A local’s guide to North Devon

In this useful guide to North Devon, we will be including off-the-beaten-track places to go for a walk or sunbathe, interesting places to eat, go surfing, places to eat, and highlighting some fun and coastal gems about this wonderful part of the West Country.

Read on to discover all you need to know so you can holiday in North Devon like a local or click on the button below to browse our collection of North Devon cottages.

North Devon cottages

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• Walks
• Places to eat
• Events
• Days out
• Arts and culture

Our favourite walks in North Devon

Everybody loves the Tarka Trail and the South West Coast Path. The Tarka Trail passes along the former pathway of a railway track that ran between Lee Bay and Meeth via Braunton, Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington, and many other North Devon villages.

Our section of coast path takes in some stark scenery along the heritage coast by Hartland which has some of the longest stretches of unspoilt coastline in England. Some stints are wooded, some with bare cliff faces and secluded coves, all memorably beautiful.

River Caen to Crow Point

6 miles - easy to moderate

You can pick up this wonderful trail from the outskirts of Braunton. Following the course of the narrow River Caen out of the village, past the rear of the Museum of British Surfing and heading south along the elevated towpath, you will take in the wildness and serenity of this quiet area. Travel along the narrow Boundary Road from Crow Point to Braunton. Within a few miles, you are at Crow Point which lies at the furthest end of the colossal sand dune system that begins at Saunton Sands Hotel in the north. There are some gorgeous views along the shoreline, and across the second confluence of rivers – the Torridge and the Taw, to Instow and Appledore.  The walk is level, but unpaved for a long section of the towpath to Crow Point with stone stiles in place too. 

The Hobby Drive – Bideford Bay to Clovelly

4 miles (linear) - easy

The majority of the section of South West Coast Path that links Bideford Bay and Clovelly consists of a shingle road called The Hobby Drive. Visit the convenience shop in Bideford Bay Park, then pick up an intersecting path to the national trail and head west with the sea on your right. After tripping through some lovely shady ancient woodlands, and three small farm fields you will come upon the narrow roadway. Turn right and follow its course as it winds around the cliff tops high above the Atlantic Ocean. The Hobby Drive ends at the Clovelly Visitor Centre which has a shop and café to refresh. 

Food in North Devon

Take aways and ice cream

North Devon is home to not one, but two excellent ice cream vendors: Tennacott’s and Hocking’s. Hockings is everywhere but if you want to be truly local, seek out Tennacott’s ice cream van and/or a punnet from a stockist.

There are lots of chip shops in North Devon, but which ones do the locals love? Well, Braunton is home to two beloved chippies: Squires, and South 16, a lesser-known chippy that is every bit as good as its high-profile competitor. If you’re after something incredibly unique, Johns Deli in both Appledore and Instow sells a divine invention known as a brunchy which is a variety of ‘fry up’ entombed in puff pastry! Check out our guide to North Devon food and drink for more ideas.

Dining out in North Devon

NC, Noel Corston’s establishment in Woolacombe is something truly special if you like fine dining. Sourcing local produce and specialising in seafood, booking in advance is essential for this wonderful experience.  The Italian Kitchen in Bideford. This is the real thing. Want to try some surf-inspired street food? Biffen's Kitchen serves up a different delicacy every night from burritos to a katsu curry that has become a favourite with the locals. Only open during the summer season, this is the perfect pit-stop after a day on Croyde beach. To learn more about Biffin's Kitchen as well as some other incredible eateries in Croyde, check out our blog on Croyde's best pubs and restaurants.

Cool cafes and diners 

Pizza on the Pebbles at The Ridge Café in Westward Ho! is a brilliant spot to get pizza by the ocean. It’s a great experience if you’re pizza repertoire begins in a supermarket deep freeze and extends to the local Domino’s. This is one of the best budget options in North Devon where you can still enjoy a quality feed. Curry on the beach. Yes, it’s true, you can have a curry on the sands as the sun sinks below the horizon at Barricane Beach Café, in Woolacombe, a truly amazing experience. Take a beach blanket, your own alcohol, and cash! This is one of the best-kept local secrets for a cool evening meal. For a list of great pubs in North Devon, read our guide.

Events in North Devon

North Devon hosts a great music festival that draws in several heavyweight bands and solo artists each June. All roads lead to GoldCoast Oceanfest in Croyde. If you want to try something alternative, venture to Pigstock – which usually snares a well-known headliner, but it’s more of an ale festival and family day for locals. Highly recommended. Also, if you are into food, North Devon's Pannier Markets are regular hosts of Food Festivals where you can buy and eat products from many of the region's producers. It's not the one to miss.

Days out with kids

Only North Devon has a theme park devoted to sheep – The Big Sheep. I don’t even think New Zealand has dreamt one up and there’s more sheep than humans there. It’s one of the biggest draws for a family day out, and so is The Milky Way, a bit further along the A39. However, there are some lesser-known, all-weather attractions for everybody to enjoy that we’d like to recommend. Another big hit with the kids is Ilfracombe Aquarium, it’s popular all year round and is an affordable choice for local families too. This works well as a gateway to rock pooling at the local beaches, as well as introducing children to the marine creatures and fish they may find there, alongside some exotic specimens too. For even more ideas for days out with kids in North Devon read our guide.

Take a boat trip to Lundy

Take a boat trip on MS Oldenburg to the North Devon craggy enclave, 10 miles offshore, called Lundy.  With no alpha predators on the food chain, you can see relatively tame wildlife on the island like goats, deer, seals, rabbits, and mice. There are some wonderful walks about the island and there are some amazing beauty spots from which to observe the prolific seabirds like puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. For more inspiration, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Devon, and things to do with kids on a rainy day in Devon.

Arts and culture in North Devon

The Burton Art Gallery in Bideford may be small, but the curators have been able to exhibit an excellent range of artists and photographers with world-class names. For live entertainment with a twist, head to The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington which really offers a lifeline for those who love the creative arts. Bands, stand-up comedians, poetry recitals, concerts, live-air theatre and a rolling season of off-mainstream feature films from around the world keep the locals happy and entertained. There is also the opportunity to learn a craft here too in one of their classes, as well as Tarka Pottery below.

Make your own pottery

High above RHS Rosemoor, and a few miles south of the Cavalier town Great Torrington, is a true North Devon gem of an activity centre for family days out. Take up a pottery class at the wonderful Tarka Pottery in Little Torrington. Guests of all abilities are encouraged to come and get involved, so it’s also a great experience for young families and people aged 5 upwards!   

Stay in our cottages and experience the real North Devon

Now that you know what to do, and where to go, the last thing left that you need to do is get down here! We have some amazing holiday cottages, apartments, and houses to suit families and groups of all sizes. Why not take a look at our collection of North Devon holiday accommodation and come and experience this unique destination for yourself?

North Devon cottages