Towns, villages & areas

When asked what they love about North Devon, everyone's answer is different.

One thing is constant though, it's the perfect playground for doing what you love. Be it spending time with the family, walking the dog, eating out or celebrating with friends, to the people that live here, and visit here, North Devon really is the perfect place. Visit golden sandy beaches perfect for rock-pooling, swimming and surfing, dramatic coastlines, rugged moors and verdant valleys all demand to be explored. Visit Exmoor and find fantastic places to go in North Devon towns, amazing attractions, great days out with the kids, great local food and drink and a wealth of cultural experiences await you.

Step into our wonderful world…

Visit Exmoor National Park and you'll discover one of Britain's hidden treasures. Wherever you go in Exmoor there are new places to discover. Dulverton is the setting of part of Blackmore's classic novel ‘Lorna Doone'. The castle at Dunster stands guard over the town's medieval buildings and the busy village and port of Porlock provide stunning views and the opportunity to rest before climbing the breathtaking coastal route.

At the very heart of Exmoor is Exford, the perfect base for exploring the historic and remarkable Tarr Steps. On the coast the picturesque twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth or ‘Little Switzerland' will charm you. It might be a steep walk from the beautiful harbour of Lynmouth to the charming cafe's and shops of Lynton, but the ingenious water powered cliff railway can take you up the 500 foot cliff effortlessly.

Ruby and Tarka Country: Rolling hills, lush valleys and miles of patchwork farmland

Step into the heart of North Devon where you'll find Tarka Country little changed since Henry Williamson wrote his famous novel. Tarka the Otter. Barnstaple, North Devon's oldest and largest town sits at the centre of the Tarka Trail, a 180 mile path with 32 miles of off road cycleway. Heading south the market town of Great Torrington has a huge amount of history, having played an important role in the Civil War. Holsworthy in the heart of Ruby Country boasts one of the busiest and largest livestock and pannier markets in the Country. The pretty town square comes alive every Wednesday as visitors enjoy mingling with local people and farmers. Hatherleigh is a historic market town of thatch and cob cottages dating back to the 16th century, the perfect place to experience rural Devon life. Visit on market day and you'll feel you've arrived in the real Devon.

Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore: A magnet for cyclists, rambers and a gateway for activity

Make Bideford your base and you'll have the very best in pubs, music and restaurants to satisfy every palate. Visit the pannier market or wander through the traffic free lanes, you'll find Bideford is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy, with dozens of independent retailers, craft and antique shops. Stroll along the quay and admire the expansive waterfront, or take a stroll around the fortnightly farmers market. Grab the outdoors life with a trip to family friendly Westward Ho! The beach is fronted by a 2 mile long sandy beach, and backed by traditional bucket and spade shops, tea rooms and restaurants. At the mouth of the River Torridge sits pretty Appledore. This quaint village offers a number of galleries and local crafts and hosts regular art festivals.

Woolacombe & Croyde: The golden coast, perfect for families and watersports

For an award winning beach head to Woolacombe, its miles of golden sand are recognised as one of the top ten beaches in the world. Head through Georgeham and you'll find Putsborough, with great facilities, and a beach cafe that serves local produce. Further around the coast you will discover Croyde, a picturesque village dotted with thatched cottages and one of the region's best beaches and the perfect place for families and surfers alike. Each year Woolacombe and Croyde play host to several surfing competitions and every June, to Oceanfest, a 3 day surfing and music festival. Braunton is the gateway to the Golden Coast, packed with delicatessans, gift, craft and surf shops, the area makes an excellent base for your beach holiday. Breathtaking Saunton Sands is one of the great jewels in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has been used as a location for many film, video and television productions.

Hartland & Clovelly: Peace, tranquillity and breathtaking views

On the western tip of North Devon you'll find Hartland with some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Britain. Hartland is the perfect retreat for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Further along the coast you will find historic Clovelly, untouched for centuries its cobbled streets and flower strewn cottages tumble down 400 feet to a 14th century fishing harbour.

Ilfracombe: seaside fun and centuries of heritage and tradition

Seekers of curious coastal charm will adore Ilfracombe. History is everywhere, from grand Victorian hotels to the old working harbour boasting some of North Devon's best restaurants and Cafe's. Culture abounds with the Landmark Theatre, catch a show and you could be anywhere, but step out onto the balcony at the interval and you could only be in Ilfracombe. For children who are intrepid rockpoolers and crabbers, the pretty cove of Hele Bay begs to be explored. Nature lovers, walkers, cyclists and foodies unite in their love of Ilfracombe as the perfect place for exploring North Devon.

Situated within the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Combe Martin and its neighbour Berrynarbour and simply beautiful . With the longest street of any village in the UK, Combe Martin sits at the very edge of Exmoor, surrounded by amazing coastal views, medieval field patterns, and bathed in a history of silver and tin mining. Overlooking the sheltered Watermouth Cove you'll discover Berrynarbour. With its quaint houses and floral displays you'll discover first hand why Beatrix Potter found the area the perfect place for inspiration.