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
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
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.
Theme Park
Big Sheep Brewery
High Wire
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.
Garden
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
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?
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.
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.
Exhibition
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.
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
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
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
Boutport Street, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 1HG, Tel: 01271 342289, Email, www.brend-hotels.co.uk/theroyalfortescue
Relax in the Royal & Fortescue's sumptous surroundings with their numerous bustling lounge areas and enjoy a cafe latte and why not treat yourself to a fresh cream eclair or a moist carrot cake.
Tea/Coffee Shop
Brendon, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6PS, Tel: 01598 741222, Email, www.staghunters.com
Traditional home-made, locally sourced food is the order of the day at The Staghunters and we take great pride in our reputation for fine food.
Restaurant
Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1LH, Tel: 01237 474737, Email, www.waterfrontinn.co.uk
The Waterfront Inn is located only yards from the beach and offers all you need for your stay in North Devon. The comfortable bar where you can sit and relax over a beer or glass of wine following the rigours of the day.
Public House
Golden Coast Holiday Village, Station Road, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7HW, Tel: 01271 871 360, Email, www.woolacombe.com/waves
Waves, in Woolacombe, is a 'paint it yourself' ceramic studio and cafe with a wide selection of pottery to decorate. It's easy for anyone from young children to grown-ups to create their own masterpiece.
Children's Activity
Saunton Sands Beach Shop, Saunton, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LG, Tel: 01271 890771, Email, www.sauntonbeach.info/
Dog friendly year round and perfect for families and watersports enthusiasts. Saunton Sands is one of the biggest gems in the North Devon crown.
Beach
Shop
Kings Nympton, North Devon, EX37 9ST, Tel: 01769 580 406, Email, www.thegroveinn.co.uk
Since 2003 the Grove has been working in partnership with local farmers and producers to bring a real taste of Devon to their guests. The hard work of those farmers and producers is evident in the quality food they produce at the Grove
Restaurant - Pub
Virworthy Farm, Sutcombe, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7PQ, Tel: 01409 241033, Email, www.virworthyfinefurniture.co.uk
My aim is to handcraft unique pieces of furniture that will capture those elusive qualities you won't find in mass produced pieces.
Fine Furniture
Unit 4 Barnstaple Trade Centre, Whiddon Valley, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 8RY, Tel: 01271 328328, Email
North Devon's largest indoor playcentre, Open every day of the year for parties, playtime, fun and food.
Children's Activity Centre
Church Lane, Parracombe, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 4RJ, Tel: 0117 9291766, Email, www.visitchurches.org.uk/Ourchurches/Completelistofchurches/St-Petrocks-Church-Parracombe-Devon/
A legendary moorland church with a perfect interior and a musical history… Set in glorious countryside on the edge of Exmoor this medieval hilltop church enjoys stunning views across open moor.
Church
Filleigh, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 0RN, Tel: 01598 760250, Email, www.stagshead.co.uk
This delightful 16th Century thatched inn and lake nestles in its own valley, set in the beautiful Fortescue Estate amidst rolling fields and lush woodland, not far from the stately home Castle Hill.
3/5 Bridge Buildings, The Square, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 8LW, Tel: 01271 372933, Email, www.lilicos.co.uk/
The perfect setting for a relaxed tapas meal with someone special or for friends out to enjoy the buzz of our fashionable bar. Set in the heart of Barnstaple, Chris & Wanda have brought the warmth and passion of the Mediterranean to Devon.
Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6EQ, Tel: 01598 753798
Priding ourselves in producing the finest fish and chips in the area. Holders of the Seafish Friers Quality Award and runners up of the Fish and Chip Shop of the Year. Sample the best by the sea and eat in OUR takeaway!
