The Old Mill is situated just outside Jacobstowe, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. The setting is ideal for visitors who enjoy nature, outdoor activities and charming market towns while being within reach of both moorland and coast.

• Okehampton, a vibrant market town with local shops, pubs, cafés and amenities, plus historic attractions such as Okehampton Castle overlooking wooded river valleys. Simmons Park is also great for families and there are several different walks from here onto Dartmoor.
• Chagford, a charming Dartmoor market town, is known for its independent shops, cafés and art galleries, with a strong creative community and easy access to open moorland, rivers and scenic walking routes. There is also a community outdoor swimming pool here which is great for children.
• Hatherleigh, is a traditional Devon market town with a friendly local atmosphere, independent shops, historic buildings and regular markets, surrounded by rolling countryside ideal for gentle walks and cycling. 
• Tavistock, is a historic stannary town on the western edge of Dartmoor. It offers a lively pannier market, a wide range of shops and cafés, and attractive riverside walks, all set within a UNESCO-recognised heritage landscape.

Although Jacobstowe itself is inland, a day trip to the coast is easily achievable by car from your stay:

Devon Coastline (North & South)

• Along parts of North Devon (near Barnstaple and Bideford), you’ll find sweeping sandy beaches and coastal paths ideal for scenic walks and exploration.
• North Devon Beaches: Woolacombe Sands, Saunton Sands and Westward Ho! provide classic broad sandy retreats with space for swimming, surfing and picnics.

South Devon

• Blackpool Sands (Dartmouth area) – a much-loved beach on the southern coast with clear waters and shingle shorelines.

Cornwall

Cornwall beaches you may need a longer drive (Cornwall’s north and south beaches like Perranporth, St Ives or Whitsand Bay are circa 2+ hours drive), but they’re doable as full-day adventures.

The area around The Old Mill is excellent for walking enthusiasts, ranging from riverside strolls to more substantial moorland hikes:

• Riverside & Village Walks
• Dartmoor Trails - Walking routes | Dartmoor
• Tarka Trail Footpaths - The Tarka Trail - Welcome to The Tarka Trail
• The Granite Way - The Granite Way - Explore Devon
• Halsden Nature Reserve - Halsdon | Devon Wildlife Trust

Other places for adventure activities:

• Stone Lane Gardens
• RHS Rosemore
• The Garden House
• RHS Endsleigh Gardens - Beautiful open gardens to visit in the UK | Public gardens / RHS

As well as having a beautiful wild swimming spot right on the doors of The Old Mill, with gentle steps down to the edge and benches for resting near by, there are a number of popular wild swimming spots around West Devon and Dartmoor. 

Visit the Discover Dartmoor website for further information, local spots and how to enjoy wild swimming safely - Wild Swimming on Dartmoor - Discover Dartmoor

Other places for adventure activities:

• Go Ape, Haldon Forest
• River Dart Country Park 
• Tamar Trails 

• Cycling: sections of this renowned long-distance trail provide easy and scenic cycling and walking routes through varied landscapes.
• Heritage attractions such as Castle Drogo near Drewsteignton (which provides breathtaking views and impressive architecture) and Finch Foundry in Sticklepath (which showcases fascinating industrial heritage with its 19th-century water-powered forge) and Morwellham Quay (a historic 19th‑century riverside port and mining village).

• Nature attractions such as Canonteign Falls (a dramatic waterfall and garden attraction in Devon), Lydford Gorge (a stunning National Trust site, offers dramatic waterfalls and woodland walks) make excellent outdoor day trips.

Click on the map below to view locations: