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North Devon

Where rugged cliffs give way to surf washed golden beaches, and wild moor land stretches to meet the Atlantic Ocean, North Devon offers something for everyone. Picturesque villages nestling in rolling countryside, along with traditional market towns and lively coastal resorts, ensure that visitors return to the area time and again.

Hele

Hele is an inviting village situated just outside the bustling seaside resort of Ilfracombe. The main road leads down to Hele Bay, a sheltered cove with safe sand and shingle beach, and numerous rock pools to be explored at low tide. The village itself boasts a choice of pub restaurants, a beachside café, parking, and a garage along with a well-stocked shop, selling fresh bread and cakes, alcohol, frozen and chilled groceries, milk and newspapers. Hele’s 16th century corn mill has been fully restored and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase unique pottery, watch a demonstration, or have a go.

Hele is separated from Ilfracombe by Hillsborough, the summit of which rises to an imposing 447ft above sea level. Follow the South West Coast Path from Hele to the summit, and enjoy one of very few places in the UK where the sun rises and sets over a sea horizon.

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a charming seaside resort and the gateway to North Devon’s Heritage Coast. The town developed around an ancient harbour which is still in use today, and serves as the departure point for a number of pleasure cruises around the stunning North Devon coast. The surrounding quay now houses a concentration of lively restaurants, cafes, and bars.

A popular holiday resort dating back to the 1830s, elegant Victorian architecture still dominates Ilfracombe. The bustling high street has retained many local businesses, including a baker, butcher, delicatessen and chocolate shop, all of which contribute to the town’s character.

Ilfracombe offers a host of activities to keep visitors entertained – Tunnels Beaches resort, the award winning Landmark Theatre, a town museum, regular farmer’s market, golf club, swimming pool, and tennis courts to name a few. The town also marks the start of the Devon coast to coast cycle route, a largely traffic free path network ending in Plymouth. Annual events include the 16th century May Day walking celebration, June’s Victorian celebration, a street carnival procession during August, lighting of the lights in November and a Christingle at Christmas.

Combe Martin

Combe Martin is a picturesque village running through a valley from Exmoor in the east to Combe Martin Bay in the west. The main street, reportedly the longest village high street in the UK, runs for more than two miles and houses a selection of pubs, restaurants, tearooms and small shops. The famous Pack o’ Cards Inn, constructed to resemble a deck of cards, is located in the centre of the village.

Combe Martin Bay is a sheltered cove, with large expanses of sand and rockpools to be explored at low tide. The tranquil bay is tide free, ideal for bathing, and offers clear views of the spectacular coastline and headland beyond. To the east the cove is flanked by the impressive Hangman Hills, Little and Great Hangman, the latter with a cliff face of 820ft, making it the highest cliff on mainland Britain. The village is surrounded by some of the most spectacular countryside and coastline that the UK has to offer – walkers and riders will find extensive footpath and bridleway networks throughout the area. Special events include the annual Earl of Rone’ procession in May, a lively week long event showcasing music and dancers in traditional dress.

Nearby Berrynarbor is well worth visiting. A regular winner of the Britain in Bloom and Best Kept Village awards, the streets are lined with pretty cottages and gardens filled with colourful floral displays.

Exmoor

Designated a National Park in 1954, Exmoor’s tranquil heather moorland is peppered with sparkling rivers, ancient forests, deep valleys, and waterfalls. The park houses traditional villages, bustling towns and charming harbours; where the countryside meets the ocean soaring cliffs give way to secluded bays. Unsurprisingly wildlife abounds here; look out for the native Exmoor pony, herds of wild red deer, and mountain goats, along with bats and numerous birds flying overhead.

Walkers and cyclists will be spoilt for choice. With over 1000km of Rights of Way footpaths and bridleways through woodland, next to rivers, and across open countryside, the choice is immense. The National Parks Authority organises a guided walks programme including village trails, farm visits, and woodland and wild flower walks. A series of themed trails – nature, local history, woodland management etc. – can be followed independently. Longer routes include the South West Coast Path, taking in 54km of spectacular Exmoor coastline, and the Coleridge Way, a trail through 58km of stunning countryside which acted as inspiration to the Romantic poet. The Two Moors Way, stretching between Exmoor and Dartmoor, winds through the heart of scenic Devon and offers stunning views throughout.

The park boasts 600km of bridleways and an extensive network of trails for cyclists and mountain bikers. Clean rivers and streams offer varied fishing opportunities and there is excellent sea fishing along much of the coast, with escorted boat fishing trips departing from Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Porlock Weir, and Minehead. Other highlights include the stunning Valley of Rocks, Watersmeet Estate, Glen Lyn Gorge, and Power of Water exhibition.

North Devon’s golden beaches

In Woolacombe, Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands, North Devon boasts some of the UK’s premier surfing beaches, and some of the most spectacular stretches of golden sand in Europe.

Woolacombe

Stunning Woolacombe beach comprises three miles of golden sand. Stretching from Woolacombe village in the north to Putsborough in the south, the beach is perfect for families with children and watersports enthusiasts alike. The waves are ideal for beginner and more experienced surfers, with equipment hire and surf lessons available from the beach, and daily lifeguard patrols in high season. Bustling Woolacombe village houses an array of gift shops, restaurants and bars.

Croyde Bay

Croyde Bay boasts a soft sandy beach and waves that are suitable for more experienced surfers. Equipment hire, refreshments, and parking are located close to the beach, and there are daily lifeguard patrols in high season. The charming thatched village dates back to Saxon times, and is famed for its tea rooms, numerous cafes and pubs, and its clotted cream and ice cream.

Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands comprises a massive expanse of soft yellow sand, stretching as far as the eye can see. The breathtaking beach is backed by Braunton Burrows, the UK’s largest sand dune system and the first UNESCO biosphere reserve in the UK with an abundance of rare plants. Saunton Sands is another perfect choice for families and watersports enthusiasts. The gently sloping beach produces slower breaking waves, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. Other activities include kite flying, sand yachting and the famous Saunton Golf Club championship course. Surf lessons and equipment hire are available from the beach, and there are daily lifeguard patrols in high season. A well-stocked shop and restaurant overlook the beach. Parking is limited so it is well worth arriving early.

Barnstaple

Barnstaple is the oldest and largest town in North Devon, lying on the banks of the Taw estuary. Once a walled town, the only remaining fortification is a tree covered motte in a town park. Explore pretty courtyards and alleyways, along with bustling markets and speciality shops. The town possess a rich history – visit the museum, a heritage centre, the 12th century Long Bridge, and take a guided walk or follow the Barnstaple Heritage Trail.

Barnstaple offers first class shopping opportunities, with an extensive pedestrianised area during shopping times, and the large Green Lanes mall containing many high street stores. The impressive Pannier Market, dating from 1855, houses a different type of market daily from Monday to Saturday, including food, plants and flowers, antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, and home produce. Also operating it its original form is the unusual Butcher’s Row, a series of Victorian open fronted speciality food shops. Buy from a butcher, fishmonger, organic greengrocer, delicatessen, cheese shop, baker and florist, all stocking high quality local produce.

A lively town, Barnstaple plays host to a number of cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, and nightclubs, as well as a theatre and multi-screen cinema. Other attractions include several scenic parks, riverside gardens, 10 pin bowling, go-karting, a golf course and driving range, tennis centre, and sports and leisure centre. The famous Tarka Trail and Macmillan Way begin / end here and the town forms part of the Sustrans cycle routes, as well as the South West Coast Path.

Lynton and Lynmouth

Nestled on the edge of Exmoor, Lynton is a small town home to several small shops and hotels, and located at the top of a gorge above picturesque Lynmouth. The two are linked by a water powered cliff railway, which covers a vertical height of 500ft. The twin towns grew up around the deep wooded valleys of the East and West Lyn rivers, and both are surrounded by rugged tree-clad cliffs. Attractions include the stunning Valley of Rocks, Lynmouth Museum, woodland walks by waterfalls in Glen Lyn Gorge, and coastal boat trips from Lynmouth Harbour and in and around Lynmouth Bay.

Lundy Island

Located 11 miles off the coast of North Devon, Lundy Island is surrounded by one of the UK’s few statutory marine nature reserves. At three miles long and just half a mile wide this granite outcrop is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As a wildlife sanctuary it is home to seals, black rabbits, Lundy ponies and numerous seabirds including the endangered puffin. Enjoy scenic walks, view three lighthouses, or visit popular dive sites in the surrounding waters. Crossings to Lundy offer a chance to view the dramatic North Devon coastline from a new and spectacular perspective. Boats sail from Ilfracombe and Bideford.

Clovelly

Clovelly is a picturesque fishing village comprising a cluster of beautiful cottages, clinging to a steep hillside. The cobbled main street descends 400 feet and is lined with houses, shops and eating places decorated with colourful flower arrangements. Donkeys still negotiate the slope, transporting goods or people along part of its length. The village offers beautiful views across the Bristol Channel and is accessed via the award-winning Clovelly Centre with gift shop, picnic area, and buffet restaurant. Additional attractions include a Fisherman’s cottage museum, Charles Kingsley Exhibition, Clovelly Pottery, and a Silk Shop.

For further information on the activities mentioned above, please see our Things To Do page.