Things to do in North Devon & Exmoor
You can’t move in North Devon without finding something fun, cultural or adventurous to do! Whether you’re looking for great days out in North Devon guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained or a relaxing trip to a historic house, there’s plenty of North Devon attractions to choose from. For top Devon family attractions you can take your pick from a choice of theme parks with exhilarating rides and slides designed to thrill, or get up close and personal with the cutest animals at one of our fun packed farm attractions. North Devon boasts an enviable choice of more exotic wildlife attractions too, from a zoo and an aquarium to a Dinosaur Park. Enjoy a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous of bygone days in one of North Devon's historic houses and gardens. Plus there’s a fascinating range of heritage attractions to visit, including funicular railways, castles and medieval bridges.
Refine your search
The Esplanade, Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6EQ, Tel: 01598 753908, Email, www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk
A unique, water-powered, Victorian inclined railway, opened in 1890. It links the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, climbing from swas level to a height of 500ft.
Railway Station
Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9SL, Tel: 01271 867474, Email, www.watermouthcastle.com
One of the West Country's premier Family Tourist Attractions where you can enjoy, a Victorian Castle full of eclectic treasures, nostalgic displays and curios, a theme park including rides and play areas, and beautiful landscaped gardens.
Theme Park
Higher Leigh, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 0NG, Tel: 01271 882486, Email, www.wildlifedinosaurpark.co.uk
The valley that time forgot. A subtropical paradise with an abundance of birds and animals, and animatronics dinosaurs, so real they're alive!
Wildlife Park
Rosemoor, Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8PH, Tel: 01805 624067, Email, www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
Rosemoor, an enchanting 65-acre garden, offers year-round interest. Visit us for inspiration, tranquillity or simply a marvellous day out.
Garden
Ilfracombe Aquarium, The Old Lifeboat House, The Pier, Ilfracombe Harbour, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ, Tel: 01271 864533, Email, www.ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk
Award winning, all weather family attraction provides a fascinating journey of discovery into the aquatic life of North Devon.
Aquarium
Clovelly, North Devon, EX39 5TA, Tel: 01288 331188, Email, www.clovelly.co.uk
Discover for yourself why people come from all around the world to marvel at this timeless, historic fishing village in North Devon.
Boat Trips
Harbour/Port
Information Centre
Arlington, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 4LP, Tel: 01271 851123, Email
Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel: a complete family estate. The intimate Regency house contains treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, all collected by the Chichesters.
Historic House
North Road, South Molton, North Devon, EX36 3AZ, Tel: 01769 572401, Email, www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk
See the living wonder of wild Exmoor honey bees in their various natural habitats & observation hives, also the workings of Britain’s largest honey farm viewed from 300 feet of indoor gallery.
Wildlife Park
Shop - Farm
Linden Close, Torrington, North Devon, EX38 7AN, Tel: 01805 626242, Email, www.dartington.co.uk
Watch Skilled craftsmen creating the world-famous crystal. Enjoy the fascinating history of glass in the visitor centre. Browse the dazzling collection in the factory shops.
Craft Centre
Downland Farm, Higher Clovelly, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 5RY, Tel: 01237 431255, Email, www.themilkyway.co.uk
Your biggest all weather, family day out in North Devon. From rollercoasters and indoor adventure play to great live shows, there's so much to do plus ALL the rides are included in the entrance fee! Your adventure awaits...are you ready?
Hartland, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 6DT, Tel: 01237 441264/234, Email, www.hartlandabbey.com
Hartland Abbey is a fascinating house. Built across a narrow, wooded valley leading to an Atlantic cove, Henry VIII gifted the Abbey to The Keeper of his Wine Cellar, whose descendants live here today.
Abbotsham, Near Bideford, North Devon, EX39 5AP, Tel: 01237 472366, Email, www.thebigsheep.co.uk
The Big Sheep - an all weather attraction featuring sheep racing, indoor playzone, outdoor lazer games and the Big Sheep Brewery.
High Wire
Boutport Street, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 1SY, Tel: 01271 324 242, Email, www.northdevontheatres.org.uk
The Queen's Theatre in Barnstaple continues a long tradition of festival and theatre in the 'capital' of North Devon.
Theatre
Hartland, Nr. Bideford, North Devon, EX39 6DA, Tel: 01237 441 881, Email, downespa.com/
Downe Health Spa in North Devon offers a range of superb beauty therapies and holistic therapies. Pamper Days at Downe are days of peace and ease, days of total relaxation.
Spa
Shop
West Somerset Community College, Bircham Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6AY, Tel: 01643 822125, Email, www.westsomersetadventures.co.uk
WS Adventures is based right on the edge of the stunning Exmoor National Park. Through our dedicated team of highly qualified professional instructors we run a range of activities for all ages and abilities.
Outdoor Pursuits Centre
Torridge Way, Dobles Lane Industrial Estate, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6HL, Tel: 01409 253900
Essie's Equine is a shop for horse riders looking for tack and much more in Holsworthy.
Shop - Equine
Saunton, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LQ, Tel: 01271 890212, www.sauntonsands.co.uk/eating/sands-on-the-beach.html
Break up your holiday with a trip to the relaxed Sands on the Beach one evening which is just a short stroll away on the beach beneath the hotel.
Café
Filleigh, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 0RQ, Tel: 01598 760336, Email, www.castlehill-devon.com
Castle Hill was built in 1730 as the Earl Fortescue's family home in North Devon. The Palladian House, in which his descendants, the Earl and Countess of Arran are living, is set in an 18th century parkland landscape with grass terraces.
Oussaborough Lane, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7HJ, Tel: 01271 870237, Email, www.woolacombe.co.uk/experience-woolacombe/fun-on-all-the-parks/the-old-mill
A family run, 17th century, Devonshire inn serving home cooked, traditional dishes and local ales in a relaxed atmosphere. Live music and entertainment in the summer. Children’s menu and an adventure playground.
Restaurant - Pub
West Putford, Nr Bradworthy, N Devon, EX22 7XE, Tel: 01409 241435, Email, www.gnomereserve.co.uk
Set in a beautiful area and encourages the Imagination in a fun loving way half is in a beautiful old beechwood, home to most of the gnomes, the other half is The Wild Flower Garden.
Miniature village
Westleigh, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 4NT, Tel: 01271 860528, Email, www.tapeleygardens.com/
Tapeley-or Tapelia as it is known in the Doomsday Book- has for over 1000 years held the fantastic elevated position overlooking the River Torridge. The views stretch as far as the Island of Lundy and fade into the horizon over the Atlantic
Church Lane, Parracombe, Barnstaple, EX31 4RJ, Tel: 0117 9291766, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk
The Churches Conservation Trust is the national charity protecting historic churches at risk. Our unique collection of English parish churches is free to visit and includes irreplaceable examples of architecture, archaeology and art.
Church
Market Place, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 2DR, Tel: 01237 428817, Email, www.bideford-tc.gov.uk/home/pannier-market
The Pannier Market trades on Tuesdays and Saturdays, whilst Butchers' Row is open Monday to Saturday and is a favourite with tourists and residents alike. inside the market hall you will find our cafe - where you can have a quick cup of tea
Market
Hacche Mill, South Molton, North Devon, EX36 3NA, Tel: 0333 600 6001, Email, www.rockandrapidadventures.co.uk
We are a small company based in the Southwest on the edges of Exmoor. We don’t just work in the outdoors we also play in the outdoors and we have passion for what we do.
Coasteering
