The Mole Resort

If countryside is always 'rolling', then in the amazing grounds of The Mole Resort it also tumbles, spreads, unfurls and uncurls. This is North Devon at its most glorious, where the lodges and rooms of this sumptuous family resort make a fantastic base for a fun-filled country activity holiday, just half an hour's drive from Barnstaple and the coast.

There are guest rooms in and around the original manor house at the heart of the estate – from Snug to Suite. Think hotel comforts, contemporary country design, and some of those sweeping countryside views, especially from the larger rooms. But to put yourself right in the picture, plump for one of the resort's luxurious, elevated self-catering lodges, which are spread right across the grounds, each with either meadow or valley views. They sleep four to eight people (in two to four bedrooms), and all have amazing outlooks, a private hot tub and a spacious, decked balcony with outdoor dining. They are stylish, open-plan, designer spaces, all with plenty of natural light, excellent kitchens and bathrooms – and at least one en-suite master bedroom in each lodge. It's the well-thought-out extras that make them even better: all are dog-friendly, and there's also a pooch and bike-wash point at each lodge, plus cycle racks, umbrellas, torches, and even safety glassware for the hot tubs.

Whether self-catering or not, The Mole Resort's Cellars Bar and Restaurant serves anything from breakfast and cream teas to dinner, with takeaways and barbecue packs available for lodge guests. All-day cafe dining and an on-site farm shop are also on offer, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce.

As for the other facilities, these start with impressive outdoor and indoor heated swimming pools, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym, and daily exercise classes. They've got all-weather tennis and pickleball courts, a croquet lawn and a five-a-side pitch – heck, they even have their own nine-hole, 18-tee parkland golf course set in some more of those stunning Devon landscapes. They actually boast more than 30 different activities – including archery and laser-clay shooting – or if you want to go old-school, then walks and cycle trails start right from the doorstep (rental bikes are also available). The helpful resort staff can point you in the right direction, with mapped routes for all abilities.