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North Devon Destinations
Appledore
Appledore has been a thriving port since it was settled by cisterian 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.
Barnstaple
Barnstaple is the oldest borough in the country and is the commercial and agricultural centre of North Devon.
Saxons first settled in Barnstaple (Barum) over 1000 years ago; In 930 AD it was a Saxon stronghold serving as a market for the surrounding countryside.
Today it has a wonderful mixture of Victorian, Medieval and Georgian architecture and is proud to be a multiple winner of Britain in Bloom. Visit the Barnstaple Heritage Centre, sited in a fine Grade 1 listed building to learn more about the town's 1000 year history.
Bideford
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.
Braunton
Braunton claims to be the largest village in Britain. The parish church of St Brannocks is a legacy to St Brannock - a Welsh missionary who first founded the church in 6th Century.
Today, Braunton is a very important area of archaeological and natural importance...Braunton Great Field on the outskirts of the village is a famous archaeological site and one of a very few remaining examples of mediaeval strip farming. Braunton Burrows is a huge expanse of sand dunes - the largest in the UK -which stretches 6km along the shore and 2km inland.
Clovelly
Clovelly hangs on a 400ft cliff where donkeys were once used to transport people and goods up the steep cobbled streets.
The Quay here dates back to the 14th Century and has a great deal of smuggling and pirate history associated with it. Once a bustling fishing village, it is still a traffic free village retaining its original charms.
Combe Martin
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!
Croyde
Croyde dates back to pre-Saxon times and is one of the prettiest villages in Devon due to its many thatched chocolate box cottages.
Today Croyde is extremely popular with surfers who come from far and wide to experience its awesome waves.
Exmoor
Exmoor, 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.
Great Torrington
Great Torrington is known as the Cavalier Town as it played a significant role in the English Civil War (Battle of Greta Torrington in 1646).
It is sited on the top of an inland cliff, which provides extraordinary views of the valley and River Torridge below.
Holsworthy
Holsworthy is an historic market town 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.
Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe has a long history and has been settled since the iron age.
Ilfracombe became a very important holiday town during the Victorian era and today it still sees families flock here from all over the country to enjoy its beaches, harbour and attractions.
It is home to the Landmark Theatre and many of North Devon's greatest restaurants - including Damient Hirst's restaurant No.11 the Quay.
Lundy Island
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!
Lynton & Lynmouth
The twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are known as the Little Switzerland of England.
These two little villages grew slowly around two deep wooded river valleys in Exmoor. The Victorians made holiday centres of the towns and opened a cliff railway in 1890 to connect Lynmouth to Lynton, creating some stunning views.
South Molton
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.
Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! was founded in 1863 as a result of the Charles Kingsley's book of the same name. It is the only place in the country with an !
Behind the beach's pebble ridge lies Northam Burrows - 1000 acres of common land for you to explore. It also boasts the oldest golf course in England.
Woolacombe
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.
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