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
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.
Hartland Abbey & Gardens
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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?
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
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
Golden Coast Holiday Village, Station Road, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7HW, Tel: 01271 872 011, Email, www.woolacombe.com/bowling
Ten pin bowling for the entire family open to all our guests and local residents. 8 Lanes of genuine American ten pin bowling.
Bowls
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
Torrington Street, East of the Water, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 4PD, Tel: 01237 477747, Email, www.black-smiths.co.uk
Nestled beside the Tarka Cycle trail. Allocated bike parking, fantastic large decked terrace ideal for families. Excellent menu choice and Sunday Carvery to tantalise all taste buds.
Public House
Heddon Valley, Exmoor, Devon, EX31 4PY, Tel: 01598 763230, Email, www.thehuntersinn.net
The Hunters Inn has immense charm & character and sits at the heart of the stunning Heddon Valley - ideal for exploring both the wild beauty of Exmoor and the North Devon Coastline.
Restaurant - Pub
South Street, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7BN, Tel: 01271 870388, Email, www.woolacombebayhotel.com
The Bay Brasserie Bar's "Mediterranean style" of relaxed eating and drinking make it the perfect place for family & friends. Open all day with a wide selection of the finest seasonal & local produce prepared by our inspiring chefs. .
Restaurant
Broad Street, Black Torrington, Devon, EX21 5PT, Tel: 01409 231735, Email, www.reddogbakery.co.uk
Artisan bread is produced in the cottage bakery in the lovely village of Black Torrington and supplied to the surrounding villages.
Shop - Food
Appledore, Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1NG, Tel: 01237 475992, Email, www.skernlodge.co.uk
Offering a large selection of land and water-based adventurous activities for all ages and abilities. Skern Lodge has been operating for over 30 years.
Outdoor Pursuits Centre
South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 4SG, Tel: 01598 763352, Email, www.exmoorzoo.co.uk
A unique natural zoo,with a "hands on" informal atmosphere exhibiting the famous Exmoor Beast.
Zoo
PO Box 575, Silverton, Devon, EX5 4WT, Tel: 07960 630 900, Email, www.treasuretrails.co.uk
Treasure Trails are the quirky, fun & informative way to help you explore some of Devon’s hidden treats! Solve a Murder Mystery; Follow a Treasure Hunt; Carry out a Spy Mission! Fun Daycation for all the family!
Walking Route
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.
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
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.
