The best North Devon towns for day trips

What to see, where to eat and when to visit

Celebrated for its breath-taking natural landscapes, rich history and relaxed pace of life, North Devon has plenty to offer any visitor. Home to some of the country's most renowned beaches, including Woolacombe and Croyde, there are plenty of sandy spots located across the county that are perfect for surfing and relaxing. Its inland areas offer a serene countryside dotted with traditional villages and forests that are rich in wildlife.

Whether you're a budding surfer looking for your new favourite wave break or a keen rambler ready to explore Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, discover why this corner of the county captivates visitors year-round. 

Croyde

Highlights include: New Coast Kitchen, The Thatch and The Hub.

Accessibility: Croyde Bay is easily accessed from the northern end, where a sloping path for wheelchairs will take you down to the sand. 

The surfing capital of North Devon, Croyde village is one of Devon’s most renowned seaside locations due to its excellent surfing conditions and beautiful scenery. Drawing surfers from all over the country, the beach is also ideal for families, with soft sand and shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and beach games. Beyond the beach, is a network of scenic walking trails, including routes that lead to nearby Baggy Point, where wanderers can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastal landscapes. Boasting a vibrant community atmosphere, the village itself has a quaint traditional feel, with thatched cottages, cosy pubs and local shops dotted around the streets, all ready to welcome visitors throughout the year. 

Croyde also hosts various events and festivals, celebrating its surf culture and local heritage. Oceanfest was born in the bay 25 years ago and since then, the town brings those with a love of surfing and music together in the last weekend of June.

© Goldcoastoceanfest via Instagram

Braunton

Highlights include: NØRDEN, The Williams Arms and SQ Bar and Restaurant. 

Accessibility: Hire a range of mobility aids from Braunton Mobility, who deliver equipment straight to your destination. 

Often referred to as the gateway to the northern coast, Braunton is an idyllic destination for lovers of watersports, walking and nature. The town’s thriving surf culture and proximity to North Devon’s famous beaches, like those at Saunton Sands and Croyde Bay, mean there are plenty of spots to grab a surfboard and test out the local waves. One of Braunton's key attractions is the nearby Braunton Burrows, a vast dune system that's one of the largest in the UK. This unique landscape, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plants, is a paradise for nature-lovers, offering miles of walking and cycling trails. The South West Coast Path also runs through the area, providing access to dramatic coastal scenery and nearby beaches.

With roots dating back to the Saxon times, its historic streets are lined with a mix of independent shops such as NØRDEN, cafés, and traditional thatched pubs including The Williams Arms, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere and you can find nods to its heritage throughout the village including the ancient St. Brannock's Church. 

Clovelly 

Highlights include: Bay Tree Cafe, The Clovelly Soap Company and The Harbour Restaurant.

Accessibility: The high street in Clovelly isn't suitable for wheelchairs, however the donkey stables, craft workshops and Mount Pleasant are wheelchair-accessible. If you don't feel comfortable walking the cobbled street, you can ask the Visitor Centre to book a seat on the Land Rover to take you to the harbour and back for a small charge. 

Surrounded by lush woodlands and scenic coastal walks, the village of Clovelly offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Famous for its steep, cobbled streets and breath-taking views over the Bristol Channel, many visitors are drawn to its storybook-like atmosphere and timeless charm that's been meticulously preserved, making it one of the region's most iconic destinations. Clinging to a 400-foot cliff, Clovelly has been under private ownership since the Elizabethan days and has an entrance fee of £9.50 for adults and £5.50 for children. Famously known for its bustling fishing port that can still be accessed today, the descent through the village feels like stepping back in time, with donkeys and sledges still used to transport goods up and down the hill, as cars aren't allowed in the village itself.

At the bottom of the village, Clovelly's harbour is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the views across the water. If you're looking for somewhere to dine, The Harbour Restaurant offers a menu packed with fresh, local seafood. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the fillet of seabass followed by the Clovelly Court apple and blackberry crumble is sure to satisfy any appetite. 

© The Harbour Restaurant via Instagram

Saunton

Highlights include: Surf Saunton, Beachside Grill and Saunton Beach Shop.

Accessibility: At the top of the beach, you'll find accessible toilets and wheelchair hire from Saunton Beach Shop. 

Home to a host of footpaths, cycle trails and sandy beaches, if you're looking for a place that provides endless outdoor entertainment, then look no further than Saunton. A hotspot for longboard surfers, the beach's slow-breaking waves and gentle slope make it ideal for beginners and more experienced surfers. The village itself may be small and tranquil but the surrounding area is nothing short of perfection, with its diverse habitats ranging from dunes to marshlands. The UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve of Braunton Burrows is one of the largest sand dune systems in the country and is rich in wildlife and plant species and has served as a filming location for various movies and commercials including The Edge of Tomorrow and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

© Surf Saunton via Instagram 

Woolacombe

Highlights include: The Beach House Restaurant, The Jube and Jo Allum. 

Accessibility: The beach can be accessed via a slipway and beach wheelchairs and all-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire to help you navigate the sand. 

If you're visiting North Devon with your young family then Woolacombe is guaranteed to be a sure-fire hit with everyone. With its award-winning three-mile-long beach and pirate-themed crazy golf course, there's a huge range of activities and attractions on your doorstep. Having regularly featured in Europe's Best Beaches list, Woolacombe Bay has also won numerous awards including the Blue Flag for its cleanliness, water quality and facilities and welcomes dogs all year round.

Sitting just a 10-minute walk from the beach, The Beach House Restaurant is a must-visit for seafood-lovers. Sample tasty delights including dressed Devon crab and seafood linguine before heading outside with a glass of Da Luca Prosecco to watch the sunset over the bay. 

Ilfracombe 

Highlights include: Giovanni and Luca, Take Thyme and The Lime Kiln Cafe & Bar. 

Accessibility: Accessible toilets can be found near the site of Tunnels Beaches and there's a gentle slop that takes you down to the main beach. The tunnels are either paved or concreted. 

Surrounded by towering cliffs and bright blue water, this cosmopolitan seaside town has quickly become a haven for foodies over the last few years. With a series of quality restaurants and cafés waiting to be discovered, many of the town's best spots can be found along the oldest street in Ilfracombe. From the authentic Italian cuisine at Giovanni and Luca to the delicious seafood dishes at Take Thyme, dive into a tasty array of food as you gaze across the water. 

As well as boasting a vast selection of eateries, Ilfracombe plays host to some famous attractions that are sure to be popular with arts and culture enthusiasts. Dating back to the Victorian era, The Tunnel Beaches are a popular spot to reset and relax thanks to their secluded location. Hand-carved during the Victorian era, the beaches can be accessed via one of four tunnels to reveal hidden coves and a Victorian bathing pool. Alternatively, you can wander the harbourfront to catch a glimpse of world-famous artist Damien Hirst's iconic 20 metre statue "Verity". 

Appledore

Highlights include: The Yard, The Royal George and John's of Appledore.

Accessibility: Blue badge holders are often entitled to free parking in on-street locations. You can view the full list here.

Dotted with pastel-coloured houses and winding narrow streets, this picture-postcard fishing village is rich in coastal heritage. Sitting at the confluence of the Taw and Torridge rivers, stunning estuary views can be found around every corner, along with traditional fishing vessels, independent shops and museums.

As well as being famous for its maritime history, Appledore has famously been celebrated for its connections to the art world. Every year in September, the internationally renowned Appledore Book Festival celebrates all things literature and brings thousands of visitors to the village. Visitors can expect to find guest speakers and panels, plus the chance to explore the numerous quaint bookshops that can be found dotted around its cobbled streets. 

© Jess Forsdyke via Flickr (left) | Peter Dean via Flickr (right)

Westward Ho! 

Highlights include: Pig and Olive, The Drift and Ho! Surf. 

Accessibility: There's a gentle slipway to the beach for wheelchair users and accessible toilets on site. 

Falling within North Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming seaside village is best known for its scenic coastal views, sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere. First established as a popular destination after the publication of Charles Kingsley's novel of the same name, it's the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name.

Backed by a pebble ridge and grasslands, Westward Ho! Beach draws surfers, swimmers and anglers from miles around to its shores. With dogs permitted from October to April, the bay offers plenty of rock pools, making it a great option for those visiting with little ones. While the village is widely known for its beach, the surrounding natural landscapes including cliffs, fields and an estuary are just as easy to fall in love with. If you want to go out and explore, you'll find numerous trails leading across the village and towards neighbouring towns and villages like Bideford.

Lundy Island

Highlights include: Marisco Tavern and Lundy General Stores.

Accessibility: Hire an "all-terrain tramper" scooter that allows you to access a large proportion of the footpaths and tracks on the island. 

Owned by The National Trust since 1969, this unspoilt island lies just off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. Accessible only by boat, the journey to Lundy takes approximately two hours, with trips leaving from Ilfracombe and Bideford every week. From puffin watching to scuba diving and snorkelling, its unique, rugged terrain and wide, open seas make it the perfect place for lovers of landscapes and nature. With no roads or vehicles, it enjoys peace and tranquillity that's often impossible to find. With one pub, The Marisco Tavern located on the island, the building was originally the village store until 1925. Serving island staff, staying guests and day trippers, it's the only building on the island to have lighting after the generators are switched off for the evening.  

For the explorer, there are plenty of spectacular walks around the island that lead you to lookouts including Hell's Gates, Shutter Point and Needle Rock, as well as remnants of its piracy and smuggling history. 

© Richard Allaway via Flickr (left) | Lewis Clarke via Geograph (right)

From north to south

Often referred to as the English Riviera, South Devon is home to fantastic seafood restaurants, sprawling coastal walks and huge expanses of golden sands. If you're looking to test out another popular corner of the county, then Salcombe should sit firmly at the top of your list. Set right on the water's edge and sleeping up to eight guests, Waterside enjoys sensational views over the estuary. Take a trip into town to browse local shops and restaurants before returning home for movie nights in the cinema room. With limited weeks in September, celebrate an Indian summer in Devon with friends and family. 

Image credits: © Main image: Peter Wilkinson | © Goldcoastoceanfest via Instagram | © Surf Saunton via Instagram | © The Harbour Restaurant via Instagram | © Jess Forsdyke via Flickr | © Peter Dean via Flickr | © Richard Allaway via Flickr | © Lewis Clarke