Places to Visit Around North Devon & Exmoor

Appledore has been a thriving port since it was settled by Cistercian monks in the 14 century. In 1588 Elizabeth 1 gave the village 'Free Port' status because of the vital role it played in the Armada - providing ships and seamen to fight the Spanish. Ship-building has always been the major trade here.

Today Appledore is still a sleepy fishing village which hosts a Visual Arts Festival on its shores in June each year. A visit to the North Devon Maritime Museum here is a must for anyone interested in the maritime history of the area.

Today Bideford is known as the little white town which has changed little over the years. It is a large market town and port with an active fishing industry. In the 16th Century, Bideford was Britain's 3rd largest port and it is rumoured that Sir Walter Raleigh landed his first shipment of tobacco there.

It is home to the Kathleen and May - the only three-masted schooner in existence - and a pannier market which dates back to 1884. It also boasts a statue to the writer Charles Kingsley which is a permanent reminder of Bideford's most famous resident.

Combe Martin was once a very prosperous harbour, exporting locally grown strawberries and hemp. This coastal area was also important for precious metal including silver, ensuring that the mining industry flourished here in the 16th Century.

Today it is a flourishing holiday resort, and its main village street is reported to be the longest street in the country at over 2 miles long! One of the greatest sights here is the Pack of Cards Inn which was built in the 17th century by a local landowner with winnings from a card game. It has 4 floor, 13 rooms, and 52 windows - representing a pack of cards!

Exmoor, one of the smallest of Britain's National Parks, is also known as Lorna Doone country as it is was the base of RD Blackmore's famous novel of the same name.

Amongst the beautiful moorland lie several beautiful villages including Dunster - with its magnificent Dunster Castle. Exford is the ideal base to explore the ancient Tarr Steps and to take part in fishing, shooting and riding.

The ancient market town of Holsworthy is mentioned in the Doomsday Book with a market charter dating back to the 12th Century. It now boasts one of the busiest and largest livestock markets in the country.

Holsworthy is an ideal central base for visiting the main attractions of Devon and for discovering Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor.

Lundy Island is 3 miles long and half a mile wide and has a history stretching back to Neolithic period. The name 'Lundy' derives from Norse for 'Puffin Island' - and you can still see many of these unusual birds on the island today.

It is owned by the National Trust and welcomes visitors to view its stunning landscape and beautiful and diverse wildlife. You can sail there on the MS Oldenburg from Ilfracombe or Bideford, or if you're feeling really adventurous you can fly there by helicopter!

South Molton originated in early Saxon times. It has a Royal Market Charter which was granted by Henry VIII in 1590.

It is rich in traditional architecture and has a growing reputation for its antique shops, fine arts and crafts and local produce.

Today it still flourishes as a market town and it also boasts the largest honey farm in the country.

Woolacombe beach is regulalry recognised as one of the top ten beaches in the world. With 3 miles of sand stretching across to Putsborough beach it is big enough for both families and watersport enthusaists to enjoy!

The adjoining village of Mortehoe is a pretty stone built village which has many ancient buildings including a 13th Century church and was even mentioned in the Doomsday book.