North Devon is one of the most romantic places in the country, so it’s a great location for spending the day together this Valentine’s Day or perhaps as a location for an interesting date for someone you’d like to get to know better.

With everyone still getting over the spending of Christmas, you might be looking for budget ways to show your appreciation to your loved one, so here are some great ideas for free dates in North Devon that are guaranteed to get the romantic atmosphere going.

Follow in the footsteps of the great romantics

Many of Britain’s great romantic poets spent time in Exmoor and one of the greatest romantic novels of all time was written set in the area, Lorna Doone. Why don’t you and your partner take a trip to Exmoor and follow some of the trails that inspired the great romantics? You can follow Kipling Tor named after Rudyard Kipling or visit Lynton and Lynmouth, named Little Switzerland by other poets. Places like Hartland Quay are also wonderfully dramatic and romantic and great for a romantic walk together.

Chase the sunset

North Devon has some of the greatest sunset spots in the UK, so why not chase the sunset together and witness something spectacular? It’s a great way to round off a romantic day out or a date and it won’t cost a penny! There are loads of great places to see the sunset in this part of the world, but some of the best are the beach at Westward Ho!, Appledore and Instow.

Have a picnic

If the weather isn’t too cold and dark over Valentine’s Day, a picnic is a great budget date idea. You have your pick of wonderful views to enjoy from beaches to the wilds of Exmoor and you can choose to spend as much or as little as you like on your food.

Challenge yourself to some watersports

If you’re the kind of couple that are active and up for a challenge, why not set yourself a little competition and get out on the waves? North Devon has the best conditions for surfing and other watersports, so you can either bring your own equipment or hire them for a low cost and head out for a day of exhilarating fun.

Stargazing on Exmoor

As well as North Devon being a Surfing Reserve, it is also home to a Dark Skies Reserve over Exmoor. Clear weather gives you the opportunity to see the incredible night sky with the naked eye. Every year, there is a Dark Skies Festival held over Exmoor in the autumn, so if you want to experience the magic of the stars without the crowds, why not plan an evening stargazing together?

Looking for other suggestions of date ideas and things to do in North Devon? Click here.