Your adventure in North Devon starts here.
So you came for the world-class surfing, but maybe you’re looking for what else you can do in North Devon. The North Devon Coast might be one of the most varied stretches of coastline in the country with England’s highest cliffs towering above the Bristol Channel on Exmoor, the long sand beaches and laidback vibe around Woolacombe and the untouched remoteness of Bideford Bay and Hartland. So grab your hiking boots, oil up those bike chains and keep your binoculars handy, your adventure in North Devon starts here.
Hiking: The National Trust looks after over 8000 acres of North Devon, as well as our conservation work the National Trust work hard to maintain access to our special places in, that means over 100 miles of footpath for you to explore, you’ll find an array of walks on the website, graded by distance and difficulty. Find out more here: your-adventure-in-north-devon-starts-here . Why not walk a length of the South West Coast Path, the longest National Trail in the UK.
Wildlife spotting: The National Trust is working hard to restore a ‘Natural, healthy and beautiful’ environment, our rangers work hard and team up with our tenant farmers to ensure that we are managing our land for the benefit of wildlife, so if you are a wildlife lover you’re in for a treat.
- Mortehoe: For the twitchers among you head to Mortepoint where 100 bird species have been spotted. Highlights include; Peregrine Falcons and Dartford Warblers, though even a Trumpeter Finch (native of the stoney deserts of Africa and Asia) has been spotted.
- Exmoor’s Red Deer: Exmoor is one of the best places in England to see the UK’s largest wild land animal, the Red Deer. There are about 3000 deer living on Exmoor and they can often be spotted on moorland on the edge of woodlands. During the autumn why not join one of our ranger-led walks to witness the Red Deer rut here: nationaltrust.org.uk/heddon-valley
- Sea Creatures: The waters off North Devon are rich in wildlife, from the cliffs you can spot; Grey Seals, Porpoises and maybe even a Basking Shark. Join one of our tractor trailer rides along Mortepoint, or maybe one of our cruises out of Clovelly with a ranger, to get a better look.
- Nature trails: Get the kids excited about nature by heading out on one of our popular nature trails which run during most of the school holidays. Head to the website to find your nearest: your-adventure-in-north-devon-starts-here
Arlington Court: The Chichester family not only donated much of the land around Woolacombe and Croyde to the National Trust, but they also donated their house of Arlington Court, the regency house is open to the public (free for National Trust members) and sits in picturesque gardens and parklands, you’ll also find the National Carriage Museum housed in the old coach house.
Food Lovers: All the activity you’ll be doing is sure to make you hungry, If you’ve been surfing at Lynmouth, head up the Watersmeet valley to Watersmeet house, a great spot to tuck into a famous Devon Cream Tea and watch the river gently lap past. Alternatively, at Croyde you’ll find the National Trust tenanted tearooms of Sandleigh (next to Baggy Point Carpark). Much of the veg here is grown in the courtyard garden, which is also a great place to sit and enjoy the sun.
If you’re looking for something a bit different see what events award-winning street food chefs Seadog have planned. Seadog regularly serves up local seafood in some of the National Trust’s most spectacular locations across North Devon, head to their website to see where they are going to be next seadogfoods.co.uk/
Where to stay: From campsites to manor houses and everything in between, the accommodation offer in North Devon is both extensive and varied. The National Trust accommodation website is a great place to get an overview of what is available. Head here for more info: nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays
Highlights include:
- Foreland Bothy; if you are travelling on a budget and don’t mind going back to basics take a look at the Bothies in North Devon. Foreland Bothy can be rented for £20 per night for up to 4 people (and two dogs). For that you get a roof over your head, a sleeping platform, running water and a toilet (though no electricity).
- Countisbury Hill Cottage; if you’re looking for more comfort then why not try Countisbury Hill Cottage, conveniently located just outside of Lynmouth and opposite the Blue Ball Inn. This cosy cottage complete with woodburning stove is a great spot to set yourself up for surfing at Lynmouth and for exploring Exmoor National Park.
- Semi Wild camping: In the summer head to one of the semi-wild campsites that are open for 4 weeks. The Heddon valley on Exmoor offers great camping on the valley floor surrounded by woodland, or head over to Brownsham (near Clovelly) where you can even stay in an iron age hut (your-adventure-in-north-devon-starts-here)
