Places & Shopping
Appledore
A pretty little fishing village nestled on a hillside just 3 miles from Bideford. The village is full of narrow cobbled lanes that lead to the harbour which was once famous for smuggling! Appledore is a treasure trove for art lovers with its many small galleries. There is a seasonal ferry link across the estuary to Instow.
Braunton
Braunton is the largest village in England. It is home to numerous surf shops, cafes and pubs. The famous Fish and Chip shop ‘Squires’ is located on the main street. The town has an old ruined chapel that overlooks the narrow streets of the original village. There is a small Tourist Information shop near the British Surf Museum and main car park.
Barnstaple
If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, then Barnstaple has the area’s largest selection of shops. You will find everything from great local independent shops, supermarkets, charity shops and chain/brand stores such as Animal, New Look, Primark and Wilkinsons. The historical Pannier Market host a variety of different markets throughout the week, ranging from foods to crafts. ‘Butchers Row’ displays fresh fish, meat, bread, cakes, sweets and fresh produce. The town is home to the region’s major leisure facilities as well as the North Devon Museum. There is a free guided heritage trail that runs from the Heritage Centre every Thursday at 11am (April-October).
Combe Martin
This small resort is situated in a sheltered valley at the western fringe of Exmoor National Park. The town is located amongst some of the most outstanding coastal scenery in the area, with spectacular views across the bay to the dramatic headlands and beyond.
Bideford
The little white town of Bideford is a thriving shopping centre with a historic pannier market. There are a range of great little local shops on the High Street and Mill Street. The working harbour is the home to the ‘M S Oldenburg’, which sails back and forth to Lundy Island – You can book at the office on the Quay. Victoria Park is well worth a visit – here you will find multiple outdoor play frames for children of all ages, a paddling pool, football fields and The Burton Art Gallery & Museum – A must for art and history lovers!
Croyde
The quaint thatched village of Croyde is renowned for its quaint tearooms, traditional oak beamed pubs and local clotted cream ice cream. There are some great surf shops and many surf hire companies to lot you out for the beach!
Great Torrington
The market town of Great Torrington sits high on a cliff top overlooking a river valley. Taking advantage of this panoramic view is ‘Torrington 1646’ – an attraction that truly brings the 17th century to life to tell the fascinating stories of the English Civil War, offering visitors an interactive hands-on experience. Great Torrington is well recognised as an important heritage centre for the history of the 17th century.
Hartland
The picturesque village of Hartland sits 3 miles inland from Hartland Point. Pay a visit to St John’s Church which was built in 1839 and contains one of the earliest pendulum clocks in Britain which was made in the 17th Century by local horologist John Morcombe of Barnstaple.
Lynton
Set amidst spectacular and unspoilt rural scenery, Lynton is a bright airy Victorian village with a selection of shops, quaint tearooms and cafés. A water operated cliff railway that dates back to 1890 joins the village of Lynton to its sister village of Lynmouth 600ft below. The cliff railway ride is a fun and unique travelling experience and boasts beautiful views across the cliffs and out to sea.
Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is the largest harbour on the North Devon coast, sitting snuggly amongst the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic coast. The historic natural harbour has pleasure crafts and fishing boats for visitors; and boat trips are always on offer during the summer season. Ilfracombe is steeped in history and has some beautifully elegant Victorian architecture. Ilfracombe is proud of its fishing harbour roots and has managed to retain that lovely old-fashioned sea side town feel to it.
Mortehoe
Mortehoe is a very pretty stone built village, where visitors can discover small beaches that hug the coastline, it’s a wonderful place to spend a quiet afternoon discovering the coast. In the summer, the Cream Teas that are served in the local cafés are not to be missed, perfect for those with a sweet tooth!
Instow
Instow is a charming little estuary village that boasts soft golden sands beside the waters of the Taw and Torridge River estuary. The village is home to a popular yacht club and has a thriving sailing community. In the summer, a ferry runs from Instow Quay across to the fishing village of Appledore.
South Molton
This ancient market town is the historic regional centre where the beautiful Taw Valley meets Exmoor. It is packed full of traditional architecture and has two fine churches. South Molton town has a growing reputation for its growing arts and crafts scene, its antique shops and the selection of local produce it has on offer, particularly honey and luxurious chocolate.
Lynmouth
Lynmouth has a pretty harbour that nestles beneath the rugged cliffs that Devon is so famous for. Being so secluded, it is a romantic escape from modern life that will make you feel as if you’ve travelled across the globe. The town boasts great traditional pubs, fudge shops and ice cream parlours, making it is a pleasant place to spend a day with the family.
Westward Ho!
Named after Charles Kingsley’s novel, Westward Ho! is an absolutely excellent family beach town with a long stretch of sheltered sand. The beach is lifeguard patrolled during the summer. A two-mile long natural pebble ridge backs the beach, acting as a barrier between the sea and the Northam Burrows Country Park which is home to the Royal North Devon Golf Club.
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