Explore North Devon

Whatever you want to do when you’re in North Devon, you’ll never be bored. There are a whole host of events taking place all over the region for you to add to your diaries, take a look at them all here. We think that the whole of North Devon & Exmoor is unmissable, but when you explore, you discover more about this incredible place and there is certainly lots to find in this region.

Adventures in North Devon

Whether you live here, have only seen a small part of the area, or visit different places regularly, you’re bound to know that around every corner is a new thing to see and new knowledge to gather. From the outdoor spaces, complete with unique towns & villages and the many indoor activities, there are plenty of adventures to be had here.

From the hills of Exmoor, out to Torrington and Holsworthy inland, along the rugged Atlantic coast, with dramatic cliffs and golden beaches onto the large towns of BarnstapleBideford and Ilfracombe and villages beyond, there are so many wonderful places to explore. With countryside, coastline and just about everything in between all brimming with heritage, artistry and creativity, no two towns and villages are the same, but all of them offer adventure!

Wherever you are in North Devon, you’ll find fascinating places, locations, countryside and history to uncover!

Pretty places to visit in North Devon

North Devon has much to be proud of when it comes to the region’s natural beauty. From the coastline to the UNESCO Biosphere to the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail, wherever you are there are opportunities to get out and about and explore either on foot or by bike. You can even tour the area by water by going sailing, surfing or paddle boarding!

As well as having perfect conditions for water sports and being glorious to look out, the beaches at Saunton and Croyde also have some of the highest temperatures in Britain! So, the ideal excuse for visiting all year round!

The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is one of only six in the UK and centres around Braunton Burrows, extending from the River Taw out across to Lundy Island. The reserve has over 60 sites of Special Scientific Interest and is protected by UNESCO and contains lots of rare, natural beauty and is home to the largest sand dune system in the UK. This region also contains the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Braunton Burrows is part of this too, along with Hartland Peninsula, as well as parts of Westward Ho!, Woolacombe and Croyde. Of course, we can’t not mention the Exmoor National Park – which has stunning stretches of coast, unique towns and villages and the Valley of the Rocks which is awe-inspiring.

The entire region is famed for its beauty and the diversity of the landscape meaning that whatever kind of adventure you want to have, you’ll find the perfect location in North Devon.

Things to do in North Devon

If that wasn’t enough, this spectacular and diverse landscape is also home to beautiful beaches where you can indulge in water sports, the Exmoor National Park where you can join in with the Dark Skies Festival or just head out for a picnic or some wild camping or visit some of the historic buildings and top quality attractions that cause people to flock to the region every day.

In North Devon, there are a whole host of beautiful towns and villages, both coastal and rural full of vibrant history.

Explore our Highlights

Areas to Visit

Exmoor

Explore Exmoor's rocky headlands, high coastal cliffs, soft green valleys and…

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Three inspirational events scheduled at RHS Garden Rosemoor

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Marvel at the remarkable variety of rhododendron blooms at the RHS National Rhododendron Show* at RHS Rosemoor on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April. This show has more than 60 classes covering all types of rhododendrons, trade and advice stands plus magnificent displays of magnolias and camellias.

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Why The Met Office is costing Devon businesses millions

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New research from Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks show that over the past 53 days, the UK Met Office has missed the mark on its weather forecasts 40% of the time—a statistic that may not shock many who rely on these projections for their daily decisions, especially in the tourism and hospitality…

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Tapeley Park is reopen for 2025

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Tapeley Park sits high on a hill overlooking the River Torridge and the North Devon coastline and is located between Bideford and Barnstaple, near the village of Instow. As well as being the location of one of the oldest permaculture gardens in the UK, Tapeley’s grounds are renowned for their…

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Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park: Devon's best reviewed beaches revealed

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It’s all too easy to forget that the UK has some of the most idyllic beaches. But Devon? Year after year it’s ranked within the best places to holiday in the UK and with good reason; the county boasts some of the UK most recognisable and well-reviewed beaches. As we head into the Summer season, we…

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Celebrating 135 Years of the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

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A Victorian Marvel Reaches a Historic Milestone The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, one of the most remarkable feats of Victorian engineering, is celebrating its 135th anniversary. Opened in 1890, this water-powered funicular railway has been a vital link between the picturesque twin towns of…

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