Browsing leisure activities within 10 miles of Barnstaple Hotel

Saunton, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LQ, www.sauntonbeach.info/, (7 miles, 11kms)

Saunton Sands is a three mile long expanse of sandy beach popular with surfers and ideal for families.

Instow, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 4JN, Tel: 01237 477676, Email, www.instow.net/, (5 miles, 8kms)

Instow Beach is a long beach on an estuary very popular for fishing and sailing as well as other beach activities. It is a sandy beach, backed by low dunes, at the mouth of the rivers Taw and Torridge.

The Quay, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9EQ, Tel: 01271 863969, www.ilfracombepilotgigclub.org/, (9 miles, 14kms)

Gig racing is open to teams of Under-14's, Under-16's, Ladies 'A' and 'B' crews, Mens 'A' and 'B' crews as well as mixed and veteran participants

Westward Ho!, Nr Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1HN, (8 miles, 12kms)

The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and is one of the safest in the area. It offers vast expanses of golden sands, which makes it ideal for fun family bathing.

Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 0DN, (9 miles, 14kms)

Access to Wild Pear Beach requires a testing walk of approximately 2kms with steep gradients. Mostly sand and shingle with rocks and caves at the foot of the cliffs.

Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com, (9 miles, 14kms)

Moderate to difficult circular walk. While not especially long, the walk does include a couple of short sharp climbs so should not be approached too lightly. 5 miles (7kms)

Walk Route: Circular - Moderate/Difficult

Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 8LW, Tel: 01598 752225, Email, www.lynton-lynmouth-tourism.co.uk, (9 miles, 14kms)

A wonderfully secluded beach, Lee Bay lies hidden below the magnificent Lee Abbey, on the Exmoor coast. Historic lime kilns and the monk's chapel give character and mystery.

Croyde, North Devon, EX33 1NU, Tel: 01271 816400, Email, croydedevon.co.uk/, (8 miles, 12kms)

The stepped beach and the rocks it possesses make Croyde one of the best surfing in Europe suitable only for experts. It is a world famous sandy beach, backed by sand dunes and situated in a small bay on the North Devon Coast.

Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9EQ, www.visitcombemartin.co.uk, (9 miles, 14kms)

Watermouth cove is a very secluded harbour creating an ecosystem for many rare marine species. Surrounded by rocks the bay is sheltered from wind and tidal forces. Many boats moor here for this reason.

Bideford Station, Railway Terrace, East-the-Water, North Devon, EX39 2BU, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com/main/walks/index.cfm?fsa=dspWalkDetail&w_id=111, (7 miles, 12kms)

Passing through the largely unspoilt countryside as it was described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ first published in 1927. This walk follows the Tarka Trail between Instow and Bideford.

Walk Route: Circular

Westward Ho!, North Devon, EX39 1LQ, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com, (8 miles, 12kms)

The path starts at the car park at the western end of Westward Ho!, and heads westwards along an old railway line.

Walk Route: Coastal Walk - Easy

Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7BT, Tel: 01271 870553, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

Barricane beach (also known as Combesgate beach) not only offers a picturesque landscape tucked in between the rocks, but is famous for cowries and other exotic sea shells.

Baggy Point, EX2 5WT, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com, (7 miles, 12kms)

The walk starts from the attractive village of Croyde in North Devon. Although best known as a surfing venue it is also ideally placed to access some superb coastal scenery. Grade: Moderate Distance: 6miles (9km)

Hele, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9RD, Tel: 01271 863001, Email, www.visitilfracombe.co.uk, (8 miles, 14kms)

Hele is in North Devon, just over one mile from Illfracombe on the A399 towards Combe Martin (about one hour drive from the M5).

Putsborough, Georgeham, Nr Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LB, Tel: 01271 816400, Email, www.brauntontic.co.uk, (8 miles, 12kms)

The long sweeping sands of Putsborough are renowned for their cleanliness and beauty. It is very popular with families as it offers vast golden sands as well as plenty of rock pools to explore, ideal for children.

Lee Bay Coastal Heathlands, EX34 8LR, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com, (9 miles, 14kms)

This rewarding walk combines some of the best of the South West Coast Path in North Devon with woodland and windswept farmland surrounding ancient farms.

Walk Route: Circular

Woolacombe, Nr Braunton, North Devon, EX34 7DL, (8 miles, 13kms)

Woolacombe Beach is one of the finest beaches in the West Country with numerous awards. It's a big favourite for families and surfers, attracting thousands of people each summer.

Combe Martin, Nr Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 0AR, Tel: 01271 883319, Email, www.visitcombemartin.com/, (8 miles, 14kms)

Combe Martin is a superb family beach, a favourite of many locals, understandably as it is located within the Heritage Coast and in an area of outstanding Natural Beauty. It boasts some of the finest scenery.