Os Map North Devon
Introduction
North Devon is a beautiful part of England, located on the southwest coast. It is known for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, rolling hills, and quaint villages. This travel guide will help you make the most of your trip to North Devon by highlighting the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, and outdoor adventures.
Top Attractions
1. Exmoor National Park
If you love the great outdoors, then a visit to Exmoor National Park is a must. It is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK, including moors, forests, rivers, and coastline. You can hike, cycle, or horse ride through the park, or simply take in the views from one of the many lookout points.
2. Clovelly
Clovelly is a picturesque village that is famous for its steep cobbled streets and traditional fishing harbour. It is a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of shops, cafes, and galleries to discover.
3. Lynton and Lynmouth
Lynton and Lynmouth are two charming villages that are linked by a cliff railway. They offer stunning views of the coast and the surrounding countryside, as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling.
Hidden Gems
1. Hartland Abbey
Hartland Abbey is a beautiful stately home that is surrounded by stunning gardens. It is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists, but it is well worth a visit.
2. Tarr Steps
Tarr Steps is a medieval clapper bridge that is located in the heart of Exmoor National Park. It is a unique and fascinating attraction that is well worth a visit.
3. Heddon Valley
Heddon Valley is a hidden gem that is located in the heart of Exmoor National Park. It is a peaceful and tranquil spot that is perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.
Food Scene
North Devon has a thriving food scene, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and pubs to choose from. Some of the top places to eat include The Olive Room in Ilfracombe, The Masons Arms in Knowstone, and The Rock Inn in Georgeham.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you are on a budget, then there are still plenty of things to see and do in North Devon. Some budget-friendly tips include packing a picnic and exploring the countryside on foot, visiting free attractions like the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, and taking advantage of public transport to get around.
Outdoor Adventures
North Devon is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, surfing, and horse riding. Some of the top outdoor adventures include hiking the South West Coast Path, surfing at Croyde Bay, and horse riding on Exmoor.
Historical Landmarks
North Devon is steeped in history, with plenty of fascinating landmarks to explore. Some of the top historical landmarks include Arlington Court, Castle Drogo, and Dunster Castle.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you are travelling with children, then there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in North Devon. Some of the top activities include visiting the Big Sheep amusement park, exploring the Milky Way Adventure Park, and taking a trip on the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you are looking for something a little different, then there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to enjoy in North Devon. Some of the top experiences include exploring the Valley of Rocks, visiting the Westward Ho! Pebble Ridge, and taking a trip to Lundy Island.
Natural Wonders
North Devon is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the UK. Some of the top natural wonders include the Valley of Rocks, Exmoor National Park, and the Tarka Trail.
Vibrant Nightlife
North Devon has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs to choose from. Some of the top places to go include The Thatch in Croyde, The Red Barn in Woolacombe, and The George and Dragon in Ilfracombe.
Local Markets
North Devon is famous for its local markets, which offer everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Some of the top markets include Barnstaple Pannier Market, South Molton Market, and Bideford Pannier Market.
Beaches and Mountains
North Devon is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in the UK. Some of the top beaches include Croyde Bay, Woolacombe Beach, and Saunton Sands. Some of the top mountains include Exmoor and the Quantock Hills.
Cultural Immersion
North Devon is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Some of the top cultural experiences include visiting the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, exploring the local art galleries, and attending one of the many local music festivals.
Art and Music Scene
North Devon has a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, venues, and festivals to enjoy. Some of the top places to go include The Plough Arts Centre in Torrington, The Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe, and The Factory in Barnstaple.
Walking Tours
North Devon is perfect for walking tours, with plenty of stunning landscapes and historic landmarks to explore. Some of the top walking tours include the South West Coast Path, the Tarka Trail, and the Two Moors Way.
Architectural Marvels
North Devon is home to some stunning architectural marvels, including the medieval clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, the stately home at Arlington Court, and the castle at Castle Drogo.
Historical Sites
North Devon is steeped in history, with plenty of fascinating historical sites to explore. Some of the top historical sites include Clovelly, Lynton and Lynmouth, and the Hartland Abbey.
Biking Routes
North Devon is perfect for cycling, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Some of the top biking routes include the Tarka Trail, the South West Coast Path, and the Exmoor National Park.
Wellness Retreats
North Devon is a great place to unwind and relax, with plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. Some of the top wellness retreats include Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall, The Barn Retreat in Braunton, and The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth.
Adventure Sports
North Devon is a great place for adventure sports, with plenty of opportunities for surfing, kayaking, coasteering, and more. Some of the top adventure sports include surfing at Croyde Bay, kayaking on the River Taw, and coasteering along the North Devon coastline.
Conclusion
North Devon is a beautiful part of England that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, or cultural experiences, you will find it all in North Devon. Use this travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this stunning part of the UK.