Have you had North Devon on your to-visit list for a while but don’t know where to start your journey? We’re here to help you and give you some ideas on the attractions you should consider. You’re about to read a list of all the amazing things to do in North Devon, and you’re sure to be impressed with everything this region has to offer.
To make planning easier, we have included some budget-friendly travel tips as well as advice on when the best time to travel is. All you have to do is hire your dream vehicle and go on an adventure.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Where Is North Devon?
- 2 10 Best Things To Do In North Devon
- 2.1 1. Discover Exmoor National Park
- 2.2 2. Visit Hartland Abbey
- 2.3 3. Explore North Devon Maritime Museum
- 2.4 4. Cycle Tarka Trail
- 2.5 5. Experience Clovelly
- 2.6 6. Uncover Combe Martin Wildlife And Dinosaur Park
- 2.7 7. Explore Ilfracombe
- 2.8 8. Ride Lynton And Lynmouth Cliff Railway
- 2.9 9. Hike The South West Coast Path
- 2.10 10. Enjoy Westward Ho!
- 3 Exploring North Devon On A Budget
- 4 Best Time To Visit North Devon
- 5 Fun Facts About North Devon
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Conclusion
Where Is North Devon?
North Devon is located in the county of Devon, in the southwest of England. The region includes towns such as Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and Braunton. It’s well-known for its stunning landscapes, which encompass rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and extensive moorlands.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this region will be pure heaven for you. You’ll have the opportunity to hike along the South West Coast Path, surf at the popular beaches and explore the picturesque Exmoor National Park. If you’re a history buff, you can also find quite a few historic market towns.
10 Best Things To Do In North Devon
The northern part of Devon has a lot of enchanting things to offer and here is a list of the top choices.
1. Discover Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park is a place to go if you want to admire the breathtaking views of rolling hills and rugged cliffs. It is a wonderful peaceful retreat where visitors can escape the crowds of urban cities. The location boasts numerous walking trails and panoramic views.
Furthermore, this national park is a dark sky reserve, so romantics who enjoy stargazing should add it to their itinerary. Don’t miss a chance to admire spectacular panoramic vistas from Dunkery Beacon, a moorland site owned by the National Trust. While you are there, check out Exmoor Zoo. It’s a great location for family fun and allows you to see rare exotic animals.
The Quince Honey Farm is located really close to this area, and it’s one of the most unique North Devon locations you could explore. The farm offers different tours and workshops where you can learn all about the honey-making process and sample delicious products along the way.
2. Visit Hartland Abbey
Hartland Abbey was originally built as a monastery, and it later became a private residence. Today, a lot of visitors can explore its charms and walled gardens. You can tour historic rooms, admire the architecture and enjoy tranquil surroundings.
Many say that the gardens are a highlight of the visit. Lush gardens, vibrant flowers and well-manicured lawns all create a very enchanting atmosphere. A pond also adds to the diversity of the landscape. Other than being a sightseeing attraction, Hartland Abbey has also served as a filming location for various BBC projects.
Given its proximity to North Devon’s coastline, Hartland Abbey can also provide you with breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
3. Explore North Devon Maritime Museum
Located in Appledore, this museum is one of the best historical North Devon attractions. The museum showcases the rich maritime history of the region, and the exhibits include artefacts, ship models and interactive displays. There is also a display dedicated to Richard Grenville.
If you decide to visit this museum, you’ll gain a valuable understanding of North Devon’s relationship with the sea, from shipbuilding to fishing. The museum also has a gift shop where you can buy awesome souvenirs related to maritime history.
There are no age limits for this museum, so you can take the whole family there. A lot of the interactive displays will be interesting for younger kids and adults alike. And if you have a well-behaved dog, you can even take your furry friend to admire the maritime heritage of the region.
Appledore boasts cute pastel houses where you can relax and take in the sea views without huge crowds.
4. Cycle Tarka Trail
If you want to enjoy an active North Devon holiday, then the magnificent 180-mile journey through the very best that this region has to offer will be a treat for you. Tarka Trail was named after the famous novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ by Henry Williamson, and its route incorporates parts of the South West Coast Path, the North Devon Coast, Exmoor National Park and many other outstanding natural beauty sights.
You’ll get to feast your eyes on wooded river valleys, coastal cliffs and estuaries. There are also charming villages along the way, such as Barnstaple and Bideford. No matter if you’re a cyclist, walker or simply a nature lover, you’ll get an unmatched immersive experience of the stunning landscapes.
Tarka Trail provides opportunities for birdwatching.
5. Experience Clovelly
If you love strolling through the picturesque villages, visiting Clovelly and witnessing its unique historical charm will be a blast for you. While you can drive to Clovelly and park it at the top of the hill, you can’t use a motor vehicle in the village itself, a rule put in place to preserve its unique character.
Clovelly is filled with steep, cobbled streets that wind their way down to a small, historic harbour. The streets are lined with cute cottages, flower-filled gardens and quaint shops.
Another interesting fact is that Clovelly is a privately owned village that has been passed down through generations of the same family. To celebrate its maritime heritage, the village hosts the Clovelly Maritime Festival.
The port city of Plymouth is close to this village and you can reach it in about two hours. It’s a great way to explore both places that boast significant maritime history while also comparing how different living in a quiet village is compared to living in Plymouth.
6. Uncover Combe Martin Wildlife And Dinosaur Park
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park offers a captivating blend of North Devon activities to experience since it incorporates both nature and prehistoric elements. It boasts an impressive collection of life-sized dinosaur models, making it a perfect choice for a family holiday excursion.
The models are strategically placed throughout the park, which creates an exciting atmosphere for both adults and children. The wildlife park features a variety of animals, such as meerkats, wolves, sea lions and exotic birds. You can also opt for close encounters with some of the animals that are located there.
If you’re itching for more family attractions, then your next stop could be Watermouth Castle. It’s both a family theme park and a castle, and it’s conveniently located close to Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park.
And if you find yourself close to the Cornwall border, Milky Way Adventure Park could be an excellent attraction for you.
7. Explore Ilfracombe
You can’t spend your North Devon holiday without paying a visit to Ilfracombe. It’s a charming seaside resort town known for its picturesque harbour, stunning cliffs and mix of alluring architectural styles.
The harbour is its focal point, bustling with fishing boats. At the very entrance, there is a Verity statue. It’s an artwork that stirred controversy among residents. Mullacott Equestrian Centre can help you spice things up with horseback riding on the beach.
Ilfracombe Harbour might not be a traditional coastal escapade, but the town of Ilfracombe provides access to small coves and the iconic Tunnels Beaches. These tidal bathing pools are the perfect location for those who seek to organise a unique and romantic wedding ceremony. Check out our list of beaches in North Devon for more exciting adventures by the sea.
You can pay a visit to the Ilfracombe town centre where there are plenty of shops to shop at.
8. Ride Lynton And Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Lynton And Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a charming and historic funicular railway that connects the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth. It opened in 1890. What’s unique about this railway is that it operates on a water-balance system, where water is pumped at the top station to provide the necessary weight for the descending carriage.
Lynthon is perched on the top of the clips, while Ltmouth takes place at the bottom by the sea, which makes the railway a convenient means of transportation between the two. While you travel, you’ll also get to experience beautiful scenery. There will be panoramic views of the surrounding Exmoor coastline and breathtaking views of the rigged cliffs. All that combined will give you both a practical and delightful experience.
9. Hike The South West Coast Path
The South West Coastal Path in North Devon is a challenging but rewarding trail to take, with many beautiful beaches along the way.
Tourists who enjoy building sand castles will be pleased to know that North Devon possesses sand dunes. Saunton Sands Beach is a wide beach filled with golden sand, perfect for those who like to admire the unique coastal landscape.
Those who’d like to boast to their friends about learning a new skill while on vacation can take paddle boarding lessons on some of these beaches, while those who want to take in the best views, snap some awesome photos and learn more about the area can embark on a sightseeing boat trip.
10. Enjoy Westward Ho!
Westward Ho is a unique seaside village on the North Devon coast. The name was inspired by the famous book ‘Westward Ho’ written by Charles Kingsley. This coastal village has a long beach backed by a pebble ridge.
One unique thing you could do while you’re in this area is try out golfing at the Royal North Devon Golf Club. It’s the oldest golf course in England, dating back all the way to 1864.
Westward Ho offers a range of amenities, including shops, cafes and restaurants. Make sure to take advantage of the village’s charming streets and enjoy the mix of traditional and modern seaside experiences. You could also taste the iconic Devon cream tea somewhere along the way.
Exploring North Devon On A Budget
For starters, North Devon is a region that boasts awesome natural attractions that are completely free to explore. So, take advantage of that and hike along the Tarka Trail or roam around the Exmoor and North Devon’s coast.
The next thing you could do is opt for budget-friendly accommodation, such as local hostels, campsites, or guesthouses. To save money on meals, you can grab your snacks from the local markets and enjoy an affordable picnic by the beach.
You can also spend some time researching and perhaps find discounts on certain attractions or activities. For a well-rounded experience of the Devon region, you can also consider visiting East Devon attractions or exploring what the southern part of Devon has to offer.
Best Time To Visit North Devon
As with most regions in England, the best time to embark on exploring North Devon is late spring/early summer or late summer/early autumn. The weather is pleasant during this time, and you can fully appreciate the landscapes this region has to offer. Plus, you’re likely to avoid peak tourist season when the crowds are huge.
The weather can be a bit unpredictable, so make sure to pack all your essentials, such as waterproofs in case of rain, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.
Whether you’re in search of an automatic car hire deal or you need a spacious 6-seater van to fit your squad, contact SDVH today, and we’ll offer you the sweetest deal.
Fun Facts About North Devon
Here are some interesting things about North Devon that you probably didn’t know about:
- Braunton Burrows in North Devon is one of the largest sand dunes in the UK.
- Certain parts of the novel Barefoot on the Cobbles take place in Bucks Mills, a village in North Devon.
- North Devon offers a range of walking trails for people living in Exeter and other areas across Devon.
- Barnstaple and Bideford in North Devon have traditional pannier markets where you can sample local produce and purchase one-of-a-kind crafts from local artisans.
- Lundy Island, nestled just off the coast of North Devon, is a designated Marine Conservation Zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Stay During A Visit To North Devon?
During your visit to North Devon, you can stay in hotels, guesthouses, hostels or campsites. Since you have various options to choose from, you’re sure to find an option that fits both your budget and personal preferences. If you’re seeking luxurious retreats, you can also stay in more upscale hotels and county estates.
Is North Devon Cheap To Visit?
Yes, North Devon is cheap to visit. Many of its attractions, such as beaches, walking trails and charming villages, are either free or have minimal entry fees. If you plan accordingly and get cheaper accommodation options and meals, you can make your visit even more affordable. Getting a good vehicle hire deal can also contribute to more economical travel to North Devon.
What Is The Best Attraction In North Devon?
The best attraction in North Devon is Exmoor National Park. It’s a standout attraction that appeals to many visitors. It offers a diverse and picturesque landscape and provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. Another important attraction to consider is one of the many beautiful beaches this region has to offer, as well as the charming village of Clovelly. For more excitement around Devon, consider taking a drive along the Jurassic Coast.
Can You Hire A Car In North Devon?
Yes, you can hire a car in North Devon. There are several car rental companies in the area that can provide you with both short-term and long-term rentals so you can explore each sight of the region. You can get amazing hire deals from us at SDVH and explore North Devon as you please.
How Many Days Should You Spend In North Devon?
You should spend at least five days in North Devon. This time span allows for a more relaxed exploration of North Devon. You can visit multiple beaches, enjoy coastal walks and hikes, explore villages, and perhaps even take part in some festivals. If you, however, want to have a short weekend getaway, two days are still enough to visit one or two key attractions.
Conclusion
Now that you have a list of the very best things to do in North Devon under your belt, you can start planning your journey and choosing your go-to vehicle to hire for this natural escapade. No matter if you want to try out watersports on one of its stunning beaches or challenge yourself with a hike, North Devon sure is a destination worth visiting, as it offers memorable experiences and natural sights.