It’s June, so it’s officially time to start getting excited about the summer holidays!

Perhaps you have a couple of places in the running for your 2019 summer holiday destination. You could be considering visiting a big city, going abroad or even choosing another UK seaside location. However, it’s time to throw all of those ideas away.

Why? Because we’re here to outline all of the reasons why North Devon is the best destination for this year’s summer holiday.

England’s Adventure Coast

Credit: Robert Newall

Let’s start with the obvious. Holidays are all about adventures, right? And whether that adventure involves doing something new and amazing, tasting unique flavours, or simply seeing incredible sights before kicking back by the pool, there’s no better place for an adventure than North Devon. We’re literally England’s Adventure Coast.

Whatever takes your fancy, there’s something to suit it in North Devon.  There are outdoor adventures - on land, like a hike or cycling tour - or at sea, with plenty of watersports available from kayaking and windsurfing to the huge surfing community in the area. But there are also artistic adventures through local galleries, museums and heritage tours.

Attractions and Activities

Credit: Skern Lodge

Which brings us onto the vast amount of attractions and activities we have on offer.

Those who are tempted by the promise of adventure will love places like Skern Lodge. Active Escape and Air Extreme. These are the places that can offer a huge range of lively activities, ranging from climbing to giant trampolines.

But they’re far from all that’s on offer. Quince Honey Farm, Exmoor Zoo, Ilfracombe Aquarium and Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park are all unique North Devon attractions offering visitors an interactive and educational yet super fun glimpse at all kinds of wildlife.

Credit: Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

For those interested in the artistic adventures we mentioned, why not take a meander down to Dartington Crystal, where you can take an interactive and educational factory tour, or Broomhill Sculpture Gardens for a look at some spectacular art works?

Those with children will love the Milky Way and the Big Sheep, which both offer indoor and outdoor activities, including expansive soft plays and exhilarating roller coasters outside. Meanwhile, for a more relaxed day out, why not visit one of North Devon’s local parks or gardens? Clovelly Village is a beautiful, timeless maritime village. In the summer the Court Gardens flourish beautifully, with some products also available to buy from the Visitor Centre. Rosemoor Gardens, Hartland Abbey, and Arlington Court are all great for walks and taking in some spectacular sights of natural beauty.

Beaches

Credit: Tracie White

Of course, the best days out are always free - and they don’t get better than a trip to one of North Devon’s many famous beaches.

Our coastal location means that we have a huge variety to choose from, ranging from packed out family favourite beaches with plenty of activities - like Westward Ho! or Woolacombe - to somewhere more secluded, like Lee Bay or Watermouth Cove.

There are sand dunes perfect for exploring at Saunton, or rock pooling favourites like Barricane Beach (where you can enjoy the added benefit of a delicious curry!). Or, get involved in the popular surfing communities boasted by Croyde or Putsborough and catch some of the best waves in the area.

Towns

Credit: Robert Granger

With so many interesting towns and villages - all rich in their own unique history and culture - you’ll never get tired of exploring North Devon.

Whether it’s a rainy day and you want to spend some time shopping in Bideford or Barnstaple, or you fancy a walk around Ilfracombe Harbour, to take in the sublime sight of Verity, there’s something for everyone.

You could explore the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, travelling between them on the cliff railway - the highest water-powered railway in the world - and taking in some breathtaking coastal views. Plus, the iconic Valley of the Rocks is not far away; perfect for those wanting to enjoy natural beauty or take a couple of photos, this location is famous throughout the UK for its unique landscape and herd of wild goats.

Accommodation

Credit: The Red Lion, Clovelly

After a long day of exploring, it’s important to have somewhere cosy to rest up before the next big day. Luckily, we have a multitude of different accommodation options suitable for every kind of traveller.

For those looking to get back to nature, there’s a vast number of camping sites nestled into North Devon’s rural countryside - but we have glamping options too, for those who want a rustic yet luxurious stay.

Speaking of luxury, we have an array of beautiful hotels to choose from, boasting comfortable, homely bedrooms, quick access for transport across North Devon, and sometimes even beautiful sea views. These are particularly perfect for couples looking to take a break in the area.

If you’re staying with the kids and you’d prefer something a bit livelier, we can accommodate for that too. With a variety of different holiday parks dotted throughout the area, often close by to beaches or other exciting outdoor areas. A lot of these will be kitted out with pools or entertainment centres for the kids too, so you can entertain the whole family without even having to go out.

Food and Drink

Credit: Beachside Grill at Saunton Sands

No holiday is complete without expanding your palate a little. North Devon is the place to do it, with a huge variety of different eateries across the region. We even have an app dedicated to finding the best place to get your fill - how many holiday destinations can say that?

Whether it’s a classic sweet treat like a famous Hocking’s ice cream, award-winning fish and chips on the beach, or a proper pub grub meal, there’s something for everyone. Cafes and tea rooms where you can enjoy a proper Devon cream tea, restaurants for special occasions, or unique establishments serving up more unorthodox or unique dishes.

It’s not just food either; we have plenty of places to grab a pint, some traditional Devon cider, or splash out on a couple of delicious cocktails.

Whatever you’re craving, there’s somewhere in North Devon to grab your fix.

We could go on and on, but we’re sure you get the message. Now, the only thing left to do is book your stay - and luckily, we’re always on hand to help with any further recommendations! Just get in touch on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram profiles, and we’ll be happy to help. See you soon!