NEWS: North, East, West, South

“The Big Four.” Four corners of Devon, four National Trust properties – part one of the twool National Trust Bag Adventures.

Last week, we were out and about the four corners of Devon visiting national trust properties who are, shortly, to stock our range of woolly bags. It never ceases to remind us just how beautiful and large Devon is – the fourth biggest county in the country, we have two National Parks and two coast lines, with all manner of geology in between! Devon is also jam packed with history, heritage and stories, which we love here at twool HQ. Choosing the HOTTEST week since 1976 to visit these properties we were doubly blessed!

First up, Castle Drogo – a modern marvel, built between 1910 and 1930 – this fine Lutyens castle is currently under massive renovation to make it watertight and preserve it for the future. Sat on a granite outcrop above the Teign gorge, it really is a sight to behold and well worth a visit if you’re in the area. You can find out more about this dramatic castle and landscape here.

From there it was a coastal trip to Sidmouth and the wonderful National Trust shop – ice cream at the ready! Sidmouth is an unspoilt regency seaside haven, and the most likely location of ‘Dillmouth’ in Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, it’s also been used as a location for Christie adaptations.

A walk up Salcombe Hill gives fantastic views over the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coastal Path.

Next up, Buckland Abbey, dating from 1278, a survivor of Henry VIII’s reformation and dissolution of the monasteries, the Abbey then became a private home. In fact, it was the home of the Drake family for 400 years.

The gardens and grounds are a fine example of medieval architecture and horticulture. It is so peaceful, and walking through the medieval herb garden really does transport you back to a calmer time. Just outside Tavistock, Buckland Abbey is now the home of the infamous Drake’s Drum (silent at the mo, luckily!) legend has it that Drake’s drum will sound out should war be imminent!

Of course, Devon isn’t just about Drake! We also have the Queen of Crime’s holiday home. Agatha Christie’s house at Greenway, “The Jewel of the Dart”, really is a special house imbued with personality and personal treasures.

Nestled in the South Hams on the bank of the river Dart it is quite exquisite.

Which National Trust properties are you visiting this summer?

Part two of the twool National Trust Bag Adventures coming soon!! 😉

Meanwhile, if you spot our bags out and about, do tag us in pics – we’re on @thisistwool for twitter and instagram!