Easily The 20 Best Places to Visit in North Devon

Devon, located in South West England, is easily one of my favourite counties in the country.

Its stunning coastline is arguably the best in England. Many feel the sandy beaches on North Devon coast are the most gorgeous beaches in the United Kingdom.

Some of these beaches do make it in the all-time best beaches list of UK.

Now, Devon is often divided into North and South Devon.

To me personally, both have their own charm and unique selling points.

However, for today, I will mainly stick to the best places to visit in North Devon.

The number of places you can visit and things you can do is just superb.

The North Devon area is quite diverse and replete with history, culture, castles, national parks and of course, the coast.

You have charming villages, fun towns and wonderful cities as well for great entertainment.

So, with that in mind, let’s explore top 20 best places to visit in North Devon.

Note: You can book the most surreal experiences in Devon through Viator, A Tripadvisor Company.

The Top 20 Best Places to Visit in North Devon

Here are my top things to do and favourite places to visit in North Devon.

The beauty of these places is that they are ideal for everyone.

From couples looking for a romantic getaway to planning a day trip with the whole family, Devon is just perfect.

Please do note that I have probably given a couple of places that are in South Devon. This is because they are so good that I just couldn’t keep them out of this list.

1) Exmoor National Park

To experience the best of North Devon’s breathtaking natural landscape, you need to visit the Exmoor National Park.

Measuring 693 square kilometres, it is one of the smallest national parks but one of the most stunning for sure.

Exmoor National Park is famous for the dramatic coastline cliffs and mesmerizing moorland. The rivers, forests and gorgeous green fields all represent the best of British natural landscape.

The best part, you can enjoy umpteen number of walking trails and cycling paths to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Several visitors prefer to go horse riding to explore as much of the national park as they can.

The entire place is nature-rich no matter which way you look.

You can visit Exmoor National Park with kids, extended family or just as a couple looking for a romantic time.

There are some really wonderful accommodation options within Exmoor for a relaxing weekend getaway. Some of the hotels or B&Bs are a short walk away from breathtaking greenery.

2) South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is a 630 miles national trail with the distinction of being the longest waymarked footpath in England.

It passes through the counties of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Most of the path is on the stunning coastline with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

In fact, many of the places mentioned in our list here is part of the South West Coast Path.

You can enter the path at various points to enjoy the gorgeous views and walking trails.

Some of the best parts of South West Coast Path in North Devon includes:

• The Tarka Trail
• Combe Martin
• Exmoor National Park
• Valley of the Rocks

I have already spoken about Exmoor National Park above. More on the rest coming up down below.

3) Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands is an extremely popular beach near UNESCO designated Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve.

This long sandy beach which stretches over 3 miles is a great place for longboard surfing.

Even if you are not into surfing, Saunton Sands is the perfect place for a fun day with the entire family.

The beach is simply beautiful with picturesque scenery all around.

Do check for low tide and high tide timings for the day as that would dictate what you can do. This is especially for those who prefer to try water sports at the beach.

For a general fun time, you could visit Saunton Sands regardless of the tide.

4) Croyde Bay

Croyde Bay is famous for its gorgeous beach, rock pools, sand dunes, family friendly Croyde Village and stunning natural beauty.

Being next to Saunton Sands, you also have the best of surfing and other water sports activities at the beach.

Overall, Croyde Bay is one of the most beautiful places in North Devon.

You can spend a lovely time at the beach and then take a short walk to Croyde Village.

There are lots of brilliant pubs and restaurants at the village that are a great option for the entire family.

Exploring the idyllic and beautiful Croyde Village is as much fun as the stunning beach.

Do shop at a gift shop, enter a traditional tea room, try local delicacies and simply walk around.

You can easily spend a wonderful day at Croyde Bay and its surrounding areas.

5) Braunton Burrows

Braunton Burrows is where you will find the famous sand dunes of North Devon.

As a matter of fact, Braunton Burrows is the largest sand dune system in the country.

Being of such national importance, it is a must-visit for all visitors to North Devon.

Do keep in mind that Braunton Burrows is now privately owned by Christie Devon Estates.

You are still allowed to visit this incredible UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as long as you respect the place.

Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay, Braunton Burrows and Westward Ho are all next to each other.

Together, they make for one of the best day trips in North Devon that you simply can’t miss.

6) Lundy Island

If you fancy a picturesque boat trip, then Lundy Island is the ideal choice.

Lundy Island, located in the English Bristol Channel is owned by The National Trust.

While it may be a small island at only 3 miles long, it has a rich but turbulent history.

Even though there are hardly any people at Lundy Island, it is well managed with accommodations and recreational facilities.

There is a small village at the island from Victorian times with a great church, castle and lighthouse to explore.

The boat trip, views of Devon’s beautiful landscape and exploring the historical landmarks are the best things about Lundy Island.

Of course, there are the seabirds as well that includes puffins. In fact, Lundy Island is also referred to as Puffin Island after the beautiful little birds.

You can take the boat or ferry to Lundy Island from the towns of Ilfracombe or Bideford. Do check for sailing times and days to plan your itinerary.

7) The Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is a fantastic 180-mile figure eight loop going through some of the best locations of North Devon.

Starting at Barnstaple, the path goes through beaches, villages, woodland, national parks, cliffs and lots more.

You can experience the best of the South West Coast Path at certain locations of The Tarka Trail.

Just doing the trail will take you through some of the must-visit places of North Devon.

You can hire a bicycle for certain parts of the trail or go walking the other parts. For nature enthusiasts, you can go through both the Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor national parks via The Tarka Trail.

Throughout the trail, you will come across places where you can eat, get refreshed, relax and go further exploring.

Visitors will find a great spot for marvelling at the incredible Devon coastline or natural landscape at every corner.

Do keep in mind certain parts of The Tarka Trail is hilly such as the path around Exmoor National Park.

However, for most part it is an easy walk or bicycle ride that is doable by pretty much everyone.

8) Ilfracombe Beach and Seaside Town

Ilfracombe is a lovely seaside town with a nice beach and beautiful harbour.

It is the largest town in the area with great views of the North Devon coast.

There is lots to do in Ilfracombe. It is also a nice place to stay if you are in North Devon for more than one night.

I particularly like the harbour with the ferries, fishing boats, birds and gorgeous sea view.

The famous sculpture Verity by Damien Hirst is located at the entrance to the Ilfracombe harbour. It is quite a site with its imposing 20.25 metres height.

While at the harbour, do try for a sea life safari. If you are pressed for time, simply visit the Ilfracombe Aquarium to enjoy a variety of ocean life.

9) English Riviera South Devon

I realize the focus of this article is North Devon. Yet, I just had to mention English Riviera at South Devon.

This is because the English Riviera is one of the most beautiful locations of the entire region.

You just cannot visit Devon and miss the English Riviera.

Do note that English Riviera is a coastal part of South Devon that includes multiple towns, beaches, farmland and more.

The main towns and villages of the English Riviera in South Devon are:

• Torquay
• Paignton
• Brixham
• Babbacombe
• Cockington
• Goodrington

Each of these places are gorgeous with lots of distinct things to do.

Torquay is considered as the main town with a beautiful marina and stunning coastline.

The small town of Babbacombe has the famous UNESCO Global Geopark that is a surreal experience.

You can spend a lot of time at each of the towns of English Riviera.

Do plan well before your visit. Remember, there are beaches, marinas, farms, lakes, parks and so much more.

You can stick to activities in the towns or go exploring further. There are pubs, restaurants, resorts and so much more for every member of the family.

The English Riviera is as good as a seaside resort town that you can get anywhere in the world.

10) Valley of the Rocks

The Valley of the Rocks is located near the village of Lynton in North Devon.

It is a geological and archaeological marvel that you must visit.

As the name suggests, it is basically a valley that borders the coastline. The famous Lynton Beds and other ancient rock formations can be found here.

I am not going into a geology or history lesson for now. Nevertheless, you should know that the entire valley is covered in geological wonders millions of years old.

Since most of the rocks at the valley are fossiliferous, you never know what marvels you may uncover.

Even if you are not into geology, do visit the Valley of the Rocks for its breathtaking landscape. The views are simply mesmerising and cannot be missed.

11) Combe Martin

Combe Martin is one of the most charming villages in North Devon.

It borders Exmoor National Park on one side and has breathtaking coastal scenery all around.

Its gorgeous beaches and rock pools make Combe Martin one of the most sought-after destinations in Devon.

For couples looking for a private, romantic time, Combe Martin is a great place to visit.

You can find several secluded spots at various locations around the beach.

The South West Coast Path passing through Combe Martin is especially scenic with gorgeous views of the coast.

Apart from its stunning natural beauty, Combe Martin is popular for several other reasons as well.

Visitors love to explore the village, try water sports, go kayaking or visit the wildlife and dinosaur park.

You can even dwell deeper into the village’s silver mining history or go on a sea life safari.

There is much to do and see in Combe Martin that makes the village a popular spot with travellers.

12) North Devon Maritime Museum, Appledore

North Devon Maritime Museum is located in the beautiful village of Appledore.

It is an important attraction where you can learn about a significant aspect of England’s maritime history.

The museum is extremely well maintained with a chance to learn through interactive experiences.

You will have the best time going through the exhibits and absorbing all the nautical knowledge. There is a nice little gift shop that is perfect for a souvenir to remember your visit.

Coming to the village of Appledore, it is one of the many beautiful seaside towns of North Devon.

There are superb long sandy beaches, wonderful walking paths, several pubs, restaurants and fun attractions.

While Appledore is also one of the many fishing villages in North Devon, it has a much deeper maritime history.

In fact, Appledore was one of England’s important shipbuilding locations and still has one of the largest indoor ship yards.

13) Milky Way Adventure Park

The Milky Way Adventure Park is a short drive from Bideford, just off the main road near Clovelly.

It is an award-winning theme park that is considered as one of the best amusement parks in the nation.

The park is located at a beautiful setting with lush greenery and the coast nearby.

Being amongst UK’s top amusement parks, you can imagine it gets quite busy during school holidays.

Visiting the park is one of the most fun things you can do during your family day in North Devon.

There is a large car park and plenty of attractions for you to spend an entire day in Milky Way.

14) Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe Beach is considered as one of UK’s best beaches and definitely the best in North Devon.

If you had to visit just one beach during your visit, Woolacombe Beach is what I will recommend.

Firstly, the 3-mile-long sandy beach is simply stunning. It has brilliant panoramic views of the ocean, cliffs, dunes etc.

Both the silky-smooth sand and the ocean water feels pure with a vibrant hue over them.

There are great waves for surfing, kayaking and other water sports.

For me, Woolacombe Beach is brilliant for all types of people, that too of all ages. It has a romantic side to a family-friendly side. You also have nice rock pools to enjoy.

The beach is located at a really beautiful part of Devon, between Ilfracombe and Croyde.

15) Hartland Abbey

Hartland Abbey is the winner of the ‘Best Country House and/or Garden in North Devon.’

It is privately owned by the Stucley family.

Both the Abbey and the gardens are simply gorgeous, completely deserving of its title.

Hartland Abbey is located in Hartland, near Bideford in North Devon.

This is a picturesque part of Devon with a view of Lundy Island.

You may have already seen the property on television considering several TV shows have been shot here.

Visitors can go around the gardens and select sections of the house. You can also stay at one of the cottages that have breathtaking settings.

While the beauty of the gardens is quite mesmerising, the thrill of exploring the 12th Century house is something else.

A visit to the Old Kitchens Tea Room for some delectable food is a must. You can try the museum as well with its interesting exhibits.

The house is a piece of history and every corner is a treasure.

For general visits, prebooking is not required. However, you should pre-check the timings as per the month or season you are visiting.

16) Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is located in the town of Exeter between South and East Devon.

Let’s talk about Exeter the town first. It is a gorgeous ancient city famous for its gothic style architecture and rich history.

The town is quite beautiful and worth a visit.

The most popular attraction of the city is the Exeter Cathedral.

There are many spectacular cathedrals all over Europe and Exeter Cathedral is one of them.

This architectural marvel is over a thousand years old with breathtaking beauty.

You should take time and explore the Exeter Cathedral with all of its historic nooks and corners.

Visitors to Exeter Cathedral are often in awe of its incredible architecture, design, furnishings, heritage and interesting history.

The location of the Exeter Cathedral is also quite scenic with wonderful views of town and beyond.

Another interesting piece of trivia, Exeter Cathedral has the “longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world.”

That along with the astronomical clock and other fascinating features makes Exeter Cathedral a must-visit.

17) Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum

Arlington Court is one of the most famous landmarks located in Arlington, near Barnstaple in North Devon.

It is a large country house that has been built in neoclassical style. It is about 200 years old and remains one of the finest country houses in Devon with a fascinating history.

The house and its extensive gardens were previously owned by the Chichester family. However, it was donated to the National Trust in 1949.

The Chichester family’s antique furniture and memorabilia can be viewed by the public when visiting Arlington Court.

Apart from the house, the beautiful gardens and memorabilia, visitors are fascinated by the Carriage Museum.

The National Trust Carriage Museum is located in the stables of Arlington Court.

There are said to be over 40 carriages in the museum, each used for a specific purpose.

It is quite an interesting sight and gives you the opportunity to learn about British history and its heritage.

18) Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast in Devon is one of the most geologically significant and diverse locations in the UK.

According to the Jurassic Coast Trust website, it is the only area where rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods are found in one place.

It actually starts at the port city of Exmouth in East Devon and extends till Studland Bay in Dorset.

The total distance covered is just over 95 miles.

The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The natural landscape all along the Jurassic Coast is simply stunning.

Besides admiring the natural beauty, there are many interesting things to do in the area.

A lot of visitors like to go fossil hunting. Trekking, cycling and exploring the many nature-rich paths by foot remains a favourite activity.

You can try lovely boat trips to see the cliffs along the coast or visit museums for stimulating history lessons.

The Jurassic Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. I do suggest to spend more than a day here to absorb as much as you can of the region.

You can stay in Exmouth or any of the towns along the coast and go exploring with ease.

19) Baggy Point

If you wish to experience the dramatic cliffs of Devon with waves crashing into them, head over to Baggy Point.

Located at Moor Lane at Croyde, this is as stunning as a place as you can get.

Baggy Point is basically a headland between Croyde Bay and Morte Bay.

This is also a great place to experience the South West Coast Path with steep cliffs along the way.

You can do a quick hike to Baggy Point from Croyde Village after enjoying Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands.

20) Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is one of the most fun things to do in North Devon.

It is the world’s steepest totally water powered railway and voted as the nation’s best cliff railway.

The railway connects the two beautiful towns of Lynton and Lynmouth.

It goes through one of the most picturesque cliffs in North Devon and the views are awe-inspiring.

You just have to experience this heritage cliff railway in North Devon.

Once you get on top, do visit the Cliff Top Café. It is not just one of the highest Cream Tea locations but has wonderful views of the coast.

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Final thoughts

North Devon is one of the most beautiful regions of the UK.

Every place you visit has breathtaking views, dramatic scenery and is steeped in rich history.

Regardless of which places you visit; you will have a great time in North Devon.

As much as possible, try to walk, explore and go cycling on the marked paths. That is the best way to experience the natural treasures of Devon.