Northam Burrows
The Northam Burrows Country Park is a great place to get outdoors! Based near Bideford, the Burrows Country Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to a diverse range of natural habitats, including a salt marsh, open grassland, rocky shore and sand dunes; it is a haven for all kinds of wildlife, from vivid lichens to coastal birds.
Things to do at Northam Burrows
If you like a round of golf, the Burrows is home to the oldest golf course in the UK, with the added charm of sea views and the odd horse or sheep grazing the common land. The course, the Royal North Devon Golf Course is over 150 years old and has some of the oldest linked in the country. If you’re more into finding out more about the history of the sport to perfecting your swing, you’ll also find the Golf Museum at the club house where you can find out more about the heritage of the course.
It is a great place for photographers, whether an amateur or a pro, you can spot some stunning views of Appledore and the Kipling Tors.
In the summer season, be sure to visit the Northam Burrows Centre (located towards the north of the beach) to discover more about the wildlife, or even join one of the free family events run by the team there; events range from rockpool rambles and nature walks to sandcastle competitions and treasure hunts!
The visitor centre is open until September, but the park itself is open all year around and there is a fully accessible bird hide so you can enjoy various migrating birds whatever the season.
Northam Burrows also has its own interactive audio trail to follow, accessed by smartphone – look out for the QR codes located across the 253-hectare space.
Beaches near Northam Burrows
The burrows is an extension of the vast, sandy beach that stretches down from Westward Ho! and sits at the mouth of the Taw and Torridge Estuaries.
The Burrows area backs onto the famous pebble ridge which frames the edge of Westward Ho! beach, giving wide scenic views across Bideford Bay. The ridge has been created by the natural process of longshore drift, which makes it one of the main reasons that this area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Beyond this, there are dunes, which form the burrows and are rich in various flora and fauna, among which you can find lizards, moths and during the spring months, rabbits. It is a picturesque beach area to visit and offers several opportunities to get active; from walks along the coast path, to trips around the site, to bird watching to kite-surfing. It’s a great dog-friendly area too! So, your four legged friends can enjoy the great outdoors too!
Don’t forget though, as pretty as it is and as great as it is for a walking location, it isn’t a bathing beach, the tides come in too fast!
What's On
'Escape Summer' art exhibition
An art exhibition featuring over 40 original works by north Devon artists and makers
Festival of Roses
Revel in the scent and sight of thousands of rose buds and blooms, a sensory celebration of summer…
Guess How Much I Love You™ Trail
Included with garden admission; free to RHS Members and children under 5. Children aged…
Summer of play at Arlington Court
Our Summer of play is back for another year - with a new twist! Visit Olde Arlington, a rambunctious…
Evening Talk - Tails of Tarka
Come along to our next evening talk with Dave Webb who joins us from the charity UK Wild Otters…
Outdoor Summer Concert
Summer Outdoor Concert by Bideford Town Bandon Thursday evenings
Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape
Our major summer exhibition examines the intersection of abstraction and landscape in British art…
Rails & Dinosaur Scales
Join us for some dinosaur fun at Woody Bay Station! Ruby the Megalosaurus and her adorable baby dino…
Rhythm of the 90's
UK's No.1 Live 90's Dance Anthem Band Fully Live 7 Piece Band performing the best classic…
The Great Woodland Adventure
Go wild in the woods at RHS Rosemoor who have a tree-mendous programme of activities for the whole…
Flower Printing Workshop
Learn how to preserve the vibrant colours of leaves and flowers by using the 'pound and…
Maritime Festival, in aid of the Mission to Seafarers
Maritime Festival, in aid of the Mission to Seafarers, Sunday 20 July 2025, 10 am to 5 pm The day…
Animal Sculpture Course
The Sculpture School's inspirational instruction will teach you how to create superbly…
Elvis and Dolly Tribute Evening
Elvis and Dolly Tribute Evening with 4 Course Meal for only £39.50pp
Vintage Weekend
Take a break from the stress of modern life and ease yourself into a relaxing weekend of nostalgic…
Silent disco beach cleans at Woolacombe
Looking for something different to do with the family? Join us for our monthly silent disco beach…
Woolsery Agricultural Show, in aid of local charities
Woolsery Agricultural Show, in aid of local charities, Monday 28 July 2025, 08:00 am to 5 pm A…
The Mole Farmyard
We're thrilled to welcome back the Comeby mobile farm every Tuesday during the Summer holiday…
Family fun days at Lorna Doone Valley
Join us for free family fun days during school holidays, running from 11am to 3pm. Enjoy a day of…
Gig Regatta
Gig Regatta, Saturday 2 August 2025, 10 am to 5 pm It celebrates Devon's best teams going…