• Things to do
    • Attractions
      • Beaches
      • Adventure, Theme & Waterparks
      • Animals & Aquariums
      • Museums, History & Heritage
      • Arts & Culture
      • Parks & Gardens
    • Activities
      • Walking
      • Cycling
      • Surfing & Watersports
      • Horse Riding
      • Golf
      • Fishing
      • Health & Fitness
      • Shooting
      • Coastal Walks in North Devon
    • Shopping
      • Shopping in North Devon
  • Accommodation
    • Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Self Catering & Cottages
    • Camping & Caravans
    • Holiday Parks
    • Farm Holidays
    • Glamping
  • What's On
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Children’s
    • Food & Drink Events
    • Gardens & Nature
    • Music
    • Theatre
    • Tell Us About Your Event
  • Food & Drink
    • North Devon Food Trail
    • Restaurants
    • Cafes & Tea Rooms
    • Pubs & Bars
    • Street Food & Takeaways
    • Deli’s and Farmers Markets
    • Fish & Chips
  • Explore
    • Biosphere
    • AONB
    • Exmoor
      • Wild Camping on Exmoor
      • Wildlife on Exmoor
    • Beaches
    • North Devon Film Locations
    • Villages & Towns
      • Appledore
      • Barnstaple
      • Bideford
      • Braunton and Saunton
      • Clovelly
      • Combe Martin
      • Croyde
      • Great Torrington
      • Hartland Peninsula
      • Holsworthy
      • Ilfracombe
      • Instow
      • Lundy Island
      • Lynton, Lynmouth & The Valley of the Rocks
      • Minehead & Porlock Weir
      • Northam Burrows
      • South Molton
      • Westward Ho!
      • Woolacombe
    • Family Discoveries
    • Tarka Trail
  • Discover North Devon
    • Dog Friendly North Devon
    • History & Heritage
    • Free Days Out
    • Weddings
    • Rainy Days
    • Outdoor Adventures
    • Family Holidays
    • Romantic Breaks
    • Conferences & Functions
    • Nature in North Devon
      • Dark Skies at Exmoor
      • Nature trails in North Devon
      • Puffins in North Devon
    • Devon Cream Teas
    • Itineraries
      • North Devon WW2 & Natural History Tour
      • North Devon Second World War Itinerary
      • North Devon Mayflower Celebration Itinerary
      • Bideford History & Tour Itinerary
      • Lynton & Lynmouth Victorian Heritage Itinerary
      • Lynton & Lynmouth Rocks & Rivers Walking Itinerary
    • Literature in North Devon
    • Pirates in North Devon
    • Nighttime Adventures in North Devon
    • Stag and Hen Weekends
  • Plan Your Visit
    • How to get here
    • Getting Around North Devon & Exmoor
    • Advertise With Us
    • Interactive Map
    • TICs
    • Enewsletter Sign-up
    • Contact Us
  • News
  • Special Offers
  • COVID-19
    • Good to Go Accommodation
    • Good to Go Things to Do
    • Eat Out to Help Out North Devon
Menu
  • Explore

    Explore North Devon

  • Stay

    Stay

  • Experience

  • What's On

    What's On in North Devon

Site Search

Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

List All My Saved Itineraries

  • Logo
  • Print Logo

You are here > 5 Reasons to Visit North Devon this Autumn

5 Reasons to Visit North Devon this Autumn

23rd September 2019

Categories: Visitor News

5 Reasons to Visit North Devon This Autumn

Photo Credit: Linda Thompson

Contrary to what some people apparently believe, North Devon doesn’t shut down during the winter months - and it’s not just a summertime destination.

Yep, you heard us right; just because the days are a little shorter and the weather is a little colder, our businesses don’t all close at once, and the general populace doesn’t go into hibernation! 

In fact, North Devon in the autumn is a magical time. As pumpkin spice season sets in, our stretch of coast boasts some of the most beautiful (and dramatic) autumnal scenery, everything gets a little cosier, and surprisingly, our calendar doesn’t get any less jam-packed. If you’re in need of a break away from reality in the next couple of months, here are 5 of our favourite reasons to pick North Devon.

Autumnal Walks

Credit: Tracie White

North Devon is well known as a walkers paradise. It’s unsurprising, with an impressive chunk of the South West Coast Path winding its way through the region, alongside a multitude of National Trust sites, the Tarka Trail, and seemingly endless amounts of beaches, woodlands and valleys.

Autumn is one of the best times of the year to walk in North Devon. If you’re meandering through the woodlands, you can catch sight of beautiful fallen leaves in gorgeous shades ranging from gold to rustic brown. Some of the best places to walk for these views are Halsdon Nature Reserve, Heddon Valley, and Arlington Court. 

If you choose to wander along the Coast Path, you can catch sight of incredibly dramatic coastal views as the waves crash against cliffs or shores below (it looks pretty impressive on camera too.) Take a trip near the Valley of the Rocks, Baggy Point, Morte Point or Hartland Peninsula for some of our favourite sights. 
That’s not to mention the beaches, which will now be quieter and less packed out with tourists hoping to soak up the last of the sun. Most beaches, such as Westward Ho! and Croyde, also lift their restrictions on dogs during the autumn and winter months, and we all know that few things compare to a happy dog let loose upon miles of sand. 

Better Surf

Credit: Robert Newall

Speaking of beaches, the autumn months are some of the best times during the year to catch some North Devon waves. We’re England’s Adventure Coast, and while several people would think our adventurous outdoor activities are a summer-only affair, they couldn’t be more wrong. 

We’re lucky enough to play host to some of the UK’s very best beaches for surfing, including Woolacombe, Saunton, and Croyde, which is well known as a surfing mecca throughout the whole of the South West. After the summer months has passed, the swell returns to our shores, and the sea isn’t too cold before we’ve reached the height of winter.

In addition, with quieter beaches, there’s more space to get out on the waves without an overflow of people, so you’ve got plenty of opportunity to hone your skills, or just enjoy the whole experience without feeling quite so cramped. 

Autumn Events

Credit: The Milky Way

Halloween is fantastic at this time of year. North Devon really gets into the spooky spirit of things, so it’s easy to come across ghost walks, history tours, Halloween parties and themed events suitable for all ages and all interests. Little ones will absolutely love The Big Sheep’s Fun by Day, Scary by Night evenings, or the Hocus Pocus Wizard School down at The Milky Way.

Bonfire Night is also always exciting. It’s a time when a lot of the local communities come together, creating impressive bonfires and beautiful firework displays, accompanied by bustling pubs and a lively atmosphere. Appledore’s Firework Display is particularly impressive, but you can expect to see an event being held in most larger villages or towns.

It’s well worth timing your autumn break in North Devon to align with some of these events, so that you can best enjoy the culture and community that our party of the country has to offer!

Cosy Pubs

Credit: The Thatch, Croyde

While we’re avid pub fans at any time of year, it’s indisputable that there’s just something a little bit different about visiting them in the autumn or winter, when it’s cold outside and all you want is a roaring fire or some homemade pub grub. 

Here in North Devon, we’re lucky enough to have a huge array of different pubs dotted all over our villages and towns. Ranging from the English traditional to those that are a little more quirky, we’ve got something to suit everyone, including those that welcome children, are entirely dog-friendly, and have busy schedules and vibrant atmospheres, with live music, quizzes or other entertainment on the regular.

Try The Masons Arms in Knowstone, which has a real open fire and a Michelin-star for fantastic food, or The Red Lion in Clovelly which overlooks beautiful harbour views. The Pyne Arms near Barnstaple is known for its dog-friendly approach, while The Beaver in Appledore is great for live music, quiz nights and music bingo. 

That’s far from all though - there’s The Chichester Arms in Bishops Tawton, The George Hotel in Hatherleigh, The Thatch in Croyde, and many, many more to discover. Find them on the North Devon Food Trail.

The Perfect Balance

Credit: Julie Thomas

It might be a quieter time of year for us in general, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still plenty to do all over North Devon.

Whether it’s local events throughout the community, or activities at some of our biggest family attractions, there’s still plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. 

During autumn, we seem to strike a pretty perfect balance; there’s still a lot on, and your favourite attractions will most likely still be open. However, it’s less packed out that in it is in the summer months, meaning you have more of a chance to enjoy these activities - and make the most of the natural landscape and areas of natural beauty.

While you’ll never be bored, you have way more of an opportunity to embrace everything North Devon has to offer, including the tranquil way of life that makes so many people fall in love with our coast. Though adventures are still never far away, it’s way easier to connect with the landscapes, communities and cultures of North Devon’s unique little locations.

Will you be visiting North Devon this autumn? Is there something about the season we haven’t mentioned that you just adore? We’d love to hear from you - let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

News

January 2021

  • Our favourite shots of Combe Martin22-01-2021
  • Cathedral, Peter Stiles Solo exhibition at Studio KIND21-01-2021
  • Five of North Devon’s prettiest villages to make you wish you were there12-01-2021
  • Things you might not know about Exmoor’s ponies08-01-2021
  • North Devon’s greatest parks and gardens05-01-2021

December 2020

  • Romantic places to stay in North Devon23-12-2020
  • Best photo spots in Woolacombe22-12-2020
  • Get really wild at Affinity Devon10-12-2020
  • Good foodie breaks in North Devon02-12-2020
  • Where to enjoy a pre Christmas break in North Devon01-12-2020
  • White Monday!01-12-2020

November 2020

  • New e-scooter scheme to be trialled in Barnstaple27-11-2020
  • Lynton and Barnstaple Railway to appear on Channel 527-11-2020
  • Our favourite photo spots in Ilfracombe26-11-2020
  • Five things you might not know about North Devon24-11-2020
  • Dog friendly beaches in North Devon17-11-2020
  • Four great coastal walks for winter12-11-2020
  • A few of our favourite shots from around North Devon10-11-2020

October 2020

  • Northam named Devon’s Best Churchyard of 202028-10-2020
  • Netflix film shot in North Devon is now streaming22-10-2020
  • Exmoor Dark Skies Festival goes ahead this October16-10-2020
  • Ian Stuart 1st August 1964 – 3rd October 202015-10-2020
  • Ready, Set, Glow this Christmas at RHS Garden Rosemoor06-10-2020

September 2020

  • Urgent appeal to keep Lundy Island open10-09-2020
  • TripAdvisor names Woolacombe as one of the world’s best beaches 07-09-2020
  • Ballet in the harbour07-09-2020

August 2020

  • Musical fundraisers in North Devon19-08-2020
  • Spotlight on North Devon – suggestions for the best places to stay19-08-2020

July 2020

  • UK on Cusp of an Almighty Explosion of Summer Colour 24-07-2020

March 2020

  • Where to spend Mother’s Day in North Devon11-03-2020
  • 48 Hours in Barnstaple, North Devon03-03-2020

February 2020

  • What’s On in March in North Devon25-02-2020
  • Top 10 Instagrammable Places in North Devon18-02-2020
  • 8 Enchanting Gardens & Parks in North Devon11-02-2020
  • 9 Romantic Breaks in North Devon 03-02-2020

January 2020

  • What's On February24-01-2020
  • Top Tips to maximise the adventure in North Devon 20-01-2020
  • Stargazing on Exmoor13-01-2020
  • Vegan Hotspots in North Devon09-01-2020
  • What's On in North Devon | January 2020 02-01-2020

December 2019

  • 9 Things you must do in North Devon this winter19-12-2019
  • The Best Winter Adventures in North Devon10-12-2019
  • 12 Months in North Devon03-12-2019

November 2019

  • What’s On in North Devon in December 201925-11-2019
  • The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Events in North Devon15-11-2019
  • How to Get 10% Off Food at Woolacombe Bay Hotel12-11-2019
  • Last Minute Christmas Breaks in North Devon08-11-2019
  • Keeping Animals Safe on Bonfire Night01-11-2019
  • What’s On in North Devon in November 201901-11-2019

October 2019

  • The Spookiest Spots in North Devon28-10-2019
  • Where to Celebrate Bonfire Night in North Devon22-10-2019
  • Autumn Accommodation Offers in North Devon 14-10-2019
  • How to Spend Halloween 2019 in North Devon09-10-2019

September 2019

  • What’s On in North Devon in October 201930-09-2019
  • Can You Tell Apart the Devon and Cornwall Dialects?16-09-2019
  • Family-Run Businesses in North Devon09-09-2019
  • Why North Devon is the Best Holiday Destination for Dog Owners03-09-2019

August 2019

  • What’s On in North Devon in September 201927-08-2019
  • North Devon Nostalgia: Childhood Memories23-08-2019
  • North Devon’s Most Famous Animals16-08-2019
  • 7 of North Devon’s Best Dog-Friendly Pubs 05-08-2019

July 2019

  • Things to Do in North Devon in August29-07-2019
  • North Devon’s Top Holiday Parks22-07-2019
  • North Devon’s Best Adventures15-07-2019
  • The Best Hotels in North Devon08-07-2019
  • North Devon’s Best Surf Spots02-07-2019

June 2019

  • Short Summer Breaks in North Devon24-06-2019
  • Things to Do in North Devon in July 201917-06-2019
  • Why North Devon is the Best Destination for your 2019 Summer Holiday11-06-2019
  • D-Day Events in North Devon03-06-2019

May 2019

  • Things to Do in North Devon in June 201928-05-2019
  • The Top 10 Places to Enjoy a Cream Tea in North Devon20-05-2019
  • What’s on in North Devon this May Half Term15-05-2019
  • North Devon’s Top Festivals07-05-2019

April 2019

  • Things to Do in North Devon in May 201926-04-2019
  • The Best Photos of 2019 So Far23-04-2019
  • Top Spots For a Picnic in North Devon15-04-2019
  • New ride at The Milky Way Adventure Park10-04-2019
  • Last Minute Easter Breaks in North Devon10-04-2019
  • Easter in North Devon09-04-2019

March 2019

  • England’s Adventure Coast | Love North Devon29-03-2019
  • North Devon is Becoming England’s ___ Coast19-03-2019
  • How to Spend Mother’s Day in North Devon07-03-2019
  • How Devonian is Your Dialect?04-03-2019

February 2019

  • Things to Do in North Devon in March 201925-02-2019
  • 7 of North Devon’s Best Comfort Food Restaurants19-02-2019
  • What’s on in North Devon this February Half Term12-02-2019
  • The Best Places to Get Married in North Devon 06-02-2019

January 2019

  • Things to do in North Devon in February 201930-01-2019
  • North Devon’s Most Iconic Locations21-01-2019
  • A Guide to North Devon’s January Sales15-01-2019
  • Commemorating the 75th D Day Anniversary in North Devon 10-01-2019
  • Things to Do in North Devon in January 201902-01-2019

December 2018

  • The Best Boxing Day Walks in North Devon19-12-2018
  • Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in North Devon 201812-12-2018
  • North Devon's 2018 Guide to Christmas Gifts07-12-2018

November 2018

  • Things To Do In North Devon | December 2018 29-11-2018
  • Christmas in North Devon | 2018 Guide22-11-2018
  • A Guide to North Devon's Public Transport15-11-2018
  • North Devon's Christmas Light Switch Ons | 201813-11-2018

October 2018

  • Things To Do In North Devon | November 201831-10-2018
  • How to Get Outdoors in North Devon This Half Term25-10-2018
  • Would You Have Survived The Bideford Witch Trials? | North Devon24-10-2018
  • A Guide To Halloween In North Devon23-10-2018
  • How To Spend October Half Term in North Devon19-10-2018
  • 12 Reasons Why North Is The Best Part Of Devon10-10-2018
  • Autumn Accommodation Offers in North Devon05-10-2018
  • Things To Do In North Devon | October 2018 01-10-2018

September 2018

  • A Child’s Guide to North Devon20-09-2018
  • A Guide to Autumn in North Devon20-09-2018
  • 7 Places To Enjoy A Sunday Roast In North Devon14-09-2018
  • North Devon Locations Abroad | How Do They Compare?07-09-2018

August 2018

  • Things To Do in North Devon | September 2018 30-08-2018
  • Things To Do in North Devon | August Bank Holiday21-08-2018
  • Which North Devon beaches can I walk my dog on?17-08-2018
  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society | Netflix Release17-08-2018
  • A GUIDE TO EXPLORING NORTH DEVON15-08-2018
  • A CHEF'S GUIDE TO NORTH DEVON | THOMAS CARR10-08-2018
  • BROOMHILL NATIONAL SCULPTURE PRIZE 2018 EXHIBITION OPENS AT BROOMHILL ART HOTEL & SCULPTURE GARDENS IN NORTH DEVON08-08-2018
  • THINGS TO DO IN NORTH DEVON IN AUGUST 201807-08-2018

July 2018

  • HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR NORTH DEVON HOLIDAY09-07-2018
  • HOW TO KEEP THE WHOLE FAMILY HAPPY IN NORTH DEVON03-07-2018

June 2018

  • 72 HOURS IN NORTH DEVON FOR FAMILIES26-06-2018
  • FAMILY HOLIDAYS WITH A SEA VIEW20-06-2018
  • QUIZ: WHERE SHOULD YOU DINE IN NORTH DEVON?12-06-2018
  • NORTH DEVON ON FILM07-06-2018

May 2018

  • THE BEST PLACES BY THE SEA IN NORTH DEVON29-05-2018
  • THE BEST PHOTOS OF 2018 SO FAR23-05-2018
  • A VEGAN’S GUIDE TO NORTH DEVON16-05-2018
  • NORTH DEVON’S UNSPOILT LOCATIONS03-05-2018
  • THE NORTH DEVON BUCKET (AND SPADE) LIST02-05-2018

April 2018

  • UNMISSABLE SUMMER ACCOMMODATION OFFERS IN NORTH DEVON25-04-2018
  • FIVE FEATURES OF THE NORTH DEVON FOOD TRAIL APP06-04-2018
  • THINGS TO DO IN NORTH DEVON THIS EASTER04-04-2018
  • FIVE REASONS NOT TO VISIT NORTH DEVON01-04-2018

March 2018

  • HOW TO SPEND THE DAY IN YOUR FAVOURITE NORTH DEVON LOCATIONS25-03-2018
  • THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPENDING EASTER BREAK IN NORTH DEVON15-03-2018
  • THE BEST WAYS TO SPEND MOTHER’S DAY IN NORTH DEVON07-03-2018

February 2018

  • ARTISTIC ADVENTURES IN NORTH DEVON26-02-2018
  • 5 REASONS TO STAYCATION IN NORTH DEVON19-02-2018
  • WHERE THE MICHELIN GUIDE RECOMMENDS TO EAT IN NORTH DEVON15-02-2018
  • HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF VALENTINE’S DAY IN NORTH DEVON04-02-2018
  • THE FIVE MOST ROMANTIC NORTH DEVON LOCATIONS – AS VOTED BY YOU04-02-2018

January 2018

  • NINE PLACES TO STAY THAT WILL MAKE YOU DECIDE TO VISIT NORTH DEVON26-01-2018
  • TEST YOURSELF IN 2018 WITH THE STARTREK CHARITY NIGHT WALK ON EXMOOR08-01-2018
  • THE 10 BEST PHOTOS TAKEN IN NORTH DEVON IN 201705-01-2018

December 2017

  • WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN NORTH DEVON IN 201828-12-2017
  • YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS IN NORTH DEVON24-12-2017
  • THESE INDOOR ATTRACTIONS ARE OPEN DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS20-12-2017
  • CHRISTMAS IN NORTH DEVON: THE DEFINITIVE NORTH DEVON GIFT GUIDE08-12-2017

November 2017

  • NORTH DEVON BUSINESSES WIN BIG AT 2017 DEVON TOURISM AWARDS25-11-2017
  • YOUR GUIDE TO THIS YEAR’S NORTH DEVON CHRISTMAS MARKETS22-11-2017
  • LYNTON & BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY ANNOUNCES SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS13-11-2017
  • BROOMHILL NATIONAL SCULPTURE PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED06-11-2017
  • WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN NORTH DEVON THIS WINTER03-11-2017

October 2017

  • THE COSY NORTH DEVON PUBS WITH A REAL OPEN FIRE26-10-2017
  • BONFIRE NIGHT IN NORTH DEVON: THE FIREWORK DISPLAYS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS24-10-2017
  • SPOOK-TACULAR HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN NORTH DEVON THIS YEAR18-10-2017
  • THESE ARE THE NORTH DEVON BUSINESSES UP FOR THE DEVON TOURISM AWARDS 201711-10-2017
  • THE BEST PLACES TO SEE THE AUTUMN LEAVES IN NORTH DEVON11-10-2017

September 2017

  • NORTH DEVON ACCOMMODATION THIS WINTER27-09-2017
  • A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO… BIDEFORD20-09-2017
  • 6 OF THE BEST NORTH DEVON COUNTRY WALKS09-09-2017
  • THE A-Z OF NORTH DEVON BEACHES06-09-2017
  • A CELEBRATION OF ART ACROSS NORTH DEVON05-09-2017

August 2017

  • FIVE HIDDEN GEMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IN NORTH DEVON22-08-2017
  • 9 OF THE BEST NORTH DEVON COASTAL WALKS20-08-2017
  • FREE THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN NORTH DEVON09-08-2017
  • 11 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT NORTH DEVON04-08-2017

July 2017

  • THESE ARE THE BEST BEACHES FOR SURFING IN NORTH DEVON27-07-2017
  • A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO… ILFRACOMBE21-07-2017
  • THE A-Z OF NORTH DEVON12-07-2017
  • “LIVING IN LYNMOUTH DURING THE WAR” BY MAGGIE FINK04-07-2017
  • 17 OF THE BEST NORTH DEVON PUBS AND RESTAURANTS WITH A SEA VIEW03-07-2017
Loading..Loading..Loading..

Contact Us

Contact Us

Request a Guide

Request a Guide

E-newsletter

E-newsletter

Travel Info

Travel Info

  • Email Page
  • Print Page
  • Visit Devon
  • Visit North Devon
  • Sidmouth
Things to do
Attractions
Activities
Shopping
Accommodation
Hotels
Bed & Breakfasts
Self Catering & Cottages
Camping & Caravans
Holiday Parks
Farm Holidays
Glamping
What's On
Arts & Crafts
Children’s
Food & Drink Events
Gardens & Nature
Music
Theatre
Tell Us About Your Event
Food & Drink
North Devon Food Trail
Restaurants
Cafes & Tea Rooms
Pubs & Bars
Street Food & Takeaways
Deli’s and Farmers Markets
Fish & Chips
Explore
Biosphere
AONB
Exmoor
Beaches
North Devon Film Locations
Villages & Towns
Tarka Trail
Discover North Devon
Free Days Out
Weddings
Rainy Days
Outdoor Adventures
Family Holidays
Romantic Breaks
Conferences & Functions
Devon Cream Teas
Itineraries
Plan Your Visit
How to get here
Getting Around North Devon & Exmoor
TICs
Enewsletter Sign-up
Contact Us
News
Special Offers
Accommodation Offers
Activities & Attractions Offers
Food & Drink Offers
Seasonal Offers

© Visit Devon Community Interest Company

  • Enewsletter Sign-up
  • Site Map
  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions

Ratings & Reviews

Powered By