Ultimate weekend guide to the North Devon coast
Below you’ll find a weekend guide to the North Devon Coast. North Devon has been a popular destination for over a century. Early holiday makers flocked to its towns and beaches the same way modern travellers do now. The coastline, the first leg of the South West Coast Path, is rugged and varied; speckled with sandy beaches and rocky coves.
3 nights should be enough to get the best of North Devon. But if you want a slower, more relaxed holiday then a week here would be lovely too! It’s a fantastic place to visit as a family, a couple or on a solo adventure. A car is almost essential if you plan to explore the county. Make sure you bring plenty of cash for parking (it can get expensive here!)
You could potentially tie it in with a visit to Exmoor (see my blog post here) and the Hartland Heritage Coast.
DAY 1
Saunton Sands
I don’t know about you but I always head straight to the beach when I arrive somewhere. And you are spoilt for choice here! Our favourite is Saunton Sands. This golden beach stretches for miles, and is accessible both at low and high tide so you don’t have to worry too much about getting the timings right! My recommendation is to park at the Sandy Lane car park, and stroll through the sand dunes of Braunton Burrows. This nature reserve is home to many species of birds, as well as adder, rabbits and other wildlife. It takes about 40mins at a steady pace to reach the beach, but if you are up for an adventure then this is a fun place to get a little lost in!
Woolacombe
Whether you spent the whole morning tanning, swimming in the sea, or running around the dune system, you’ve probably built up an appetite.
Head into Woolacombe for a bite to eat and a cheeky bevvie.
Woolacombe is small and often very busy, but there are actually quite a few places to eat and drink. I recommend The Barn for relaxed dining and coastal views. Or if you prefer a more traditional pub experience then the pirate themed Captain Jack’s is your best bet. The veggie loaded fries were delicious! If you are more of a grab and go sort of person, then Barricane Beach Cafe is a little walk away from town, but comes highly recommended.
You could spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, but if you really want a great sunset spot then follow the coast path to Morte Point. This area is infamous for its wrecking past. Local ‘wreckers’ would lure passing ships onto the jagged rocks, causing them to sink and their loot to wash unto shore where it was swiftly stolen. Nowadays there are less shipwrecks but you CAN often spot dolphins and seals amongst the waves. Bring a picnic or a couple of beers and enjoy the sun setting over the water.
DAY 2
Croyde
Time to burn off last night’s drinks and this morning’s breakfast with a visit to Croyde.
The village serves as an excellent starting point for one of our favourite circular walks to Baggy Point. This National Trust headland juts dramatically into the Atlantic, offering panoramic views across to Hartland Point and Lundy Island on clear days. It takes around 2 hours total, depending on how often you stop to admire the ocean!
You deserve a reward post hike, so head back into town to pick up an ice cream from Croyde Ice Cream Parlour (they do an incredible vegan fudge!) and/or a pint at The Thatch. As the name suggests, this thatched roof pub offers a cold pint and full food menu, including vegan options.
If you prefer something a bit more cheap and chearful then head over to their sister restaurant, Billy Budds. Nachos, burgers and pizzas are the name of the game here, so it’s got a very family friendly vibe.
If you still have some energy left, you should know that Croyde is a popular surfing beach. If you don’t have your own board you can rent one here, or even book a surf lesson if you’re just starting out. You’ll be riding the waves like a local in no time.
Finish the day with a delicious meal at The Kings Arms in nearby Georgeham. Plenty of vegan options in a cosy, candelit setting (or on the balcony if its a clear and starry night!). Book your table here.
DAY 3
Ilfracombe
Start your day at Ilfracombe Harbour – it’s a picturesque spot with fishing boats and wildlife cruise boats alike. It’s also home to the controversial Verity statue by Damien Hirst, which is loved and hated in equal measure.
Grab a coffee and vegan breakfast wrap from Johnny C’s Diner on the high street, and strut over to Ilfracombe’s most famous attraction – Tunnels Beaches. These tunnels were hand carved in the 1820s and now costs £4 to enter. On the other side is a beautiful sheltered beach, a tidal pool perfect for swimming, and a cafe. Please note, dogs are not allowed through the tunnels (a shame, I know!)
For lunch you might want to stop at The Hip and Pistol; they have a great separate vegan menu and their garden is a real sun trap.
For an afternoon walk why not tackle a tiny section of the coast path? Head West out of town to the cliffs above White Pebble Bay where you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the town below.
Or for a longer hike head East, past Raparee Cove, and up the steep hills to Forthglade. This makes for another great viewpoint and might even catch a glimpse of a Peregrine Falcon diving for food!
From here you can head back, and stop at the Lime Kiln for a drink and a bite to eat, or do a loop walk down to Hele Beach and past the Old Corn Mill – a working 16th century water mill which still makes flour that is then used in their excellent tea room! Cake – what a way to end the day.
