to a number of different tors, including Brat Tor, marked with the Widgery Cross, then on to Great Links, one of the highest points on Dartmoor, then wander down to the small pool on the River Lyd for a paddle/dip (What 3 Words: pegs.gifted.cassette). After your walk – pop into the Dartmoor Inn for dinner or a drink.

LYDFORD GORGE
Access: 11 miles (25 minute drive) | 1 to 3 hours depending on route

Lydford Gorge is definitely worth a visit. This National Trust property (paid) offers a dramatic loop walk through the Lydford Gorge, the deepest in the South West, with stunning woodland and 30m waterfall, and the spectacular Devil’s Cauldron (weather permitting).
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge

CASTLE DROG AND SALMONS LEAP LOOP
Access: 24 miles (40 minute drive) | 2 to 4 hours depending on route

Another National Trust property, Castle Drogo has a great loop walk dropping down into the beautiful, wooded valley. Tale your swimmers to enjoy a swim at the deep, peaty waters of Salmons Leap, fresh off the moor (What 3 Words: puncture.point.locate). You can then head on down-stream for a pint in the Fingle Bridge Inn or head back to a cream tea or pasty in the Castle Drogo café.

BELSTONE AND CULLIVER STEPS
Assess: 15 miles (25 minute drive) | 2 hours

Park up on the edge of Belstone (What 3 Words: anguished.lands.tumble), and follow the track onto the moor. Your destination is the small swimming pool at Culliver Steps (What 3 Words: begin.recapture.goose), so take your swimmers for a very bracing swim! On returning to Belstone, reward yourself with a drink and a bite to eat at the Belstone Inn.

BRATTON CLOVELLY (village loop)
Access: Walk from your treehouse | Distance: 2 ½ miles
To explore Bratton Clovelly and surrounding area, follow the Packhorse trail village loop. A leaflet with map is provided in your treehouse, which also includes some snippets of local history.
www.brattonclovelly.co.uk

Activities and attractions

SURFING AND SURF LESSONS
Big Blue Surf School, Bude.
Distance: 24 miles (40 minute drive)
www.bigbluesurfschool.com

KAYAKING, CANOEING, SAILING AND MORE
Roadford Lake Activity Centre
Distance: 10 miles (20 minute drive)
www.swlakestrust.org.uk

HORSE RIDING
Cholwell Riding Stable
Distance: 17 miles (30 minute drive)
Pony trecking on Dartmoor.
www.cholwellridingstables.co.uk

CYCLING
Devon Cycle Hire
Distance: 10 miles (15 minute drive)
Great cycling along the Granite Way.
www.devoncyclehire.co.uk

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Adventure Okehampton
Distance: 10 miles (20 minute drive)
Adventure Okehampton offer a wide variety of activities on Dartmoor for children, adults and families including climbing, abseiling, high ropes, gorge scrambling and canoeing.
www.adventureokehampton.com

RIVER BOATING
A S Watersports, Exeter
Distance: 35 miles (45 minute drive)
Canoe and Kayak hire along the Exeter shipping canal. Paddle to the Double Locks pub for lunch…
www.aswatersports.co.uk

EDEN PROJECT
Distance: 43 miles (55 minute drive)
Bio-domes, outdoor gardens, zip wires and more. Check out their up-coming events, from music concerts to winter ice-skating.
www.edenproject.com

AQUAPARK AND OUTDOOR KARTING
Adrenalin Quarry
Distance: 35 miles (1 hour drive)
Total wipe-out style inflatable obstacle course on a lake, carting, zip wire and more.
www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk

INDOOR KARTING
Raceworld Indoor Karting, Exeter
Distance:43 miles (50 minute drive)
www.raceworld-karting.co.uk

THEME PARK
Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Distance: 41 miles (45 minute drive)
www.crealy.co.uk

OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL
Chagford Swimming Pool (May to September)
Distance: 23 miles (35 minute drive)
Relaxed outdoor swimming pool just outside the pretty moorland town of Chagford.
www.chagfordswimmingpool.co.uk

TINTAGEL CASTLE
Distance: 35 miles (1 hour drive)
Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s rugged north coast is inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Emergency

PHARMACIES
Okehampton has two dispensing pharmacies and a minor injuries unit at the Okehampton Medical Centre (EX20 1AY, 01837 52233).

Defibrillator
Our neighbours at Lowen House have a defibrillator and there is one located in the village next to the Clovelly Inn. Call us on .

A&E
The closest A&E department is in Exeter:
Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW