Visit The Paradise That Is North Devon

North Devon Festival Now On

Antiques Roadshow visits Hartland in July

Strolling the country lanes and exploring the footpaths near Greendown is a delight, the countryside around the farm is criss-crossed with footpaths.

The local market town of South Molton which hosts of a twice-weekly pannier market is only 4 miles away. Glimpses of the past and present life of the town can be explored along the Heritage Trail.

Bideford and Appledore are ancient fishing and maritime ports with harbours and quaint back streets to explore. Then there is Clovelly, a unique, historic fishing village, famous the world over and recently featured on ITV Countrywise. There is no traffic on the cobbled street, which winds its way down a cleft in a 400 foot cliff between carefully preserved, flower-festooned cottages, to a tiny, working C14th port.

Lynton and Lynmouth, no family trip to the picturesque towns of Lynton and Lynmouth would be complete without a trip on the world famous Cliff Railway – it's the best and most exciting way to travel between these two historic towns. It will be a treat for the whole family! Enjoy stunning views of the North Devon Coastline as you glide up and down the 862 foot length of track; from Lynmouth nestling at the foot of the cliffs to Lynton perched 500 feet above.

Exmoor's spectacular scenery lies within a 20-minute drive, the moor's are beautiful and the coastline stunning. Visit Tarr Steps, Withypool and Exford. Have lunch on one of the superb pubs; venture across to Brendon and Robbers Bridge. For the children, why not visit Exmoor Zoo which is a unique and an unusual zoo to visit! Since opening the zoo has grown every year, changes keep taking place and new babies are born, so even a visit last year will today see new exhibits and animals!

Now the Home of the Exmoor Beast

Lovely Rosemoor Gardens (Royal Horticultural Society) on the edge of Great Torrington and Barnstaple's flower filled streets, excellent sports facilities and the unique historic features such as "Butchers Row" are both approximately 9 miles. Barnstaple also has a pannier market, which is open 6 days a week with general sales (including farm produce) on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and has a craft market on Mondays and Thursdays and an antiques and collectables market on Wednesdays.

Take time to enjoy the beaches of Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe. Woolacombe is one of the finest beaches in the West Country with numerous awards. It's a big favourite for families and surfers, attracting thousands of people each summer. A great wave for all surf crafts and a beautiful arc of 3 miles of golden sand make it ideal for children and adults alike. Even at the height of summer it is possible to find quiet places in the surf. Whether surfing, canoeing or just swimming and family fun. North Devon offers some of Europe's best beaches.

An 18-hole golf course, shop, pub and renowned restaurant are all within 2.3 miles. Highbullen Golf & Country Club's superb award winning golf course, set in richly wooded parkland, boasts breathtaking views towards the Devon landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor. It's easy-walking 5,570 yards, par-68 provides an excellent test of golf for the accomplished player without creating an unfair or unrewarding challenge for the novice. The course is designed to make you think about the club selection and shot execution of each golf stroke, rather than just a requirement to hit huge distances. The well-placed greens invite you to shoot for the pin and will hold a well-flighted ball, while the bunkering is visually impressive with mounding and contouring that blends in nicely with the natural surroundings. Water comes into play on quite a few holes, especially the par threes, and this adds to the challenge resulting in a wonderfully rewarding golfing experience.

For children there is the Quince Honey Farm, The Big Sheep and The Milky Way and Combe Martin Wildlife Park Adventure Parks. The Tarka Trail once a single track railway offers some safe off-road cycling. Cobbatton Combat Museum, Dartington Glass, Great Torrington 1646 Living Museum are not far way.

The Big Sheep

The Milky Way

Combe Martin Dinosaur and Wildlife Park

Further a field you have North Cornwall with their rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, ideal for surfing and sunbathing, such as Bude, Widemouth Bay and Crackington Haven.