1 – Lynton & Lynmouth
There’s so much to do in these twin coastal villages with a Victorian Cliff Railway which links the two. Lynton has a historic Town Hall, with the Lyn Valley Art & Craft Centre next door in an old Methodist Church. The amazing Valley of Rocks is a short walk away. Lynmouth has coastal and woodland walks through the Glen Lyn Gorge or to Watersmeet, a small historic harbour and picturesque beach, a sailing club, boat trips, a park with bouncy castles in summer. There are also plenty of dog and child-friendly pubs, hotels, restaurants, gift shops and pottery.
Top Places to Visit in North Devon
2 – Woody Bay Station
This is a historic narrow-gauge restored railway offering rides on trains, with a cafe, gift shop and special events, Steam Galas and Santa Special at Christmas.
3 – Appledore
Appledore is a historic fishing village, picturesque and unspoilt, a haven for artists. Stroll through the quaint streets and find small galleries, bookshops, pubs and cafes. Home of the Appledore Book Festival taking place yearly in September.
4 – Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor zoo is a small zoo and educational animal park, home of the Exmoor Beast, with a cafe,
seasonal and daily events and a large play park. Open all year round.
5 – RHS Rosemoor
Visit to explore the beautiful gardens, see wildlife, art exhibitions and take part in annual and seasonal events. Large cafe/restaurant on site.
6 – Clovelly
Clovelly is a privately owned estate which charges an entrance fee but is a picturesque harbour fishing village with a small harbour. There are very steep cobbled streets, but plenty of cafes, b&b,
gift shops, not ideal for wheelchairs/infirm but there is transport to harbour at the bottom.
7 – Combe Martin
Combe Martin is an unusual small holiday town with a long main street, with gift shops, fish & chips, pubs, and cafes. It has a sandy and shingle beach, rockpools and wildlife to spot. Visit the unique Pack of Cards pub and Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park and Watermouth Cove is nearby.
8 – Brendon and the Doone Valley, Exmoor
Great for walking, wildlife and birdwatching. Lorna Doone Farm gift shop is nearby, or why not picnic by the river. Cloud Farm is a campsite and offers cream teas and pony trekking.
9 – Bideford
Bideford is a historic harbour town with renowned Burton Art Gallery and plenty of shops,
pubs, and cafes. There is a large park and gardens, or take boat trips to Lundy. The Big Sheep and
Milky Way Adventure Parks are close by.
10 – Ilfracombe
This is a popular Victorian holiday resort town with small sandy beaches, gift shops, art galleries, pubs, fish & chips, restaurants with car parks close by. Visit the harbour to see Damien Hirst’s Verity statue. The harbour offers fishing and sightseeing trips around the coast and to Lundy. Or catch a show or exhibition at the Landmark Theatre. The foreshore has mini golf and amusements, activities in summer or take a coastal walk along the headland.
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