Dining at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue…

Dining at The Park

Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to…

Health & Leisure at The Barnstaple Hotel

When you stay at the Barnstaple Hotel, you have complimentary use of our wonderful leisure club,…

Biosphere in North Devon

The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is one of 669 Biosphere Reserves around the world and was the first to be established in the UK, where it is now one of six.

Where to find it

The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is located in one of the prettiest areas of North Devon. Centred around the ecologically rich landscape of Braunton Burrows with its incredible sand dunes and diverse scenery. The area of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve is some 3,300 km2, extending from the catchments of the Rivers Taw and Torridge and reaching out past Lundy Island, which is itself, a marine conservation area.

There are lots of ways to explore and connect with the North Devon Biosphere – on foot, by bike, via easy access routes and even with audio guided trails. From the large open areas of Culm Grassland at Heddon Green to the Marine Conservation Zone at Lundy Island, the North Devon Biosphere Reserve exhibits a wide range of diverse natural beauty for you to explore.

There are footpaths throughout the area including the South West Coast Path meaning there are plenty of ways for you to access the region.

Find out more…

The reserve is primarily made up of farmland which has been recognised by UNESCO because of its diverse mix of stunning, high-quality natural areas. The reserve includes over 60 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), all of which are protected. These include culm grassland and broadleaved woodlands. It was one of the first of the modern style of biospheres monitored by UNESCO and aims to work with the people living in the area to enable them to help with the conservation of the area.

Throughout the year, the North Devon Biosphere team run a number of projects to promote conservation and caretaking of the local environment. The projects range from focusing on cultural heritage, encouraging local learning, researching initiatives and supporting sustainable development opportunities.

Braunton Burrows is at the core of the Biosphere. As well as being the largest sand dune system in England, the dunes are home to a large number of rare plants and animals and is managed by a private estate, who play a vital role in the conservation efforts of the area.

Some of the plants and animals that can be found in the biosphere include skylarks, otters, dormice, coral reefs, rough poppies and a selection of rare flora. The region is also one of the only places in the UK where you can find coral reefs, which are just off of Lundy Island.

You can find out more about their various activities and more information about the Biosphere by visiting their website, www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1290 review(s)
The Park Hotel

Barnstaple

With its glamorous look and cosmopolitan feel, The Park brings world-class style to the heart of North Devon. Perfectly positioned at the centre of Barnstaple, The Park has a…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 921 review(s)
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

Once an ancient coaching inn, this sophisticated, luxury hotel retains its historic charm whilst offering all the modern comforts you’d expect. Located in the centre of…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1290 review(s)
Dining at The Park

Barnstaple

Enjoy mouth-watering fine dining in Barnstaple, awarded four stars, the team are very proud to offer our guests great dining in amazing surroundings. You have the choice…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 26 review(s)
Seasons Brasserie, Park Hotel

Barnstaple

Choose between fine dining in their Seasons Brasserie restaurant, more relaxed dining in their stunning Seasons Bar or go al fresco with views overlooking Rock Park. Seasons…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 759 review(s)
62 The Bank and Bar 62

Barnstaple

62 The Bank and Bar 62 are passionate about delivering friendly, honest and efficient service, with a vibrant atmosphere, in unique surroundings, and a menu that offers…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 97 review(s)
Barnstaple Hotel Brasserie

Barnstaple

With its contemporary styling and light, airy feel, their Brasserie has an atmosphere that is all its own. This is the perfect setting in which to sit back and enjoy the fine…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 57 review(s)
The Arlington Restaurant - Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Arlington Restaurant in Barnstaple has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in North Devon. You can choose from the table d'hote menu, which is changed daily or…
Royal & Fortescue Coffee House

Barnstaple

Set right by the lounges of the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, their Coffee House is a delightful place to take some precious time out to relax. Be tempted by the array of cup…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2429 review(s)
The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple is a flagship of Brend Hotels, the leader in West Country luxury hotels. It is perfectly placed to enable you to visit the beautiful…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1977 review(s)
Health & Leisure at The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

When you stay at the Barnstaple Hotel, you have complimentary use of our wonderful leisure club, which has been extensively refurbished over recent years and now boasts the…
Tarka Holiday Park

Barnstaple

Why You'll Love Tarka Holiday Park
Rural countryside location on the famous Tarka trail
Peaceful and tranquil setting
The perfect base to discover North…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 922 review(s)
Dining at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Barnstaple

At the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, you have the choice between elegant dining in the Lord Fortescue Restaurant or the bistro, 62 The Bank. The Lord Fortescue offers first class…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 2429 review(s)
Dining at The Imperial Hotel

Barnstaple

At the 4 Star Imperial Hotel, you can choose where you dine. Take your pick from the Arlington Restaurants, a fine dining experience with outstanding cuisine in elegant and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 84 review(s)
Lord Fortescues Restaurant

Barnstaple

Their mouth watering menus are complemented by personal attentive service and the impressive surroundings. The Lord Fortescue, and every lunch time, as well as Saturday and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
from 1978 review(s)
The Barnstaple Hotel

Barnstaple

Discover the Barnstaple Hotel - everything you need to work, rest and play in the lap of luxury!
Part of the Brend group of hotels, The Barnstaple Hotel is a…
North Devon Farm Holidays

Get away from the strain of everyday life, walk across the beautiful countryside, visit the sea or simply enjoy the stunning views that North Devon has to offer and as we…
Tarka Trail Camping

Barnstaple

Tarka Trail Camping is a ‘Green’, family owned and run campsite beside the beautiful Tarka Trail next to the River Taw Estuary. Our large, level, grassed camping field is…
Corffe House & Holiday Cottages

Barnstaple

Nestled in the beautiful North Devon countryside, the Corffe Estate provides an ideal base for family holidays, short breaks and work stopovers. Located on the outskirts of…
Bampfield Farm Cottages

Barnstaple

Bampfield Farm Cottages are where holiday memories are made, set in acres of rolling hills on a working family farm, this is the perfect base for your holiday. Bampfield Farm…
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from 321 review(s)
The Old Vicarage, Barnstaple

Barnstaple

Each visitor to The Old Vicarage Bed and Breakfast is welcomed by Sandi or Bryan with homemade cake and fresh milk and can look forward to a quiet night’s sleep in a…