Burrowed deep in the picturesque North Devon countryside, the former Highbullen Hotel (a former manor house) has recently undergone something of a “glow up” to become the high-end, dog- and family-friendly Mole Resort. Set within 125 acres of grounds, The Mole (as it’s affectionately known) is now home to 58 lodges, two swimming pools, a playground, tennis courts, pottery studio, bar and restaurant and an activities hub that regularly features a free bouncy castle alongside arcade and table games. In total, there are more than 40 on-site activities to choose from – so everyone from tearaway toddlers to hard-to-please teens will be happy.
And the best thing about The Mole is that most activities are included in the price of your stay. In the tiny North Devon village of Chittlehamholt, in Umberleigh. The resort – which is set far off the main road and deep within the estate grounds – appears Narnia-like as if from nowhere.
Chittlehamholt, although small, is quite beautiful and you can even spot the odd thatched roof – including atop the 16th-century Exeter Inn , which was recently voted North Devon Camra pub of the year. Umberleigh – around a 10-minute drive from the resort – has a train station, with regular GWR services on the Tarka Line between Barnstaple and Exeter. The Mole is around a 45 minutes’ drive from Saunton Sands and Westward Ho! beaches.
The Mole is home to 58 lodges with between two and four bedrooms each, the largest of which have grass-cove.
