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Writer's pictureSocksandSandals Travel

Top Spots In North Devon

Here's a guide for some of our top spots in North Devon. There's some great self catered accommodation, B&Bs and campsite in North Devon. We stayed on a campsite in the small village of Berrynarbor. You'll probably be able to tell from the photos it went from glorious warm sunshine to persistent downpours, but that's all part of the fun of camping in a British summer right?




Ilfracombe


Walk to the top of Capstone Hill, Lantern Hill or Hillsborough for great views across the harbour, grab an ice cream or some cake in one of the cafes but the best part about Ilfracombe is Tunnels Beach.


Tunnels Beach

When bathing became more popular in Victorian times, local entrepreneurs employed welsh miners to carve tunnels through the Illfracombe hill side to access the rugged coastline of Crewkhorne Cove. Ilfracombe saw a boom from being a fishing village to a popular seaside resort partially down to the tunnels creation. Walk through the tunnels to an idyllic setting and find the tidal pools, it is such a unique spot! When friends saw my photo of Tunnels Beach, they didn't think I was in the UK, that in itself has got to the quite the claim. Initially, there were 3 pools, the one that remains today is the former ladies pool, the other 2 were destroyed in a storm. Take a dip but prepare yourself, they are freezing even on a hot day, or paddle through the rocky outcrops at low tide, it also is one of the best rock pooling locations in the UK. Tunnels Beach is also so special because its abundance of wildlife, from seals, to bird life to marine life, so much wildlife in fact its been on a number of documentaries, watch out for all the jellyfish! You actually have to pay to access Tunnels beach but don't worry it's only a small fee of £2.50 (2020) per adult.


Lynton and Lynmouth


Located on the coast of Exmoor National Park are the twinned towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, situated on the top and bottom of a dramatic steep cliff. The best way to travel between the 2 the traditional cliff railway. There's plenty of walks both inland and along the coastal path or opt to rent a boat.


A must- Visit the National Trust site of Watersmeet, explore the river gorge, waterfall, ancient woodland pop in for food at the tearoom.


Food recommendations:

  • Charlie Fridays Coffee Shop

  • Picnic Box Coffee Shop


Travelling back from a holiday in Cornwall don't stop for lunch at the services stop here, or in Okehampton at Toast coffee house or at the quay in Exeter.


Combe Martin


Combe Martin is often overlooked by Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, but it is a quaint small village with lots of character. It is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and there's lots of reasons to visit. On the east side of the village cross the beach and you'll see some tunnels these are from the derelict silver mine, take a walk through. You'll also find England's highest cliff on its outskirts; Great Hangman.


Broadsands Beach


Whilst on the hunt for secluded cove beaches, we'd heard of Golden Cove, although I now believe it is the beach more commonly known as Broadsands, supposedly one of North Devon's hidden gems a calm sheltered cove with crystal clear waters between Watermouth and Combe martin.


Well we're not quite sure if we found it, it didn't look too much like the photos, but we did end up trekking down a lot of steps which is what blog posts said you needed to do to get to Broadsands, and we did follow the coastal path from Sandy Cove hotel to find a narrow slippery staircase, also correct, but is there more than one staircase, we're not so sure, either way we found a serene beach all to ourself. Watch out for the tide coming in as one of the coves is cut off, meaning your access to the staircase of 239 steps, I now know, is then also cut off, oh and yes its worth the trek back up.


Woolacombe


One of the best surfing spots in the UK and arguably the best in Devon, need I say much more. Its a large beach with miles of uninterrupted sand, enough room for everyone, a great beach for beginner surfers, a steady flow of waves and generally no strong riptide. You'll also find it an ideal location for; kitesurfing, paddle boarding, bodyboarding and swimming, or like us hire a kayak and jump in. It's important to note it's the only beach on this list thats got lifeguards.


The beach is backed by sand dunes as far as the eye can see, for even larger area of sand dunes visit the near by Braunton Burrows these are designated UNESCO biosphere reserve. Which ever you visit have a wander and look out for wildlife you might see the likes of, snakes, lizards, rabbits and insects.


Food recommendations:

  • Sea Breeze Ice Cream

  • Woolacombe Bay Pizza

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