North Devon Lifestyle Guide: Things to Do, Places to Eat & Days Out
People come to North Devon for the scenery – and stay for the lifestyle.
There’s something about North Devon that makes everyday life feel a little different. Perhaps it’s the combination of golden sandy beaches, rolling countryside and dramatic coastline. Perhaps it’s the slower pace, the friendly communities or the fact that you can finish work on a Friday and be enjoying the ocean within minutes.
Whatever the reason, North Devon has a way of making people want to stay.
And while the beaches, moors, hills and valleys are an obvious attraction, there’s much more to life here than simply finding your favourite stretch of sand.
From traditional thatched pubs to festivals, coastal walks and plenty of dog-friendly days out, there’s always something to discover.
So, if you’re considering making Devon your home, here’s our guide to the North Devon lifestyle – including some of our favourite places to eat, explore and enjoy throughout the year.
North Devon things to do
If you’re wondering what to do in North Devon, the short answer is: plenty.
The region is a wonderful place for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. You can surf before breakfast, walk along the coast after work and explore further afield at the weekend.
From the beaches and coast path to charming villages, historic attractions, gardens and adventure activities, there are things to do in North Devon in every season.
For something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water or explore the coastline, from kayaking and surfing to coasteering, wakeboarding and wild swimming.
And not every day out needs to cost money. Some of the best things to do in North Devon are completely free – walking the coast path, exploring beaches and coves, wandering through coastal villages or simply finding a new footpath through the countryside.
The beauty of living here is that you don’t need to plan a big day out to enjoy it. There are always new places to explore, whether you’re looking for an active adventure or simply want to get outside for a few hours.
The North Devon Beaches and Coastline
Of course, we can’t talk about things to do in North Devon without mentioning its spectacular coastline!
North Devon is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, each with their own character and appeal
But what’s the best beach in North Devon? Well, it depends on what you enjoy!
- Croyde is a world-class surfing beach, with excellent waves, golden sands and a lively village just a short stroll away
- Saunton Sands is vast sandy beach perfect for long walks all year round along the beach or through the dunes, and just a short trip from Braunton
- Combe Martin is a traditional seaside village, known for its sheltered bay, rock pools and coastal walks
- Westward Ho! and Woolacombe are classic North Devon seaside resorts offering beautiful beaches and traditional seaside attractions
- Lynmouth is a stunning spot, where wooded valleys meet towering cliffs with independent shops (many selling local fudge!) and beautiful walks.
- Hartland’s dramatic rock formations create one of Devon’s most spectacular coastal landscapes, which has featured in many films and TV series.
The beauty of living in North Devon is that these aren’t places you have to squeeze into a week’s holiday. They can become part of your normal routine.
Whether it’s an early morning dog walk, a day spent surfing or simply watching the waves with a coffee, the coast is part of the North Devon lifestyle
Best Walks in North Devon
If you enjoy walking, North Devon is a wonderful place to live, with everything from gentle estuary paths to more challenging coastal routes.
The South West Coast Path is perfect for North Devon coast walks, taking in dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded valleys and coastal villages. The entire trail stretches for 630 miles, but you don’t have to tackle anything quite so ambitious – there are countless shorter sections perfect for an hour or two.
Then there’s the famous Tarka Trail. Inspired by Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter, the wider route provides more than 180 miles of walking and cycling opportunities across North Devon, with plenty of shorter sections to enjoy.
Here’s a few of our favourite tried and tested walks:
- Fremington to Instow – a flat, leisurely section of the Tarka Trail, ideal for a relaxed walk. You can reward yourself with a coffee and cake at the Fremington Quay Café!
- Mortehoe to Morte Point – a short walk from the village and you’ll discover dramatic cliff walk and if you’re luck you might spot seals resting on the rocks below
- Woolacombe to Putsborough – a gentle section of the South West Coast Path where you have the option of walking along the beach or through the dunes
- Lynmouth to Watersmeet – a lovely riverside walk through ancient woodland, where you can reward yourself with a cream tea at the Watersmeet tearoom
Local’s Top Tip: Barnstaple to Braunton – an easy and enjoyable walk along the Tarka Trail and perfect for bird spotting, especially at low tide. For a well-earned pint along the way, stop at Heanton Court, which has lovely views across the estuary.
Beyond the main trails, there are endless public footpaths that wind through woodland, across fields and along quiet country lanes. It’s one of the joys of living in North Devon – you can step out for a short morning walk or spend a whole day exploring, without having to travel far from home.
Food & drink in North Devon
One of the great pleasures of living in North Devon is discovering its varied food and drink scene.
There are restaurants in North Devon serving everything from freshly landed seafood to tasting menus and traditional pub classics.
Keep an eye out for food vans and pop-ups at farm shops, campsites, markets and roadside stops. From curry and pizzas to seafood and international street food, there’s plenty of choice when you fancy trying something different.
Pubs in North Devon
For a true taste of the North Devon lifestyle, you can’t beat a traditional pub.
Think thatched roofs, log fires, local ales, beer gardens and Sunday lunches after a muddy dog walk.
A few of the best pubs in North Devon to put on your list include:
- Instow Arms – a particularly good choice when you want food with a view, overlooking the Taw and Torridge estuary towards Appledore.
- Westleigh Inn, near Instow – perched on the hill, with stunning views across the countryside. There’s also a large garden for kids to play in
- The Seagate, Appledore – situated right on the quay, it’s a great place to combine lunch or dinner with a wander around the village
- The Thatched Inn, Abbotsham – a 400-year-old traditional pub with a large enclosed outdoor area
- The Williams Arms, Braunton – a characterful thatched 16th-century inn, known for its carvery and large family-friendly setting
- The Pyne Arms, East Down – a country pub in the foothills of Exmoor and a great choice when you’re looking for quality food in a rural Devon setting
- The Capstone, Ilfracombe – located just off the harbour, it’s a great choice for a Sunday roast
- The Rising Sun, Lynmouth – an historic harbourside pub and restaurant with wonderful sea views and locally sourced food
- The Farmers Arms, Woolsery – a destination pub built around seasonal, locally grown and foraged produce
Seafood restaurants in North Devon
Living beside the Atlantic has its advantages, particularly when it comes to seafood.
For the best fish restaurants in North Devon, head to the many establishments along the coastline where you’ll find everything from fresh fish and chips to oysters and seasonally sourced seafood.
- The Boathouse, Instow – located right on the beach, it has a menu focused on seafood and other local ingredients
- Squires Fish Restaurant, Braunton – famously serving fish and chips in the village since 1969, it’s incredibly popular so expect a queue! Alternatively, try the award-winning The Pelican in Barnstaple or Graylings in Fremington
- Beach House Restaurant, Woolacombe – just moments from the beach, the Beach House offers a fabulous atmosphere and the freshest seafood
Local’s Top Tip: The Glorious Oyster in Instow is a cute ‘shack’ tucked in front of the dunes that serves oysters and seafood, and often hosts live music.
Best restaurants in North Devon
Fancy something a little more special? Whether it’s a date night, a birthday or simply an excuse to dress up and enjoy a great meal, why not try out some of these top North Devon restaurants:
For a more formal meal, why not try out some of these top restaurants for a special occasion:
- Number Eight, Bideford – a small couple-run restaurant offering a seasonal tasting menu
- The Mill Street Brasserie, Bideford – a delightful spot that uses produce sourced from local fishermen, butchers, greengrocers and distilleries.
- Tiffin, Barnstaple – located in a Grade II listed building, this fabulous Indian restaurant offers a seasonal menu
- Roku, Croyde – located in the centre of the village, Roku serves modern British food through a Japanese-inspired lens
- The Antidote, Ilfracombe – a contemporary restaurant offering modern British cooking based around fresh, seasonal ingredients
The Best Cream Tea in North Devon
No North Devon guide would be complete without mentioning cream teas! (But remember, if you are planning on living here, the cream goes first with jam on top!)
There are lots of fabulous places where you can devour a cream tea whether you fancy a traditional scone or something a little different.
- Market Street Kitchen, Appledore – this classic tea room in the pretty coastal village of Appledore offers both sweet and savoury cream teas
- The Cream Tea Café, Barnstaple – tucked away in the ancient lanes by St Peter and Mary Magdalene Church, this café does what it says on the tin to perfection!
- Cliff Top Café, Lynton – located at the top of the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, you can also enjoy spectacular views across the coast
Local’s Top tip: Marwood Hill Gardens just outside Barnstaple serves a delicious cream tea in a wonderfully peaceful setting. Try their Ginger Scone Cream tea – served with honey and clotted cream!
Dog-friendly beaches in North Devon
Are there any dogs that don’t love hitting the beach? Whether they love chasing a ball, having a paddle or just a leisurely wander, our beaches are the perfect location for dog walks in North Devon, whatever the season!
Some beaches allow dogs all year, while others have seasonal restrictions, so it’s important to check before setting off.
- Instow – a popular dog-walking spot, although there are seasonal restrictions on part of the beach during the summer
- Saunton Sands – one of the most convenient year-round choices, with two miles of golden sand and sand dunes to explore
- Hele Bay – a great spot for a paddle and a sniff, and has a great nearby cliff walk that offers some fabulous views
- Putsborough, Woolacombe and Croyde – all fabulous beaches but they have seasonal restrictions, so always check the latest signage before letting your dog off the lead
And it’s not just the beaches that make North Devon such a great place for four-legged adventures. If you’re looking for things to do in North Devon with a dog, the wider countryside provides even more opportunities. You can enjoy estuary walks along the Tarka Trail, explore woodland and moorland trails or simply pick a footpath you’ve never tried before and see where it takes you.
If you’ve moved to the area and are thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, why not visit Dogs Trust in Ilfracombe? You could find your perfect new walking companion while giving a deserving dog a loving forever home.
Local’s Top Tip: Select any section of the South West Coast Path and you’re guaranteed to find a secluded beach, or dog friendly pub to enjoy!
North Devon Family Attractions
Whether you’re entertaining visiting family, looking for a day out with the children or grandchildren or simply fancy trying something different, there’s plenty to explore in North Devon.
The beaches, woodland, rivers and countryside provide plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, from rock pooling and crabbing to paddleboarding and picnics.
When you need something more structured, there are plenty of North Devon family attractions to choose from.
- JunglaRoo in Barnstaple – North Devon’s biggest indoor soft-play adventure, making it a useful option when everyone needs to burn off some energy
- The Big Sheep, Bideford – combines rides, farm attractions, family entertainment and seasonal events.
- The Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly – a family adventure park packed with rides, play areas and indoor and outdoor attractions.
- Watermouth Castle, near Ilfracombe – a quirky family attraction with rides, gardens, water attractions and plenty to keep children entertained.
- Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Combe Martin – combines animals, dinosaurs and indoor play
For kids who love outdoor adventure:
- North Devon Wake Park, near Bideford – provides wakeboarding, paddleboarding, an AquaPark and open-water swimming.
- The Kids Adventure Company – offers a vast range of activities from coasteering and kayaking to climbing and forest adventures
Local’s Top Tip: Explore the North Devon countryside on horseback. There are lots of local riding centres offering everything from lessons to countryside and beach rides.
Things to do in North Devon for adults and couples
There are plenty of things to do in North Devon for adults and couples, whether you’re looking to explore the area’s history, enjoy a leisurely afternoon in one of its gardens or discover some of its local attractions.
- Arlington Court, Barnstaple – explore the National Trust historic house, gardens and Carriage Museum
- Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Lynton or Lynmouth – an historic funicular completely water-powered which provides wonderful views over the coast
- Watersmeet, near Lynton – a beautiful National Trust spot where the East Lyn River meets Hoar Oak Water, with woodland walks and riverside scenery
- Rosemoor, Torrington – beautiful RHS gardens, with colourful planting, woodland walks, water features and seasonal displays
- Dartington Crystal, Torrington – watch the fascinating process of glassmaking, browse the visitor centre and even try glass painting!
Indoor activities in North Devon
Of course, North Devon isn’t guaranteed to provide wall-to-wall sunshine. The local approach to rain is simple: put on your wellies, grab a waterproof and carry on regardless.
But if you’re looking for indoor activities in North Devon, there are plenty of options.
- The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, Barnstaple – a great place to discover the area’s history, from North Devon pottery to local social history and art
- Burton Art Gallery, Bideford – explore changing exhibitions and the gallery’s collection of art and craft
- Ilfracombe Museum – discover more about the town’s history and heritage through its varied collections and exhibitions
- Indoor climbing – a great way to stay active and burn off some energy when the weather isn’t playing ball
- Paint a Pot, Braunton – hide away from the rain and get creative with a pottery-painting session
- Watch a film or a show – cinemas and theatres in the main towns are perfect for when you want to escape the rain for a few hours
North Devon Events & Festivals
One of the things that makes North Devon feel like a community is its calendar of events.
Throughout the year, North Devon events bring together residents and visitors for food, music, agriculture, culture and coastal celebrations.
Here are just a few of the regular events that take place across North Devon:
- North Devon FOODfest, Barnstaple – brings together local chefs, restaurants, street food creators and artisan producers
- Pilton Green Man Day, Barnstaple – brings community celebration and local history together, with music, entertainment, food and activities
- The Big Sheep, Bideford – hosts music festivals and family events throughout the summer months
- Great Torrington Mayfair – an ancient festival dating back to 1554. Expect maypole dancing, the crowning of the May Queen, a street market, and local entertainment.
- Clovelly festivals – Clovelly village has a packed calendar of events, including maritime celebrations, the Lobster & Crab Feast and the Herring Festival.
- GoldCoast Oceanfest, Croyde – one of the area’s best-known summer events, combining surf, music and beach culture
- Sea Ilfracombe – celebrates the town’s maritime heritage with entertainment, street food and local produce.
- The North Devon Show – a traditional agricultural show celebrating farming, food, animals, and rural life.
Local’s Top Tip: Bideford Christmas Lights Switch-On is a fabulous get-together for locals who come together to mark the start of the festive season!
Enjoy the North Devon lifestyle at Bickington Park
Sometimes the best thing about living in North Devon is that you don’t have to do everything.
There are beaches for summer days, woodland walks for autumn, cosy pubs for winter, and festivals to look forward to when spring arrives.
And because everything is relatively close together, you can keep discovering new corners of North Devon long after you’ve moved in.
North Devon isn’t simply somewhere to visit. It’s somewhere to live.
If you’re looking for a new home in North Devon, Bickington Park by Cavanna Homes puts this lifestyle right on your doorstep.
Set in the peaceful village of Bickington on the outskirts of Barnstaple, the development provides easy access to the Tarka Trail, North Devon’s beaches and the wider countryside. Appledore, Instow and Barnstaple are all within easy reach, while Croyde, Ilfracombe and Bideford are just a short drive away
Bickington Park offers a selection of 3- and 4-bedroom energy-efficient new homes, with retained hedgerows, new open space and a two-acre fruit orchard helping to create a green setting for the community.
So, whether you’re looking for a new home, a change of pace or somewhere to enjoy the next chapter, come and see what the North Devon lifestyle could be like for you.
