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
Robber's Bridge, Porlock, Exmoor, TA24 8PB, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
Starting from Robber's Bridge, at one time the heart of notorious bandit country but now a tranquil beauty spot among birches and beeches, this walk rises and falls through forest and woodland on the side of Culbone Hill.
Walk Route: Circular
Walking Route
Combe Martin, Nr Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 0AR, Tel: 01271 883319, Email, www.visitcombemartin.com/
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.
Beach
Quay West Car Park, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5UP, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
Through the woods to a ruined mediaeval chapel: an adventurous walk for the intrepid walker, featuring a narrow path stony which climbs steeply uphill beyond the chapel. Not for the faint-hearted!
Walk Route: Circular
Woolacombe, Nr Braunton, North Devon, EX34 7DL
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.
Saunton, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LQ, www.sauntonbeach.info/
Saunton Sands is a three mile long expanse of sandy beach popular with surfers and ideal for families.
Hele, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9RD, Tel: 01271 863001, Email, www.visitilfracombe.co.uk
Hele is in North Devon, just over one mile from Illfracombe on the A399 towards Combe Martin (about one hour drive from the M5).
Seaside Location
Crock Point, Lee bay, Lynton, EX35 6B7, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
A short walk around Crock Point, with views across the tiny cove below to Duty Point Tower, above Lee Abbey, returning through peaceful woodland past gently flowing streams with splashing waterfalls.
The Quay, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9EQ, Tel: 01271 863969, www.ilfracombepilotgigclub.org/
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
Pilot Gig Club
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
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
Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 0DN
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.
Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7EB, Tel: 01271 870553, Email
Combesgate is a lovely secluded beach, located at the far right-end side of Woolacombe with some attractive rock pools ideal for children. Beware the beach is only accessible between low and mid-tide. Dog access restrictecd.
Bucks Mills, North Devon, EX39 5DY, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
Step back in time at Bucks Mills and take in the rich history of trade and settlement along this stunning coastal stretch, which includes National Trust land.
Walk Route: Circular - Moderate
Croyde, North Devon, EX33 1NU, Tel: 01271 816400, Email, croydedevon.co.uk/
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.
Brownsham & Clovelly Trail, EX39 5TA, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
Be dazzled with colour as you walk through some of North Devon's finest landscapes, including National Trust land and the Clovelly Estate.
Walk Route: Cicular - Moderate
Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9EQ, www.visitcombemartin.co.uk
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.
Porlock, TA24 8NS, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
Easy circular walk. Gentle footpaths, no noticeable ascent or descent. One path travels close to the shoreline and could be liable to flooding in severe conditions. At such times there are other paths nearby that can be used. 4 miles (6kms)
Walk Route: Circular - Easy
A39 Yenworthy, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6NY, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com/main/walks/index.cfm?fsa=dspWalkDetail&w_id=225
A challenging walk through ancient hanging oak woods and plunging tree-lined valleys with tumbling streams and waterfalls, in a remote area once used for the banishment of social outcasts.
Walk Route: Circular - Difficult
Elmscott Via Docton Mill And Speke's Mil, North Devon, EX39 6ES, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
This walk starts at Elmscott Farm Youth Hostel before dropping down into a valley past Docton Mill Gardens.
Walk Route: Circular - Easy/Moderate
Combe Martin, EX34 0DH, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
Moderate circulare walk. Green lanes, farm tracks, public footpaths, country lanes. Going fairly even underfoot. 4 miles (6kms)
Walk Route: Circular - Moderate
Mortehoe's Deadly Coast Walk, EX34 7DT, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
Mortehoe is a small hilltop village on Devon’s northernmost coast. Despite its proximity to the holiday settlement of Woolacombe it retains an old-world charm and a feeling of remoteness
Walk Route: Cirular - Moderate/Difficult
Hartland, Nr Bideford, North Devon, EX39 6AN, Tel: 01237 423655, www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk
Devon's land end, one of the boldest headlands on the English coast standing 350 feet above the sea. Where the coves and cliff formations are both beautiful and dramatic.
Viewpoint/Beauty Spot
Lee Bay Coastal Heathlands, EX34 8LR, Tel: 01392 360050, www.southwestcoastpath.com
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
Westward Ho!, Nr Bideford, North Devon, EX39 1HN
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.
Lynton, North Devon, EX31 4QX, www.lynton-lynmouth-tourism.co.uk
As it's name may suggest Woody Bay lies below ancient woodland. This secluded beach requires a steep walk of approximately 500 metres, to reveal a rocky, pebbled beach with some shingle.
