Villages & Towns in North Devon

In North Devon there are a whole host of beautiful towns and villages, both coastal and rural full of vibrant history, fascinating markets, world famous attractions and of course, plenty of fine food and places to stay.

Market towns like Barnstaple and Bideford are the shopping hubs of North Devon. You’ll find the historic Pannier Markets, plus shopping centres full of your favourite high street names mingled in with local traders selling the very best in unique, locally created products. Food fans will want to spend some time in Ilfracombe. This coastal town is quickly becoming a haven for foodies and is gaining a reputation for the quality of its restaurants, cafés and take aways, especially along Fore Street near the iconic harbour. It is also here that you can catch sight of Verity, Damien Hirst’s famous statue.

It isn’t just the stunning coastlines and the local produce that attract people to North Devon, the region is also full of towns and villages with historical and cultural significance. Westward Ho! for instance is the only place in the UK with an exclamation point in its name, while South Molton is one of the oldest towns in the county.

Plenty of places to visit

Victorian seaside towns teetering on the cliffs, picture postcard fishing villages and small towns and hamlets unchanged for decades are all around you in North Devon. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, get acquainted with the towns and villages that make up North Devon’s unique attraction.

Culture and history combined

Because it is steeped in history, North Devon is the ideal place to go if you’re someone looking for that quintessentially west country view of thatched cottages, country pubs and wide open spaces. Many of the towns and villages in this part of the county are described as having ‘chocolate box cottages’ and plenty of beautiful fishing villages to explore too.

North Devon is also home to the village of Clovelly. This picturesque fishing village is a unique attraction in its own right – completely free of traffic, it was once owned by the British monarchy and features a 14^th century quay, cobbled streets and fascinating tours.

Take a day trip to Lundy Island

Lundy Island is found in the Bristol Channel and is the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone, where you’ll find a whole host of rare and interesting wildlife and wild flowers. The island is home to the south west’s population of puffins and has a rich diversity of sea birds. The island is protected and has a number of accommodation options that help you get back to times gone by. The island has its own village store and also offers a number of warden led activities, including guided walks, rockpool rambles, snorkel tours and the chance to do caving, rock climbing and sailing.

North Devon’s towns and villages are filled with colourful characters, amazing family attractions and lots of beautiful things to see and do.

Why not click here to see what events are taking place around the region and book your next visit?