North Devon is a county in Southwest England that runs along the coast from the Bristol Channel to the English Channel. It’s a popular holiday destination for people that want to admire nature or enjoy the sandy beaches that sit along the coast.
But with all that coastline, it can be hard to know where to start. So to help you plan the ideal holiday, here is a list of the 17 best places to visit in North Devon! No matter what kind of vacation you imagine, one of these spots will suit your desires.
1. Westward Ho!
Westward Ho!, a town with an actual exclamation mark in the name, is a joyous and welcoming place to visit in Devon. This lovely town offers spacious beaches and spectacular shorelines, perfect for a romantic sunset walk.
You can explore the Northam Burrows dunes, which are massive and smooth, or take your dog for a walk along the coast. People adore the reflections of the clouds visible in the ocean water because of how calm the tide is and the thin film that settles on the water.
It’s also a lovely spot for rock collectors, as the shore is littered with pebbles, smoothened and rounded to perfection by the ocean waves.
This sleepy seaside town is one of the top places to visit in North Devon, offering gorgeous ocean views and a friendly, warm atmosphere.
The town has small restaurants featuring cosy meals, from pubs to breakfast eateries. There’s everything you could want in this charming town with a most curious name.
2. Lynton and Lynmouth
Lynton is one of the most northern places in North Devon and is only separated from Lynmouth by a slight height difference.
These two villages are quaint and enchanting, with small farmhouses and friendly residents. It’s the ideal place to go if you want a peaceful but gorgeous day in the area.
Lynton is on a majestic cliff overlooking Lynmouth, and you can travel between the two villages via the Cliff Railway, which delivers stunning views of both the villages and the ocean.
The best time to visit is when the low tide comes, and the harbour empties. Once that happens, you’ll have the chance to see the colourful rocks and gaze at the waves lapping over the wet sand.
In Lynmouth, you might want to make time to head towards the woodland area known as Watersmeet. This is a veritable sanctuary, providing opportunities for quiet hiking or scenic gazing.
There’s a cafe right by the water in the forest. So you can enjoy a cup of coffee or snack before or after a blissful walk through the woods.
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3. Valley of the Rocks
Valley of the Rocks is hands down one of the beautiful places to visit in North Devon if you’re looking to glimpse captivating natural views.
It’s only a mile from Lynton, so you can see both in one day if you plan well. If you want to do a casual hike and love walking, the Valley of the Rocks is considered one of the finest spots to walk in the entire county.
The different coloured rocks lining this immense valley create a rainbow of mysterious natural elements that you can’t see just anywhere. You can take the eastern path and gaze at the ocean from up high, where you can admire the greenish-blue waves.
If you want to go deeper into the valley and admire the rocks and various wildlife, it’s recommended to take the western path. The Valley of the Rocks is a magical spot to watch a sunrise or sunset while being surrounded by natural beauty on all sides.
4. Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park is an excellent place to spot Devon wildlife like bounding deer or wild ponies, which are rare sightings in England. The national park is huge, stretching from North Devon to Somerset, so there’s plenty of land to explore.
There are many outdoor activities in Exmoor National Park, such as horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, and mountain biking.
But the park is also known for its incredible night skies, making it an excellent destination for a stargazing trip where you can make lifelong memories with friends or family.
In addition, the park is home to the South West Coast Path, which offers some of the most beautiful walks in the entire country.
Exmoor is an excellent place to visit with children because there are so many exciting activities in one place. Just make sure to pack bug spray and a few snacks, as you can easily spend hours, if not a whole day, exploring the area.
5. Saunton Sands
It’s undebatable that if you go to North Devon, you need to make time to visit the glorious Saunton Sands. This beach stretches for miles just outside Croyde and offers stellar views of the dunes along the shore and the ocean that follows it.
At first glance, it might seem endless, but that only makes it more appealing for a long, leisurely walk as the sun sets.
You can complete the Four Beaches Walk by travelling on foot from Croyde to Saunton Sands, which has great views of the ocean, the village, and the wildlife in between.
Saunton Sands is one of the most popular beaches in North Devon. That means this is not going to be a deserted location. Expect to see agile surfers, lots of laughing families, and plenty of people walking their puppies.
However, due to its length and spaciousness, it never feels crowded or cramped.
6. Putsborough Beach
Putsborough Beach is a lovely place located in Woolacombe village. This is a classic seaside town, with beautifully-maintained buildings, warmth, and spectacular ocean views. What’s more, the surf here is fantastic, making it a great spot for bodyboarding, canoeing, windsurfing, and, of course, surfing. You can even rent a board.
The golden beach has even won awards for its outstanding quality, including the Best British Beach and Blue Flag award. However, do keep in mind that there are no lifeguards, so make sure everyone is supervised when visiting.
There’s a small cafe along the beach and tons of interesting rocks along the shore that you can take home as a souvenir or admire as you stroll. While the beach is a long stretch of sand, it can still often be crowded with locals and tourists.
So if you want a quiet and isolated beach day, Putsborough isn’t the best choice. But if you don’t mind a little hustle and bustle, the views and welcoming atmosphere makes it well worth the trip.
7. Hartland
Hartland is a wild and rugged spot in North Devon, ideal for people that want an outdoorsy adventure for their trip to Devon. If you want a sunny beach day, Hartland is almost always grey and cloudy, but that is beautiful in its own way.
Hartland and the beach of Welcombe Mouth are both very out of the way, so you can easily escape the crowds and noise when you follow the narrow, windy roads to this fascinating location.
Stunning paths lined with leafy greenery make you feel like you’re in a magical place. A circular walkway you can follow will take you from Hartland Quay to Spekes Mill waterfall and back. The waterfall is an idyllic spot for photographs that you’ll cherish forever.
Many visit Hartland for a remote day trip full of solitude and majestic nature. In particular, consider taking a walk through the Hartland Abbey and Gardens, which are bursting with colourful bluebells, tulips, and other flowers.
8. Blackchurch Rock
If you love seeing unusual rock formations and other natural wonders, it’s worth taking the trip to the Blackchurch Rock on Mouthmill Beach. The Blackchurch Rock is a massive rock formation with a natural hole in the middle, which looks like a man-made doorway.
Walking through the doorway is an experience that can’t be explained until you go there. The best time to visit is sunset or sunrise, when the sun illuminates the rock, making the doorway even more spectacular.
To find this rock, you need to take a little hike through Brownsham Woods to Mouthmill Beach. You won’t find sand here as the beach is composed of cobble and boulders. That means it’s advisable to wear sturdy footwear if you make the trip.
Still, if you want to relax at the beach but don’t care about tanning or swimming, this picturesque spot is ideal for sitting on the rocks and watching the waves come and go.
9. Broadsands Beach
Broadsands Beach in Watermouth is a gorgeous beach spot that you would be remiss not to visit when in North Devon.
There are a few fun things to do in Watermouth, like check out the Boat Café, Widemouth Head, or the Grade II-listed Watermouth Castle. The latter is not an actual castle but a former 19th Century mansion now used as a theme park.
But nothing is as incredible as Broadsands Beach, which is one of the most enchanting destinations in North Devon. It offers gorgeous views, making you feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
There is a long staircase with more than 200 steps leading from the town down to the beach. While it’s not the most accessible beach in North Devon, many feel it is worth it to make the trek up and down these steps.
And if you don’t want to venture down the steep steps, you can enjoy the beach views from one of the nearby hotels and grab a drink while you watch the sunset.
10. Barnstaple
Barnstaple is a must-see spot in North Devon. It is the largest town in North Devon and has plenty to offer if you visit.
Since it’s not far from Saunton Sands Beach, you can check out both places in one day if you plan accordingly.
While North Devon is packed with fun outdoor places and nature spots, Barnstaple is on hand to offer several town attractions. One of the most exquisite spots is Donna Flower’s Vintage Shop, which sells vintage knick-knacks and lovely clothing you won’t find anywhere else.
If flowers aren’t your thing, Barnstaple is home to Exmoor Zoo, the grand Arlington Court, The National Trust Carriage Museum, and The Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon.
The museum is housed in a gorgeous Grade II-listed Victorian building and has been educating visitors about local history since the 1880s.
Expect to see prehistoric artefacts, regimental collections belonging to the Royal Devon Yeomanry, and a recreation of the Barnstaple Elephant.
11. Appledore
Appledore is famous for its idyllic postcard views, from the small colourful buildings to the picturesque scenes of the ocean and estuaries.
The tiny homes packed next to one another range in bright, happy colours, from hot pink to pastel yellows to sweet periwinkles to lime green!
It’s a beautiful town to walk through and wave at the welcoming locals. And the village is renowned for its ice cream brand Hockings Dairy Cream Ices. Their flavours are exquisite and liable to have you coming back for more.
If you’re partial to boats, you’ll have plenty to see, as there are numerous craft sitting in the peaceful waters. In addition, there is an active shipyard, which has built vessels for the Irish Navy, Royal Navy, and numerous commercial ventures.
From the narrow cobblestone streets to the delightful houses and excess of colourful flowers, it’s hard not to fall in love with Appledore.
12. Clovelly
Clovelly is a private village, meaning you have to pay to visit, which is a little unorthodox, but worth it.
The fees help preserve the 19th Century charm of this village and are roughly £5 a person. Even then, children can enter for a discount.
There are no cars, only donkeys, making it a delightfully unique and fascinating place to visit if you want to get away from city life. It’s also near Hartland, which is close enough that you could explore both villages in a single day.
Of course, you could easily spend a full day exploring the tranquillity of Clovelly. The village is on top of a 400-foot cliff overlooking the ocean, so you can feel the sea air embrace you with every breeze and watch the blue ocean move from a dazzling vantage point.
The stunning harbour is a deep walk down a hill, but worth it if you want to see the sailboats drift along the shore or walk to the edge of a rustic pier.
13. RHS Rosemoor Garden
The RHS Rosemoor Garden is one of the lesser-known places in North Devon. While the area’s coast is delightful, if you’ve seen enough beaches in your life, you should make the trip to the Rosemoor Garden and admire its flowers and greenery.
This location is impressively sized and houses many different gardens within its grounds. You can see exquisite and exotic flowers that flourish in this well-maintained garden.
There is a garden dedicated to various roses, one for plants that prefer hot weather, a spot for fruit and vegetables, a foliage garden, and even a stone garden with striking rocks and sculptures.
The garden is open year-round, but if you plan accordingly, you can visit while they’re having a flower show to see the best they offer and learn all about these beautiful plants.
And if you want to explore a more natural side of Rosemoor, there is a woodland area just behind the enclosed garden you can hike through or take a calm stroll.
14. Ilfracombe
If a quiet trip to North Devon isn’t what you’re searching for, Ilfracombe could be for you. It has loads of shops, restaurants, hotels, and more to keep you entertained. That makes it ideal for families and couples.
You can view the famous Verity statue created by Damien Hirst in 2012. While the seaside village has wonderful activities to experience, it also has no shortage of soft-sanded beaches with lapping waves.
You can visit Wild Pear Beach, Combesgate Beach, Watermouth Bay, or Lee Bay Beach to sunbathe or dig your toes into the sand. Not surprisingly, this village is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
So needless to say, it’s remarkable when it comes to ocean views and nature sights. It’s the leading holiday in North Devon, so you won’t be alone if you take a trip here, but some don’t mind the touristy element of the village. After all, the locals welcome everyone who visits and appreciates their charming town.
15. Lundy Island
Lundy Island is off the coast of Ilfracombe, so you can stay in the bustling town and take a scenic trip to the island from there. But you can also stay on Lundy Island and have your entire holiday there.
Lundy Island has a ton to offer, but one of the most popular attractions is taking a boat to the island to see dolphins jumping through the water. Along with these adorable creatures, you can spot puffins, crabs, and seals wandering around the island.
The Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel at Lundy Island, giving the area a mild climate with mild summers and wet winters. You’ll even encounter plenty of fog, perfect for an atmospheric trip. To many visitors, Lundy Island feels untouched by the modern world, with granite outcropping and lush green hills.
Even though some people live on the island, 28 to be exact, it retains a peaceful and rustic aura that makes it irresistible to anyone looking for a memorable trip far removed from their daily life.
16. Instow
At the estuary where the Torridge and Taw rivers meet is the wonderful village of Instow. It is just across the water from Appledore, and while it isn’t quite as beautiful, it offers fantastic culture and food.
It’s famous for its oysters, so make sure you eat at the Glorious Oyster Beach Cafe, which offers plenty of classic English and Scottish dishes alongside the freshest oysters you’ve ever had!
Instow is not a hotspot for tourists, meaning you can find some peace along the shores or in town. Still, there are plenty of activities if you plan a busy family outing. The town is also known for some of its practically ancient features, like a railway signal that is more than 130 years old.
There’s also an art gallery showcasing local masterpieces from right in town or the surrounding area. Whether you want to take a romantic break or sample the local food, Instow can meet your needs. It’s just not ideal if you want a sun-soaked beach day.
17. Combe Martin
Combe Martin is a popular holiday spot for people looking to enjoy a day out at the beach with plenty of water activities. The village has a sheltered beach that feels very private and sequestered, even though it can get crowded with tourists.
It’s a lovely spot to escape and unwind while taking in the ocean air and the soft sand. Here, you can kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and sometimes surf in the water, or just lie back and watch everyone else mess around in the water.
The town of Combe Martin is right between Exmoor and Ilfracombe, so you can easily visit both locations if you stay in this small village. There are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants to give you lots of choices.
And if you bring little kids, they’ll adore exploring the Combe Martin Wildlife, Dinosaur Park, or the Watermouth Castle Theme Park.
When Is the Best Time to Visit North Devon?
If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy some nice weather, you should visit North Devon in autumn, between September and November. The summer has the best weather, but the most tourists.
If you want to focus on indoor activities and don’t mind a chill, you’ll also have a marvellous time going at the beginning or end of winter when the crowds are almost nonexistent. But whenever you choose to go, you won’t be disappointed with these 17 beautiful and fun places to visit in North Devon.
