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Things to do in North Devon

There’s a whole host of things to do, see and visit while you’re on a holiday in North Devon. Here’s a selection of some of our favourite things we think you should consider while visiting North Devon.

Being on the coast, we’re not short on beaches, but what are the best beaches to visit in North Devon?

Visit Local Beaches

Combe Martin

Only a short drive from the resort is Combe Martin beach. A safe place for activities for all ages with plenty to do. From excellent opportunities to explore rock pools, hiring kayaks or paddleboards in the village to simply sunbathing while enjoying watching the kids play.

Tunnels Beaches

For a small fee (which is well worth it) you can gain access to Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe. Access is through a carefully hand-carved tunnel through the rock in which you’ll find calm and relaxing tidal bathing pools, popular with Victorian holidaymakers many a moon ago. You can easily spend the day here with an on-site Café, toilets and the opportunities to find a crab or two rock pooling.

Make sure to visit our sister-site, Life Café Ilfracombe Harbour. Savour in our ‘Toast on the Coast’ range - thoughtfully flavoured dishes on toasted local bread, enjoy a Barista-crafted coffee or indulge in our signature Ice Cream Sundaes while washing it down with an Aperol Spritz.

Guests staying at the resort can enjoy 20% off their order too!

Dine at Ilfracombe Harbour

Neighbouring the resort is Watermouth Castle, a family-friendly attraction with plenty to do, including: rides, mazes, toboggan run and much much more!

You can also book to stay in Watermouth Castle Apartments, which offer a truly unique place to stay if you're visiting North Devon.

Watermouth Castle

England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and National Trail, which features arguably some of the UK’s most beautiful views. Easily accessible from the resort this winding path makes for a wonderful walk.

South West Coast Path

Steeped (you’ll understand why we’ve used this word if you visit) in maritime atmosphere and history, this picturesque fishing village is a bucket list location for many - and it’s no shock as to why!

Recently voted as the most ‘Instagrammable’ village in the UK it’s a must-see location.

Visit Clovelly

Again, in Combe Martin only a short distance away, this zoo is set in gardens with many an exotic animals to see, theme park train to ride and fossil museum to be in awe-of.

Oh, and did we mention life-size animatronic dinosaurs, need we say more?

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

Another thing we highly recommend is taking a boat trip. With many operators to choose from, including Ilfracombe Sea Safari, you’re likely to see some of the world’s most popular wild animals, dolphins! Along with seals, you’ll also see some fantastic views of the coast from a new perspective.

Take a Boat Trip

The aforementioned seaside towns are picture-postcard, very pretty and quaint. Home to the world’s steepest water-powered funicular which takes you from Lynmouth at the bottom, to Lyton at the top which features some amazing views of the North Devon coast.

Ride the funicular at Lynton and Lynmouth

You can’t not visit Devon without indulging in a Devonshire Cream Tea. Freshly baked scones, loaded with thick and creamy clotted cream and a generous helping of jam.

The question is, cream then jam or jam then cream?