Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
To enjoy beautiful locally sourced fish visit this restaurant. For the meat lovers there are prime cuts of meat on offer as well as poultry. Round off your meal with a superbly presented homemade pud or sample delicious British cheeses. Book early to avoid disappointment!
The Quay is a waterfront restaurant, coffee-shop and gallery with wide and wonderful views of the Taw and Torridge estuaries. Upstairs, in the first-floor restaurant, the fresh, bright and seasonal menu, using the best local produce, should distract you from window-gazing.
Mull over Sunday lunch in one of north Devon's leading restaurants — the food is fresh and locally sourced, even the burgers are organic.
At 62, local produce is used whenever possible, to create classic and contemporary dishes that are influenced by exciting flavours from around the world. Try the barbecue rack of ribs, homemade burgers or sizzling fajitas.
French bistro cooking using the best of local produce, much of it free range and organic, with meats from Devon, and fish from local lakes and coasts. Even the butter and milk are locally sourced to ensure the best quality.
Tree Inn - 18.8 Miles (30.1 KM)
Quaint village pub perfect for nice relaxing drink to round off your day or just a leisurely drink. Offers lovely bar meals and a fabulous outside area on a sunny day. Real Ale lovers will enjoy the lively front bar with pool and Sky TV.
Fabulous modern bar called 'Legends' with a great bar menu and specialising in live music. Also, home to 'Mulligan's Restaurant' specialising in sensational steak and fish dishes. So whether you want a drink, food or both you will be spoilt for choice at Inn on the Green.
Mirchi with its wide menu range, great ambience, upscale and casual atmosphere is one of the nicest places to enjoy a taste of the East. Whether it's a traditional curry or something a little more exotic that you favour, Mirchi's many years of cooking experience make sure that your meal is one to remember!
Situated within the cliffs and overlooking the beach and ocean you will find this restaurant utterly breath-taking. During the day it is perfect for nipping in from the beach for refreshment and at night dine their speciality seafood.
Awarded winner of Marston's "Casual Fine Dining" Award 2008 you are guaranteed to have a great experience at this Inn. Serving a full a la carte menu or your more traditional food you can savour every mouthful within a pleasant atmosphere.
Bencoolen Inn - 19.8 Miles (31.7 KM)
Dating from 1863 this is a lovely pub offering many Real Ales within a relaxed setting. The restaurant called 'El Barco' serves delicious Spanish food as well as a traditional bar menu and a la carte.
To enjoy fabulous food and drink whilst admiring amazing views of Bude's inner harbour visit Brendon Arms. Offering an amazing selection of Real Ales and an array of fine wines along with traditional pub food this is the perfect place to unwind.
Elements - 21.1 Miles (33.8 KM)
Contemnporary interior, relaxed atmosphere, and sea views. Elements cafe bar is open every day from 10am, and is fully licensed.
A local chap hailing from Exeter with a huge passion for fine cuisine and a determination to use the very best local produce from the West Country, Michael Caine and his talented team have held two Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park since 1999.
Michael's cuisine is truly original and brilliant, a fact recognised not just by appreciative visitors to Gideigh Park but by guidebook editors and those within the industry who bestoy the highest awards and accolades.
With his classical French training in some of the finest restaurants in the world, Michael has created a style that is uniquely his own, at once classic yet also highly innovative.
Constantly evolving and developing and never failing to delight in the perfect execution. The wild game of Dartmoor, fish from the Devon coast and produce from Gidleigh Park?s own kitchen garden all form the basis for the exceptional dishes.
Fun Days Out
The Big Sheep is huge fun and a perfect, all weather day out for all the family, with lots to see and do including rides, dog trials, garden centre, horse whispering, pony rides, sheep races, nursery barn and lamb feeding.
The Milky Way Adventure Park is a great family day out whatever the weather. Thrilling rides, adventure for the little ones and exciting Birds of Prey shows are just some of its many attractions.
Huge fun for children, The Play Hut is Ilfracombe's only indoor and outdoor kids' soft play centre and is housed within a beautiful oak building with the stylish Café Blue Bar adjoining, so parents can relax too!
Life size, roaring and spitting animated dinosaurs lurk in 30 acres of subtropical vegetation, and the museum houses genuine dinosaur eggs. With rides and a chance to swim with sealions in a specially built pool, this is an attraction not to be missed.
As well as providing 'natural' living spaces for many smaller creatures no longer seen in city zoos, the zoo is now home to larger animals such as cheetah, blackbuck, maned wolves, sitatunga and of course the 'Exmoor beast'!
The theatre is managed by Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS) who produce their own shows and host a wide range of great professional shows too. See website for details of forthcoming events.
Britain's largest honey farm has a visitors' centre renowned worldwide for its unique living honeybee displays. Watch the bees in complete safety, without disturbing their natural behaviour, and view the honey processing plant, with its honey extracting, bottling, and candle making rooms.
Let the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway carry you on a nostalgic steam train ride in Exmoor National Park, from Woody Bay Station, North Devon — the first phase in rebuilding one of the world?s most famous and picturesque narrow gauge railways. (Wheelchair access, but those whose chair is wider than 30? should contact with the company prior to journey to make arrangements.)
Bude - 19.7 Miles (31.5 KM)
Bude is a small town by the sea in the North of Cornwall with an impressive coastline and fantastic beaches. Bude has plenty of shops, including surf clothing, arts and crafts and souvenirs. Bude has a castle, and a canal with a working lock.
Beach
Instow Beach - 2.7 Miles (4.3 KM)
Located on the edge of the Torridge Estuary, Instow beach is blessed with fine soft sand and is sheltered from the surf. It's a popular place to launch boats, and to windsurf and there's plenty of space for beach games like volleyball and cricket.
Crow Point - 5.8 Miles (9.3 KM)
Crow point is situated in the estuary on the edge of Braunton Marshes. Small, secluded and sandy it offers spectacular views over the estuary.
Croyde Bay - 6.6 Miles (10.6 KM)
Croyde is perhaps Devon's most popular surfing beach. Facing almost due west the beach picks up a good deal of swell and this combined with quality sand banks makes for one of the UK's best surf beaches.
Barricane Beach - 9.2 Miles (14.7 KM)
You can find Barricane Beach or shell beach as it sometimes called, in between Woolacombe and Mortehoe. It is a great beach for crabbing owing to its numerous rookpools.
Lee Bay - 11.2 Miles (17.9 KM)
Lee Bay is a delightful sand and shingle beach backing onto a charming village, and flanked on either side by an imposing rocky coastline. The wooded combe in which it lies is sometimes referred to as 'fuchsia valley'.
Tunnels Beach - 12.6 Miles (20.2 KM)
When sea-water bathing was considered a cure for all ailments, the Victorians carved pit a network of tunnels leading to sheltered beaches with a large tidal swimming pool, very popular today with children who can enjoy inflatables and snorkeling safely.
Coombe Martin Beach - 12.7 Miles (20.3 KM)
A firm favourite of local families, this unspoilt beach is mainly shingle at the top with plenty of sand at low water. There are natural rock pools providing endless interest and the beach also marks the edge of the Exmoor National Park.
Hele Bay - 12.7 Miles (20.3 KM)
The beach at Hele Bay is comprised mainly of sand and shingle. Its location adjacent to the Hillsborough Nature Reserve in an area of outstanding natural beauty make it an idyllic setting to relax in. Clean waters and safe swimming with an abundance of rock pools mean its great for all the family.
Northcott Mouth - 19.1 Miles (30.6 KM)
Northcott Mouth beach is a national trust beach just north of Bude. The beach is pebbly and sandy and is remote, secluded and beautiful. It has a small car park and in the summer, there is a tea caravan with a rustic garden with seating areas.
Crooklets - 19.6 Miles (31.4 KM)
Crooklets beach is in Bude. There is a cafe with seating at the sea front. It is also where Bude Surf Life Saving Club is located, there are beach huts to hire and an outdoor shower. In the winter, on Christmas Day, hundreds of brave swimmers run into the sea. Crooklets is pebbly and sandy and popular with families as well as surfers.
Lynmouth Bay - 22 Miles (35.2 KM)
Lynmouth Bay offers good if slightly hair-raising waves for the more daring of surfers. The little village is charming and full of character. Walk through historic streets and hear the stories of the local lifeboat crew.
Bucks Mills Beach - 22.7 Miles (36.3 KM)
A lovely secluded and quiet beach, found in a rocky cove. Walk through the picturesque village of Bucks Mills to find it. It is also a great place for a spot of fishing.
Biking & Hiking
Following the River Torridge to the estuary at Instow, the route is fairly flat and very safe for children to cycle. Crossing the river many times where Tarka The Otter was filmed, this lovely route has various access points along the way and provides a great way to explore the largely unspoiled countryside of North Devon.
The Torrington Commons is a large area of land donated to the town in the 12th Century; it covers some 365 acres and has over 20 miles of public rights of way running through it. The River Torridge where many of the scenes in Tarka The Otter was set, flows through the valley and is still a haven for otters and other wildlife.
Linking Ilfracombe on the North coast with Plymouth on the South coast for a distance of 102 miles, the route offers views of beaches and estuaries, lush green valleys and the moorlands of Dartmoor. Mostly traffic free, and over 40% of it is on former railway lines.
Ruby country cycling - 18.3 Miles (29.3 KM)
This route encircles the beautiful and infrequently visited Upper River Carey valley in deepest, rural Devon. It's not an easy route and has many twists and turns, but you'll be rewarded with views of quiet hamlets and rolling greenery along the way.
The Valley of the Rocks is a captivating natural space that can be explored on foot. The area is absolutely enchanting with native flowers, grasses and stunning rock formations. The 2.7 mile journey offers a different visual experience as the seasons change the landscape. Beginners should consider this one because it offers an easy difficult level.
Why not walk a short section of the Dartmoor Way? This circular 78 mile walking trail meanders across rolling moorland, through quaint Devon thatched villages along secluded wooded valleys, over clapper bridges and around Dartmoor's unique tors.
This is an easy route of 11 miles with the least traffic in Devon. You'll cycle through rural Devon, enjoying spectacular views of Dartmoor and its wildlife on the way.
Encompassing industrial history and natural beauty, this route is worth it for the views alone. Just south of Okehampton, the viaduct was built in 1874 and spans 165 metres over the remains of mineral mines. The view of Meldon Dam is almost 50 metres high.
Sticklepath cycle route - 25.3 Miles (40.5 KM)
There are wonderful Dartmoor views on this route which takes you mainly along Devon's quiet country lanes, with a short stretch of the Tarka Trail; passing many places of historic interest on the way.
Roadford Lake is a pleasant relaxing day out, there are walks of varying length around the shore, there's an array of wildlife to enjoy from insects and wild flowers to waterbirds on the reservoir. Theres is also a Lakeside Cafe and visitor centre giving you the history of the valley and the chance for refreshments.
Golf & Sports
Get a taste for adventure with canoeing and kayaking lessons along the Devon coast between Bideford and Barnstaple, from introductory sessions to improver coaching on white-water and the ocean. Highly qualified instructors ensure you are in safe hands throughout.
Go for a ride on the beach, amongst the Braunton barrows and along the woodland treks. Shelly's Riding School is a small yard in a great location where beginners can learn to ride and those with more experience can go a little further afield.
Learn to surf on Croyde's Blue Flag beach, where the British Surfing Championships have been held three times. Surf South West runs surfing lessons and courses for all levels, and has been awarded Level 5 status by the British Surfing Association.
Under the supervision of a PADI accredited dive instructor, you can safely discover the fascinating sensations of the underwater world.
Nature Reserves
England's only marine nature reserve, this dramatic, unspoilt island is a fitting setting for a fascinating array of wildlife including seals, a huge seabird colony, wild ponies, basking sharks and puffins. No cars disturb the island but there is a village inn and church.
A large reserve in between the beautiful counties of Cornwall and Devon. The diverse nature of the reserve, from the stunning coastline, inland to wooded areas with heath, grasslands and meadows mean its well worth a visit.
Gardens & Woodlands
All the family will enjoy a day out at Tapeley Park. There are lots of attractions including thoughtful woodland works, organic vegetable gardens, a children's play area and surprising animal encounters. The famous terraces are full of semi-tropical and tender flowers rarely seen in the UK.
Rosemoor - 8 Miles (12.8 KM)
The RHS has developed the original 8 acres into 65 acres of gardens and woodlands, featuring extensive herbaceous borders, herb and cottage gardens, a potager, fruit and vegetable garden, rose gardens, a foliage and plantsman's garden as well as a winter garden. So there really is something to fit all tastes!
Marwood Hill is a beautiful 20 acre valley garden, very colourful in spring, and with three small lakes, a large bog garden and a rock and alpine scree. The National Collections of 'Iris ensata' and tulbaghias are held here.
An enchanting garden with magnificent Victorian greenhouses, often though of as the best in South West England. Admire Brazilian rhubarb, bamboo grove and the delightful walled garden. Featured in 'Devon Today', 'Devon Life' and 'Gardener's Tales'; Winsford Walled Garden is well worth a visit.
In the picturesque Heddon Valley, on the western edge of Exmoor National Park, Heddon Hall Gardens are now open on a regular basis and will appeal to every gardener as well as anyone who just enjoys delicious home made cream teas in lovely surroundings.
Stone Lane Gardens is a 5 acre arboretum holding important national collections of wild-origin Birch and Alder trees in a lovely landscaped water and woodland setting. The Mythic Garden Sculpture Exhibition showcases the work of West country's artists and designers.
Greencombe is a 60 year old 3.5 acre garden, bordering ancient woodland. Careful planting has resulted in a stunning collection, however it also has a natural quality as if it has just been stumbled upon.
Local Attractions
Shopping all the family can enjoy! Atlantic village offers a unique blend of outlet shopping and exciting visitor attractions in the Atlantis Family Adventure Park. With over 35 outlet shops to choose from, offering up to 50% of the retail price.
Bringing the history of Barnstaple to life through a combination of touch-screen computer interactives, information panels and atmospheric mock-ups, the town's Heritage Centre is housed in a Grade I and II listed building on the riverfront.
The Courtyard is Herefordshire's centre for the arts, priding itself on an array of theatre, dance, music, film and visual arts events throughout the year.
Dragon Archery is located in the middle of the beautiful Devon countryside, close to Holsworthy, overlooking Dartmoor. It is a family run business that teaches the ancient skill of archery. It is primarily aimed at complete novices or those with little experience but welcomes archers of all skill levels. There are bows suitable to those aged eight and over. All instructions are carried out by expert and highly skilled instructors and safety is paramount, with all safety guidelines being clearly given in advance. All equipment is provided so there is no need to take anything along except yourself. There are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and there are themed archery ranges covering a collection of films and stories. As opposed to the usual archery centres where you shoot at a target at Dragon Archery it is completely different, your targets include dinosaurs, ugly orc's, wolves, armoured knights before you meet your biggest challenge the great Red Dragon. It is a unique and fun event that all those aged over eight can get involved in. Refreshments are provided when requested, free of charge as well as lots of encouragement. Whilst having fun you are learning a new skill and get a whole lot more of the history, tactics and science of archery, thoroughly interesting. Perhaps at the end of your session you will get your name on the leader board. Dragon Archery are professional, well organised and extremely friendly, they cannot do enough to ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable experience. It is extremely popular and rightly so, so to avoid disappointment make sure you book in advance, highly recommended.
Eastcott Vineyard is a small family operated establishment, located in the beautiful countryside of West Devon. It started as a dream and has now evolved into a successful business. The vinery covers six acres and produces a range of internationally known still and sparkling English wines, with both whites and roses. They run two guided tours, the Winery Tour and Talk or the Grand Vine to Wine Tour, they both are available April through to September, dates and times are on the website. In addition they also offer tutored wine tasting for groups over six people to a maximum of fifteen. When producing their fabulous wines they use traditional methods and a detailed description of the various processes involved are covered on the tours, you learn about the whole process from vine to bottle. The tours are really interesting and very informative and lasts about two hours. At the end you get to sample a selection of their quality wines and have the opportunity to buy some to take home for your enjoyment. Eastcott Vineyard enjoys a beautiful position in the Devon countryside and is fabulous when the sun shines, the family are lovely really friendly and very enthusiastic about what they do, you are made to fell very welcome and there is no hard sell from them, definitely worth a visit.
The Lynton Cinema carries on a long traditional of cinematic entertainment in the Lynton and Lynmouth area. Modern movie goers can stop by to take in a current release in many popular genres. Spend a relaxing afternoon or evening kicking back while taking in a film in the comfort of the Lynton Cinema!
Go Coasteering are a specialist company for coasteering with a huge selection of jump points around Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. They have selected the best points with the best tide times. This relatively new sport is for those who are seeking thrills and adventure, it is a strenuous activity involving climbing, scrambling, jumping, diving and swimming. All jumps are taken under the supervision of a qualified and professional instructor and all safety equipment is provided. The staff are superb, so friendly, helpful, encouraging and most of all professional. The first jump is the worst but once you have that out of the way it is amazing fun. Coasteering is a sport that those aged five and over can take part in, you don't have to be superfit either. They are now offering additional fun activities including Gorge Scrambling, Gorge Walking, Axe Throwing, Bushcraft, Paintballing, Archery and Archery Combat. You have the option of having your experience recorded through video and HD pictures. Go Coasteering are a professional and well organised company that provide a premier experience where safety is first but fun follows quickly after. It is excellent value for money and definitely something you should try if you are in the area, a thrilling and memorable experience that everyone will love.
Tiverton Canal Company offers a ride on one of the few remaining horse drawn barges in the United Kingdom. They can be found on the banks of the lovely Grand Western Canal, a beautiful stretch of waterway that has lots to offer to its visitors including, wildlife, flora and fauna, boats, horses and pretty scenery. The canal is eleven miles long and meanders through the pretty unspoilt waterways that are so tranquil and peaceful often with just the sounds of the wildlife to be heard. The grounds by the barge are beautifully maintained and the boat is pristine and a great example of a bygone era. The captain of the boat dresses in traditional attire and gives a wonderful running commentary, really informative and interesting, and pitched at just the right level to engage everyone. There is also a quick stop at an aqueduct during the journey. The shire horse that pull the barge has a lovely friendly temperament and is particularly partial to mints. There are refreshments available on board or there is a floating cafe, Ducks Ditty Cafe Bar, near to the departure area that has a nice menu of snacks and drinks. The journey last about two and a half hours and is so enjoyable, relaxing and so much to see along the canal. A first class attraction that gives a glimpse into a bygone era, a real nostalgic experience. The canal has much to offer too with lovely walks, a gift shop that has some unusual gift items and you can also hire a boat or canoe yourself to take along the canal.
Historical & Heritage Sites
At Torrington 1646, you'll be guided by colourful 17th Century characters, dressed in period costume and speaking and acting as though they were living at the time of the civil war battle. Visit the physic garden and perhaps even try on armour in the Royalist encampment. A guaranteed fun-packed, family day out. Highly Recommended. (Facilities where dogs can be left)
Built in neo-classical style in 1822, Arlington Court's interior is astonishing: full of collections for every taste, many of them amassed by an eccentric former owner. Carriage rides are available in the grounds.
Bude Castle - 19.9 Miles (31.8 KM)
Bude Castle overlooks Summerleaze beach, and is often used throughout the summer for concerts and events. It was built on the sand by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, an inventor, in 1830 as his home. The castle is now a heritage centre which has galleries, a shop, restaurant and much more.
The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway was created to overcome the lofty cliffs that separated these two developing regions. The mechanical systems utilised are unique, with full water tanks to balance the cars and brakes that camp down on the rails. The lifts are completely eco-friendly because no power is required to make them work.
Watersmeet sits among a sweeping 2,000 acres. The landscape includes thriving wildlife and gorgeous waterfalls that provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon's stroll. Stop by the Watersmeet House to enjoy a delicious beverage, like one of the landmark's rich cream teas. Gifts are also sold so you can find something special to remember your visit by.
Museum of Dartmoor Life is located in a charming historic former Warehouse and Mill that date back to the 19th century. The museum narrates the story of the people of Dartmoor from its beginnings in prehistoric times to the 20th century mining and hill farming, and delves into the traditional, cultural and heritage of the area. There are permanent exhibits as well as temporary exhibits so there is always something new to see here. It is set over three floors, and has a great collection of quality artefacts and memorabilia as well as interactive displays, areas of interest here are the reconstructed Bronze Age hut, Victorian kitchen, blacksmith shop and a number of interesting farming exhibits.There are information boards to tell you about the different exhibits. You can learn about traditional Dartmoor industries like glass making, quarrying and rural crafts during your visit. There is plenty to keep young visitors occupied with discovery zones and they have the opportunity to dress up in historical costumes, collect stamps and find piskies. The museum also runs a number of events throughout the year, details are on the website so watch out for these. The museum is open Monday to Saturday and there is a small charge for entry. Volunteers run the museum and you will find them to be really friendly and helpful. Next door is a quaint tea shop selling a nice range refreshments as well as a gift shop that sells a nice selection of gorgeous hand crafted items and other gifts. Museum of Dartmoor Life is a lovely provincial museum giving a real insight into the past life of the residents of the town, it takes you back to another time and allows you to get a feel of what it was like then. A must if you are in the area as there is something to keep all ages entertained.
Run by the Finch family from 1814 to 1960, the Foundry harnessed the power of the River Taw in Sticklepath village to produce agricultural implements and mining tools for the tin and copper mines and china clay industry of Devon and Cornwall.
A fun and informative day for all the family, with working and static exhibits of fairgrounds, steam engines and vintage machinery, combined with a wealth of heritage material, and all set in beautiful rural surroundings.
This famous and geologically important gorge is 1œ miles long and can be viewed from an enchanting woodland and riverside circular walk, which passes the spectacular 30m-high White Lady waterfall and thrilling Devil's Cauldron.
An imposing symbol of power and authority, dominating the surrounding landscape, Launceston Castle sits on a large natural mound. Its unusual keep consists of a 13th-century round tower built by Richard Earl of Cornwall, inside an earlier shell keep. Once a prison, it now displays 1000 years of history.
