The Local
Jewellery designer Ania Wawrzkowicz on her North Devon highlights
Ania in her studio
“We moved to North Devon eight years ago now, and I feel this is my forever home,” says Ania, who owns the Praktyka creative retreat with her husband Henry.
“I had not anticipated feeling so deeply connected to this land — the beautiful rock formations, the wild coastline. I often smile to myself when I drive through the narrow, green lanes — a maze of tiny roads leading to yet another new discovery.
“I love the wild beaches north of Westward Ho! all the way to Bude. The lesser-known coves, tidal pools, low-tide sands, or high-tide swims in places otherwise inaccessible because of the rocks. I grew up near lakes and rivers in Poland, so swimming is a big part of my DNA.
“Living so close to the ocean for the first time in my life is wonderful. The fact that I have this on my doorstep: nature, greenery, endless beaches and undiscovered places. I’m in love with Devon and Cornwall and feel like there is so much to see and experience here that it could last a lifetime.”
The walk
My favourite walk is from Hartland to Speke’s Mill. The scenery is mind-blowing. The rock formations are stunning. You can immerse yourself in the landscape and feel geological time on a different level there.
The lunch
I love Bread café for its fantastic sourdough and great coffee. It’s a gorgeous place to sit and read for a while, tucked away down a small lane in Bideford.
Bread café
Sunshine & Snow
The shop
Taw Valley Organics is a pioneering organic flower nursery. It is in a beautiful location and stocks a carefully considered selection of plants. A hidden gem.
The coffee
Sunshine & Snow is perfect for buying gifts, and serves the best coffee in town. It’s two floors of handmade, handpicked beautiful objects. There’s also a restaurant opening there soon, which I’m sure will quickly become a favourite too.
The picnic
The South West Coast Path is such a beautiful way to discover this corner of the world. I love the walk through the woods to Peppercombe Beach and picnicking beneath the red cliffs. It’s a spectacular place to see the natural pigments hidden in the cliffs of North Devon.
The workout
My fantastic yoga teacher Hannah has just opened a studio in the heart of Bideford, with a perfectly curated selection of classes and workshops.
The evening out
When I venture out into the world in the evening, it’s almost always for a sunset swim (I love swimming at the harbour in Clovelly) followed by a pint or food at The Collective at Woolsery.
