What's on near our cottage and eco lodges in Devon.

Until 6 March you can see the eighth North Devon Open Art Show at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, Barnstaple. The museum is in The Square, Barnstaple (about 25 miles from the cottage and lodges). Admission is free. Tel:01271 346747.

Film: On 3 March Treeless Mountain is on at the Plough Arts Centre in Torrington at 20:00. Two little girls are left to spend the summer with relatives while their mother is searching for their estranged father. On their grandparents' farm they learn the importance of family bonds. A beautiful, meditative and thought-provoking film. South Korea 2009. 89 mins. Subtitled. Tickets £5.50. Torrington is about 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On 4 March at 20:00 Tavaziva Dance bring Wild Dog to the Plough Arts Centre. Seven high-octane dancers capture the beauty and elegance of one of Africa's most endangered species, to a soundtrack cut and arranged by award-winning Zimbabwean-born choreographer and composer Bawren Tavaziva. Tickets £10. Torrington is about 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On 5 March Killerton House, one of the National Trust's Devon properties, offers 'Drop in' Guided Garden Walks from 14:00. Enjoy an informal guided walk with a member of staff or a volunteer from the garden team.  Normal admission charges. Killerton is at postcode EX5 3LE - 21 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On Saturday 6 March take the kids to see The Ledgend of Magnificent Moon. A perfect show for younger children - a retelling of an African folk story, with a magical twist at the end. Sun and Moon, two beautiful brothers, get along very well until Sun becomes jealous of his brother's spectacular colours. Sun decides to get even by stealing them. Moon sets out on a journey to discover where his colours have gone, crossing the path of some magical and mysterious creatures from land and sea on his way. 15:00 at Burrington village hall, about 4 miles from our Devon cottage and lodges. Tickets £6.50(ad)/£5(ch) Tel: 01769 520352. Suitable for 3-7 year olds and their families. Organised by Beaford Arts.

On Saturday 6 March Moretonhampstead has a Festival of Food, Beer and Arts. Moretonhampstead is about 20 miles away from our Devon cottage and lodges, on the northern side of Dartmoor.

On Saturday 6 March hear jazz at the Plough Arts Centre, Torrington at 20:00. Anita Wardell takes jazz standards and reworks them in her own inimitable style, celebrating the artists that have continued to inspire her for many years. Tickets £12.00. Torrington is about 13 miles from your accommodation.

On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March you can see a 'Winter Woolly' Exhibition by the North Devon Spinners at one of the National Trust's Devon properties, Arlington Court. Exhibition open 11:00 to 15:00. See examples of beautiful, intricate spinning, weaving, knitting lace-making and fibre-crafts. Normal admission charges. Arlington Court is about 27 miles from the cottages and lodges.

On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March Castle Drogo, another Devon National Trust property, with the highest garden in England, has a pre season weekend. Visit the house and gardens before the season starts.  Winter admission charges. Open 11:00 to 17:00. Between 11:00 and 16;00 there's also a White Rabbit Trail, to mark the release of the new Tim Burton film "Alice in Wonderland". Follow the trai, then make your own creation to wear to the Mad Hatter's Tea Party in the cafe! Free entry to all children in Alice in Wonderland themed fancy dress.

On Saturday 6 March and Sunday 7 March you can also enter the topsy turvey world of Alice in Wonderland at Arlington Court & The National Trust's Carriage Collection. Go down the rabbit hole, search for the Cheshire cat's grin, make a white rabbit mask, play croquet on the lawn and if you get wet join in a Caucus Race to dry off. Hear about the dormice on the Arlington estate from a warden (14:00) and relax as extracts from Alice's Adventures are read to you in the house. Unwind at the end of the day with a yoga session with the caterpillar himself (no mushrooms required, but costs £6). Normal admission charges apply, but free to children 11 and under if dressed in character. Dogs on leads welcome. Runs from 11am - 3pm. Arlington Court is is about 27 miles from the cottages and lodges.

On Sunday 7 March you can join a 5m/8km Dartmoor guided walk setting off from Two Bridges at 11:00.

On Sunday 7 March the Finzi Quartet plays as part of the Plough Arts Centre's Celebrity Concert Series (7.30pm). The quartet is a laureate of this years' 31st London International String Quartet and has given numerous recitals throughout the United Kingdom.  It was recently selected for the Tillett Trust's Young Artists' Platform, 2009. MOZART - Quartet in B flat K.458 "Hunt" DEBUSSY - Quartet in G minor MENDELSSOHN- Quartet in F minor  Op.80 Tickets £14.00. The Plough is in Torrington, about 13 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On 8 March you can join an Introduction to Nordic Walking on Dartmoor, setting off from Pork Hill at 10:30. Try out a new sport and increase your fitness.  Cost £6.00 which includes tuition and the use of poles.  Book on 01822 615513 - runs for 2.5 hours. Pork Hill is about 30 miles from your self catering cottage and lodges. (SX 530 751). Meet in the large car park on south side of B3357 between Tavistock and Merrivale.

Film: On 10 March at  8.00pm see The White Ribbon (15) at the Plough Arts Centre. The story of the children and teenagers of a choir run by the village schoolteacher, and their families in a north German village on the eve of the first World War. Strange accidents occur and gradually take on the character of a punishment ritual. Who is behind it all? The schoolteacher observes, investigates and little by little discovers the incredible truth. This haunting and provocative film was awarded the Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes Film Festival. Germany/Austria/France/Italy 2009. 143 mins. B/w. subtitled. Tickets cost £5.50. The Plough is in Torrington, about 13 miles from our Devon farm.

Film: On 11 March at  8.00pm see Food, Inc. at the Plough Arts Centre. You'll never look at dinner the same way again. Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on the food industry, exposing its highly mechanized underbelly. The food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the farmer, the safety of workers and the environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E coli, widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults. US 2008. 93 mins Tickets £5.50. The Plough is in Torrington, about 13 miles from our Devon farm.

11 March is also Open Mic Poetry Night at the Plough Arts Centre. Starts a 19:30. An informal evening featuring local poets and musicians. Take a poem of your own or one of anyone else's from Auden to Zephaniah. (To take part ring Martin Parker on 01805-601275).

On 12 March Killerton House, one of the National Trust's Devon properties, offers 'Drop in' Guided Garden Walks from 14:00. Enjoy an informal guided walk with a member of staff or a volunteer from the garden team.  Normal admission charges. Killerton is at postcode EX5 3LE - 21 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On 12 March O Region Theatre present Superstition Mountain at the Plough Arts Centre (8.00pm). Three brothers. One last chance. No hope in hell... The Gunwallow brothers are in deep trouble. Slim's scrapyard has gone belly-up. Dwayne owes money to some bad people. And Mark's in love with dodgy Tina from down the pub. As if that's not enough, their dad's just popped his clogs and left them on the brink of bankruptcy. This once great Cornish family has lost everything, but there's one faint glimmer of hope that might save them from disaster… a legendary gold mine lost somewhere in the sun-baked wastes of the Arizona desert. Only trouble is, no one who's ever ventured onto Superstition Mountain has lived to tell the tale... Superstition Mountain is a dark comedy adventure exploring the intimate bonds and savage divides of brotherly love. The show contains adult themes and language and is recommended for ages 12 and above. The Plough is in Torrington, about 13 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On Saturday 13 March characters come to life at the National Trust's Arlington Court and Carriage Collection. Meet a cast of characters from 1883, who lived and worked on the Arlington Estate. From gamekeeper to coachman they all have an interesting story to tell.  Runs from 11am - 3pm. Normal admission charges apply. Dogs on leads welcome.  Three tours at various times from 11.30, last 45mins- 1 hour. Arlington Court is about 27 miles from the cottages and lodges. Postcode EX31 4LP.

On Saturday 13 March join the Devon Wildlife Trust for An introduction to Dunsford Wood Nature Reserve, and hopefully a chance to see Devon's wild daffodils, between 10:30 am - 1:00 pm. Contact Pat Bussell Tel: 01392 280543 to book (daytime only). Suggested donation £3. Meet at entrance to the natures reserve, off A382, the Exeter side of Steps Bridge (grid ref SX 805 883). That's about 17 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On Saturday 13 March catch performance poetry at the Plough Arts Centre (8.00pm). Poetry Slam with Sarah-Jane Arbury and Marcus Moore! 15 diverse versifiers leap from page to stage in a fast and furious contest to find the evening's brightest bard. Leading UK slampresarios Marcos Moore and Sara-Jane Arbury compare thee to a slammer's way as random judges rate the quality of writing, the strength of performance and the word of the applaudience. Who will fly into the final or feel too poet-rified to continue? There are points at stake so make it a date and let the good rhymes roll. For further information or to enter the slam, contact Marcus on 01285 640470. Sarah and Marcus will also be awarding the prizes to the winners of The Plough's international poetry competition. Tickets £10.00. The arts centre is in Torrington, about 13 miles from the cottage and lodges.

At Arlington Court & The National Trust's Carriage Collection you can mother your mother and have fun making her a gift! Crafty workshop for mums and kids plus, special Mothers Day offer of one free scone with every cream tea for two purchased.  Normal admission charges apply. Donations welcomed for gift making workshop. Runs from 11am - 3pm on 14 March. Arlington Court is about 27 miles from the cottage and lodges.

At Killerton House (another of Devon's National Trust properties) you can discover some of the bizarre ways that women made themselves beautiful in the past with the Murderous Make Up event. Treat your mum and learn how to make fun pampering treats using natural ingredients. Discover the Acland family stories on a Mother's Day Trail around the house.  Normal admission charges apply. Runs from 11am - 4.30pm. Killerton House is about 21 miles from the lodges and cottage.

Castle Drogo is doing Mothers Day Lunches in the cafe between 12:00 and 14:00. £20 per person including a posy of flowers and a glass of champagne for each Mum.  Children's portions available.  Booking Advisable - 01647 434131. Castle Drogo is about 17 miles from our Devon farm, on the edge of Dartmoor. 

Of if you'd rather have tea, try High Tea  at Knightshayes Court served in the Stables Restaurant between 15:00 and 16:30. No need to book. All Tickets £6.95. This Devon National Trust property is about 25 miles from the cottage and lodges.

Got a more active mum? Take her on a 4 hour 8.5m/12km Dartmoor guided walk on Sunday 14 March, setting off from Belstone at 10:30.

Film: Sunday 14 March, catch Nowhere Boy (15) at the Plough Arts Centre (3.00pm & 7.00pm). Imagine John Lennon's childhood... A lonely teenager, curious and sharp, growing up in the shattered city of Liverpool. Two incredible women clash for his love. Mimi (Kristin Scott-Thomas), the formidable aunt who raised him, and Julia (Anne-Marie Duff), the spirited mother who gave him up. Yearning for a normal family, John (Aaron Johnson) escapes into music. His fledgling genius finds a kindred spirit in the young Paul McCartney. But just as John's new life begins, the truth about his past leads to a tragedy he would never escape. Poignant and powerful, the untold story of the boy who created The Beatles. UK 2009. 97 mins. Tickets £5.50. The Plough is 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

Film: 17 March, catch A Prophet (8.00pm) at the Plough Arts Centre. An engrossing, terrifying prison drama about Malik, a young French-Arab convict who enters a tough French jail and finds himself with even less freedom than he bargained for. Arriving at the jail entirely alone, he appears younger and more fragile than the other convicts. Cornered by the leader of the Corsican gang who rules the prison, he is given a number of "missions" to carry out, toughening him up and gaining the gang leader's confidence in the process. But Malik is brave and a fast learner, daring to secretly develop his own plans... France/Italy 2009. 150 mins. Subtitled.

Tickets £5.50. The Plough is 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On 19 March Killerton House, one of the National Trust's Devon properties, offers 'Drop in' Guided Garden Walks from 14:00. Enjoy an informal guided walk with a member of staff or a volunteer from the garden team.  Normal admission charges. Killerton is at postcode EX5 3LE - 21 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On 19 March hear Maddie Southorn at the Plough Arts Centre (8.30pm). Maddie weaves songs that are poignant, sometimes darkly humorous but always absorbing and have invited comparisons to Suzanne Vega and Kate Bush. Tickets £8.00. Eat there too - £12 for 2 course meal + coffee. Set menu with choices inc veggy option. Meals served at 7pm cabaret style in the theatre. The Plough is 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On Saturday 20 March there's a Farmers and Local Produce Market at the National Trust's Killerton House. Lots of fresh, tempting, local produce for sale 10.30am - 1.30pm. Killerton is at postcode EX5 3LE - 21 miles from the cottage and lodges.  

On Saturday 20 March a 3.5hr 4.5m/7km Dartmoor guided walk sets off from Postbridge at 10:30.

On Saturday 20 March enjoy An Audience with Gyles Brandreth at the Plough Arts Centre at 8.00pm. A hilarious roller-coaster ride through the corridors of power - from Buckingham Palace to the Kremlin, from the green benches of Westminster to the green rooms of the West End. With a cast list that runs from Oscar Wilde to Elizabeth 11 this is wickedly witty entertainment from an award-winning raconteur with unique tales to tell from his unlikely life in the theatre, television, journalism and politics. Tickets £15.00, £50 Family. The Plough is 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On Sunday 21 March you can meet a member of the garden team at Killerton House and learn how to plant a variety of containers with herbs, vegetables and flowers.  Normal admission charges apply. No need to book. Runs from 12.30pm - 4pm. Killerton is at postcode EX5 3LE - 21 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On Sunday 21 March a 4.5hr 6m/10km Dartmoor guided walk leaves Okehampton Moor at 10:30.

On 25 March you can meet a member of the garden team at Killerton House and learn how to plant a variety of containers with herbs, vegetables and flowers.  Normal admission charges apply. No need to book. Runs from 12.30pm - 4pm. Killerton is at postcode EX5 3LE - 21 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On 26 March Jaybird presents You Are Here at the Plough Arts Centre (8.00pm). Colette Bryce, Daljit Nagra and Jo Shapcott write emotional, complex, funny and engaging poems. Publishers, readers and prize judges alike love them. In You Are Here they perform a selection of their 'I' voice poems, the first person voice which poets use to play with ideas about autobiography and identity. Their words and moods are enhanced with a subtle soundtrack and the soft sparkle of delicate lighting. Tickets £8.50. The Plough is 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On 26 March Killerton House, one of the National Trust's Devon properties, offers 'Drop in' Guided Garden Walks from 14:00. Enjoy an informal guided walk with a member of staff or a volunteer from the garden team.  Normal admission charges. Killerton is at postcode EX5 3LE - 21 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On 26 March, catch Jammy Voo, A Corner of The Ocean, at Chulmleigh Community College (19:30). A man mysteriously disappears in a diving accident. The story of the investigation strangely touches four women in their different corners of the world. From the depths of their lives begin to surface the many people they could have been, the risks they didn't take, the strangers they didn't love, the fears they daren't confront and the dreams of others that begin seeping into their own. Devon-based Jammy Voo bring their trademark blend of female clowning, puppetry and live musical accompaniment with a capella singing to their brand new show. A darkly comic look at our everyday struggles to keep a head above the water. This is the premiere performance before the company head to Edinburgh Fringe 2010. Suitable for adults and secondary school children. Tickets £8(ad)/£5(ch)/£24(fam) - Tel. 01769 580215. Chulmleigh is just 5 miles from the cottage and lodges.

On Saturday 27 March Expression Cubana are at the Plough Arts Centre at  8.30pm. An amazing 9 piece Cuban band with two great vocalists, nine fine instrumentalists, lovely haunting tunes, great arrangements, and guaranteed to get the whole place dancing! Standing Gig. Tickets £15.00.

On Sunday 28 March a 6hr 8.5m/13.5km Dartmoor guided walk sets off from Postbridge at 10:00.

On Sunday 28 March try a 6hr Practical Navigation course on Dartmoor, setting off from Pork Hill at 10:00. To book ring 01822 890414. Pork Hill is about 30 miles from the cottage and lodges. Meet in the large car park on south side of B3357 between Tavistock and Merrivale (SX 530 751).

On Sunday 28 March enjoy An evening of Travel Adventures - some with verse with poet and author Jean Tyler at the Plough Arts Centre. Accompany her on her annual January 'fix-it' travel adventures of the last seventeen years. Relevant poems from her 'Flashback', 'Grains of Sand', 'Release' and 'Survival' and more recent verse will be interspersed with stories from 'Going it Alone' and her second travel book 'Follow Me'. Her experiences with locals and fellow travellers as well as appreciation of the terrain and wildlife, will amuse and entertain, inform and stir your heart. Show starts 7.30pm. Proceeds in aid of El Shaddai Street Child Rescue, Goa. All tickets £10.00. The Plough is 13 miles from your self catering accommodation.

On Sunday 28 March between 2-4pm children can enjoy Easter Craft Activities in the orchard marquee at the National Trust's Lydford Gorge. Costs £3 plus normal admission charges. No need to book. Lydford Gorge is about 20 miles from the cottage and lodges.