If you love outdoor activities, North Devon offers plenty to explore. With miles of stunning coastline you and your loved ones have endless opportunities to discover the outdoor beauty of the area. The National Trust’s Baggy Point is a five-minute drive away where a scenic 10–11 km walking circuit begins. The easily accessible path on this rugged headland offers breathtaking views of nearby Lundy Island. The route also passes Weatherstone House if you'd like to begin from there. Local beaches such as Croyde, Putsborough, Woolacombe, and Saunton are all within easy reach and can be accessed on foot from the walk. Further along the coast the striking boulders of Lynmouth on Exmoor and its surrounding landscape provide a truly unforgettable experience. With such a vast expanse of natural environment at your disposal, whether you seek relaxation or an outdoor challenge there’s sure to be something for every ability to enjoy during your stay.
For those who love hiking, walking, or trail running, Baggy Point National Trust offers stunning coastal walks with breathtaking views and a variety of paths to explore. Located close by, you’ll find many other scenic coastal walks each offering its own view of landscape and wildlife. The trails around the area are perfect for all abilities, whether you're out for a peaceful stroll or an invigorating run. After a day on the trails, you’re in easy reach of several local pubs, including The Manor, Blue Groove, Billy Buds, The Hub, and The Thatch, all within walking distance for a well-earned drink or a delicious meal. There is also the Croyde Ocean Triathlon each year in summer.
There is a good selection of golf courses in the area ranging from the beautiful championship links golf course with 36 holes at Saunton Golf Club, to the short course at Woolacombe Driving Range for beginner/intermediate players. There is a range of courses available to suit most moods and/or skills.
Surfing is a huge feature in North Devon and attracts many visitors throughout the year. From beginners to the more competent, the area offers conditions for any level. There are numerous surf locations with differing conditions for varying levels of skill. From world class Croyde Beach, to the more manageable surf at Saunton, Putsborough and Woolacombe, surf conditions vary throughout the year. Summer is more manageable and more suitable for beginners.
Elsewhere, there are easy waves available during the autumn and winter months at some of the more secluded beaches and coves. During winter the surf can be massive, and the wind is often strong. The sea temperature during summer is about 16-18 degrees, so a 3mm wetsuit is fine. Dropping to a low of about 7 or 8 degrees during the winter months, a 5mm wetsuit with boots, gloves, and a hoody is recommended. There are plenty of surf hire shops and surf schools such as Walking on Waves around the North Devon coastline, each with friendly and approachable staff, ready to advise on surf conditions, tides and the best equipment and location for you.
Croyde Bay offers a variety of fun activities for all types of visitors. Start with a trip to Braunton to explore the Museum of British Surfing, where you can learn about the history of surf culture. While in the area, check out the charming boutique surf shops, and be sure to stop by the popular Squires Fish and Chip Shop for a delicious, locally-loved meal. For a unique cinema experience, head to the Woolacombe Bay Hotel, where you can enjoy films in a cozy setting with large sofa-type seating and cocktails served right to your seat.
For a special dining experience near Croyde Bay, we recommend New Coast Kitchen, just a short walk away, offering a delightful and refined atmosphere. If you're looking for something truly exceptional, book well in advance at the Michelin-starred Noel Corston in Woolacombe for an unforgettable fine dining experience. Additionally, for a more upscale dining option, you can visit The Blue Groove as mentioned before, known for its creative dishes and relaxed, stylish ambiance.
Coasteering is a great way to get up close and personal with the North Devon coastline. Trained staff will guide you around rocks and gullies, swim across stretches of water and jump off of rocks into the swirling, crashing sea. It is an exciting and fun way to spend a few hours, keeping fit, and getting to know the coastline more intimately! Jumping off rocky ledges into the sea and being washed around gullies is exhilarating. All the while being watched over by experienced professionals with the best safety equipment, which includes helmets and life jackets. Croyde has a fantastic coasteering route from the beach out to Baggy Point and many activity centres offer coasteering, including the surf schools.
If you are a keen horse rider there are miles of long sandy beaches to gallop, or trot along depending on your mood. At low tide Saunton Beach is a massive expanse of flat sand, stretching for miles due south. The southern end is usually empty with plenty of space to have a carefree gallop. There are also numerous fantastic countryside based rides along the miles of bridleways and byways, crisscrossing the beautiful Devon countryside. Why not book a ride on enchanting Exmoor and really get away from it all. There are many stables to choose from and if you have any questions please feel free to send us an email.
There are many tracks and paths available for cyclists including miles of quiet country lanes. Riding a bike is one of the best ways to experience North Devon. You can miss the sounds, smells and sights of the surroundings while travelling in a car. Riding a bicycle offers the opportunity to access the hidden parts of the environment from old roads and tracks off limits to vehicles. You are more likely to see a rare bird, or other shy animals, exploring by bike. The Tarka Trail has been specifically created for cyclists of all levels, and as such is an easy ride for the most part. A wonderful road ride includes taking on Challacombe Hill and for those looking for a challenge, the Croyde Ocean Triathlon is held during summer. There are plenty of bicycle hire centres available in the village and surrounding areas.
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