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North Devon

Beaches, coast path & Exmoor nearby

North Devon has some of the best coastline in the South West. Here are a few highlights worth building your stay around.

The sweep of sand from Putsborough towards Woolacombe village

Woolacombe & Putsborough

A long, sandy Blue Flag beach popular with families and surfers alike, backed by dunes and coastal walks — Putsborough sits at the quieter southern end of the same beach. About a 55-minute walk, or a 15-minute drive.

Croyde Bay beach with dunes and the headland beyond

Croyde Bay

A smaller, laid-back village beach well known among the UK surfing community, with a handful of good pubs and cafés nearby. About a 60-minute walk, or a 15-minute drive.

A dune path leading down to the open sands at Saunton

Saunton Sands

Miles of open sand backed by one of the largest dune systems in England, and a gentler spot for a long beach walk. About a 40-minute walk, or a 10-minute drive.

Boats moored on the estuary at sunset, with Instow and Appledore facing each other across the water

Instow & Appledore

Two pretty villages facing each other across the Taw & Torridge estuary, with sandy dunes, a working boatyard and lovely sunsets over the water. About a 25-minute drive to Instow, or 35 minutes to Appledore.

Lynmouth harbour with fishing boats, seen from across the water

Lynton & Lynmouth

Twin harbour villages on the edge of Exmoor, linked by a Victorian water-powered cliff railway. Lynmouth's harbour and the dramatic Valley of Rocks are both close by. About a 45-minute drive.

Coast Path signpost at Baggy Point at sunset

Baggy Point & the Coast Path

A National Trust headland near Croyde with one of the best short walks on this stretch of coast, forming part of the South West Coast Path that runs the length of North Devon. About a 15-minute drive, or a 75-minute walk.

Scenes From Nearby

A flavour of the coastline

A couple of photos taken near the lodge — the kind of views a short walk gets you.

An old wreck exposed on the sand at low tide, dunes in the background Wide sandy beach and estuary reflecting a cloudy sky
Where to Eat

A few of our favourite places

As we don't serve food ourselves, here are some local spots we're happy to recommend, from just up the road in Braunton to further afield.

Braunton

  • Siam Bistro Tasty Thai food with great service.
  • Squires Award-winning fish and chips.
  • The Duck Dive Interesting Asian-inspired food with good service and some tidy cocktails.
  • The Quay Cafe Great breakfasts and lunchtime bites.

Georgeham

  • The Rock Inn Excellent pub food, with a fish pie that's to die for. Always excellent.

Croyde

  • Blue Groove Excellent breakfasts and solid evening meals. Seasonal opening.
  • The Thatch Great menu selection and a warm atmosphere.

Ilfracombe

  • The Lime Kiln Great breakfasts and tasty evening meals from a fairly small menu.
  • Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar Amazing tapas and cocktails — the lamb lollipops are to die for.

Barnstaple

  • Tiffins Excellent Indian restaurant in an atmospheric setting.

Woolacombe

  • South Street Food Light bites, and a crab dog that's a wee bit special.

Appledore

  • The Flame Factory Superb steaks and pizzas in the quaintest of ports.

Westward Ho!

  • The Pig & Olive Light pizzas with delicious sauces — pizza done different!

Lynton

  • The Kensington Great venue, killer service and some monster steaks. Not cheap, but damn good!
Getting Around

Getting here & getting about

We're about 60 minutes' drive down the A361 from Junction 27 of the M5. The nearest train station is Barnstaple, around 20 minutes away by car. A car is recommended for exploring the wider area, though fairly regular buses also run into Braunton.

Plan your North Devon stay

Get in touch and we can help you plan the right base for what you'd like to do while you're here.

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