North Devon England Map

10 best things to do in North Devon One Hundred Lifetimes from onehundredlifetimes.com

A Comprehensive Travel Guide

If you’re planning a trip to North Devon, England, there are plenty of things to see and do. This stunning region in the southwest of England is known for its natural beauty, charming towns, and rich history. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, North Devon has something to offer. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and more.

Top Attractions

North Devon is home to several must-visit attractions, including:

The stunning coastline, with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches
The historic town of Barnstaple, with its charming architecture and bustling markets
The picturesque village of Clovelly, with its cobbled streets and fishing harbor
The stunning Exmoor National Park, with its incredible landscapes and wildlife
The Tarka Trail, a scenic walking and cycling route that takes you through some of North Devon’s most beautiful countryside

Hidden Gems

While North Devon has plenty of well-known attractions, there are also some hidden gems that are worth seeking out. Some of these include:

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, which offers a fascinating insight into the region’s history
The village of Appledore, with its colorful houses and bustling quayside
The Valley of Rocks, a stunning natural attraction that features dramatic rock formations and breathtaking views
The Hartland Peninsula, a rugged and remote area that is perfect for hiking and exploring
The historic village of Braunton, with its pretty thatched cottages and ancient church

Food Scene

North Devon is known for its delicious local cuisine, with plenty of fresh seafood, local meats, and artisanal cheeses on offer. Some of the top places to eat in the region include:

The Olive Room in Ilfracombe, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern European cuisine
The Rock Inn in Georgeham, a cozy pub that serves hearty British fare
The Chichester Arms in Bishops Tawton, a traditional country pub with a great selection of real ales
The Quay Cafe in Appledore, a charming cafe that serves delicious homemade cakes and sandwiches

Budget-Friendly Tips

If you’re traveling on a budget, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy all that North Devon has to offer. Some tips for saving money include:

Booking your accommodation in advance to take advantage of early bird rates
Packing a picnic lunch instead of eating out every day
Exploring the region on foot or by bike, instead of renting a car
Visiting some of the free attractions, such as the beaches and walking trails

Outdoor Adventures

For those who love the great outdoors, North Devon is the perfect destination. Some of the top outdoor activities to try include:

Surfing at one of the region’s many beaches, such as Croyde or Woolacombe
Hiking in Exmoor National Park, where you’ll find some of the most stunning landscapes in the country
Cycling the Tarka Trail, which takes you through some of North Devon’s most beautiful countryside
Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along the coast, for a different perspective on the stunning scenery

Family-Friendly Activities

North Devon is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Some of the top family-friendly things to do include:

Visiting the Big Sheep, a family-friendly attraction with animal encounters, rides, and shows
Exploring the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, which features a range of animals, including lions, tigers, and meerkats
Spending a day at the beach, building sandcastles and paddling in the sea
Taking a boat trip along the coast, where you might spot dolphins, seals, or even whales

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to be had in North Devon. Some of these include:

Visiting the UK’s only remaining glass-making factory, Dartington Crystal
Exploring the historic village of Clovelly, which is only accessible on foot or by donkey
Taking a trip on the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world
Visiting the Arlington Court and National Trust Carriage Museum, which features a stunning collection of carriages and sleighs

Natural Wonders

North Devon is home to some incredible natural wonders, including:

The Valley of Rocks, a stunning natural attraction that features dramatic rock formations and breathtaking views
Exmoor National Park, which is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country
The Tarka Trail, a scenic walking and cycling route that takes you through some of North Devon’s most beautiful countryside
The Hartland Peninsula, a rugged and remote area that is perfect for hiking and exploring

Vibrant Nightlife

While North Devon is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, there is also a vibrant nightlife scene to be found. Some of the top places to go for a night out include:

The Thatch in Croyde, a lively pub that hosts live music and DJs
The Pier House in Westward Ho!, a beachfront bar with stunning views and a great selection of drinks
The Red Barn in Woolacombe, a popular nightclub with late-night DJs and a lively atmosphere
The Palladium Club in Bideford, a legendary venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music

Local Markets

North Devon is home to a range of local markets, where you can pick up fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique souvenirs. Some of the top markets to visit include:

The Pannier Market in Barnstaple, which has been trading for over 150 years
The Farmers’ Market in Bideford, which takes place every other Saturday and features a range of local produce
The Ilfracombe Artisan Market, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month and features a range of handmade crafts and artisanal goods

Beaches and Mountains

North Devon is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in the country. Some of the top places to visit include:

Croyde Bay, a stunning sandy beach that is popular with surfers
Woolacombe Beach, which has been named one of the best beaches in the world
Lynton and Lynmouth, a charming coastal town that is surrounded by stunning mountains and valleys
Exmoor National Park, which is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country

Cultural Immersion

If you’re interested in learning more about North Devon’s rich history and culture, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Some of the top cultural experiences include:

Visiting the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, which offers a fascinating insight into the region’s history
Exploring the historic town of Barnstaple, with its charming architecture and bustling markets
Attending one of the many local festivals and events, such as the North Devon Show or the Clovelly Maritime Festival
Taking a guided walking tour of one of the region’s towns or villages, to learn more about their history and architecture

Art and Music Scene

North Devon has a thriving arts and music scene, with plenty of galleries, theaters, and live music venues to explore. Some of the top places to visit include:

The Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple, which hosts a range of live performances throughout the year
The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington, which features a range of exhibitions, workshops, and live performances