See & Do
BEACHES
North Devon has some of the best surf beaches in the country. Hard core surfers head to Croyde (background image), packed with themed cafes & bars and surf shops and hire outlets. But there is also great access at Woolacombe, Putsborough, and Saunton to the North of the Taw/Torridge estuary, and at Westward Ho! to the south. Most of the beaches also have great rock-pooling, castle building options, and dunes to explore. Saunton has beach-hut hire if you want to make a good day of it.
CYCLING
The lanes of North Devon make for some pretty demanding cycling but we can suggest some great routes that take you up onto the roof of Exmoor with terrific views right across the county. For mountain bikers there are miles of bridleways to explore on both moors.
For the slightly less adventurous the Tarka Trail is a great option, following the old railway line from Meethe in the heart of North Devon, down through Torrington and along the Torridge Estuary to Bideford, Instow and Barnstaple. The gradient is gentle, the views are stunning, and the cafes are welcoming! If you don't have your own bike, there are hire shops at convenient access places
WALKS
There are a number of walks you can do right from the village (see our welcome pack for more info), but for the more adventurous head up to the coast, or to the moors.
The coast path is best either side of the surf beaches - the stretches from Westward Ho! to Clovelly, and around Hartland Point give great views back over Bideford Bay, while the path leading from Woolacombe and on towards Ilfracombe, Combe Martin and Lynmouth looks out over the Bristol Channel and up to Wales.
On Exmoor, there's great walking in the Barle Valley, based on Withypool, Tarr Steps and Simonsbath, as well as heading inland from Lynmouth towards the National Trust cafe at Watersmeet. Another great option on Exmoor is to join a National Park-run deer walk
On Dartmoor, take a map and explored the wilderness to the south of Belstone and Okehampton Camp.
The National Trust properties at Arlington House and Knightshayes also have fabulous parkland to explore.
Exmoor
Tarka Trail
Watermouth
Simonsbath
Barle Valley
Nr Watersmeet
Arlingtn House
South Molton
Pannier Market
The Cheese Larder
The Grove Inn
Glorious Oyster
The Masons Arms
Noel Cosrston
Barricane Beach
John's Deli
FOOD AND DRINK
From award winning restaurants and pubs to beachside shacks serving the freshest seafood - and from artisan cheeses to farm-fresh meat and veg, North Devon is a foodie paradise.
For local produce, head for the Pannier Market in South Molton (Thursdays and Saturdays) - the covered arcade itself is worth a visit, but when its brimming with stalls it takes on a whole new life. Highlights are Dan the Fish Man and Westcountry Cheeses.
South Molton also has two top class butchers and a terrific cheese shop and deli, selling Devon cheeses that sit happily among the best in the world.
The other essential destination is Butchers' Row in Barnstaple - today (and despite the limits implied by its name) you can buy a huge range of delicacies.
And Devon wouldn't be Devon without :
Pasties - look for LJ's pasties from the Cheese Larder and John May's Butchers.
Cider - pretty much all the pubs, or try buying from Inch's in Winkleigh. Our own local, The Grove, has an ale and cider festival every July with a huge range on offer.
Cream teas - for high end with a view to match, it has to be the Saunton Sands Hotel, overlooking a huge expanse of beach.
There are too many restaurants, pubs and cafes to mention, but our pick would have to include :
The Grove - just up the road in the village.
The Mason's Arms, Knowstone - Michelin starred dining just a few miles away.
Noel Corston, Woolacombe - fine dining at ten covers grouped around the kitchen.
The Glorious Oyster, Instow - seafood shack selling - well, glorious oysters and other seafood.
Putsborough Beach cafe - for snacks with an amazing view.
Barricane Beach cafe, Woolacombe - serving freshly made Sri Lankan curries each evening on the beach.
John's Deli, Instow and Appledore - selling deli treats for picnics, or to eat in.