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A group of surfers in wetsuits running into the sea at sunset

Things to do

Activities in North Devon

Whether you love an adventure, or you're happy to relax, there is so much to do in and around North Devon. 

From surfing to shopping, stately homes to extreme sports, you're sure to stay entertained.

Group of people jumping into sea on coasteering trip in Devon

Coasteering

Coasteering is an extreme adventure activity that includes short sections of traversing around sea cliffs close to the water as well as short swims and lots of jumps from the cliffs into the sea. Jumps can be from as low as one foot up to 20 feet! You just pick the height to jump from according to how confident you feel!

Smiling teenagers kayaking in the sea

Kayaking

H2Outdoor has a range of kayaking options for you to choose from, whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience. Try out a relaxing paddle where you will be able to explore the local coastline and enjoy the feeling of bobbing around in the Atlantic swell keeping an eye out for the various wildlife that live in and around the waters of North Devon.

A paddleboarder kneeling on her board on calm seas at sunset

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

We would love to introduce you to this amazing new way of enjoying North Devon’s stunning coastline. So come and experience a paddle down the Taw estuary or take the expedition to Lundy Island a truly unique adventure.

Surfer riding a wave

Surfing

Nick Thorn Surf Coaching is a Putsborough based surf school offering Level 4 Master Surf Coach surf sessions for beginners, intermediate and advanced surf development.

The south lighthouse and jetty on Lundy Island off the North Devon coast

Lundy Island

Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America, a granite outcrop, three miles long and half a mile wide. In the hubbub of the modern world it is a place apart, peaceful and unspoiled.

Pannier Market stall with freshly baked bread on sale

Barnstaple Pannier Market

Offering a unique shopping experience right in the heart of Barnstaple, there will be something for everyone. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a full array of stalls offering delicious, fresh, local produce, seasonal handmade arts and crafts, and a fabulous range of antiques and collectables.

Arlignton Court

Intriguing Regency house and impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, set in a picturesque garden. Situated just outside of Barnstaple and a short drive from Sandy Cove Hotel.

Ilfracombe Boat Trips

Based in Ilfracombe harbour the Ilfracombe Princess frequently cruises the coast to see seals, porpoises and dolphins.

Exmoor Zoo

Every day you visit something different should be happening every half an hour at the zoo! Every month you come a different activity or theme you can join in will occur!

Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

Set in over 28 acres of spectacular, sub tropical gardens within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park has been giving great enjoyment to its customers for 31 years.

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

Woody Bay, within the Exmoor National Park, is a station on the former Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, a narrow gauge line that ran through Exmoor from Barnstaple to Lynton and Lynmouth in North Devon.

Watermouth Castle

One of North Devon’s premier tourist attractions with entertainment for all the family. Just a few minutes drive from the hotel.

Woolacombe Riding Stables

Woolacombe Riding Stables nestles in the valley of Woolacombe. We enjoy teaching and introducing adults and children to the joys of horse riding.

Dartington Crystal

The UK's only remaining glass factory is a unique and fascinating experience for all. Discover our story and development in the exhibition centre and watch our skilled glass makers in action on the factory floor.

The Milky Way

At The Milky Way we’ve got attractions to suit all ages, whatever the weather. With over 110,000 sq ft of indoor fun & acres of outdoor activities, The Milky Way theme park is the biggest all weather, family day out in North Devon

Keypitts Offroad Adventures

Come and drive around our 200 acre site filled with woodland, fields, water splashes, tracks and trails on our different size ATV’s for groups of 1 – 25

North Devon Wake Park

Our stunning lake is situated in the beautiful fields of North Devon and is accompanied by a wooden clubhouse, undercover decking and luscious grassed areas, it is the perfect place to come and enjoy this charming setting

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Nestled in a Devon valley, Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect.

Hartland Abbey

Hartland Abbey with its beautiful gardens and grounds welcomes visitors from the end of March until October. The walks and the parkland provide visitors with extensive grounds through which to wander and enjoy the stunning valley.

The Big Sheep

The Big Sheep is suitable for family fun for all ages, the Rampage Rollercoaster is great for thrill seekers, little ones will love the animal barn and pets’ corner, and adult visitors will love the on-site brewery and gin distillery.

Tapeley Park

The Tapeley Park grounds are renowned for their beautiful gardens, particularly the Italian terraces, and include a lake, ponds, old woodland and a number of fields where a herd of Highland cattle graze.

The funicular cliff railway from Lynton to Lynmouth on the North Devon coast

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway opened in 1890 and is the highest and the steepest totally water powered railway in the world.

A man riding a bike on a cycle path with trees on either side

The Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is named after Henry Williamson’s famous novel “Tarka the Otter”. With up to 21 miles of safe, level and traffic-free riding on offer, a bike is the perfect way of exploring the area.

Verity statue in Ilfracombe North Devon

Damien Hirst's Verity

Verity is a stainless steel and bronze statue created by Damien Hirst. The 20 metre tall sculpture stands on the pier at the entrance to the harbour in Ilfracombe, looking out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales.

Air Extreme

Book a jump session and experience 8 adrenaline filled activities, freestyle across a sea of wall to wall interconnected trampolines and bounce high to the latest tunes.

Tarka Tennis

Located in the heart of Barnstaple, this fantastic facility offers 6 impressive indoor tennis courts and 4 floodlit outdoor tennis courts with 2 mini red courts for the little ones.

Ilfracombe Aquarium

Ilfracombe Aquarium is an award-winning, all-weather, educational, family attraction located in the Old Lifeboat House alongside Ilfracombe's picturesque and historic harbour.

Junglaroo

There are tubes slides, bumpy slides, crawl tubes, ball cannons, rope bridges, spider webs, dangly snakes, gliders, scramble nets, ball pools, log ramps, punch bags, edu blocks and so much more including a specially dedicated area for the under 3’s to enjoy.

Trees on the banks of the East Lyn River and Watersmeet in Lynmouth, North Devon

Watersmeet

Dramatic river gorge, ancient woodlands, tea garden and shop in stunning surroundings

The harbour and houses at Clovelly in North Devon

Clovelly

Clovelly estate is home to the Rous family and has been for over 400 years. From Elizabethan times until today, it has remained in private ownership. Consequently this has helped preserve its originality and atmosphere.

Discover more from our local area