the scenery
Explore North Devon
Use the tabs to the below to find our best recommendations for the local area!
This list is by no means extensive, however we hope it provides an idea of the range of attractions and activities that are available in the area.
One of the best reasons to visit North Devon at any time of the year are the fabulous beaches.
Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands is the nearest beach to Barns Cottage and is a 10 minute drive from the house.
It is a huge 3 mile long sandy beach backed by Braunton Burrows which is one of the UK’s largest sand dune systems. Saunton is perfect for learning to surf and is known as the best long board beach in the country due to its slow wave walls. It is an excellent place to enjoy family beach acitivites and is also a fabulous kite surf destination.
There is a surf hire shop there, a surfing school, a beach shop and a cafeteria with elevated outside decking.
Croyde Bay
Another 5 minutes along the coast takes you to Croyde Bay which is one of the UK’s premier surfing beaches, where the waves are a little more powerful than those at Saunton. Croyde also has a beautiful, unspoilt old world village and a laid back beach vibe.
Woolacombe Beach
If you like an active vacation, then North Devon has everything you need. The fabulous beaches offer world class surfing, kite and windsurfing, coasterring, stand up paddleboarding and safe swimming. Land sport options are covered by numerous golf courses, mountainbiking, roadbiking the hills or The Tarka Trail or simply walk the stunning coast path.
The Tarka Trail
The Tarka Trail offers traffic free cycling, and its flat! Road biking and mountain biking are also good in the area – if you like hills!
Walking on Waves
If you can’t do it yet you will have great fun learning, especially with a group!
Braunton is the largest village in England and is a 5 minute walk along the Tarka Trail from Barns Cottage. All of the restaunrants are located in town so are easily accessible.
As the biggest village in England, Braunton is inundated with pubs & bars. From the relaxed atmosphere of the White Lion to the buzzy vibes of SQ and AKYA Rum Bar, there is no doubt you will find the right sort of ambience that suits you.
Mix things up with some go karting or ten pin bowling in Barnstaple. Perhaps a trip to the Big Sheep in Bideford or Watermouth Castle on the Bristol channel. Visit Damien Hursts’ Verity in Ilfracombe or the surfing museum in Braunton or do some sightseeing at the other-worldly Valley of the Rocks after a Devonshire Tea in beautiful Lynton.
