North Devon is packed with must-try activities, must-see destinations and things to do during your stay. Here’s just a few we recommend:
Braunton (Devon, UK), © Dietmar Rabich,
Spend a few hours in Braunton…
Lobb Fields is located just on the outskirts of the pretty village of Braunton. Here you’ll find some superb eateries and pubs as well as some excellent shopping from butchers, bakers and greengrocers to gift shops and newsagents. The River Caen flows through the centre of the village and the main green is a great place to sit and people watch. Visit the Bakehouse for tourist information and the Museum of Braunton to find out about the village’s military history. You’ll also find here the Museum of British Surfing and the Elliot Art Gallery, both worth a visit.
For a village, Braunton has so much to see and do!
Go to the beach…
North Devon has some of the most stunning beaches in the country. Right on your doorstep from Lobb Fields are the golden sands of Saunton Beach where you can surf, paddle or go rockpooling. Just around the corner to the north is Croyde, then on to Putsborough, Woolacombe and Barricane, and over to the remarkable Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe. Alternatively, turn left out of the campsite and head south through Barnstaple over the River Taw to Westward Ho! with its famous pebble ridge and sandy beach. There are lots of hidden secret beaches along the way for you to discover too.
Rockpooling
Learn to surf…
There are several surfing schools around North Devon, here are two we highly recommend:
Croyde Surf Academy Bus
Croyde Surf Academy
Croyde Surf Academy will assist you in progressing to the next level with your surfing, whether beginner or advanced, and for all ages, five to 85!
The Academy’s mantra is that everyone has their own strengths and abilities, so they look to utilise these during your lessons to make sure you get the most out of the time spent with them. They also offer a range of stand-up paddle board (SUP) courses from taster sessions through to half- and full-day tours. To find out more, go and see them in the big blue bus overlooking Croyde Bay at Down End car park
Surf South West
Surf South West
Surf South West is one of the UK’s leading surf schools and has been operating in North Devon since 1996. If you have never experienced the thrill and excitement of surfing, make this the year you try it.
They are the only surf school with beachside centres on Saunton and Croyde beaches. Visit their website or call them on 01271 890400.
Play golf…
North Devon has some of the finest and spectacular golf courses in the region. With stunning views and championship links courses, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
www.royalnorthdevongolfclub.co.uk
Saunton Golf Club – image credit: National Club Golfer
Tarka Tennis Centre – image credit: Tarka Tennis Centre
Play tennis…
The Tarka Tennis Centre was built in 2003 through the North Devon Council, the Lawn Tennis Association and Sport England funding. There are six indoor courts and four outdoor hard courts. Tarka is a ‘pay & play’ facility, so you don’t have to be a member to play there.
Reconnect with nature…
Our campsite overlooks one of England’s most treasured areas of natural beauty and environmental value – the Braunton Burrows sand dunes, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. There are free guided walks through the Burrows every Friday at 6:30pm during June, July and August.
Braunton Burrows leading to Saunton Sands – image credit: ukmab.net
Coastal path looking onto Woolacombe Bay in the distance
Explore the coast path…
Explore the South West Coast Path – a 630 mile network of coastal walking trails, which pass straight by Saunton Beach. An invigorating walk offering breathtaking views all the way across to Bideford Bay.
Cycle or walk the Tarka Trail…
Over 30 miles of the Tarka Trail is available to cyclists between Braunton and Meeth, using the old railway routes of North Devon and passing through some truly spectacular scenery.
You can hire bikes from Otter Cycle Hire just 20 yards from the trail in Braunton (call 01271 813339) or from Tarka Bikes based at Barnstaple railway station.
The Tarka Trail – image credit: accessibleguide.co.uk
Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market – image credit: barnstaple.co.uk
Go shopping…
North Devon has some fantastic shopping. The main town of Barnstaple offers busy shopping streets lined with all the well-known stores, along with plenty of locally-owned shops and the heritage Pannier Market. Closer by is Braunton’s fabulous eateries and great gift and homeware shops, and there’s Bideford’s riverside shopping and outlet experience of Atlantic Village. If you feel like including a bit of retail therapy on your camping holiday, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
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