Byre Cottage Willingcott Valley Woolacombe

22/09/2026

🐾 Tibby on Tour – Day 7 🐾

After yesterday’s cliffhanger… did I or didn’t I go outside? 😼 Well, YES, I did, frankly, it seemed a terrible waste to let such a beautiful sunny September day go by without me making an appearance. ☀️

Naturally, I requested to be carried across the gravel car park as woe betide any dirty paws! 🐾
Once safely delivered to the other side, I set off for a stroll around the lake, LOTS of interesting smells to investigate and, I have to admit, I can be rather nosey, 😼 I even spotted a duck! 🦆 Unfortunately said duck clearly had somewhere important to be and didn’t hang about for a chat.
I had a good explore and sniff as Andy is such a softy and seems to think I should be allowed to investigate everywhere, Mary, however, has absolutely no sense of adventure and will scoop me up unceremoniously if she thinks there is even the slightest risk of me committing a spot of trespassing. 🙄
Next I discovered a wonderful elevated stone — perfect for posing — so naturally I struck several sophisticated poses while the servants took photographs 📸 I then decided it was time for a hasty retreat indoors.
Back at the cottage, I had a well-earned snack and retired to my favourite spot for a little nap 😴 honestly… some people have no idea how exhausting it is being a 20-year-old cat on tour. 🐱👑The servants then decided to go for a 'proper walk' and refreshments, quite frankly I don't know how they cope without me!
Tibby x 💕
😹

20/09/2026

Lee Bay car park will be opening later this month - we will post on here when it is open and we look forward to welcoming visitors soon. 🌊

Located at Lee Bay (EX34 8LR), the car park provides access to the North Devon coastline, with the South West Coast Path nearby and coastal walks to enjoy year-round.

To find out more about the car park, nearby walks and facilities, please visit: https://bit.ly/LeeBayNationalTrust

20/09/2026

🐾 Tibby in full surf cat mode — rocking her hoodie, catching the Woolacombe vibe! 🌊😻🌊

AI Tibby

20/09/2026

Tibby on Tour, days 4 - 6
🐾 Tibby here...… again
Honestly, the standards of service around here! The servants went out to celebrate their wedding anniversary at (Italian restaurant, Ilfracombe) and left me at home, on my own 😾 I was, however, eventually compensated with dinner in bed, so decided not to sack the pair of them.
Then came two days of YUK weather. Perfect, really. Lots of sleeping, cosy lounging and intermittent cuddles, however the servants got board and trudged off to the beach in the rain for “fresh air”, then rewarded themselves with hot chocolate. Honestly….. what is wrong with them, nothing worse than wind AND rain in my nooks and crannies.
Eventually they returned but Mary had the cheek to think she can do “work” on the computer. A quick leap from one sofa to the other, followed by a gentle tap on her arm, soon restored her priorities and reminded her who is the boss around here. 😼
New day and the sun decided to shine, but I’ve rather taken to this sedate holiday lifestyle, so the big question is…...do I actually want to go outside?😾
I’ll let you know, as there’s no point rushing into these things at my age.
🐾 To be continued…
https://www.facebook.com/share/19b49fbgxG/

18/09/2026

🐾 TIBBY ON SEPTEMBER TOUR – Days 1 to 3 🐾

Byre Cottage, Willingcott – my long awaited return, Woolacombe. 💕

At 20, I am, quite obviously, in charge and approach travel with dignity, caution and no unnecessary exertion. Servants packed and I supervised. I was unceremoniously plonked in the van, with the luggage.
The journey was, frankly, rather uneventful, I slept, all the way, apart from a refreshment stop, and a brief discussion regarding whether I might require the litter tray. I did not, I have standards, not in the van, I am a lady of impeccable bladder control. Thankfully.😌

Arrived at Byre Cottage, my servants had the audacity to park in a different spot this time, rather disorientating, but I soon recognised where I was have been here plenty of times before, you know.

My official reason for this stately visit is to inspect Byre Cottage following summer lets and, I can report, all is in order. Well… almost everything.
Guests swapped the mirrors in the bedrooms. Why? Unfamiliar smells, which naturally required a thorough investigation. Inspection completed and cottage had my provisional approval. 🧐

My servants have sensibly maintained my routine, at my age one really shouldn't be expected to cope with unnecessary change.
Evening grooming sessions on Mary's lap, naturally. 💅
Night-time snuggle, preferably tucked into the crook of Andy's arm. It is very important to keep one's staff properly trained, I am a celebrity you know 🎀
Beakfast in bed, followed by a little doze — this time on Mary's lap. I share myself about, I wouldn't want either servant feeling neglected. 😂
Have ventured outside, although strictly speaking, was carried outside, however, not much sunshine and the weather has turned rather chilly and the grass is damp. YUK. 🤢🐾 I made the only sensible decision available to a distinguished 20-year-old lady and walked — very dignifiedly — the long way round using the curb stones to avoid the offending wet grass to make a hasty retreat indoors.
All this activity is very tiring when you are 20, you know but am told its good for me, exercise and enrichment but a girl needs her beauty sleep. 😴
No trips to the beach yet, have been declared a "liability" as too many dogs about on extremely long leads, dangerous for an elderly girl to encounter. Quite frankly, I think they are the liability, not me, I deserve their respect.
For now, I shall continue relaxing at Byre Cottage, supervise my servants, enjoy the peace and quiet, and ensure everything remains up to my exacting standards while the servants go out exploring.
I can confirm that Byre Cottage is looking lovely, peaceful and very much ready to welcome its next guests. 🏡❤️
As for me? I'm off for another nap.
Being Tibby is exhausting. 🐾💤

02/09/2026

Beautiful sunset this evening from above Combesgate Beach 🌅 🌊

11/08/2026

Seals can often be seen from the coast path near Morte Point.

11/08/2026

🌒 Eclipse evening in North Devon!
Tomorrow (12 August) we’ll see the best solar eclipse since 1999, and North Devon is one of the top places in the UK to watch it.

The partial eclipse begins around 6:17pm, reaches its dramatic peak at 7:14pm, and finishes just after 8pm, all while the Sun sits low over our huge western skies. With around 95–96% coverage, it’s going to be an incredible sight.

📍Some of the best places to watch include Saunton, Woolacombe, Westward Ho!, and the high moorland viewpoints on Exmoor like Dunkery Beacon, Holdstone Down and Brendon Common.

👓 Stay safe:
This isn’t a total eclipse, so proper eye protection is essential. Use ISO‑certified eclipse glasses or safe viewing methods, regular sunglasses aren’t enough.

If you’re out and about tomorrow evening, look west and enjoy a once‑in‑a‑generation moment over the North Devon coast.

10/08/2026