Places to visit in North Devon

Start your North Devon adventure with a sweet stop-off at Quince Honey Farm, to see its industrious bees in action. You can don beekeepers’ suits to get up-close with the hives, tour the family-run factory, have a go at rolling beeswax candles – and taste that golden nectar, of course! For foodies, this is one of the best hands-on things to do in North Devon.

One of England’s loveliest traffic-free hiking and cycling routes, the Tarka Trail stretches for 180 miles (290km) through North Devon and Exmoor – and its hub is in Barnstaple, your next stop. Park up to stretch your legs on the path heading west towards Braunton or south to Fremington, or follow the Barnstaple Circular trail to explore the town centre.

With the waves crashing and the smooth pebbles beneath your feet, it’s time to dip your toes in the sea at Westward Ho! – the only UK town that has an exclamation mark in its name! Scoffing fish and chips on the seafront is one of the best things to do in North Devon, so head to a local chippy (there are plenty nearby) to buy today’s lunch – best enjoyed on the beach, though watch out for hopeful seagulls…

Luxury awaits in the treetops at Sleepy Owl Devon, a cluster of boutique treehouse suites – many of which have hot tubs, forest-view bathtubs and huge private balconies. For a back-to-nature experience, this is one of the top places to visit in North Devon; it’s set in 20 acres of private land, with a river running through its wildflower meadows. You’ll soon see why it won the gold VisitEngland Award for self-catering.

One of the darkest places in England, North Devon is a top-rated stargazing spot, so relax in the outdoor hot tub tonight and load a stargazing app on your phone. As the constellations reveal themselves, you can take a closer look through your treehouse’s own telescope – while the owls hoot in the woodland, and the moon peeks through the treetops.

Always wanted to learn how to surf? Now’s your moment! The local surf scene is thriving: North Devon beaches are famous for their consistent swell and long peeling waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. Surfing Croyde Bay runs group and one-to-one lessons for all abilities, as well as offering board and wetsuit hire for more experienced surfers.

After a morning in the waves, head up the beach to Cafe Croyde Bay – where sea views meet huge portions and a laid-back atmosphere. Think doorstep sandwiches, artisan coffee, homemade scones with cream and jam, and all-day breakfasts with all the trimmings. Look out for live music in summer, and in winter huddle up with a steaming-sweet chai. For a scenic lunch, this is one of the best places to visit in North Devon.

This afternoon, the South West Coast Path is calling. This epic long-distance trail was made famous by Raynor Winn’s novel The Salt Path. The full length takes weeks to cover, but the route around Baggy Point makes for a refreshing two-hour jaunt. It’s just 4.5 miles (7.2km) long, but you’ll want to stop and admire the view from the lofty sea cliffs: walking the SWCP is one of the wildest things to do in North Devon. Keep your eyes wide for nesting seabirds and unusual wildflowers, too.

Check into Saunton Sands Hotel, your digs for tonight – a boutique hotel at the tip of one of the finest Devon beaches. If you’re up for another walk, you won’t be disappointed: those golden sands and rolling waves are idyllic. But maybe you’ll prefer to retreat to the hotel’s Source Spa? Sink into vitality pool, bubbling with mineral-rich sea salt or relax by the large, heated pool – both have views of the beach. Order a glass of fizz and kick back for an hour or two – or treat yourself to a hot stone massage.

Located on a cliff overlooking its namesake beach, Saunton Sands Hotel is a bubble of luxury amid one of Devon’s most spectacular landscapes – and its restaurant has panoramic views of it all. The Dining Room has won two AA rosettes for its fine-dining twist on local produce: think River Exe mussels, Devonshire lobster thermidor, and English strawberries with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream. Tuck in – and then roll upstairs to your bedroom.

Today is all about Lundy Island, the wild nature reserve isle in the Bristol Channel – one of the top things to do in North Devon. Head to Ilfracombe to catch the first ferry (usually departing at 10am), which takes less than two hours to reach the island’s only harbour. You should book a day ticket, returning to Ilfracombe at around 6pm or 6.30pm this evening.

The best way to explore Lundy is on foot, and there’s a trail that loops right around the island – known as the Lundy Island Wildlife Walk. Head north from the harbour to Jenny’s Cove, hugging the eastern shore and looking out for great seals basking on the coastal rocks. There have also been sightings of orcas and basking sharks: for wildlife lovers, this is one of the top places to visit in North Devon.

Jenny’s Cove is a superb place to spot Lundy’s puffins, who nest in the sea cliffs alongside guillemots, razorbills and more. Look out for their bright orange beaks as you breathe in that fresh sea air, before walking back along the west coast via Old Light – the lighthouse that was built in 1819. You can climb it, too, for 360-degree views of the island and sea: one of the top things to do in North Devon.

The Marisco Tavern is Lundy’s only restaurant, the social hub of the island – a traditional pub that takes locally sourced ingredients to new heights. Its menu changes with the seasons, featuring Lundy’s own lamb, pork and wild deer, alongside island-grown veggies and Devonshire ales. From sandwiches to a three-course lunch, this is homely and hearty fuel for your next island adventure.

After this morning’s island walk, you can delve deeper into Lundy on a guided experience with its wardens. The tours change according to the day and season, so check what’s on during your visit: maybe you’ll join a snorkelling safari in its crystal-clear coves, explore the coast on a rockpool ramble, or learn about its human history in an expert talk? This evening, catch the ferry back to Ilfracombe – where you should stay tonight.

Start your day at Woolacombe Bay, at the Beachcomber – a family-run cafe with spectacular views of the Solent and the Needles. It’s open from 9am, serving a breakfast menu ranging from full English fry-ups and sausage baps, to local kippers and pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. Pull up a chair on the outside terrace in summer or sip your morning cappuccino in the cosy indoor dining room.

When it comes to North Devon beaches, Woolacombe Bay is one of the county’s finest. Work off your breakfast with a refreshing stroll along this 3-mile (5km) sandy stretch, which is renowned for its cleanliness and water quality. You can hire surf boards at the northern tip of the beach to catch those wild Atlantic rollers, while that soft golden sand is a castle-builder’s dream.

You have two options now, the first of which is a dip in the Victorian bathing pool at Tunnels Beaches. The lagoon was carved from the rock in the 1820s and helped to turn Ilfracombe into a buzzing seaside resort – and it’s still a haven for safe swimming and rock pooling, no matter what the weather. Hand-carved tunnels lead to the beach and tidal pool: a must-visit for lovers of Devon beaches, within easy reach of Woolacombe Bay.

Grab your axe! This afternoon’s second option is an outdoor adventure at Rock & Rapid, which hosts everything from high ropes and archery to rock climbing and coasteering – and yes, axe throwing too. If you’re looking for wild things to do in North Devon, you’ve come to the right place: its activities take place all over the county, whether you’re looking to rock climb to new heights, or fancy a fresh perspective on Devon’s epic coastline.

You’ve earned a slap-up lunch at Depot Eatery, an all-day dining spot that serves comfort food classics. Maybe you’ll get stuck into a mountain of nachos, peri-peri prawn tacos, or fries loaded with Exmoor beef chilli? There’s also a huge menu of flame-cooked pizzas, piled high with toppings. On Sundays, the roast dinners are served with Yorkshire puds, roasties and a deliciously oozy cheese bake.