What To Do In North Devon

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What To Do In North Devon

 

Discovering North Devon leisure pursuits and exploring what to do in Devon while on holiday provide a variety of contrasting activities just waiting to be investigated. The area is proud to offer a fantastic selection of attractions for when you are searching for things to do in North Devon, visitors can experience the very best of the coastline in the UK from luscious green countryside, golden sandy beaches, quaint fishing harbours and even rustic ancient ruins. 

A self catering holiday provides the perfect base and opportunity for families, groups of friends and romantic couples to take a well deserved break by choosing the level of activity and pace for themselves from the selection of things to do in North Devon. Cottages ideally based for exploring the area we can recommend Rooftops in Braunton or a beach chalet named Swallows in Croyde, both are positioned in a quiet peaceful area and yet close to North Devons leisure attractions. 

If your idea of what to do in North Devon revolves around finding peace, quiet and total tranquillity then North Devon leisure activities will help to keep you entertained. Wander the miles of unspoiled countryside of Exmoor National Park, visit the ancient castle of Powderham, Browse the budding local art galleries, see old quaint fishing harbours of Clovelly, play a relaxing round of golf at Saunton Golf Course or why not take a boat trip over to the spectacular island of Lundy to watch the puffins, seals and wildlife play in their natural environment. 

Many of North Devon leisure attractions won't leave you feeling out of pocket either, in fact there are many free things to do in North Devon while on your family holiday. Hit the glorious golden sandy beaches to discover rock pools bursting with wildlife, ramble through the inspiring gardens of Broomhill or Marwood gardens, cycle along the miles of picturesque Tarka Trail path, about running along dramatic cliff coastal paths or for the less energetic among us..... a walk instead. 

Go on explore North Devon, what will you uncover? 

Leisurely activities in Devon

 

swimming

North Devon Leisure Centre

 - Barnstaple

Lane swimming, aqua aerobics and fun sessions there is something to suit everyone with varied timetables.

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Tarka Cycle Trail

Enjoy a family outing on the Tarka Trail Cycle Path which meanders through the North Devon countryside and by the coast. Enjoy 21 miles of traffic-free scenery on foot or in the saddle.

From off road routes away from busy traffic will appeal to families with young children, while there are longer on-road routes along quiet lanes which wind their way through peaceful countryside and historic villages.

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Marwood Hill gardens

20 acres of beautiful gardens and three lakes in a valley setting with Plant Centre and Garden Tea Room. Marwood Hill is open daily from 9.30 - 5.30 (closed Christmas Day). The Plant Centre and Garden Tea Room are open March - October

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Woolacombe beach

Fabulous walks in North Devon

Walking here is one of our famous activities in North Devon as its peaceful and tranquil place.

(Below are just a few)

Baggy point - This short 3 mile exhilarating walk to Baggy Point is a steep climb but rewarded with amazing seascapes.

Lyn Gorge - About 5 miles. A classic walk offering spectacular river scenery and a glimpse of the sea.

Watermouth - About 7.5 miles. An invigorating, hilly walk, passing an 11th century manor house and a 19th century castle

Barnstaple country walk - About 6 miles. Farmland and an estuary walk on the Tarka Trail

 


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 Golf

 


Golfing in North Devon

North Devon has many courses suitable for all abilities, including Saunton and the Royal North Devon voted two of the best courses in the U.K. Enjoy a golfing holiday in North Devon or just an odd game while away on holiday with your family. You will be hard pushed find such variety of golf courses elsewhere in the UK.

Saunton Golf Club - The two famous links courses at Saunton justify their claim to be among the finest in Britain having both been listed in Golf World & Golf Monthly magazine's top 100 courses in the UK.

Willingcott Valley Golf Course - Willingcott Valley is a dramatic golf course with fantastic panoramic views. The course has a series of ponds and lakes that run along the valley floor, providing natural hazards on 9 of the 18 holes. Several of the holes provide views across to Exmoor, some a view of Lundy Island, and the rest have views down the valley. Excellent club house with restaurant and bar.

Woolacombe & Mortehoe Golf Club - A testing 9 hole golf course with exceptional sea views to Lundy Island & Wales. Friendly Clubhouse and Cafe, Golf Shop with competitive prices.

Ilfracombe Golf Club - An interesting and testing mature course (founded 1892) offering unsurpassed views over the Bristol Channel and Lundy Island.

Portamore Golf Club - The two 9 hole courses offer a challenging 27 hole layout, well planned courses, with carefully placed water, bunker, and tree hazards provides a challenging and interesting round of golf.

Libberton Golf Club - Attractive parkland course spans 110 acres and offers 6481 yards, of gently sloped fairways, water hazards and trees.

Great Torrington Club - Established in 1895 on Torrington Common the course has changed very little. Although short the course is very tight and supplies some very interesting holes all of which afford stunning views over the countryside and the valley below.

Hartland Forest Golf Park - This is a magnificent golf course situated in the heart of North Devon's finest habitat, the course stretches through 6000 yards, with many water hazards, lakes and ponds.

Just to name a few!


tennis

Tarka Tennis Centre - Barnstaple

Tarka Tennis Centre runs an extensive tennis programme for all ages & standards. Players from the ages of 3-90 years young can find tennis to suit them. Tarka runs Coaching Programmes to suit all standards. These run throughout the week in the day & evening.

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Fishing in North Devon

Appledore, Ilfracombe and Watermouth are great places for anyone wishing to relax and enjoy fishing.

Appledore is a great place to take the kids fishing or for beginners who are looking for other things to occupy them should the fishing become slow.Ilfracombe is a great place to fish as it offers a variety of different fishing conditions within a small area.Watermouth is great in the summer time for catching Bass, Mullet & Mackerel.

 

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Clay Pigeon Shooting - Ilfracombe

Clay shooting for experienced groups and individuals
Tuition for novices
"Have a go" sessions
Tuition for the game shooter
Fun shoots for stag/hen parties

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Scott Barnstaple Cinema

4 screens, Disabled facilities, liscenced bar, 3D viewing on selected films.

 


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North Devon Theatre - Barnstaple

North Devon Theatres produces a stranded arts and entertainment programme featuring drama, classical music, opera, children's shows, popular music (including rock, jazz, folk and roots), contemporary dance, ballet, amateur shows, visual arts and community events. In addition they run a wide-ranging arts education and outreach programme for people of all ages.

 

Surfing Museum

Museum of British Surfing - Braunton

The Museum of British Surfing - built by you, the British surfer! Showcasing surfboards through the ages, Learn how surfing originally came to be.

flexible and innovative museum - each year you'll see a new themed exhibition at our venue which will then go on tour around the UK.  Alongside this we're planning smaller outreach displays and regular events at The Yard and other locations in North Devon, featuring music, film, art and culture.