Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is our closest quaint seaside town less than a 10minute drive away, home to the Victorian tidal bathing pool at Tunnels Beaches and the landmark harbour statue, Verity, by Damian Hurst. Full of cafe’s, bars, restaurants and art galleries, it’s one of those places where if keep looking you will always find something more.
It is walkable in around 75 mins taking you through rolling countryside. The Thatched Inn is en route, a17th century pub with cosy traditional interior, a good draught ale selection and great food. If you fancy a chance of spotting some seals & dolphins take a boat trip from the harbour or pick up the ferry to Lundy Island for some puffin spotting. Hourly parking available at various car parks around the harbour.
Head to: Stacc Bakes for amazing cocktails and exquisite cakes, Thomas Carr for Michelin Star dining, Sweet Williams florist for stunning bouquets and Aluna Gallery for wonderful artwork owned collectively by local artists.
Hele Bay
Hele Bay is our closest beach less than a 10 minute drive away and where we do most of our treasure hunting for sea glass. A sheltered shingle beach popular with sea swimmers and paddle boarders all year-round, you can join the coastal path here to Ilfracombe or back towards Watermouth Cove and Combe Martin. Hourly parking (Ringo) is available close to her beach.
Head to: Sandy Cove Hotel for al fresco dining with a view. Cream tea lovers will be spoilt for choice at the selection of homemade cakes at Storm in a Teacup boat cafe (Watermouth Cove) or Hele Corn Mill (Hele Bay). Both offer gluten free options.
For sea swimming lessons at Hele Bay - we have really enjoyed lessons with Terri and Ali & can highly recommend Coastal Swim Coaching.
Woolacombe
Being surrounded by so many beautiful places it doesn’t feel right to have a favourite though this is definitely ours and unsurprisingly crowned The Sunday Times Best Beach 2021. Just15minutes by car, Woolacombe has a 3 mile stretch of golden sand popular with surfers and makes for a beautiful walk any time of year.
For a day at the beach, park on Marine Drive and drive up to at least The Porthole Cafe to park. From here you can walk down through the dunes where you can relax away from the crowds & swooping gulls. Parking here is full day - half day parking and meters also available and easy to find.
Head to: West Country Gallery on South Street for gorgeous artwork & gifts, owned by talented local artist Jo Allum. Beach House Restaurant for amazing fish dishes, a good steak or Sunday roast. Tides Inn or Bar Electric for cocktails at sunset. Beachcomber cafe for a tasty breakfast. The Porthole for great coffee, delicious lunches & snacks with vegan and gluten free options.
Barricane Beach
Barricane Beach is renowned for it’s seasonal sunset Sri Lankan Currys from the Barricane Cafe, it is definitely one for the bucket list, the atmosphere is just lovely. Tip! Take a beer as they don’t sell alcohol and go to the loo beforehand as the closest is a walk away.
Mortehoe is a little further along with three(!) village pubs and Miss Feas cafe. The coastal walk from here around Morte Pointe to Putsborough is beautiful.
Croyde Bay
You could easily say that Croyde is the jewel of North Devon, combining a picturesque beach with the stunning backdrop of Baggy Pointe and an idyllic village. Around 25minutes by car, it’s where we send our guests for surf lessons. Located between Pustborough and Saunton, keen walkers will love the coastal path and views you experience.
Hourly parking with beach access available at Down End car park.
Head to: The Thatch Inn to soak up the atmosphere with a pint of Rattler. Blue Groove for laidback dining and great breakfasts with vegan and gluten free options. New Coast Kitchen for cocktails & modern dining including seafood. Ralphs Surf Hire for board hire & clothing including Dryrobes. National Trust cafe at Baggy Pointe for a cream tea in their lovely gardens with a gorgeous gift shop. Biffen’s legendary surf inspired street food at Ocean Pitch and Surfing Croyde Bay for surf lesson.
Saunton & Braunton
Saunton is another long stretch of beach with 3 miles of golden sand around 25minutes by car via Braunton. Another hot spot for surfers with the most amazing views, you can get some incredible photos here. Beyond the beach is the Braunton Burrows nature reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve we are proud to be so close to. Hourly parking is available at the beach car park.
Braunton is known as the largest village in the UK with plenty of local shops, cafes and restaurants and home to The Museum of British Surfing.
Head to: The Siam Bistro in Braunton for incredible authentic Thai food. Kittiwakes for beautiful gifts. Take a beer and grab a takeaway from award winning Squires fish & chips and drive up to one of the lay-by alongside the sea and soak up the sunset.
Heddons Mouth
Around 25minutes by car, just the drive to Heddons Mouth is absolutely breath taking with spectacular sea views on one side and panoramic views of Exmoor on the other, we couldn’t believe it the first time we went!
A National Trust treasure, the circular walk along the the river brings you to the sea with dramatic cliff faces on either side. The ground is uneven and hilly in parts lasting around 1.5 hours. The Hunters Inn is worth a visit, they do great sandwiches and lunches including a rather good gluten free fish & chips. The shop and cafe serve gifts and tasty local ice cream. You can join the coastal path in both directions.
Lynton & Lynmouth
Visiting Lynton & Lynmouth is just a lovely way to spend a day, around 40minutes by car. Start up in Lynton and grab a coffee from one of the cafes and stroll around galleries and local shops. You can then take the historical funicular down to the picturesque harbour of Lynmouth with more shops and cafes. A riverside walk takes you to Watersmeet National Trust cafe where you can indulge in a cream tea. If you have room on the way back we recommend Esplanade Fish & Chips! The walk is around 1.5 hours with uneven ground and quite hilly.
Instow & Appledore
Around 30-40minutes by car or hire a bike and ride along the Tarka Trail. Both offer beautiful sea views and a number of cafes and restaurants.
Head to: Johns of Instow for a tasty brunch and a great deli selection & local produce. The Coffee Cabin at Appledore for good coffee and a scrummy breakfast.
Wistlandpound
Around 20minutes by car in the direction of Heddons Mouth & Lynmouth, there is something quite tranquil about the quiet and stillness here. A relatively flat walk lasting around an hour long depending on your pace. Parking is chargeable (Ringo).