Croyde Bay
5 October 2026
Devon's answer to Fistral Beach in Cornwall, Croyde Bay is one of the best known surf spots in the country. It draws a young and sporty crowd, and when the surf's up, there's a real buzz on this beach.
Things to do in North Devon
1
Croyde Bay
Devon's answer to Fistral Beach in Cornwall, Croyde Bay is one of the best known surf spots in the country. It draws a young and sporty crowd, and when the surf's up, there's a real buzz on this beach.
2
Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! is one of possibly only two place names in the world that features an exclamation mark; it's almost impossible to say it without breaking into a smile. Once dominated by holiday camps, Westward Ho! has been updated in recent years and although it remains a lively resort, it now has a thriving permanent population. The big draw, of course, is the beach – two miles of sand stretching into the distance, backed by a pebble ridge that forms a dividing line between the beach and Northam Burrows Country Park, a magnificent stretch of salt marsh, grassland and sand dunes.
3
Woolacombe
Beaches don't come any bigger than this – Woolacombe's sands stretch beyond the horizon in a perfect yellow arc. Surfing is the main activity here and this bay is a great place to learn, with consistent swell and a gently shelving beach. The town has a classic seaside feel, with ice cream parlours, surf shops and cafes serving fresh local seafood. There's an unhurried pace of life here that just begs you to unwind.
4
Barricane Bay
Designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, Barricane Bay is a pretty little sandy bay surrounded by stunning rocky outcrops. Tucked away about half a mile away from Woolacombe beach, Barricane is popular with surfers and perfect for rock pooling. The beach disappears at high tide, forming a large natural pool.
5
The Rock Inn Georgeham
A 17th century village pub offering freshly cooked food served in either the fireside bar or conservatory. Food is sourced locally including pork from rare breed Engish pigs and free range chickens who provide eggs for both the kitchen and for guests to buy.
6
RHS Rosemoor
Set deep in the north Devon countryside, The Rosemoor estate was once the home of Lady Anne Palmer. Lady Anne developed a passion for plants when she met noted plantsman Colllingwood Ingram while recuperating from measles in Spain. Over the next 30 years, she travelled the world to collect specimens for her garden, which she gave to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988. The estate now comprises 65 acres of land, which includes rose gardens, a winter garden, a fruit and vegetable garden, a formal garden, woodlands, and many stream and lakeside plantings, making Rosemoor an enchanting place to visit whatever the season.
7
Fox and Grapes Lifton
A quaint village pub that's been done up for the 21st century with a bar and family-style restaurant. The locals love it for the Sunday Carvery and regular food nights. Visitors love that it caters for little ones and has a beer garden.
8
The Exeter Inn Umberleigh
Welcome to the Exeter Inn, a traditional thatched roofed pub with cosy interiors and pretty outdoor seating for summer months. An ideal place to pop in for refreshments whilst exploring the local area. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
9
Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe
A network of hand-carved tunnels leading to unique, sheltered beaches and a Victorian bathing pool.
10
The Jube
Found in the heart of Woolacombe, The Jube is a vibrant pub, recently renovated and traditionally furnished with exposed brickwork and old timbers. Call in for locally sourced food, a great selection of wines and beers and for al fresco dining in the courtyard.
Things to do in North Devon
Okay, so you know there are beaches here, but do you know just how enormous they are? When it comes to sand, the north coast of Devon doesn’t do it by halves. Woolacombe, Saunton, Westward Ho! - these have to be some of the longest, widest beaches in the country.
Westward Ho!
17 September 2026
Westward Ho! is one of possibly only two place names in the world that features an exclamation mark; it's almost impossible to say it without breaking into a smile. Once dominated by holiday camps, Westward Ho! has been updated in recent years and although it remains a lively resort, it now has a thriving permanent population. The big draw, of course, is the beach – two miles of sand stretching into the distance, backed by a pebble ridge that forms a dividing line between the beach and Northam Burrows Country Park, a magnificent stretch of salt marsh, grassland and sand dunes.
Woolacombe
13 September 2026
Beaches don't come any bigger than this – Woolacombe's sands stretch beyond the horizon in a perfect yellow arc. Surfing is the main activity here and this bay is a great place to learn, with consistent swell and a gently shelving beach. The town has a classic seaside feel, with ice cream parlours, surf shops and cafes serving fresh local seafood. There's an unhurried pace of life here that just begs you to unwind.
Barricane Bay
13 September 2026
Designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, Barricane Bay is a pretty little sandy bay surrounded by stunning rocky outcrops. Tucked away about half a mile away from Woolacombe beach, Barricane is popular with surfers and perfect for rock pooling. The beach disappears at high tide, forming a large natural pool.
The Rock Inn Georgeham
24 August 2026
A 17th century village pub offering freshly cooked food served in either the fireside bar or conservatory. Food is sourced locally including pork from rare breed Engish pigs and free range chickens who provide eggs for both the kitchen and for guests to buy.
RHS Rosemoor
24 May 2026
Set deep in the north Devon countryside, The Rosemoor estate was once the home of Lady Anne Palmer. Lady Anne developed a passion for plants when she met noted plantsman Colllingwood Ingram while recuperating from measles in Spain. Over the next 30 years, she travelled the world to collect specimens for her garden, which she gave to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1988. The estate now comprises 65 acres of land, which includes rose gardens, a winter garden, a fruit and vegetable garden, a formal garden, woodlands, and many stream and lakeside plantings, making Rosemoor an enchanting place to visit whatever the season.
Fox and Grapes Lifton
6 May 2026
A quaint village pub that's been done up for the 21st century with a bar and family-style restaurant. The locals love it for the Sunday Carvery and regular food nights. Visitors love that it caters for little ones and has a beer garden.
The Exeter Inn Umberleigh
8 April 2026
Welcome to the Exeter Inn, a traditional thatched roofed pub with cosy interiors and pretty outdoor seating for summer months. An ideal place to pop in for refreshments whilst exploring the local area. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe
22 March 2026
A network of hand-carved tunnels leading to unique, sheltered beaches and a Victorian bathing pool.
The Jube
22 February 2026
Found in the heart of Woolacombe, The Jube is a vibrant pub, recently renovated and traditionally furnished with exposed brickwork and old timbers. Call in for locally sourced food, a great selection of wines and beers and for al fresco dining in the courtyard.