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.
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Crock Point, Lee bay, Lynton, EX35 6B7
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.
Walking Route
Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9EQ
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.
Elmscott Via Docton Mill And Speke's Mil, North Devon, EX39 6ES
This walk starts at Elmscott Farm Youth Hostel before dropping down into a valley past Docton Mill Gardens.
Walk Route: Circular - Easy/Moderate
Lee Bay Coastal Heathlands, EX34 8LR
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
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.
Beach
Lynton, North Devon, EX31 4QX
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.
Quay West Car Park, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5UP
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
Bude, EX23 0AW
Situated in an area of outstanding beauty it is ideal for surfing & paradise for children with a beautiful stretch of golden sand & innumerable rock pools to explore. The Coastal Footpath runs along the cliff-top with panoramic views.
Appledore & Northam Burrows, EX39 1QS
North of Bideford a peninsula of land juts out between the sea and the estuary of the River Torridge. Being something of a cul-de-sac, the area has a real character of its own.
Walk Route: Cirular - Moderate
Brownsham & Clovelly Trail, EX39 5TA
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
County Gate, North Devon, EX35 6NQ
The walk starts from the car park at County Gate. From here cross the road and follow the footpath signs for the Sugarloaf. This is one of the finest viewpoints on the Exmoor Coast.
Walk Route: Circular - Moderate/Difficult
Motehoe, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7EG
Rockham is a quiet beach free from the madding crowds. Visits require a quite difficult walk of approximately 2km down to the sea, but well worth a visit for the fit and able!
Clovelly, North Devon, EX39 5TA
This section of Coast Path leads you through the stunning, contrasting landscapes of the Hartland Peninsula.
Tarka Trail, North Devon, EX39 4BB
The Tarka Trail is a pedestrian and cycle way that runs in a 180 mile figure-of-eight through landscapes little changed from those described by Henry Williamson in his classic 1927 novel Tarka the Otter.
Cycle Route: The Tarka Trail
Cycle Route
Westward Ho!, North Devon, EX39 1LQ
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
Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8NF
The small bay at Crooklets is due north of Summerleaze & adjoins it at low tide. Formed by the rocks of Wrangle Point to the north and outcrops of rocks to the south. Due to the small size of the beach it can be conjested in the summer.
Combe Martin, Nr Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 0AR
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.
Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7BT
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.
Burgundy Chapel Combe car park, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5SG
A short walk that is nonetheless strenuous in places. following a delightful path around the southern edge of North Hill with spectacular views down over the tranquil green pastureland spread out below the woods.
Walk Route: Circular - Moderate
A39 Yenworthy, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6NY
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
Croyde, North Devon, EX33 1NU
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.
Robber's Bridge, Porlock, Exmoor, TA24 8PB
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
Combe Martin, EX34 0DH
Moderate circulare walk. Green lanes, farm tracks, public footpaths, country lanes. Going fairly even underfoot. 4 miles (6kms)
Walk Route: Circular - Moderate
Saunton, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1LQ
Saunton Sands is a three mile long expanse of sandy beach popular with surfers and ideal for families.
