North Devon

Intensely rugged and in places utterly remote, north Devon has a coast to inspire. Drastically concertinaed cliffs frame atmospheric fishing villages while long sandy beaches stretch out alongside. It offers a smorgasbord of delights, from surfing lessons at cool Croyde to Damien Hirst’s artistry in Ilfracombe. Swimming experiences include snorkelling safaris and Victorian-style bathing, and gardens range from the classic designs of the Royal Horticultural Society to those dotted with contemporary art. Then there’s Braunton’s immense sand dunes, impossibly pretty Clovelly, Hartland’s phenomenal rock formations, and (sitting on the horizon 10 miles out to sea) Lundy Island – a truly get-away-from-it-all escape.

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Clovelly Historic Village
North Devon
Clovelly is privately owned, and admission is charged at the hilltop visitor centre. The village's cobbled streets are so steep that cars can't cope, so…
Arlington Court
North Devon
The honey-grey Regency manor house of Arlington Court exudes charm, from the model ships and shells collected by the owners, to the produce-packed walled…
RHS Rosemoor
North Devon
Run by the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Rosemoor is a must-see source of green-fingered inspiration. One of only four RHS gardens open…
Broomhill Sculpture Gardens
North Devon
It's a magical effect: 300 often quirky sculptures hidden away in a 4-hectare wooded valley. There's a fairy-tale or comic feel to much of it – slivers of…