Local Area

Exmoor

Among the wooded valleys, heather topped hills and amazing coastal scenery of Exmoor one of Britain’s smallest National Parks, you’ll see more wildlife than people. Its 250 square miles of stunning countryside has plenty of space for everyone, including Exmoor ponies, red deer and an ancient breed of horned sheep.

Clovelly

Discover the timeless village of Clovelly. Where the steep, cobbled street tumbles down past gleaming white cottages to the tiny deep-blue harbour. This is how author Charles Kingsley described Clovelly 150 years ago yet the village has changed little since then. What other village has no cars and no individually owned houses, one family wholly owns Clovelly. There is a visitor’s centre, coastal walks, Pub, Cafe, shops, donkey and sledges taking goods to the village and providing rides, Boat and fishing trips.

Bideford

If you enjoy a little retail therapy, you may want to head for Atlantic Village a large factory outlet store located on the edge of town, where there are 37 stores offering leading brands at up to 50% discount. The centre also includes a food court and a family adventure park, all with free parking. There are many exhibitions at the Burton Art Gallery throughout the year, and the local theatres in Barnstaple and Ilfracombe have a wide range of shows throughout the summer. The Tarka trail cycle path must not be missed taking in breathtaking scenery and many great places to stop for lunch or refreshments. Between Bideford and Barnstaple why not visit Instow a lovely beach good food and great views of the estuary.

Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! is the only place in the country to be named after a novel and to have an exclamation mark at the end of it. The novel in question was written by Charles Kingsley and follows the adventures of Elizabethan seafarers. The village is fronted by a fabulous 2-mile long sandy beach protected by the famous pebble ridge and long promenade and has recently been granted a blue flag award. Behind the pebble ridge lies the Northam Burrows Country Park with 1000 acres of common ground to explore.

Westward Ho! Has all the traditional seaside attractions you would expect along the promenade and within the village. The Burrows are also home to the oldest links golf course in England the Royal North Devon. Westward Ho! Is renowned for it’s surfing and angling and visitors can hire and buy equipment for both at local outlets. The rock pools, and man-made rock swimming pool are another reason for the village’s popularity with visitors of all ages. When on the way to Westward Ho! take a detour to Appledore another coastal area well worth a visit.

Barnstaple

The regional retail, leisure and commercial centre, with great high street shopping and a celebrated pannier market for crafts, local produce and antiques. There is an array of pubs, bars and restaurants to enjoy and the famous butchers row next to the market.