Top 7 Things to do in North Devon (Hidden Gems)
Updated: Feb 15
North Devon is an area of outstanding beauty, boasting a dramatic coastline that attracts masses of tourists every year. There is an abundance of amazing places to visit. In this article I will list the best things to do, including places to eat and where to stay, so you don’t miss a thing on your trip to this stunning location! Get planning your trip if you haven’t done so already and never stop exploring!
Things to do
Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a small seaside town with a generous stretch of gorgeous golden sandy beach. The beach is bustling in the summer as it’s a tourist hotspot with many campsites and holiday parks situated in the area. The beach is dog friendly all year round but there’s a section of beach towards the rocks not permitted for dogs in the summer months. The beach is infamous for its surf culture. You will often find great conditions for surfing along the north coast of Devon due to the abundance rolling waves, with that being said there is no shortage of surf schools and surf hires, so get yourself amongst it and try out the sport! On the sea front there is plenty of parking to cater for the masses of people expected in the summer. In the town you can find plenty of food establishments and a few clothes shops, there is also a miniature golf course and other fun activities at Funder island. I definitely recommend woolacombe for that long relaxed beach day you crave as you can spend the whole day on the beach with refreshments nearby and plenty to keep you entertained.
2. Valley of the rocks
The Valley of the rocks is a true hidden gem flaunting its uniquely rugged cliffs that dramatically cascade over the sea. From the tops you will see panoramic views of the stunning valley and breathtaking coastline. The valley of the rocks is just around the corner from another beauty below in this list, Lynton and Lynmouth, therefore a combination of the two would make for an unforgettable day trip in the north of Devon. I like to highlight great places for picnics in my blogs as I personally love them, this location happens to top the list for amazing picnic spots in the uk! Get your blankets laid and sandwiches out while soaking in the impeccable views! There are plenty of walking routes around the valley and the famous south west coastal path also flows alongside the cliffs. There is a natural path allowing you to access the top, where you will find the best views and maybe even befriend some of the wild Goats!
3. Clovelly
Clovelly is definitely worth exploring, it is an outstandingly Beautiful town with sloped cobbled streets down to a picturesque harbour and nearby Waterfall. The only downside to this magnificent location is that there is a fee to enter, but I'd still argue it is worth the one time visit as it is a true hidden gem. Down the cobbles there are wonderful views, quaint little shops and restaurants, and also a hotel for people to spend the night. You could easily spend a few hours here or even a full day. Dogs are very welcome in Clovelly, even in the restaurants and hotel. There are no cars down the cobbled streets so it is peaceful and spacious, in fact they traditionally onc used donkeys to carry things up the steep slopes.
4. Lynton and Lynmouth
Lynton and Lynmouth are two equally charming towns connected by a unique Cliff railway! Lynton is a small town with some nice shops, hotels and food. There is often a small market leading up to the Cliff railway. The Cliff railway is great to experience and the easiest way down to Lynmouth however there are alternative ways by car. Lynmouth has two beaches, a beautiful harbour and a historic town with quaint shops and eateries. The town encompasses the breathtaking Glen lyn gorge, where you can get admission to walk through the ravine up to the gushing waterfall.
I highly recommend visiting the picturesque interconnected towns as there is a lot to keep you busy and it really is a place like no other. Keep in mind, the Valley of the rocks is just around the corner from Lynton, and is another must see destination on this list!
5. Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is a classic Devonshire harbour town that offers a lot! A gorgeous harbour and hidden beaches surround the bustling seaside town. There are a lot of places to eat here and there’s plenty of accommodation making this an excellent hub or base for your trip to north Devon. For me, a day at one of the many north Devon beaches is usually finished off with fish and chips harbourside in Ilfracombe! Ilfracombe boasts some amazing views from Capstone hill of the rugged coastline, a perfect place to catch a sunset over the shimmering sea. The Tunnels beach offers a secret section of coast with bathing pools via (you guessed it!) a tunnel. There is a great amount to do in Ilfracombe so I recommend spending half a day here at least!
6. Heddon valley
Heddon valley boasts a naturally unique landscape, starting with a deep wooded valley featuring a river that traverses through the trees downstream to Heddon’s mouth. Heddon’s mouth is a small secluded cove surrounded by the towering cliffs, it’s where the river meets the sea. There is a campsite, car park and restaurant with accommodation (Hunters Inn) In the valley. Everything including the beach is dog friendly as this makes the perfect spot to walk your furry friends! The route from the car park to Heddon’s mouth is 2 miles (3.2km) and takes around 1 hour to walk, there is also alternative circular routes for the more avid hiker taking you onto the cliffs too. I recommend visiting if you need to fill a couple hours and enjoy nature, the valley is located on the west coast of Exmoor, near Heale.
7. Lundy Island
Lundy island is situated in the Bristol Channel off the north-west coast of Devon, it stretches about 3 miles (5km). The Island is very isolated and access is from Bideford and Ilfracombe harbour where they host several charters to the coastal wonder. There is also a ferry that runs at least 3 times a week and takes two hours each way to arrive at the island. Lundy island is an amazing place to get amongst nature being home to unique wildlife such as Puffins, Seals, Dolphins, whales, Coral, Highland cows and Deer. Due to the abundance of protected wildlife and Lundy being a working farm, unfortunately it is not dog friendly. On the island there are 23 self catering properties available all with a very different style from a 13th century castle to a lighthouse! You can also stay in the campsite which is very popular. There is one pub/restaurant on the island called the Marisco Tavern, it never shuts but alcohol is only served during permitted hours. There is plenty to soak in on the island and many activities such as walks, rockpool rambling, snorkel safaris, birdwatching, fishing, climbing and even diving! Lundy is perfect to spend a few nights, it’s a very unique and unforgettable experience!
Places to eat
Fudgies (Woolacombe)
Fudgies is an excellent bakery and being situated in the town at woolacombe, it makes the perfect takeway to bring down and enjoy on the beach. They have a large selection of pasties from traditional to Thai curry and plenty in between! They have vegan and veggie options and also serve baguettes, sweet pastries, milkshakes and ice creams too! I have been to Woolacombe many times and I always come back to Fudgies bakehouse as it guarantees a quick and delicious lunch to enjoy with the view of the beautiful beach.
2. A slice of Devon (Ilfracombe)
A Slice of Devon is a hidden gem and I always reccomend it to family and friends! If you want to try something new, this is the place. They serve gourmet pizzas and local seafood, however it’s not as standard as it sounds. There is a huge (and I mean HUGE) variety of options on the menu. There are pizzas topping you cannot even fathom, and maybe an Italian would turn thier nose up but I recommend going bold and trying something different like chicken and Brie (pictured above). If you fancy some local seafood sat harbourside then a slice of Devon has you covered, serving ‘Lundy Lobster’, Devon crab, crispy Calamari, Devon mussels and much, much more… They even serve Prosecco, Wine and beers to enjoy in front of the beautiful Ilfracombe Quay. If you’re staying nearby they also offer an option for delivery.
3. 62 The Bank (Barnstaple)
62 The bank is in the town of Barnstaple. Barnstaple is one of the larger towns of the north coast offering a lot of food options and this is the best of a good bunch! The restaurant features a stylish bar serving specialty cocktails. The magnificent Jacobean plasterwork ceiling is eye catching and brings an intriguing historic feel to the design. The atmosphere is lively and the food is top quality alongside the service. The cocktails really live up to the hype, I recommend the frozen strawberry daiquiri (the best I’ve ever had!). 62 The Bank is perfect for everything from a casual lunch, dinner date nights to bottomless brunch!
4. The Old Sawmill (Watermouth cove)
The old sawmill was once (surprise, surprise) a sawmill and has now been converted into a restaurant/bar/hotel that encapsulates its history of woodwork within is design. The Sawmill is located between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, in a place called Watermouth cove. The menu is very meat oriented however there are lots of vegan and veggie options and even local seafood too. The interior is very nice however it’s lovely to sit outside on the riverside decking when the sun is shining. They serve a lot of West Country drinks and most of their menu is local produce like the seafood that is brought in on dayboats from Ilfracombe, Appledore and south Devon.
Where to stay
Coming soon…
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