north devon tourist information office

Visit Ilfracombe

For Visitors & Residents – over 100,000 users every year!

• Top Picks Featured Listings
• North Devon
• Local Walking
• Attractions
• Arts & Crafts
• Sports Clubs
• Entertainment
• Self Catering
• Holiday Parks
• Caravans & Camping
• Cafes & Tearooms
• Restaurants
• Ilfracombe Events
• North Devon Events
• Seafront & Harbour
• Town Centre
• Getting About
• Town Services
• Places of Worship
• ILFRACOMBE DIRECTORY

Official Tourist & Business Information for Visitors & Residents

Get your local gifts HERE

The Ilfracombe Tourist Information shop is also online!

Ilfracombe, the perfect destination for your North Devon holiday

There is something for everyone with its picturesque historic harbour of quaint pastel coloured houses, 14 th Century chapel perched on Lantern Hill and Damien Hirst’s statue Verity standing guard at the entrance surrounded by dramatic clifftop scenery and is directly on the South West Coast Path. With its stunning beaches and coves including the famous Tunnels Beaches, great eateries, numerous art and craft galleries, independent shops, activities and attractions galore it truly is the perfect destination from which to also explore North Devon and Exmoor.

Let us inspire you!

All the latest on facebook.

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Coming Soon

Don’t miss out on these events

What’s on in and around Ilfracombe in August

What’s on in and around ilfracombe in september, ilfracombe monday markets, see & do.

Let’s go to an adventure park, do some surfing, play some crazy golf and then head to the cinema… 

Ilfracombe Museum

Brush & breathe, the pier gallery.

Enjoy North Devon’s best guest houses, hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, hostels, etc…

Trimstone Manor Country House Hotel

Cairn house, the admirals house, eat & drink.

 Discover why Ilfracombe is the gastronomic capital of North Devon…  

The Pier Cafe

The lime kiln cafe & bar, hele bay bar & restaurant.

 Uncover everything the High Street and Harbour has to offer…

Kingsley Printers

Lambland quay shop, suestreasuretrove.

Our favourite hidden gems to explore around Ilfracombe and North Devon…

The Town Centre

The harbour, cairn woodland local nature reserve, local information.

From travel to medical to libraries, vets and churches, it’s all here…

Filers Travel Ltd

Car parking & public toilets, marlborough dental centre, the ilfracombe directory.

If it’s in Ilfracombe, you’ll find it here…

Slice of Devon

Ocean backpackers hostel, hele corn mill tearoom.

Recent additions to Visit Ilfracombe’s directory

South Bay Villa

Burnt alchemist, bassetts butchers ltd.

like a free listing?

If you run an Ilfracombe business, email your business details and a picture and let’s get you listed – FOR FREE!

Username or Email Address *

Remember me Lost your password?

Username or Email

Get New Password

Go South West England

35 best things to do in North Devon (for all ages!)

Are you looking for things to do in North Devon? Read on, because I have plenty!

I live in Exmouth in Devon, which means I’m just a short drive form the most wonderful North Devon attractions, beaches and villages!

This means that I’ve visited these spots countless times and can offer you the best local tips for visiting the top places in North Devon.

Although there are hundreds of things to do in North Devon, I’ve whittled this list down to 30 – which is more than enough for a holiday in the beautiful part of the county!

North Devon is the perfect place for a family holiday, with a wide range of kid-friendly attractions and world-class beaches.

However, it’s also perfect for hiking trips (the rugged North Devon coast path is incredible and there are tonnes of isolated spots), plus there are plenty of romantic hideaways!

Let’s dig straight in and take a look at the best North Devon attractions and activities, with some extra local tips for visiting North Devon below!

Table of Contents

Best things to do in North Devon

From hiking along the jagged coastline to enjoying local produce in one of the county’s best pubs, here are all of the best things to do in North Devon!

Take in the formations of the Valley of the Rocks (and meet the local goats!)

Wonderful views await you at the Valley of the Rocks , which are a series of rocks situated in a dry valley which is thought to be formed by a tributary of the East Lyn River and dates back to the last Ice Age.

The rocks overlook the cliffs and make up some of the best vistas of the entire national park.

This area is home to feral goats – while that sounds scary, they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them! 

But do be careful close to the edge of the rocks, as they are quite perilous.

Go on the Lynton to Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Another must-visit attraction in Exmoor National Park is the Lynton to Lynmouth Cliff Railway. 

Dating back to 1890, it’s the highest and steepest solely-water powered funicular in the world – and the only of its kind in the UK! 

Leaving from the quaint village of Lynmouth, you’ll catch a glorious view of the beach before arriving in the town of Lynton, which is situated just above. 

Here are all the best things to do in Lynmouth and Lynton.

Take a boat to Lundy Island

From Ilfracombe Harbour, you can take a two hour ferry to see the beautiful Lundy Island. 

A great place to enjoy epic nature, Lundy Island boasts incredible flora and fauna, with seals and puffins calling it home. 

It’s pint-sized, at just 4.45 km², and is home to a tiny population of people who work in tourism on the island. There’s a pub, a gift shop and a post office, but the only other signs of human life are the island’s two lighthouses.  

It sits at the meeting point between the Bristol Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique environment where various local animals and plants thrive. In fact, it’s been dubbed “ Britain’s Own Galapagos “!

Here’s a guide to taking a day trip to Lundy Island.

Have a beach day in Woolacombe

North Devon really does have it all. Woolacombe is an award-winning beach – it was rated one of the world’s best by TripAdvisor in 2015 . 

The three mile sandy stretch was rated the best in the UK, the fourth best in Europe and the 13th best globally. 

While the beach can be packed on a busy summer’s day, you’ll quickly see what all the fuss is about.

Long walks span the distance of the beach (head away from the town, and you’ll find a quieter spot!), while surfable waves lap the shore. 

In the background, enjoy vistas of Baggy Point, which seperates Croyde and Woolacombe, and Morte Point in the other direction. 

You could easily spend a day just hanging out on the beach, but there are a few other things to do in Woolacombe too.

Walk from Ilfracombe to Woolacombe

The Ilfracombe to Woolacombe walk is a fairly easy route (for North Devon South West Coast Path standards, that is!). 

Spanning between the two towns, it takes in some of the best coastal views, including clifftop panoramas and hidden beaches with very few tourists. 

I love Lee Beach, which is tucked away just past Ilfracombe! 

It’s also worth checking out Mortehoe Village, a small settlement standing on the clifftops above Woolacombe. 

Hike from Porlock to Lynmouth in Exmoor National Park

The rugged coastline of North Devon was made for hiking, and although Porlock is just in the border in Somerset, when you do this hike you’ll be hiking to Devon – which is a great way to enter a county!

Just let me warn you before attempting this hike, it’s a toughie.

My partner and I hiked half of the South West Coast Path in 2021. The Porlock to Lynmouth hike was our second day on the trail, and we severely overestimated its difficulty!

It took us 12 hours, and we limped into Lynmouth a shell of ourselves. Not joking.

However, we were under-trained, we had heavy backpacks and we were unprepared for what the coast path had in store.

We do actually want to go back and do it again (with lighter packs!) because the nature is phenomenal – think towering cliffs with views into the bright blue sea and mystical woodland to hike through, eventually leading the way to postcard-perfect scenes of Lynmouth.

So, this is one to do if you’re an experienced hiker and want a challenge!

Click here to read my full guide to this walk.

If you don’t fancy this walk, you can check out the other best things to do in Exmoor (some of which are over the border in Somerset!) here.

Learn about North Devon life in Barnstaple

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for attractions in Devon in the rain. 

With exhibitions about local life and culture and history further afield, it’s a fantastic starting point to learn all about the history of the region. 

You can check out my guide to the best things to do in Barnstaple too! 

Do a seal spotting tour from Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe sea safari offers boat tours from the town, some of which go all the way up to Lynmouth. 

We took a seal spotting boat trip once, and ended up witnessing a sea burial just outside of Lynmouth – as well as tonnes of gorgeous seals, of course!

You can read more on Ilfracombe Sea Safari’s website.

If it’s raining, head to Ilfracombe aquarium to see some marine life – or check out my things to do in Ilfracombe guide for more information. 

Find hidden beaches by Ilfracombe

There are so many beautiful beaches around Ilfracombe , and one of my favourite North Devon activities is taking a walk along the coastal path to a few of them. 

Most famous is perhaps Tunnels Beaches , which are close to the town but hidden well away.

They were created to allow access to one of the steeper beaches in the area in Victorian times.

I’m also a big fan of Lee Bay Beach .

Located two miles west of Ilfracombe, you’ll have to hike over a headland to reach it – but once you’re there, it’s a lot less busy than other beaches in Devon and is a picturesque cove that’s great for swimming!

See the best things to do in Ilfracombe here.

Stroll around Clovelly village

Visiting Clovelly is definitely one of the top things to do in Devon, although there are a few things to bear in mind before visiting!

The picturesque village consists of adorable fishing cottages tumbling down cobbled streets on a hillside, eventually leading the way to a pint-sized harbour.

Take in some gorgeous views of the coastline from the viewpoint, visit a traditional pub and see one of the fishing cottages that has been revamped to become a museum, representing historical village life.

It’s a steep walk down to the harbour, but you’ll have the chance to take some beautiful photos en route. 

Along with the ancient fishing village, there are some beautiful walled gardens just outside that are well worth seeing!

See all of the best things to do in Clovelly here.

Take the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

If you’re a fan of scenic train rides, take a spin on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway !

Connecting the two towns, this railway is a unique way to see beautiful North Devon countryside.

If you’re into history, it’s also a perfect activity, as you’ll travel in Victorian railway carriages dating back to the 1890s.

There are some special events throughout the year, and the trains leave frequently in the summer months.

Take a spin on the rides at The Milky Way adventure park

Located outside of Clovelly, the Milky Way Adventure Park is fun for the whole family!

Here, you can enjoy a multitude of rides like the slides of Gravity Rider and the rollercoaster Cosmic Typhoon.

The rides are both inside and outside, so it’s great for a rainy day in Devon , and rides are suitable for kids of all ages.

 Explore North Devon’s orchards and vineyards

This orchard and vineyard tour takes you through some of the best local spots in North Devon.

First, you’ll visit a cider orchard, where you’ll taste some fresh drinks made from local apples.

Then, you’ll learn all about English wine by exploring a vineyard!

Take a surf lesson at Croyde

Croyde Bay is a beautiful cove that’s a surfing paradise in the summer months.

There are a few surf schools in the area, but Surfing Croyde Bay offers warm showers, a licensed bar and even on-site accommodation if you’d like to stay and surf for a while!

Lessons start from £28 for a 2.5 hour class.

Get involved with The Big Sheep

The Big Sheep is a family theme park with exhilarating rides for young and old visitors! 

There’s an outside and indoor area at The Big Sheep – the inside area is called EWEtopia, with soft play, and the outside has some fun rides.

It’s located in Abbotsham near Bideford.

 Ilfracombe Harbour History & Ghost Walking Tour

One of the more unique things to do in North Devon is exploring Ilfracombe’s history on a guided walking tour.

This tour not only goes into the past behind this town, but also details some of the creepiest ghost stories.

Click here to read more about the tour and to book!

RHS Garden Rosemoor

The beautiful gardens of RHS Rosemoor are a wonderful place for a nature walk in North Devon, located in Torrington, not too far from Bideford.

The 65 acre gardens change with the season, with an enchanting winter garden, cherry blossom, autumn colours and the famous hot garden in the summer!

Chill out on Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands spans over three miles along the beautiful coastline.

It’s ideal for stretching out on, as it’s so expansive but it’s never as busy with tourists as places like Woolacombe Beach.

Thanks to its exposed position, it’s also one of the best places for surfing in the country.

There are also surf lessons available on Saunton Beach.

Walk around the Braunton Burrows

The biggest complex of sand dunes in the country, Braunton Burrows is definitely one to not miss while you’re exploring North Devon! 

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Braunton Burrows is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve that’s home to 470 different types of flowering plant, 33 types of butterflies and five out of the six species of reptiles that exist in the UK.

Situated just behind Saunton Sands, this is a perfect place for a nature stroll.

Get creative at Tarka Pottery

Tarka Pottery is the ideal place to unleash your creativity!

It’s a studio that focuses on ceramic pottery, with workshops for both adults and children.

Make your own souvenir, and Tarka Pottery will fire the piece for you and then post it back home.

You can find out more about Tarka Pottery’s classes and courses by clicking here.

Explore gorgeous Appledore

Appledore is one of my favourite places in all of Devon.

With gorgeous multicoloured houses lining the street and a few incredible country pubs – I love The Beaver Inn – this is a small but charming village, sitting on the banks of the River Torridge. 

The North Devon Maritime Museum is also in Appledore

Enjoy a coffee by the river in Instow

The glorious village of Instow sits opposite Appledore, on the other side of the River Torridge. 

Sip a coffee as you look out over the water, and 

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens has more than 200 contemporary sculptures and acts as an outdoor art exhibition – it’s the largest of its kind in South West England.

Exmoor Zoo is definitely one of the best things to do in North Devon with kids.

It’s home to the largest collection of black leopards in the country, along with birds like macaws and storks.

I’m not personally the biggest fan of zoos, but I can definitely see reasons why they’re educational establishments.

Experience history at Arlington Court

Arlington Court is a stately home that’s a great spot to learn about history!

It’s a regency-era building, dating from 1823, with gorgeous stately features.

Sitting on the edge of Exmoor, this National Trust property is also home to a fascinating carriage museum, with one of the most impressive collection of carriages in the country!

Have some old-fashioned family seaside fun at Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is one of only two places in the world with an exclamation point in its name. 

While this curious quirk has definitely inspired me to visit in the past, there’s an epic beach spanning long the Northern coastline. 

The surf’s up here, with ample schools and rental shops.

The beach is pebbly and sandy, with plenty of space to stretch out. 

At one end of the beach, there’s an adventure golf course and go-karting track.

Plus, there are plenty of ice cream stalls and fish and chip restaurants! 

You can read more in my things to do in Westward Ho! guide.

Walk around the jagged Morte Point

This is one of the easier North Devon walks, but it’s a hidden gem near Woolacombe that’s definitely not to be missed. 

This is part of the coast path that runs to the east of Woolacombe, and you can do a short walk from Woolacombe, around the point and up to Morte Hoe.

It’s a jagged headland that’s been the site of many shipwrecks throughout the years. 

Nowadays, it’s peaceful, but the craggy rocks are totally awe-inspiring! 

Cycle the Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile figure of eight loop that covers some of the best spots in North Devon.

It’s a hiking and cycling trail, and runs from Lynton all the way to Okehampton on the edge of Dartmoor.

Some of the best cycle-friendly sections are from Braunton to Barnstaple, along the River Taw, and from Barnstaple to Instow and then Bideford.

If you don’t have your own bike, you could consider renting or even doing this e-bike tour that runs from Braunton along the path.

Go back in time at Hartland Abbey

Hartland Abbey is a private country home that dates back to the 12th century.

It was the oldest surviving monastery in the country, and was gifted to the keeper of Henry VIII’s wine cellar in 1539 – the descendents of who still live here today!

Enjoy the interior with period decorations and stroll around the 18th century gardens.

Learn about North Devon’s maritime history at Hartland Quay

The dramatic Hartland Quay and Museum is an excellent place to visit if you like dramatic coastal scenery and shipwreck history.

Hartland Quay is a rocky promontory that looks like it’s the end of the world. It was home of a 16th century quay, which was destroyed in the late 19th century.

It’s uncommon to see many other tourists there, but nowadays there’s a Shipwreck Museum, where you can learn all about the boats that met thier untimely death on the dramatic North Devon coastline.

You can even stay in this wild and foreboding terrain. The historic Hartland Quay Hotel set where the old Customs House used to be.  

There’s a short walk that you can do from Hartland Quay along the South West Coast Path to Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall, one of the best in Devon .

Try local food

Away from the sandy beaches of North Devon, don’t miss sampling some of the country’s best local food! 

One of the best culinary experiences in Devon is definitely sampling a traditional cream tea . Don’t forget to put the cream on first – this is how you eat it in Devon!

If you’re over the River Tamar in Cornwall, then you’ll put the jam on first!

Another Devon specialty is Homity Pie . Made from cheese, potatoes and pastry, this hearty pie is sumptuous and delicious. 

Be a beekeeper for a day at Quince Farm

One of the most unique experiences in North Devon is being a beekeeper for a day in Quince Farm .

This experience involves a talk about beekeeping, lunch and some proper supervised beekeeping.

These experiences book up very high in advance and it costs about £135 for a day’s session.

You can see more information here.

Go paddleboarding at Combe Martin

Combe Martin is a proper little hidden gem. 

Sit at the Dolphin Inn and enjoy stunning views across the beach, home to vibrant rock pools and plenty of space to build sand castles. 

It’s the ideal place if you like outdoor activities, as there’s a great water sports rental office where you can take out stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. 

Walk into Cornwall on the South West Coast Path

You can walk into and out of Devon on the coastal path, with the Hartland Quay to Bude route leaving the rocky and foreboding Hartland Heritage Coast and ascending into and out of coves before ultimately reaching Welcombe, the appropriately named last/ first town in Devon!

From here, it’s an 11 mile/ 17 km walk into Bude – or you can stay at Morwenstow, the first village in North East Cornwall!

Make the short trip to Dartmoor

This one’s cheating a bit, because Dartmoor isn’t technically in the area of North Devon.

However, it’s your holiday – you aren’t tied to a particular region – and Dartmoor is a bucket-list place that you can’t miss. 

Okehampton, which sits on the northern edge of Dartmoor, is about an hour’s drive from Barnstaple.

From there, it’s a further drive into the moor – but road-tripping in Dartmoor is very fun, and doesn’t feel like an arduous commute at all!

Here are some things to check out in Dartmoor :

• the clapper bridge of Postbridge
• the enigmatic Wistman’s Wood
• walking around Burrator Reservoir and Meldon Reservoir
• hiking up one of the tors
• looking out for gorgeous Dartmoor ponies
• exploring towns like Moretonhampstead and Chagford

See all of the best things to do in Dartmoor here.

North Devon FAQs

Is north or south devon nicer .

It’s impossible to choose!

North Devon has incredible wild landscapes and is very rural, although its popularity as a tourist destination means that the beach towns have good infrastructure and there are plenty of family attractions. 

South Devon is more built up, with Devon’s two cities and plenty of sizable towns, like Exmouth , Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton and Totnes . 

There’s a lot to do in both areas – North Devon is a little more spread out and I’d say the scenery is a tad more epic, but South Devon has plenty of gorgeous beaches, beautiful walks and towns with plenty to do, even when it’s raining. 

What is the prettiest village in Devon? 

It’s very subjective! Clovelly is often deemed to be, and while I agree to an extent, it is very touristy due to this. Personally, I have a soft spot for Appledore. 

Is the sea warmer in North or South Devon? 

South Devon.

North Devon usually gets more dramatic weather thanks to being exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, while the south has a milder climate.

As someone who swims in Exmouth for a few months each year, I’m pretty sure that the English Channel is warmer!

What is the best part of Devon to stay in? 

It depends on your style, needs and budget! There are loads of nice places of Devon to stay in. If you’re looking at North Devon only, here are a few suggestions: 

• Woolacombe: for an award-winning beach
• Ilfracombe: for a traditional seaside town and trips to Lundy Island
• Westward Ho!: for plenty of family fun
• Appledore: for a charming village with great pubs
• Lynmouth: for access to Exmoor National Park and challenging hikes
• Barnstaple: for a larger town with a range of restaurants and amenities

You can see my guide on where to stay in Devon for more information. 

Is North Devon worth visiting? 

A million times yes! North Devon has so much to offer.

Think gentle rolling fields giving way to rugged cliffs on the dramatic coastlines, plenty of fresh and seasonal produce, day trips to epic places like Lundy Island, historic towns and attractions for all the family. 

When you’re planning a trip to South West England, don’t miss North Devon! 

Similar Posts

30+ Amazing Things to do in South Devon: Cities & Nature

Margoux Review: Deluxe Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Exeter!

Pharmacy-themed cafe for sale for just £55,000

Totnes History: facts about Totnes town for your visit!

Porlock Weir to Lynmouth Walk: All you need to know

Bath walks: Best strolls in and hikes around Bath

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

10 Fabulous Things to Do in North Devon

• Explore Exmoor National Park: With rugged moorland, ancient woodlands, and a stunning coastline, Exmoor National Park is a must-visit destination in North Devon. You can go hiking, cycling, or horse riding, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
• Visit the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway: This unique water-powered railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, offering panoramic views of the North Devon coast.
• Discover the beaches: North Devon boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, including Woolacombe, Saunton Sands, and Croyde Bay. Whether you want to surf, swim, or simply sunbathe, there’s a beach for everyone.
• Explore the Tarka Trail: This 180-mile cycle and walking route follows the route taken by the fictional character Tarka the Otter in the book by Henry Williamson. It offers stunning views of the North Devon countryside and coastline.
• Visit Clovelly: This picturesque fishing village is famous for its steep cobbled streets, traditional cottages, and stunning views of the Bristol Channel.
• Go on a wildlife safari: North Devon is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, otters, and seals. You can take a guided tour to spot these animals in their natural habitats.
• Visit the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon: This fascinating museum tells the story of North Devon’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
• Explore the South West Coast Path: This 630-mile walking route runs along the entire coastline of the South West of England, including North Devon. You can enjoy stunning views of the sea and countryside as you walk.
• Visit the RHS Garden Rosemoor: This beautiful garden features a wide range of plants and flowers, as well as stunning views of the Torridge Valley.
• Go on a fishing trip: North Devon is a great place to go fishing, whether you want to catch sea fish or freshwater fish. You can take a guided trip or simply hire your own equipment and explore the rivers and coastline.

Brian Rourke, for Lynton & Lynmouth

The ultimate guide to North Devon

With a sublime mixture of stunning coastline and rugged countryside, North Devon is the ultimate destination for a UK break. Enjoy a slower pace of life wandering through its quaint villages, action-packed adventures on the world-class surfing beaches, and an array of delicious foods found on every corner - not forgetting a freshly-baked scone - served the Devon way of course! It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling as a couple, a family or with multiple generations, there’s plenty to please everyone within this little gem of a holiday destination.

If you’re thinking about holidaying in North Devon , here’s near enough everything you’ll need to know before you go…

Things to do in North Devon

There are so many things to do in North Devon , from the perfectly picturesque walks and an array of water sports to Michelin-star dining experiences , incredible ice creams and plenty of vegan eateries too.

One of North Devon’s biggest draws is, of course, the glorious golden sandy beaches that line the coast. To get the low-down on the best spots for surfing , families and where to witness the natural beauty of this spectacular stretch of coast, these are our most recommended beaches in North Devon – all personally tried, tested and verified by us. If you’re heading on holiday with your four-legged friend, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are more than 20 dog-friendly beaches all year round, and more than 25 with seasonal bans in place. For those in search of lesser-known coves where you can enjoy the serenity of the sea in peace, you’ll definitely want to read our secret North Devon beach guide .

Adrenaline junkies should head to The Ultimate Adventure Centre to take on a Total Wipeout-style course, or the Milky Way is another fantastic option, especially with the kids. The array of family-friendly attractions and activity centres in the local area will have them thinking this is their best holiday EVER.

For those embarking on a romantic trip, why not take to the old fashioned 2p machines in Woolacombe arcades, enjoy a leisurely bike ride on the Tarka Trail or snuggle up on the beach at Croyde Deckchair Cinema?

Your biggest challenge on a stay in North Devon won’t be finding things to do but narrowing it down to fit into your break. We’ve pulled together a list featuring the best of the best in the area to help you to plan, so take a look at our ultimate summer bucket list: the Devon edition for inspiration.

Where to visit in North Devon

Each town and village in North Devon has its own unique charm and personality, so it’s worth staying in one that matches your needs. These are the places we’d recommend visiting on your stay. It might be a little tricky to squeeze them all into one week (we’d love to see you try) but most of these areas aren’t too far apart, so you have plenty to explore without wasting too much time travelling!

The quaint fishing village of Appledore welcomes visitors to explore the winding cobbled walkways, taking in the beauty of the pastel-lined streets and indulging in the seaside pleasures of the coastal stop. A haven for foodies and art lovers, this is a great location for couples and families alike.

We’d recommend staying at:

• Coastal Cottage , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• The Gables , sleeps 4
• Fairways , sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Make a trip to John's of Appledore for an incredible gin cream tea - served with raspberry gin jam and a pink gin and tonic!

Steeped in history and a lively town known as North Devon’s ‘capital’, Barnstaple is a great base from which to explore the surrounding area, with good transport links and lots of fantastic bars and restaurants. Head to the Pannier Market for local foods and trinkets, the Queens Theatre for entertainment and the trampoline park of Air Extreme for a full-body workout.

• The Watchtower , sleeps 2
• The Cider Barn , sleeps 4 + 3 dogs
• The Old School House , sleeps 10

Local's tip: Visit Butcher's Row for amazing baked treats, the most incredible range of cafes, specialist beer shops and a nook dedicated to all things chilli!

The ‘Little White Town’ of Bideford is a thriving port with plenty of points of interest. Discover the olde-worlde Pannier Market, the creative galleries and array of pubs and restaurants, or venture slightly further afield to the beaches of Westward Ho! and Appledore for a more coastal experience.

• Tarka View , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• Seagrass , sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
• Beacon House , sleeps 12 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Head to Victoria Park to escape the busy town and you'll find a paddling pool perfect for the kids, and a Hocking's van serving up Devon's best ice cream.

The quiet village of Braunton is a great place to base yourself if you want to enjoy the small-town vibe with independent boutiques and quirky cafes, whilst making the most of the gorgeous coastline and the busy town of Barnstaple.

• The Old Stables , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• Southlands Retreat , sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
• Folly Farm East , sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: There are some fantastic Geocaching trails in and around Braunton, especially the figure of eight that starts and ends at Heanton Punchardon.

Clovelly is one of the most unique places in the whole of Devon. It’s traffic-free streets and fishing heritage come together to create its character. The privately-owned village is certainly worth a visit whether you choose to stay or just visit for a day.  

• Elm Cottage , sleeps 2
• Highford Barn , sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
• Clovelly Lakes Sky Lark Lodge Seven , sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Be sure to visit The Clovelly Soap Company for incredibly scented, handcrafted products!

Combe Martin

Combe Martin is a stunning village located on the North Devon coast and is an ideal spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Here you’ll find total relaxation within chocolate box cottages, quaint beachside cafes and independent shops, alongside some of the most magical walks in the region.

• Water Lane , sleeps 5 + 3 dogs
• Gulls Way , sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Walk the 200+ steps from the road to Broadsands Beach, otherwise known as "Little Thailand" to see it's hidden beauty, which was voted "Britain's Happiest View" in 2018.

The surfing mecca of Croyde is a vibrant village that oozes ‘cool’. Head to the much-loved local pubs for the famous ‘Thatch nachos’, the ice cream parlour for local delights and the beaches for endless entertainment throughout the year – including a number of fantastic festivals!

• Bullocks , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• The Cow Shed , sleeps 4 + 4 dogs
• Dunes at West Croyde , sleeps 8 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: The locally famous entrepreneur who started his pizza business on the beach, Stoned, often hosts pop-up events by Croyde Village Stores during the summer months.

Ilfracombe is great if you’re looking to enjoy a sea excursion, with plenty of opportunities to head on a sea safari or the MS Oldenberg over to Lundy ! For foodies, there are several restaurants, art lovers can marvel at Damien Hirst’s Verity and families will love the beaches and exciting events that take place throughout the year.

• Smuggler’s Cove , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• Cheyne Apartment , sleeps 4
• St James Villa , sleeps 11 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Head to Watermouth Cove for some of the best water sport opportunities - the paddleboarding here is particularly spectacular.   

Instow is a pretty village perfect for living life in the slow lane. Enjoy some of Devon’s finest foods at the local deli and ice cream van before hopping on your bike for a tour of the Tarka Trail; or step aboard the little ferry and enjoy a short trip across the estuary to visit the beauty of Appledore.

• Quay Close Cottage , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• Heathersett , sleeps 6
• Caynham , sleeps 10 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: Pick up a picnic from John's of Instow of your choice, whether you opt for a fine crab platter, a selection of deli delights or to pick your own from inside the shop and they'll provide you with a cooling wicker hamper for your trip.

Lynton/Lynmouth

Base yourself on the northern edge of Exmoor and get to know the twin resorts known as ‘Little Switzerland’. The scenery is dramatically stunning where the moorland meets the sea at the rugged valley of the rocks and in the harbour, so you’ll not be short on things to see!

• 28 Watersmeet , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• Beacon Down , sleeps 6
• Lynhurst , sleeps 22 + 2 dogs

Local's tip: If you can brave the walk to the bottom of Valley of the Rocks, we'd recommend visiting Wringcliff Bay, a beautiful hidden cove that you'll usually have all to yourself.

If you want to visit the beauty of Woolacombe but wish to stay somewhere a little quieter, Mortehoe is the perfect destination. A great little holiday spot in its own right, this village offers a number of breathtaking coastal walks, quiet beaches and fantastic pubs and cafes to fuel your adventures.

• Morte View , sleeps 2
• Surf's Up , sleeps 6
• Cotfield House , sleeps 10

Local's tip: The local fish and chip shop, Mor Fish T Eat, not only offer freshly cooked fish, but also lobsters and other tasty fish treats for you to take home and pop on the BBQ!

South Molton

Enjoy the perfect balance of coast and countryside from South Molton, with Exmoor right on your doorstep, along with a historic market town and easy access to some of North Devon’s most beautiful beaches.

• Cherry View , sleeps 2
• North Gate Stable , sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
• Hilltown Farm – Rooks Nest , sleeps 6 + 4 dogs

Local's tip: Enjoy one of the best breakfasts in the area at The Log Cabin Diner, where not a single calorie is spared in making your food as tasty as can be.

Westward Ho!

With all the charm of a Victorian coastal resort; seafront gift shops, vibrant arcades and a golden sandy beach; paired with the modern cottages, a golf course and plenty of places to dine on fine local foods!

• Potbelly , sleeps 2
• Westward Waterside , sleeps 4
• No. 36 by the beach , sleeps 6

Local's tip: Make sure you visit Pizza on the Pebbles after spending the day in the amusements for delicious wood-fired dough.

When it comes to beachside breaks, Woolacombe is one of the best destinations you’ll find in the UK. The beach itself is stunning, as are the nearby coves of Barricane and Combesgate. Surfers and water sport enthusiasts will be in their element, and the flat stretch of sand is ideal for families to spend their days.

• Morte View , sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
• The Horseshoe , sleeps 4
• Serendipity of Woolacombe , sleeps 6

Local's tip: During the summer months, there's a shipping container that's air lifted onto Barricane Beach (just a little further down from Woolacombe Bay) that serves up cafe food by day and Sri Lanken curry by night with a BYOB policy.

Ready to book your escape to the rugged coast of North Devon ? Take a look at our full collection of cottages in the area and find your ultimate retreat!

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

Read more like this

The uk’s best 24-hour city trips, things to do and see in appledore, 15 secret north devon beaches.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Let with us

THE ESSENTIALS

Terms of use

Westward Ho! North Devon

Slide title

Westward Ho! is a Victorian coastal holiday resort situated on the North Devon coast. It is a perfect destination with over two miles of golden sand that has the prestigious Blue Flag award for facilities and water quality. 

The village has a wide selection of quality accommodation, places to eat, things to do, great shops, amazing walks and wonderful nature., it is a perfect base for your north devon holiday due to it's central coastal position allowing easy access to explore the hidden beaches, history, towns, culture and other delights of north devon., westward ho has a fresh feel while retaining some victorian charm due to reinvestment and modernization. it is surrounded by cliffs, burrows, beaches, estuary and open fields., you can find/learn a new sport here easily, we have a perfect venue for surfing, golf, walking, fishing, kitesurfing, body boarding, kite flying, coasteering, sup, kayak, tennis, bowls, cricket, football to name a few..

"Great beach. Visited regularly to walk the dog when staying for a week in Bideford. This beach is nice and long and clean. Both short and long stay parking close by and reasonable parking rates."

MarkW99999A.

"Very lucky with the weather, very sunny day. Nice costal walk with stunning views, sat on the front, hubby had a lovely portion of chips from The Golden Fry I popped in the Co-op for a sandwich but treated my self to an ice cream from the van on the front. Found it very clean and tidy would defiantly return."

"during the summer i use this beach regularly. its safe & a very pleasant place to be. great for surfing beginners & experts alike, catching the waves & general beach activity. why travel further.", what are you waiting for book in and #visitwestwardho today..

Please feel free to link to our site, share any pages, use any of our images or content to publicize Westward Ho!

Follow us on social media.

15 Places to Visit & Things to Do in North Devon, England

One of my favourite regions of the UK is North Devon, in South West England.

Devon is, in my opinion, the prettiest county in England (although they’re all beautiful in their own way) and it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, with stunning beaches, lots to do and fantastic food (oh the food).   

I’ve spent a lot of time in North Devon in my life and I consider it to be my second home – I even got married there. North Devon is my happy place, the place where I feel most relaxed, and think if I was ever to move away from where I live now, it would be down to Devon.

So I wanted to share some of my favourite places to visit and things to do in North Devon.

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

15 Best Places to Visit in North Devon, England

Exmoor national park.

Exmoor National Park covers a wide area that stretches from Somerset to North Devon.

Exmoor is a great place for walking and adventure activities (canoeing, mountain biking, horse riding etc) and it was also the first place in Europe to be designated a Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent place for stargazing.

You can also take a safari to spot deer with Red Stag Safari or take part in a National Park Ranger Experience .

National Trust – Watersmeet

A great little stop is Watersmeet , a National Trust property that looks like a fairy glen, where you can take walks through the woods or stop for tea and cakes at the tea room and garden.

It’s also a popular spot for canoeing and salmon fishing from March to September. 

Lynton & Lynmouth

I’ve put Lynton & Lynmouth together, as they’re basically the same place, separated only by height… and you can move between the two villages by the world-famous Cliff Railway , the steepest and highest fully water-powered Victorian railway in the World!

The villages are super pretty, with Lynmouth sitting on the pretty harbour and Lynton perched above. At low tide, the harbour drains, so if you want to see the village in its full glory, time your visit well.

Valley of the Rocks

One of my favourite things to do in North Devon is to visit the Valley of the Rocks, which is part of the South West Coast Path – which I’d love to hike one day!

This is a wonderful walk that can be as short or as long as you like. For the views in the picture above, head right (East) along the path if coming from the carpark. 

Parking is on a Pay & Display basis and costs £2.00 for an hour, £3.00 for 2 hours, or £5.00 for the day. You can also walk there from Lynton. 

Combe Martin

Combe Martin is a popular holiday spot, with a gorgeous sheltered beach that is perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking. The village is perfectly situated to explore the surrounding areas of Exmoor and Ilfracombe and there is also a good selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. 

Kids (and adults) can enjoy the nearby Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park and the Watermouth Castle Theme Park.

Broadsands Beach

Another of my picks for the best places to visit in North Devon would be Broadsands Beach which is a great place for a picnic or wild swimming.

To get to Broadsands Beach, you need to park near the Sandy Cove Hotel (a great place to stop for a drink with amazing views or to stay) and take the path behind the hotel. Again, this is also part of the South West Coast Path and you can’t drive down it.

When you reach the sign for the beach (about 10 minutes down the path), take a right and carefully make your way down the 200 steps to the beach. Just remember that you need to come back up, so if you don’t have good mobility or fitness, you may struggle and there is no wheelchair access.

If you don’t fancy the steep walk to the beach, walk past the sign and take the next right, which will take you to the viewpoint above the beach (where I took the above picture). You can also walk there from the Watermouth Valley Camping Park (although if you come that way, the lookout will be the first left, not the second right). Just be aware of the tides, as the beach is much smaller at high tide (above is at low tide).

If you want to see the beach from the water, you can also take a boat trip from Ilfracombe or you can paddleboard around from Combe Martin. 

If you like a bit more ‘action’, Ilfracombe is a great town to base yourself in, with plenty of hotels, shops, and restaurants to choose from. 

Highlights include seeing the Verity statue created by Damien Hirst and taking part in one of the many water-based activities on offer in the town, including a trip to Lundy Island , coasteering, a rib boat SeaSafari to see dolphins and seals (I didn’t see any when I went but it was still lovely), kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Further along the coast, you’ll find the lovely town of Woolacombe, which is a very typical and lovely British seaside town, with a gorgeous beach and amazing views and just along from Woolacombe is the great surfing beach of Putsborough Sands. 

I always remember driving from Croyde to Woolacombe one evening for a night out and being in awe by the beautiful sunset. You couldn’t tell where the sky ended and the sea began. It looked like a painting. 

I have some great memories of partying at Marisco nightclub (or as we called it, Marisco’s Disco), the UK’s oldest nightclub, but it sadly closed its doors in 2020.

Visiting Croyde Bay is top of my list of North Devon things to do.

It is my favourite place in the entire world (outside of Africa) and I’ve been visiting this beautiful village for the last 40 years. I’m showing my age now, but the first time I went I was just a few weeks old in 1980 and it’s also where I got married! I usually go 2, maybe 3 times every year – it’s my second home. 

The beach is the main attraction and it’s one of the best and most famous surfing beaches in the UK. Another big draw is the village itself which is absolutely beautiful. In the evening, many people gather at the great local pubs and restaurants which include The Thatch (try the Nacho’s), Billy Budds, the Blue Groove (best banoffi pie in Croyde and I’ve tried them all), and Hobb’s (I love their pizzas). 

I’ve written a full travel guide on the best things to so in Croyde Bay here . 

Saunton Sands

A short walk or drive away from Croyde is Saunton Sands, one of the most stunning beaches in the whole of the UK. The beach is backed by sand dunes, stretches for miles, and is popular with families, surfers, and kite surfers. It also allows dogs all year round. It was the place where Robbie Williams filmed his video for ‘Angels’.

There is a lovely walk from Croyde village over the hill to Saunton called the ‘Four Beaches Walk’. At the top, you will get amazing views over the village and the surrounding beaches. From Croyde village, take a walk up Cott Lane. After 0.2 miles you’ll come to a public footpath on the right, follow the footpath up over the hill and down to Saunton. 

A 25-minute drive away from Saunton and Croyde is Instow, a wonderful village located on an estuary, at the point where the Torridge and Taw rivers meet. The picture above is taken from Instow, overlooking the estuary towards Appledore.

One of the main draws of Instow is the Glorious Oyster Beach Cafe, a small seafood restaurant that gets rave reviews. It was closed when I was there, but my good friends who are proper foodies LOVE it! As well as oysters, they also serve mussels, Cullen skink (one of my favourite dishes from my Scottish road trip adventures ), Bajan fish cakes, posh fish fingers sandwiches (yum), scallops, and lobster.

I also really love John’s of Instow a deli and cafe which is great for breakfast and lunch. There’s also a John’s in nearby Appledore. 

Across the estuary from Instow is the quaint (I don’t like that word much, but it’s particularly apt) village of Appledore which and I’m ashamed to say that I only went for the first time in 2020 in the 40-years I’ve been going to North Devon.

Appledore is famous for its picture-postcard views, pretty pastel-coloured houses and for being the home of Hocking’s Dairy Cream Ices, a famous Devon ice cream brand. 

A trip to Appledore wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a cream tea or some fish and chips by the estuary. 

Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is a typical British seaside holiday town, with all the usual attractions, including shops, arcades, and a beautiful sandy beach (you can see the beach in the distance on the Saunton Sands picture).

Once you’re done with building sandcastles, stop by one of the great restaurants including the Pig and Olive, Tea on the Green, Pig on the Beach, and the M’ Rock n’ Bowl.

This colourful town is the only place in the UK to have an exclamation point in its name.

Clovelly is a wonderful, unusual, and ancient fishing village situated on a 400-foot cliff. The village is privately owned and they charge an admission of £8.25 for adults and £4.80 for children aged 7 to 16, but children under 7 go free. You can also buy a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) for £22.25. Dogs on leads welcome.

It’s a steep walk down to the harbour, however, you can get a ride back up to the top in their Land Rover (extra cost) if you’re struggling. This service is only available from Easter to October. 

Ideally, I would suggest timing your visit with high tide, as it looks very different when the water is out (see above). Not to mention the scary drop from the harbour wall – which has no railings.

Clovelly is often used in films and doubled for Guernsey in the film ‘Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society’ starring Lily James.

Nearby you’ll find the awesome Loveland Farm , an incredible eco-retreat where you can stay in a fabulous eco-pod. They also have some space for camping. 

Blackchurch Rock & Mouthmill Beach

If you’re after a little hike, I’d recommend making the round trip through Brownsham Woods to Mouthmill beach, which is again on the South West Coast Path (I really need to walk this), where you’ll find the unusual rock formation of Blackchurch Rock.

Photographers like to visit at sunrise or sunset when the light illuminates Blackchurch Rock. The best place to park is the Brownsham National Trust car park. For details on how to get there, click here . 

I hope this gives you a good idea of some of the best places to visit and things to do in North Devon!

Other UK posts you might enjoy…

• Croyde Bay Guide: Where to Stay, Where to Eat & Things to Do
• 25 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Lake District
• Hiking Gatesgarth to Fleetwith Pike & Wild Swimming in Warnscale Beck
• Wild Camping in the Lake District – A Beginner’s Guide
• Glamping in the Lake District – 18 Amazing Places to Stay
• Scotland’s North Coast 500 Route, Map & 1-Week Itinerary
• 30 Things To Know Before You Drive Scotland’s NC500
• Island Hopping the Outer Hebrides in Scotland: Itinerary & Things To Do
• The Best Things to Do in Liverpool: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Pin This Post For Later

I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

Similar Posts

Where to Find Great Food in Sri Lanka

I’ve already talked about how much I loved the food in Sri Lanka, so I thought I’d tell you about…

Come With Me To Africa in 2017 – The Rock My Kenya Adventure Announced!

TRIP NOW COMPLETE! We now run tours in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, the DRC, Namibia, South Africa,…

Highlights of the Rock My Namibia Adventure (August 2018)

Welcome to the Rock My Namibia Adventure – August 2018 photo diary! On this trip, we saw so many of…

Backpacking Zanzibar on a Budget: Everything You Need to Know

I’ve been backpacking Zanzibar on a budget many times over the last 11 years. It’s one of my favourite places…

20 Awesome Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania

It’s no secret that Tanzania is one of my favourite countries in Africa to visit. So here are my personal recommendations on the best things to do in Arusha.

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Livingstone, Zambia

Livingstone in Zambia is my favourite place in Africa. It’s the place where I started my Africa travels (back in…

Thanks for the great post.

Thank you!! 🙂

Thank you for the guide. Really nice insight. I hope to see you have completed the SW costal path!

Hi Helen. spent many a week in north Devon as a twenty something. I am pleased to say i have made it now to a 50 something. i fell in love with the place , spent a lot of time on exmoor just walking and enjoying nature. i have dreamt for years of taking my kids (now 22 and 15) to experience my favorite’ place. And today it was booked on spec , as a short break. i have visited all of the places you listed and many more. just so excited to show my kids this place. im an old man now but still hold fond memories , and hope my kids will too.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

11 Best Things to Do in North Devon

From hiking through dartmoor and fossil hunting at the valley of the rocks, to cycling the tarka trail, these are the best things to do in north devon.

When you think of Devon, you are probably thinking of rolling hills, expansive coastlines with huge waves and dramatic cliffs, farms, sheep, and of course, good ol’ Devonshire cream teas with clotted cream and jam.

If the scones alone don’t attract you to Devon, then an eclectic list of things to do in North Devon might!

Whether you’re travelling with kids, your other half or a group of friends, you’ll find there are plenty of North Devon attractions to keep you entertained.

11 Amazing Things To Do In North Devon

Explore dartmoor national park.

There are two national parks in North Devon: Exmoor and Dartmoor. If you only have time to see one of the two, then Dartmoor is the best place to visit because of its huge diversity of landscapes. From cascading waterfalls and rivers, to rocky tors and marshes, this region is filled with so much natural beauty here! To be honest, you could spend a whole week here and not be bored.

It’s easy to reach from wherever you choose to stay in North Devon. Dartmoor National Park is also famous for its myths and legends, such as the infamous Hairy Hand of Dartmoor and iconic Sherlock Holmes story, Hound of the Baskervilles. But don’t let the scary stories put you off, there’s an abundance of hiking trails to explore and rivers to kayak. It’s the kind of place that is very easy to fall in love with!

Dartmoor is also dog friendly, so if you’re planning on travelling with your furry friends, then it’s definitely a place to add to your Devon itinerary.

In the summer, it’s the perfect place for wild camping too. It’s famed for its dark skies and amazing stargazing opportunities. At night, you might even witness the milky way overhead as you fall asleep under the stars. Just watch out for the hairy hand…!

Go fossil hunting at the Valley of the Rocks

If you’re looking for free things to do in North Devon that are a little unique and unusual, then take a trip out to Valley of the Rocks for some fossil hunting!

This special spot, just a few miles west of Lynton, is one of the few places in North Devon with fossils. At Valley of the Rocks, you’ll notice a steep slope of fallen rocks, some of which contain fossils. Please note, it’s not recommended to take a hammer! Just take a stroll along the bottom of the slope and keep your eyes peeled for unique shapes and rock formations.

If you want to make this a full day activity, combine it with a walk along the South West Coast Path towards Ilfracombe and enjoy the fabulous views along the way!

Explore the Quaint Village of Clovelly

The ancient fishing village of Clovelly is the perfect place to shop for boutique souvenirs including local pottery, silk and soaps.

This unspoiled fishing village is one of the most authentic and traditional villages in North Devon. Its steep cobbled streets are lined with picturesque houses and stores all featuring traditional architecture. You can even say hello to its donkey residents while you’re there!

This tiny village has incredible views over the Bristol Channel, so be sure to wander the waterfront to take in the sights and sounds. There’s also a small harbour near the lifeboat station where you can look for crabs and small fish.

The village itself is actually privately owned (yes, the whole village!) which means there’s an entrance fee to enter. But, it’s certainly worth it to see all the well-preserved history.

Cycle the Tarka Trail

If you love a bike ride and want to take on a serious challenge, then how about the Tarka Trail? This is one of the best cycle routes in North Devon as it takes you through a variety of scenic landscapes.

The whole trail is 180 miles and goes in a figure of eight through picturesque countryside, over rugged cliffs and past pristine beaches.

It is the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK, so don’t feel like you need to cycle all of it! In fact, it’s quite easy to cycle small sections of it, as the trail is well signposted throughout.

You will find sections of the trail from Barnstaple, Crow Point, Bideford, Okehampton, Eggsford, Meeth Quarry, Torrington, Ilfracombe, Instow, Braunton, Fremington Quay, and the Valley of the Rocks.

Relax on Saunton Sands Beach

If you’re visiting North Devon with your pooch, then you’ll certainly be looking for some awesome beaches that allow you to take your dog off the lead. Saunton Sands is a huge stretch of beach that’s popular for surfing, kite flying and of course dog walks!

It’s a 3.5 mile-long stretch of beach with sheltered sand dunes, which are a great place to sit and relax with a picnic lunch. You could even stay to watch the sunset.

The waves here are pretty strong, so it’s not recommended for regular swimming, though it’s ideal for longboard surfing.

Surf at Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe Beach is one of the largest beaches in North Devon and is the perfect place to enjoy water sports such as kitesurfing and surfing. The waves here are great for surfing all year round. You’ll even see surfers braving the waves in the wet and windy winter weather!

Just around the corner from Woolacombe Beach is Barricane Beach, which is a more sheltered beach nestled between two unique rock formations. This is an ideal place to swim as the tide is weaker than on Woolacombe Beach. When the tide is out, you can hunt for sea glass in the rock pools or look for unique shells! They make nice souvenirs to take home!

Ride the Lynton to Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Lynton to Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a multi-award winning funicular railway that has been operating since 1890. It is also the highest and the steepest water-powered railway in the world.

The journey from Lynton to Lynmouth offers striking coastal views and the grade II listed cafe at the end is the perfect stop for a Devonshire cream tea.

There are only three trains in the world like this, so it’s definitely a unique attraction in North Devon.

Visit Hartland Abbey & Gardens, Bideford

Taking a day trip to a stately home is one of the top things to do in North Devon. One of the most popular is Hartland Abbey in Bideford. This is the residential home of the Stucley family, who have lived in the home for generations.

The house was built in the 12th century and served as a monastery until it was gifted to Henry VIII’s wine cellar keeper in 1539. It has stayed in the same family ever since.

Guests can wander around the home and grounds, marvel at the antique interiors and decoration, or take a stroll around the woodland, walled gardens or parkland.

If you’re looking for some things to do in North Devon with kids, then the Nature Trail and ‘Malory Towers’ Trail nearby will keep the children entertained for hours while mum and dad can enjoy the Hartland Abbey’s tea room.

Take a walk on the wild side at Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is one of the most exciting North Devon attractions for the whole family. This engaging family-run theme park is more than just a zoo, it also has an indoor soft play area and 28 acres of spectacular gardens.

It’s most well known for its life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that will amaze your kids! You can also see many species of primates, penguins, lions and wolves at the park. This is a great place for a family day trip from any part of Devon.

Learn about boats at the North Devon Maritime Museum

If you’re looking for places to visit in North Devon when it rains (which being in the UK, you do need to plan for this weather!) then you will absolutely love spending an afternoon at North Devon Maritime Museum .

This interactive museum has working models of ships from as far back as the Viking and Medieval eras. There are also plenty of maritime artefacts, and historical exhibits to look at. It’s really is the ideal place to learn the story of how ships were made throughout the centuries. Kids will love turning the captain’s wheel and learning to tie nautical knots, as well how to navigate using old maritime instruments including a sextant.

Visit The Milky Way Adventure Park

If you’re travelling with kids, then you’ll want to make a stop by The Milky Way Adventure Park just outside Clovelly. This place has an incredible indoor play area. There are rollercoasters, arcades and wildlife too… but honestly, the indoor playground is the main attraction!

Kids can spend hours and hours playing here while mum and dad enjoy a coffee and a bit of relax time. A trip to the Milky Way Adventure Park is definitely one of the most fun things to do in North Devon with kids.

Where to stay in North Devon

If you’re looking for hotels in this area, don’t miss our guide to the best boutique and luxury hotels in Devon .

Kentisbury Grange Hotel

Located between Barnstaple and Lyton, the Kentisbury Grange Hotel is nestled in the perfect spot to get to all the best places to visit in North Devon. On top of this, it’s also a super luxurious and elegantly restored Victorian country house with spacious and cosy rooms.

This award-winning hotel also offers self-catering bungalows, for those who wish to have some homely comforts on their trip to Devon. There’s also a fine dining restaurant here, so it’s an ideal place for foodies!

Check availability & latest prices now

Saunton Sands Hotel , Braunton

For those looking for a relaxing beachside retreat, Saunton Sands Hotel in Braunton is an ideal choice. Sitting on a clifftop overlooking the Braunton Burrows, this modern luxury hotel has some of the best views in the area.

The hotel has a full spa, two swimming pools and a formal dining restaurant with a seasonal menu. Each bedroom is styled using modern and state-of-the-art furnishings, making it a real home from home.

In terms of location, there’s plenty to see in the area, including Woolacombe Beach and Westward Ho!

Wildercombe House

Looking for a place to stay near the North Devon coast? Then you’ll love this quaint bed and breakfast in Ilfracombe. Each room is spacious and airy with stylish oak furniture, a good-sized ensuite bathroom and stunning sea views.

Each morning, you can start your day with a Full English breakfast, made from locally sourced ingredients. When it comes to exploring the area, you’ll find Exmoor National Park and Barnstaple are within a 20-minute drive of the hotel. You can’t get a better location in North Devon!

Higher Biddacott Farm

This gorgeous boutique bed and breakfast in the North Devon countryside is the perfect retreat in the heart of Devon. This charming farmhouse is quaint and cheerful, with antique furnishings and a stunning garden.

It offers a delicious Full English breakfast each morning and is located in a rural setting near Umberleigh. You are just a short drive away from some of North Devon’s top attractions, including Quince Honey Farm and RHS Garden Rosemoor.

I hope this guide to the best things to do in North Devon has helped you put together a great Devon itinerary.

If you’re looking for more Devon travel inspiration, check out our guides to the best luxury hotels in Devon and what to do in Devon in the rain . We’ve also got a really fun Devon quiz designed to test your knowledge of the county!

If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to pin it for later!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

25+ Things to do in North Devon

By Discover More UK

Published: 29 July 2021

Last updated: 18 august 2021.

Sharing is caring!

It’s no secret that North Devon is a popular UK destination for summer getaways and seaside staycations in the UK.

So if you’re planning a trip to North Devon, use this guide to plan things to do in North Devon and the best places to visit in North Devon to suit you and your trip.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. While clicking these links won’t cost you anything, they will help us to keep this site up and running! See the full disclosure policy for more details.

When to visit North Devon

North Devon is a beautiful part of the UK at any time of year, but it’s definitely most popular in the summer months when you’re most likely to be able to enjoy the beaches, water sport activities and coastal walks.

Going in the shoulder seasons, in April/May or September/October will be less busy but still with a good chance of better weather and you’ll find a bigger range of accommodation availability. 

The winter months will be cheaper and quieter but the weather is far less predictable so if you’re keen to enjoy the outdoors while you’re in North Devon, then you’re better off visiting in the warmer months – unless you don’t mind a bit of rain!

Places to visit in North Devon

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Funicular railway is the steepest and highest completely water-powered railway in the world.

Enjoy the beautiful Victoria carriages and the grade II listed cafe to take in the views at the top of the railway.

The cliff railway is also a great option if you’re looking for cheap North Devon activities, tickets are just £3 for adults and £2 for children, so it’s a fun and affordable activity for the whole family.

The railway is open 10 am-5 pm all year round and you can just turn up and book at the foot of the cliff.

Glen Lyn Gorge Lynmouth

Another one of North Devon attractions to visit in Lynmouth.

The picturesque Glen Lyn Gorge was once a hazard to the village with the East Lyn River’s tendency to flood and cause flooding disasters.

Now the Gorge provides green energy in the form of hydropower to the village and the neighbouring holiday cottages are run completely off renewable energy. 

You’ll spot where the gorge is thanks to the huge fountain of water spraying into the air above the village and you’ll be visiting the UK’s first tidal current turbine.

Take a walk along the river and through the wooded ravine to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as well as learn about the area’s role in generating renewable energy.

Ticket prices:

Adults – £6

Children – £3

Valley of Rocks

The Valley of Rocks is a stunning dry valley running along the North Devon coast, just a mile from Lynton.

The area is a must-visit for nature lovers, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts with incredible rock formations and beautiful walks in the area and along the coast here thanks to the coast path.

If you’re feeling adventurous, climb up the rocky mounts for incredible views of the coast, valley and turquoise blue waters of the sea.

The area is also known for its feral goats – so look out for them scrambling up the sides of the valley!

Visiting is free, just pay at the pay & display in the lower car park. Toilet facilities and picnic facilities are available.

One for National Trust members and enthusiasts! 

Slightly east of Lynton and Lynmouth, you’ll find National Trust Watersmeet, a lovely park and wildlife area covering 2000 acres which is perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk.

Look out for waterfalls, a river gorge and a lovely cafe to enjoy a cup of tea on your walk.

This is a beautiful place to enjoy a peaceful stroll, just check the website before visiting as the area is liable to flooding and some paths or areas may be closed.

There is a pay & display car park or there’s free parking available at Barna Barrow, Combe Park and Brendon.

Broadsands Beach

Once voted the happiest view in Britain, it’s easy to see why people compare Broadsands beach and coastal area to the beaches and views in Thailand!

Broadsands Beach is located in a secluded cove which is accessed by 200 steep steps from the coastal path – so it isn’t for the faint hearted!

The sandy beach and calm waters are perfect for enjoying some of the best family days out North Devon has to offer.

There is no designated parking for the beach, there is on-road parking on Barton Hill and Old Coast Road, where the coast path access can be found at the bottom. However the road gets extremely busy in the peak months and on warm days, so make sure to arrive early!

If 200 steps down doesn’t sound like fun, walk a little further past the beach access and you’ll reach a gate on the right, follow this path towards the sea and you’ll come to a viewpoint with a bench on your right where you can enjoy the famous ‘happiest view’ of Broadsands Beach.

Day trip to Lundy Island off the Devon coast

Lundy Island is known for its turbulent history and despite being just 3 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, the island in the Bristol Channel is one of the most popular things to do in North Devon and also a popular North Devon day trip or even overnight destination that can be reached by boat from Devon’s coast.

Between March and October, MS Oldenburg sails to Lundy from either Bideford or Ilfracombe depending on the tides. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and gives visitors the perfect opportunity to spend a day on this unique island.

Return day tickets cost:

Adult – £44

Child – £22.50

Concessions – £41

While you’re on Lundy, you can experience everything the island has to offer with its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. The island also offers birdwatching, diving, fishing, climbing and plenty of walks.

Check the Lundy Island website here for boat timetables, Lundy island activities and details of where to stay on the island if you’re considering staying overnight.

Ilfracombe 

Ilfracombe is one of the best places to visit in North Devon, thanks to its quintessential Devon seaside town atmosphere, plenty of attractions and activities, plus great restaurants and bar options to suit everyone.

Don’t miss the Ilfracombe harbour with the boats bobbing in front of the seafront shops. When the tide is out, a small beach area reveals itself which is perfect for children and young families to enjoy safely.

Grab some fish & chips from the local’s favourite Lynbay Fish & Chips on the harbour front and sit on the harbour wall to enjoy watching the boats come and go.

Take a walk up to the oldest working lighthouse in Britain, the Chapel of St Nicholas, on the mount behind the harbour – you can see it from most places in the town and visiting it is completely free with an optional donation.

There’s also plenty of family activities here including crazy golf, boat rides and family-friendly walks like Capstone Hill.

Check out this full list of things to do in Ilfracombe.

Sea Safari along the Devon coast

A great activity for families, couples and kids of any age is the amazing range of North Devon boat trips and sea safaris available from Ilfracombe harbour.

Ilfracombe Sea Safari has several options available on their website, including a half-hour sunset cruise, a 2 hour seals or dolphin tour, a coastal cruise, a smugglers cave tour or a fishing trip.

They have boat trips from Ilfracombe to suit pretty much every budget and they can be booked throughout the peak season, weather permitting. It’s a great way to experience the North Devon coast from a completely unique perspective on your trip!

Woolacombe’s long sandy beach is the perfect place to spend a relaxing beach day in North Devon. With so much beach space, cliffs and rock pools, you can have fun and enjoy the sun in the lovely seaside town of Woolacombe.

You can park at Sandy Burrows Car Park for the beach and also take a walk here along the cliff path to Morte Point for beautiful coastal views.

Woolacombe is a great central location for somewhere to stay if you’re visiting North Devon. Check out the accommodation and activities at Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park or Twitchen House Holiday Park.

Appledore is home to the North Devon Maritime Museum and also a lovely quaint waterfront.

There is also a very colourful street in Appledore, full of pastel-coloured terrace houses, head to Irsha Street to see it!

Kipling Tor

Kipling Tors is a stunning walking route above Westward Ho! The path can get steep and rocky so not good for pushchairs but it’s a lovely walk that the whole family can do.

Head up here at sunset for the perfect way to end the day with a view across the ocean.

Clovelly Village, North Devon

Clovelly is the famous privately owned fishing village at the heart of North Devon’s coast.

Without a doubt one of the best things to do in North Devon because of its completely unique history as a privately owned village, its location clinging to the cliff face and its picturesque high street.

The whole village is fully pedestrianised so you will need to park at the visitor’s centre, pay for your entry ticket and walk down the hill to the village. The walk down is steep and the high street is completely cobbled so sturdy shoes are a must.

There is a land rover service from the harbour to drive you back up the alternative route if you don’t feel like the steep walk back again!

Spend some time admiring the beautiful high street, go shopping at the local boutiques where you can find handmade Clovelly soaps, silk scarves and souvenirs.

The Red Lion down at the harbour is a great spot to enjoy a drink with a view or a spot of lunch after a walk along the harbour wall.

Don’t miss the two Clovelly museums – Kingsley Museum and Fisherman’s Cottage, both of which have plenty of information about the history of the village and how it came to be.

Check out this article for a complete guide of things to see and do in Clovelly .

Adult ticket – £8.25

Child ticket – £4.80

Family ticket – £22.25

Tickets to the village include:

• Entry to the village
• Entrance to Clovelly Court Gardens
• Visiting to the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum
• Audio-visual experience
• General Facilities

Blackchurch Rock

While Blackchurch Rock isn’t an easy one to get to, it’s the perfect place to go in Devon to escape the crowds.

It isn’t an easy route down, steep in places and with fairly overgrown dirt tracks, but once you arrive at the beach and walk to the Rock, it’s absolutely worth this stunning walk through nature.

Going at low tide gives you the best chance to see more of the rock and enjoy the beach area. Definitely wear sturdy shoes as it’s a pebbly beach and steep walk.

You can reach it by starting from the cliff walk at Clovelly or from further away if you want to plan a longer walk along the Southwest Coast path.

Hartland Point, Devon

Hartland Point is home to Hartland Point Lighthouse and the great news is that you can reach the viewpoint of the Lighthouse on a very short 5 minute uphill walk from the car park.

Alternatively you could include the stop on a longer walk as it’s also part of the Southwest Coast Path if you park at Hartland Quay (see below).

It’s worth bearing in mind that the roads out to Hartland Point are single track for traffic in both directions. So be aware of oncoming vehicles and large farm machinery.

The parking for the Lighthouse viewpoint is on a private farm and you’ll need to pay a fee to enter, £3 (2021).

During much of 2021 the Lighthouse has been covered in scaffolding so worth asking at the gate before paying if that’s all you’re there to see.

Speke’s Mouth Waterfall

A stunning hidden gem if you’re looking for lesser known places to go in North Devon.

Park at the Hartland Quay car park (not to be confused with the above Hardland Point car park), you will need to pay on entry and it covers your stay all day.

Once in the car park facing the sea, there’s a small cafe area below on the water’s edge. To the right up the coast is the route to Hatland Lighthouse, take the path on the left of the car park to follow the Southwest Coast path to Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall.

The walk from the car park to the waterfall is about a mile and shouldn’t take longer than 25-30 minutes.

There are some steep sections as well as some muddy fields so wear suitable shoes.

Once you reach the waterfall, there’s an amazing vantage point for photos. You can also walk to the top of the mouth and there’s also access to the waterfall’s pools below if you’re looking to do some wild swimming in North Devon.

Southwest coast path in North Devon

The Southwest Coast Path is the longest continuous walking path in the UK and covers the entire southwest coastline.

From many of the things to do on this list, you can already tell what a significant part of the local and tourist industry this walking route plays.

Regardless of where you’re staying in North Devon and whether you’re an avid walker or not, the Southwest Coast Path is never far away. It’s well worth doing even just a short walk to enjoy its natural beauty and scenery.

We’re lucky to have such a beautiful and free walking route in the UK, so don’t miss this if you’re planning free things to do in North Devon.

Westward Ho!

Did you know that Westward Ho! is the only place in the UK with an exclamation point in its name?

Westward Ho! Is a cute seaside town that makes a great base for travelling the length of the North Devon coast.

There are holiday parks for families, a great surfing beach, a beachfront amusement area, great fish & chips and quaint colourful houses.

Take a walk along Golf Links Road to see the most vibrant row of houses! Then grab some fish & chips from Atlantic Bay and tuck into them on the seawall.

The walk along the beach road is beautiful, especially in the evening or the walk to Kipling Tors for sunset.

Explore North Devon by bike

If lots of walking isn’t your thing, exploring North Devon by bike is a great option to still get outside and enjoy North Devon’s nature.

You could take your own bike on your trip. Alternatively hire a bike from somewhere like Bideford Cycle Hire where you can hire a bike for half a day from £10 or a full day from £13.

They have plenty of information and route tips on their website or you can check out North Devon cycle trails.

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is perfect if you’re looking for things to do in North Devon in the rain.

The museum is also another great option if you’re looking for free things to do in North Devon on a budget because admission to the museum is free.

It’s a great place to learn about the specific history of North Devon and discover ancient pottery, natural history and artefacts all relating to North Devon.

National Trust Arlington Court

The National Trust Arlington Court is also home to the Carriage Museum while the grounds itself are full of over 20 miles of lakeside footpaths and nature walks, as well as plenty of wildlife to spot.

You can also visit the Victorian Gardens of the Regency era house and admire the stunning collections in the museum.

The estate sits on the edge of Exmoor and has been owned by the same family for over 500 years. There’s fascinating collections and artefacts to explore in the surprisingly inviting interior of the house and museum.

Watermouth Castle

Watermouth Castle is a weird and wonderful place, perfect for family days out in North Devon.

The Victorian Castle and Gardens are full of strange and interesting collections and are open to explore but the estate also consists of a theme park, children’s rides and play areas

The weird mix of history and curios with a theme park and play areas means the attraction is ideal for things to do in North Devon with kids.

Entry prices:

Adults – £15.50

Children under 92cm – Free.

SUP or Kayak hire at Combe Martin Beaches

If you’re a fan of adventure travel and activities, the calm waters of Combe Martins beaches and bay are perfect for a spot of watersport activities.

The Surfside Kayak Hire is on the main road right by the waterfront on Combe Martin. They were one of the finalists for the Devon Tourism Board Tourism Awards in 2020.

They offer kayaking tours if you’d prefer to be guided with a group, or you can hire their rental equipment like kayaks, SUPs and fishing tackle.

Check out their website for more information and the latest prices.

Pack O’Cards Inn Combe Martin

A must-visit tourist stop while you’re in Combe Martin!

This weird and wonderful pub and hotel not only looks like a pack of cards, but is also card themed!

With a large outdoor area, BBQ space and situated right by the river, this is a quirky and unique stop for a beverage or two to add to your North Devon itinerary!

RHS Garden Rosemoor

If you’re a keen gardener or green-fingered enthusiast, don’t miss the beautiful RHS garden at Rosemoor.

The huge 8 acre garden and 32 acres of pasture were donated to the RHS in 1988 by Lady Anne Berry and have been cultivated into the beautiful gardens you can see today.

You could easily spend an entire day here exploring the pathways and admiring the stunning horticulture on display across the property.

RHS members – Free

Adults – £12.15

Children – £6.10

The BIG Sheep – perfect for families

If you’re looking for the best things to do in North Devon with kids, make sure to add the BIG Sheep theme park to your list.

The animal-themed amusement park is located just outside of Bideford and is suited to young children and their families although there are teen attractions available too.

There are activities like sheep racing and lamb feeding as well as softer rides for very young children and lots of all-weather attractions and green open spaces to take a picnic on the day too!

Adults – £14.95

Children – £14.95

Children under 3ft – £6

Babies – £2

There are also reduced prices for activity specific entry tickets.

Summary: Things to do in North Devon 

This list of North Devon places to visit and North Devon attractions is ideal to select your preferred types of activities from and use them to build the ideal itinerary for your North Devon trip. Hopefully it gives you some inspiration for the best places to visit in North Devon and the amazing amount of things there is to see and do.

Pin this to save it for later to help you plan your future trip!

2 thoughts on “25+ Things to do in North Devon”

This brought back some great memories of living in England & visiting Devon! It’s such a lovely place & such a pretty coastline! Thanks so much for sharing!

I was hoping to make it down to this part of the country over the summer but never managed to, which is a shame because it looks stunning! There is a lot of stunning scenery here that I’d love to see in person.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

North Devon - all you need to know as a visitor

Our expert guide to the best beaches, prettiest villages and most exciting attractions

• 06:00, 16 APR 2022

Get our ultimate guide to things to do with DevonLive's FREE What's On newsletter

We have more newsletters

With glorious beaches, spectacular scenery, quaint villages and heaps of attractions, it's no wonder North Devon is one of the nation's top tourist destinations. Whether you are looking for a summer staycation or winter break, you won't be disappointed.

From surfing to sightseeing, walking, to wining and dining, there is so much to see and do. And of course no visit to the region would be complete without a cream tea.

So if you’re thinking of taking a holiday in North Devon , here is our expert guide to some of the best spots to explore, to help you plan your visit. The only thing we can't guarantee is the weather. But we think it's lovely all year round.

Read more: Weird and wonderful staycations - Devon's quirkiest holiday retreats

North Devon's Beaches

One of North Devon’s biggest pulls is its stunning coastline where you can enjoy water sports, rock pooling, or simply soaking up some rays (weather permitting). North Devon is also the first and only location in the UK to be classed as a World Surfing Reserve (WSR) joining the likes of Malibu and Santa Cruz.

The region's outstanding beaches offer something for everyone. For families, award-winning Woolacombe is a firm favourite and is renowned for its cleanliness and its facilities. This stretch of the coast does attract the crowds in summer, but with three miles of golden sand there is room to spread out if you keep walking. At the opposite end of the beach lies the stunning, but slightly quieter beach of Putsborough Sands.

Tucked around the corner from Woolacombe is Barricane beach, a delightful inlet nestled between the rocks. It's famous for the exotic cowries and other sea shells that are transported thousands of miles across the Atlantic from the Caribbean. But its more recent claim to fame is the beloved beach cafe that serves snacks by day and authentic Sri Lankan curries in the evening. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy as the sun goes down.

Further around the coast lies the surfing mecca of Croyde, which boasts some of the best waves in the UK. It's the home of several surfing competitions and the venue for Oceanfest, a three day surfing and music festival which takes place in June each year.

Saunton Sands is another jewel in the North Devon crown and one that has featured in numerous films and television productions including Aquaman, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and the video to Robbie Williams' 'Angels'. The three-and-a-half mile sandy beach is easily accessible with excellent facilities and is backed by Braunton Burrows - one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Other North Devon beaches worth exploring include Westward Ho! which is popular with families, surfers and kitesurfers, Rockham Bay, in Morthoe - a secluded rocky sandy beach, ideal for rock pooling, and Lee Bay - a beautifully serene spot between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe .

Ilfracombe is also home to the unusual Tunnels Beaches, which are accessed via a series of tunnels, hand carved in the 1820s. The sheltered sand and shingle beaches are perfect for rock pooling and there is a tidal Victorian bathing pool too. There is an admission charge of £10 for a family of four to visit the beaches and dogs are not permitted.

Villages and towns to visit in North Devon

North Devon's ‘capital’ town is Barnstaple . Here you will find a range of bars and restaurants serving great quality local food. Don't miss the historic pannier where you' will find traders selling everything from local artwork to artisan jewellery. For rainy days, there's the cinema, the Queens Theatre, the leisure centre, and Outside In Rollerdrome - the largest largest indoor roller skating rink in the South West. Barnstaple also makes a great base from which to explore the surrounding area thanks to a good bus service and a train line to Exeter.

Another town of interest is Ilfracombe, home to Damien Hirst's 'Verity' - a striking bronze statue of a pregnant woman. Here, you will also find art and craft galleries, independent shops and restaurants. Further along the coast, lies Bideford, known as the ‘Little White Town’ due to its bleached houses.

North Devon is also dotted with an array of enchanting villages, including historic Clovelly. A trip here is like stepping back in time. The privately owned village (there is a charge to visit) is completely traffic free and the cobbled streets are lined with ancient cottages, some of which are open to the public. The tiny streets meander down to the harbour where you can enjoy a pint in the Red Lion while gazing out across the Bay.

Appledore is another delightful village that is bursting with charm and character. Perched on a hillside just outside Bideford, it’s a kaleidoscope of pretty pastel cottages and narrow streets, lined with galleries, cafes and independent shops. It's also the birthplace of Hocking’s ice cream (you can't come to North Devon without trying one) and The Appledore Book Festival, which takes place in September and October.

From Appledore you can catch the small ferry to the pretty village of Instow on the other side of estuary. Here you can relax on the sheltered, golden beach, roam through the dunes, or check out the delis, cafes and restaurants.

For the ultimate North Devon getaway, Lundy Island offers a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Sitting 12 miles out to sea, the island is three-and-a-half miles long and home to an abundance of plants, seabirds and wildlife including puffins and seals. Boats to Lundy run from Bideford and Ilfracombe.

Exmoor National Park

Away from the beaches, Exmoor National Park boasts some of North Devon's most stunning scenery and is the perfect spot for pulling on your walking boots. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a bracing hike, there are hundreds of routes to choose from. A popular spot is Tarr Steps, from where there is a two mile circular walk along the River Barle. The Valley of Rocks is another highlight and the scenery is some of the most dramatic you will ever experience. Exmoor National Park was also Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve and is home to some of the darkest skies in the country. On a clear night, the sky is simply dazzling.

A visit to Exmoor wouldn't be complete without a trip to the picturesque towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Known as “England’s Little Switzerland”, Lynton is connected to its twin town of Lynmouth via the cliff railway - the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the World.

Other attractions and days out in North Devon

North Devon is a brilliant place to visit with children. Here are some of the region's top attractions for the young and young at heart.

The Big Sheep. Located just outside Bideford, this family favourite has animals, rides, a large soft play area and an outdoor fun zone.

The Milky Way. This theme park, near Clovelly, has rides for all ages and weathers, from bumper cars to rollercoasters.

Norse Hawk Activity. If you've always fancied a go at axe throwing, this is the place to come. You'll find it in Bishop's Tawton and axe throwers need to be aged 11 or older. For more information visit Norsehawk.org

Quince Honey Farm. This working honey farm in South Molton makes a sweet day out. You can see millions of bees up close and discover how the hive is formed and how bees live and work, and there's a soft play area and restaurant too. Book your tickets online .

The Ultimate Adventure Centre. For adrenalin seekers, The Ultimate Adventure Centre, near Abbotsham, offers a range of action-packed activities, from the Ultimate Assault Course and wipeout balls to high ropes and watersports. Check the website for details.

Dartington Crystal. The UK's only remaining glass factory in the UK is based in Torrington, North Devon. Here you can watch skilled glass makers create beautiful things from molten crystal.

RHS Rosemoor. For garden lovers, RHS Rosemoor is located just outside Torrington and there are playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained too.

The Tarka Trail. The UK's longest continuous off-road cycle path stretches for 30 miles along a disused railway line between Braunton and Meeth. It's almost completely flat, there are cafes along the way and it's completely free. What's not to love?

With so much to see, do and enjoy in North Devon, your only problem will be trying to fit it all in. Which means you will just have to come back another time.

Read more: Woolacombe's Spring Classic surf festival set to boost local economy by £250,000

Read more: 21 amazing things to do with kids during the summer holidays in North Devon

• North Devon
• Most Recent

7 Beautiful Villages In North Devon To Visit

North Devon is a fascinating place, with 171 square kilometres (66 square miles) of coastline designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore its dramatic coastlines with rugged cliffs, coves, and beautiful beaches. Venture inland to discover Exmoor National Park, with its beautiful rolling Devon countryside and wild ponies. You can wander through at least seven beautiful villages in North Devon along the way.

I’m lucky enough that my parents live in this area, so I get to visit regularly and am never disappointed. North Devon is full of untouched areas, charming villages, and intriguing north Devon towns. And, of course, if you get tired, there are always plenty of tea rooms where you can enjoy a Devon cream tea.

Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->

7 Beautiful Villages To Visit in North Devon

These quaint villages are enchanting, whether basking in the sun or on a stormy winter’s day. So let us take a look. Here are seven beautiful villages in North Devon to entice you.

1. Clovelly

Clovelly is a picturesque fishing village positioned in a gorgeous setting. Fairytale style cottages line steep cobbled streets. Not only is it one of Devon’s prettiest, but it is also world-famous for its lobsters and crabs, served in French and Spanish restaurants.

Clovelly celebrates its sustainably caught lobster and crab by local fishermen through its famous Lobster and Crab Feast. The village and its iconic harbour are alive with music, local food and craft stalls. Street entertainment thrills children with games, magic, and balloon modelling. Of course, there is an abundance of freshly caught lobster, and crab dishes to savour, washed down with plenty of local ale.

Clovelly was once part of an estate owned by William the Conqueror, The King of England. The estate remained in the hands of royalty for many years until the Hamlyn family inherited the village. It has remained in the same family since 1738.

The village entrance fee is paid at the Visitor Centre at the top of the hill, in the parking area.

Clovelly is a favourite place for many visitors who delight in colourful houses and beautiful hanging baskets. However, Clovelly’s donkeys are probably its most famous residents. Clovelly is a traffic-free zone, and donkeys are its primary form of transport, carrying goods back up the winding, narrow streets after the products have been brought down the hill by sledge.

2. Appledore

Appledore is a picturesque fishing village with pastel coloured houses and is a firm favourite with locals and tourists. 

The village has a rich maritime history, dating back to 878 AD when the Vikings invaded. Appledore is famous for its boat building, and after being closed for 60 years, it once again came to life in 2021. The village can share many a secret tale about smuggling and pirates. You can learn more at the North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore, where there is plenty to entertain adults and children.

Take a visit to the Hockings ice cream factory in Appledore. The family-run business has been making award-winning ice cream for over 85 years. In that time, they have won over 80 awards. 

If you love to enjoy the delights of the local produce of the south west, Appledore provides in quantities when it comes to the fishing industry with freshly caught seafood. Cod, bass, cockles, and mussels are some favoured choices.  You can sit on the quay and relish fish and chips while watching the world go by in the pretty Taw and Torridge estuary where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet.

Once you have checked out the local independent shops selling regional crafts, antiques, and handmade jewellery, climb aboard the seasonal ferry and take a trip across the River Torridge estuary to the village of Instow.

Instow is another quaint village, so worth a look. However, our next stop is Braunton.

3. Braunton

Rumour has it that Braunton is the largest village in England. It is also the gateway to the fabulous beaches at Croyde and Woolacombe. Braunton is a popular destination owing to its prime location surrounded by rolling hills and North Devon towns and villages, including the bustling Barnstaple, North Devon’s largest town.

Braunton is home to Braunton Burrows. A vast sand dune system, one of the largest in the British Isles. A UNESCO Designated Biosphere Reserve protects the habitat of many rare plants and insects. During the summer, the Burrows are awash with the colours of 470 species of plants and flowers. Grazing Devon Reds, cattle indigenous to North Devon and ponies roam freely to manage the land.

Climbing the dunes is challenging but worth the effort for the fabulous views of the meandering Taw estuary, Lundy Island and picturesque towns and villages. Due to its rugged terrain, the area was used during WWII for DDay Training and remains a military training ground today.

Due to its accessible position to attractions, a short drive away is the pretty market town of South Molton and the nearby award-winning Quince Honey Farm . The farm is a working honey farm and provides enough entertainment for a full day out for the entire family.

Croyde is famous for its top-class surfing. If watersports float your boat, Croyde is a place to visit. It is about five miles from Braunton. The area is an eclectic mix of a relaxed village feel and an exciting surfing vibe.

Croyde Beach is about 700 metres wide and about 700 metres from the sea at low tide during spring tides. Although recognised for its excellent surfing conditions, it is a place for everyone. If you have never surfed before and want to give it a try, there are plenty of opportunities to rent gear and book lessons.

During the summer season, the village hosts the Croyde Deckchair Cinema in the village hall. It is a fun way to spend a summer evening relaxing in a deckchair, watching a family-friendly classic, and eating popcorn.

Twenty-five years ago, Croyde began holding its summer festival, Goldcoast Oceanfest. The festival takes place on North Devon’s golden coast and is fun for all. From surfers to sun-worshippers, watersports, beach fun, and entertainment for all the family.

Croyde is between the beaches of Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Bay, with three miles of golden sand to explore. Several walks start from the village, including joining the south west coast path to Baggy Point, which offers spectacular views of Bideford Bay and Hartland. If you find it thirsty work, there are plenty of North Devon’s finest pubs with thatched roofs perfect for refreshments.

5. Mortehoe

A mile along the coast from Woolacombe is the tiny village of Mortehoe, which remains untouched. The golden beaches transform into secluded bays with rock pools to explore. Turning over rocks and searching for hidden sea creatures makes rock pooling fun for the entire family. Including your dog, as the beach is dog-friendly year round.

Mortehoe village sits tall at the top of Chapel Hill with stunning sea views across Woolacombe Bay and the Bristol Channel in one direction. On the other, you can see Lundy Island and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean.

Mortehoe is a pretty village with a friendly atmosphere. In the summer, you can climb aboard a tractor and trailer safari . Starting from the Mortehoe museum, the safari is ideal for those who want to rest their legs and still see the breathtaking scenery and rolling hills of the north Devon coast. The ride is suitable for all weather and takes you to Bull Point lighthouse. You might spot some seals basking in the sun.

Many ships have fallen victim to the rugged north Devon coast, and since 1879 there has been a lighthouse at Mortehoe to keep sailors safe during the stormy weather.

Mortehoe is Woolacombe’s quiet neighbour. A hidden gem among the more popular beach destinations. Although more peaceful with fewer tourists, it offers a variety of accommodations and dining options, including the quirky Barricane Beach Cafe. A popular beach cafe craned in at the start of the summer season and out at the end. It is famed for its Sri Lankan curries, although weather dependent, due to its location on the beach.

Lee village is a secret gem, hidden at the end of narrow lanes. Locals refer to the quiet village as ‘Fuschia Valley.’ When the flowers bloom, the hedges are on fire with scarlet flowers. The quaint village is a mixture of old and new, with thatched houses and those of a more contemporary style.

Lee Bay is a rocky cove surrounded by an impressive coastline. Many consider it to be the crown jewel of Lee. The bay is an excellent place for swimming and rock pooling. The tide can be strong sometimes, but a beautiful sandy beach emerges as the tide falls.

The village boasts five walks leading off to explore the scenery surrounding the beautiful village. The various paths take you to explore ancient woodlands, open heathland, hidden valleys, and the coast.

The local village pub, The Grampus Inn, is family-owned. Some of the building dates back to the 14th century, and it was a working farm until the 1970s when it became a pub. They pride themselves on homemade, local food. The welcoming pub does not stop with food. It distils its popular gin and brews five different ales. Locals and tourists enjoy it all.

7. Lynton and Lynmouth

Lynton and Lynmouth are two of the prettiest villages in the breathtakingly beautiful Exmoor National Park. They are close to Combe Martin, located on the highest point of the Coast Path. 

A water powered Cliff Railway joins the sister towns. Lynton is a Victorian town perched high on a hill. Whereas Lynmouth is a quaint village with its thatched cottages, straddling the East Lyn River below.

The Cliff Railway is an impressive example of Victorian engineering. It was purposefully built in 1888 to join the two towns. The incredible accomplishment climbs 152 metres (500 feet) over 262 metres (862 feet) of tracks. It is the highest and steepest railway in the world, solely powered by water. 

Lynton is a town high on Glyn Lyn Gorge, offering spectacular views over the Bristol Channel. Lynton is home to the iconic town hall built in a medley of styles, such as mock Gothic, neo-Tudor, and art nouveau. There are also a few independent shops and a cinema in a Grade II-listed former Methodist Church.

Lynton’s Toy Museum is a fascinating place to visit. It might be small, but it is crammed full of toys, games, and action figures. Whatever your age, the museum provides fun and nostalgia.

Lynmouth is in a beautiful seaside location and is often called ‘Little Switzerland’ because of its magnificent surrounding scenery. It is popular with walkers and kayakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nicest part of north devon.

Ilfracombe is a charming seaside town in a stunning position on the dramatic North Devon coastline, with rock pools and sandy beaches. The South West Coast path makes it a walker’s paradise. It is steeped in a history of smugglers, with a network of underground caverns to explore. 

What Is the Prettiest Village in Devon?

Clovelly tops Devon’s list of prettiest villages and is probably one of the most beautiful in the UK.

Where Should I Live in North Devon?

The North Devon town of South Molton features as one of the best towns to live in the UK.

Final Thoughts

Our list of seven beautiful villages in North Devon lists only some of the most enchanting in the region. There are many more, from inland moorland positions to sandy beaches and craggy coastlines.

Whether you thrill in watersports, unwind on glorious beaches, take a stroll on a riverside walk or a more challenging hike on the dunes of the Braunton Burrows. Or enjoy the solitude of unspoilt moorland. North Devon offers something for everyone.

After your day of activity, you can find traditional thatched pubs up cobbled streets, offering locally-sourced food and regionally brewed ale.

North Devon is a destination for all the family. 

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Advertise With Us
• North Devon Scene
• Around Devon
• Things To Do
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions

24 Aug 2024

The latest news as it happens across Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding North Devon areas.

Latest in Local News, information, important updates and local opinions from Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding areas.

Latest on North Devon sports news, match reports & opinions from Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding areas.

Local Arts & Culture News from Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding areas.

What is it like to live in North Devon? Find leisure and lifestyle news from Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding areas.

Find the best places to go, family fun attractions, days out for the kids in Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding areas.

All the latest uplifting news from Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding areas

Find and view pictures of Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding North Devon areas from our local reporters.

Get the latest Weather news, warnings, and severe weather alerts for Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding North Devon areas.

The latest property news, opinions, property sales & property of the week in Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington & surrounding areas.

We need your support!

Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.

Subscribe Today!

To continue reading this article, you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles!

Alternatively, you can pay €0.50 per article, capped at €1 per day.

Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism!

• You are in:
• NorthDevonGazette

150 new homes coming to North Devon

New development in landkey to include 45 affordable homes for local residents.

Allison Homes Landkey. Houses to be built within the perimeter of the red line. Credit: Allison Homes

Ella Sampson

22 Aug 2024 12:40 PM

[email protected]

A major new housing development is set to bring 150 homes to the village of Landkey, near Barnstaple. 

Regional housebuilder Allison Homes South West has announced the exchange of contracts on the site, marking a significant step forward in the project.

The development will offer a variety of homes, ranging from one- to five-bedroom properties, designed to cater to diverse lifestyles and needs. Importantly, 45 of these homes will be designated as affordable housing, provided through a Housing Association to ensure local people have access to affordable living options.

Steve Fowler, Managing Director at Allison Homes South West, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating: “We’re very excited to announce that we have contracted on our latest development in the region. This is an exciting step towards the growth of Allison Homes. We’re looking forward to investing in the area and bringing much-needed, high-quality family homes to the beautiful village of Landkey.”

Mr Fowler highlighted the energy efficiency of the new homes, noting that they will be designed with superior insulation, modern heating systems, and low-energy appliances. 

He said: “We take pride in providing people with homes that are energy efficient, enabling residents to live more comfortably and benefit from having lower monthly bills.”

The development aims to support local communities by offering homes that will particularly benefit first-time buyers and young families, helping them get a foothold on the property ladder in Devon.

Residents of the new development will enjoy the amenities Landkey has to offer, including an OFSTED-rated ‘good’ primary school, a village store, post office, tea room, pub, and Parish hall.

Pending the approval of reserved matters planning, construction is expected to begin in early 2025.

For more information on Allison Homes developments in the South West, visit: https://allison-homes.co.uk/developments/

To continue reading this article, please subscribe and support local journalism!

Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.

To continue reading this article for FREE, please kindly register and/or log in.

Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!

Most Popular

Classic cars the show. Image: Bob Meller

Big Sheep Car Show returns for 2024

Saunton Sands has a renowned international ‘surf break’ which campaigners fear could be lost or damaged by undersea cable plans. Credit: Christian Surfers UK

Beach goers urged to have their say on cable ‘threat’ to Saunton Sands

Rocky Grigg

Bideford boxers share ring for Europe’s best

Play Your Way to Wimbledon

Amazing Wimbledon experience for Barnstaple youngster

Sponsored Content

Symptoms can all affect our daily lives, but treatment is available!

Don’t suffer in silence: How to seek help for problem periods

The rediscovered bell in ‘the cupula’ at Barnstaple Guildhall – thought to date from the early 18th century. Credit: BTC

Town Clerk Chronicles: Rediscovering the Guildhall bell

Shamilla with her sons Zakir and Zain

Know the signs and symptoms and catch cancer early

Make a difference to lives with a career in adult social care, help to create a smokefree generation, film: remembering d-day and the families that keep the history alive.

We've got Donegal Covered...

Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie

Buy a paper

Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.

Get the news

Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.

ClearSky Digital Titles

• North Devon Today
• Torbay Today
• Moorlander Today
• Exeter Living
• Exeter Today

ClearSky Print Titles

• North Devon Gazette
• Torbay Weekly
• The Moorlander
• Exeter Tomorrow

Event to launch new Heritage Skills website for North Devon

North Devon Council is inviting construction tradespeople and trainees, home owners and enthusiasts in the district to a Heritage Skills Day, which will mark the official launch of a new North Devon Heritage Skills website. The event will take place on Saturday 14 September, 10am-3pm, at Barnstaple Pannier Market.

The ongoing Heritage Skills Project, funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund, seeks to address the heritage skills gap in North Devon and help protect the district's local historic buildings. Following the council's successful heritage skills event at Arlington Court last November, a forum of sector specialist and stakeholders has been brought together to guide the development of the new website and project as a whole.

The website, which will go live in early September, will host a directory of trades and service professionals, information for property owners, and links to skills and training opportunities; organisers will be hosting a range of course between October 2024 and March 2025. 

North Devon Council's Conservation Officer, Collette Hall says: "North Devon has a rich historical, architectural and rural heritage that contributes to the cultural identity of its towns and villages. We have identified an ongoing shortage of local tradespeople in the heritage sector, which reflects the national landscape. Our Heritage Construction Skills project - of which a central part is the new website - aims to address this shortage by supporting the training and development of the skills needed to maintain the historic buildings and places of North Devon, where we live, work, learn and play. These buildings will go on for many years to come if we look after them well, with the right people, the right people, having the right skills, and using the right materials. "Whether you are a mid-career professional looking to diversify, a school-leaver looking for a career opportunity, an enthusiast looking to develop a new skill or a home owner looking for advice on how to maintain your building, there really is something for everyone at this event."

The Pannier Market launch event will facilitate demonstrations from a wide range of heritage experts, including a skilled stonemason, thatcher, builder in cob, lime plaster specialist, stained glass restorer, lead-worker, dry-stone waller. The experts will also be available to answer questions about the work they do, careers in the sector and advice about how to maintain historic properties. There will also be stands with information about careers, jobs and training courses that range from fun recreational activities to bootcamps .

For more information on the upcoming Heritage Skills Day - or future courses - please contact [email protected] . The URL for the new website will be announced at the event, and promoted thereafter.

Help us improve this site

Eng. / Fr. / Ru.

The NATO Information Office in Moscow

NATO Information Office attached to the Embassy of Belgium - Mytnaya Street 3 119049 MOSCOW Russia

Telephone lines

+7 495 937 3640 +7 495 937 3641 +7 502 937 3640 (satellite line) +7 502 937 3641 (satellite line)

+7 502 937 38 09 (satellite line) +7 495 937 38 09

Email : [email protected]

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

Share this post:

9 Most Beautiful Regions in Russia

15 Best Cities to Visit in Russia

14 Most Scenic Small Towns In Russia

15 Top Tourist Attractions in Saint Petersburg, Russia

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Eastern Russia

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Russia

10 Best Places to Visit in Russia

15 Best Things to Do in the Seychelles

10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

29 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Hello, we'd love to hear what you think about Devon!

Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with a chance of winning a luxury two-night stay in award winning accommodation in Devon.

Welcome to Devon.... England's Natural Playground

Whether you’re looking for adventure,  experiences , culture or some R&R, Devon is the place for you. This diverse county has everything you could think of and a little more besides! From the bustling historic cities of  Plymouth  and  Exeter,  where you can enjoy live music, an active nightlife and all the culture you could consume, to the varied coastlines, the abundance of Natural Landscapes (AONB), the popular  English Riviera  and everything else in between!

Not content with being a beautiful county, Devon is also home to  two coastlines  and two  National Parks . The gorgeous  Jurassic Coast  can be found in the East of the county, while  North Devon  features unparalleled coastal views and then of course, there is the rough and wild beauty of  Exmoor  and  Dartmoor.  With its plentiful waterways, quaint market towns, bustling cities, coastal resorts and rural retreats, Devon is the ultimate holiday destination.

A diverse range of attractions

Whatever your interests and whatever your budget, you’ll find a whole host of things to see and do while in Devon.

Devon is probably best known for its coastal resorts, the dramatic cliffs that line the coast in the east of the county is a great place for rockpooling,  sailing  and  fishing , while North Devon’s coast is a  haven for surfers  and those that love  watersports  and scenic views. In the south, there is the  English Rivera and Torbay , as well as the stunning beaches that can be found in  Salcombe . The county is famed for its  award winning beaches , many of which are awarded Blue Flag status and regularly top polls as some of the best in Britain.

While adventure begins at the sea, not everyone has their sea legs, so why not explore the diverse landscapes of Devon’s countryside. From the National Parks,  Dartmoor  and  Exmoor  and the countryside of  Mid Devon , the county really is England's natural playground. The region is covered by an abundance of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with biospheres, geoparks and nature reserves all over for bird spotting and scouting out the region’s wildlife, including otters and beavers!

Whether you love the coast or country, Devon is perfect for those who love being outdoors.

Not only that, but Devon is the ideal destination for those compromising – the outdoors offers the chance to challenge yourself with  watersports ,  hiking ,  cycling  and  climbing , but Devon is also a cultural hub full of  incredible festivals , live music and  food – so whether you are inside or out, you’ll find something that suits you!

Exeter ,  Plymouth  and the  larger towns  offer plenty of opportunity for a fun night out, with  excellent restaurants  serving locally sourced food and lots of chances to exercise your credit card in a  range of boutique and high street stores.

With family-friendly  attractions  including  historic and heritage  sites like museums and steam train rides, as well as  theme parks  and much more, it is a great place for kids and adults alike and with the abundance of  cosy cottages,  it’s perfect for  romantic getaways,   dog-friendly breaks  and solo adventures too!

Scenic Surroundings

Looking for accommodation?  In Devon, you’re spoiled for choice and with the region’s incredible scenery, you are almost always guaranteed a room with a view. Whether you’re looking for something by the coast, somewhere hidden away in the country, a luxury manor house,  a safari tent  or even a castle, there are some amazing accommodation options for you to choose from.

Experience a real taste of Devon

Because of the diversity of the landscape, Devon’s  restaurants ,  cafes, tearooms  and  hotels  have menus packed full of locally sourced, fresh, s easonal food and drink.  From fresh fish pulled out of the harbour in  Brixham  or  Ilfracombe  that morning, to  gin distilled in Plymouth  to  lavish cream tea s served with homemade jam and local cream, Devon is the ultimate foodie destination.

So, whatever it is you are looking for from your staycation or UK holiday, you can be sure of a world of discoveries and experiences right here in Devon.

Keep up to date with everything that is going on in the region by  signing up to our newsletter.

Win 1 of 3 prizes by Dartington Crystal!

Things to do in devon.

Fill your days in Devon with lots of activities and attractions for all ages.

Places to stay in Devon

Wherever you choose to base yourself on your Devon getaway you can guarantee some…

Places to eat in Devon

Devon is known for having some of the best food and drink in the UK - think…

Dog Friendly Devon

Devon's all about the great outdoors, so many of our activities and attractions…

Areas to Visit

With long beaches of golden sands, rugged moors, bustling cities, rolling hills…

Special Offers

Everyone likes to benefit from a special offer in Devon! Not only do you get to enjoy…

Choose your own path in Devon and show us the memories made.

Exploring our two coastlines and feeling inspired by the scenery? Or hiking the moors and tors of Dartmoor and Exmoor? Share your Devon journey on Instagram with #LoveDevon and your images could appear in our gallery!  Click here to add your images to our gallery.

Cities, Towns and Villages

Whether you are a resident of Devon or here on your holidays, there are beautiful…

History & Culture

Did you know Devon is full of amazing history and heritage attractions? It isn't just…

With two coastlines, one of them being a UNESCO world heritage site and another one…

Discover more Devon

Beach scheme improves accessibility across east devon.

• 1 minute read

Following a successful trial in Seaton, beaches across East Devon will now benefit from matting which will allow wheelchair users and those with push chairs and other mobility aids to access the beach. The scheme was trialled at Seaton and Beer beaches over the last three summers and is now…

South Devon Railway’s Summer Rails & Ales

• 2 minute read

South Devon Railway’s hugely popular Summer Rails & Ales event returns over the August Bank Holiday weekend . Join this epic on track celebration of steam and diesel engines coupled with a range of over 40 different real ales, seven craft beers and 10 ciders to sample at the Festival Bar. There’s…

GWR joins Tourism for All in promoting accessible travel

Tourism for All, the charity championing accessible holidays for disabled people in the UK, is excited to announce a new partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR). Tourism for All is an independent national charity that focuses on helping disabled travellers find holiday accommodation and things…

Click here to explore more of Devon

Search Devon...