By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 15th August 2021 | Updated: 29th November 2024
We all know the British love a beach holiday, and with the stunning North Devon coastline it is easy to see why! Golden expanses of sand, great surfing and fish and chips in every place you drive through, why would you not want to visit?
Well with all the places to visit in North Devon, it can be tricky to work out where to go, luckily that’s where we come in! We’ve visited North Devon nearly every one of the last 10 years, (and I, Gemma, spent the whole summers there each year as a child), so we know a thing or two about where to go. So that’s where our favourite three North Devon road trip itineraries come in.
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary One – Putsborough / Croyde
📍 Putsborough to Morthoe
📍 The Tarka Trail & Braunton Burrows
📍 Croyde & Baggy Point
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Two – Watermouth
📍 Watermouth to Combe Martin
📍 Watermouth to Ilfracombe
📍 Woolacombe
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Three – Exmoor National Park
📍 Watersmeet, Lynton, Lynmouth & Valley of the Rocks
📍 Porlock & Porlock Weir
📍 Selworthy & the Holnicote Estate
You can of course add these itineraries together and make more of a longer North Devon road trip itinerary, (which we would highly recommend!).
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com
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Travel Insurance: We recommend World Nomads
Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com
Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide
Map of places to visit in North Devon
Places to visit in North Devon – Three North Devon road trip itineraries
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary One – Putsborough / Croyde
One of our favourite places to visit in North Devon is the sandy shorelines around Putsborough, Croyde and Saunton Sands. We come back year after year for the famous fish and chips, incredible sunsets and stunning coastline and never leave disappointed. Plus, the beaches around here are perfect for getting in the sea after a nice walk.
For this three day road trip itinerary in North Devon, stay at Combas Farm. Not only are there multiple fields to pick from, (and one with a rather good view over Croyde and Putsborough), but it is within an easy walk to both places too. (You’ll often find surfers checking out the surf at both beaches from the hill before walking to whichever one is looking better that day!).
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary One – Putsborough / Croyde: Day 1 – Putsborough to Morthoe
Just over 8 miles long, this route follows the South West Coast Path from Putsborough Sands to Morte Point and back again. It takes in Marine Drive and Woolacombe Warren on the way there and Woolacombe Beach on the way back, perfect for taking a refreshing post-hike dip!
Starting off at Putsborough Sands, head out along the coast path up towards Woolacombe Down through sheep fields and gorse groves. Once you reach the bottom of the down continue along the track that leads out to the end of Marine Drive. Follow Marine Drive all the way to the big sand dunes outside of Woolacombe, (i.e. Woolacombe Warren), then wander your way through them coming out on the road into Woolacombe.
If you fancy it have a wander through Woolacombe, stopping to grab an ice cream or some fudge, then continue around the coastline away from the crowds and past the lesser-known beaches of Barricane Beach and Grunta Beach. After reaching a small community garden follow the road up the hill before bearing left along the coast path just past the end of the buildings but before you reach Morthoe.
Now just follow the footpaths to what looks like the moon! After reaching the end of Morte Point continue along the coast path up into the village of Morthoe where you will find a row of colourful houses and the point in which you followed the coast path out to the point. From here simply retrace your steps back to Woolcombe before hitting up the beach and walking back with sandy toes and feet dabbling in the sea.
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary One – Putsborough / Croyde: Day 2 – The Tarka Trail & Braunton Burrows
Day two, and one of many people’s favourites places to visit in Devon, is the famous Tarka Trail. You can follow the Tarka Trail north of south from Barnstaple, but we would highly recommend starting out in Barnstaple at Tarka Bikes then cycling south along the River Torridge and River Taw through the village of Instow to Bideford. With beautiful scenery to cycle through, and an easy trail to follow it makes for a lovely day out in North Devon.
From Bideford, you can continue on the Tarka Trail further south or do as we did for the day trip and head back the way you came. It’s 32km to Bideford and back from Barnstaple, so fairly easy to do in a day, even with a long pub lunch stop in Instow marvelling at the colourful Appledore across the water!
On the way back from Barnstaple, be sure to drive through Braunton and grab a fish and chips to go from Squires. Not only are they the best fish and chips in North Devon, but the curry sauce is to die for! Then either head up to one of the Saunton Sands viewpoints along the roadside to stop and eat, or park up at Braunton Burrows and eat there before going for a little sand dune explore.
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary One – Putsborough / Croyde: Day 3 – Croyde & Baggy Point
This is the one walk we do time and time again when we visit North Devon, and it is easy to see why. Incredible coastal views, easy tracks to follow and incredible beaches at either end. What more could you want!
You can do this 5 mile route in either direction but we would recommend starting on Baggy Point at Putsborough and walking the headland around to Croyde. Nothing beats finishing the route in Croyde with a stop in the Blue Groove or with ice cream from the local ice cream parlour.
Starting and / or ending in either Putsborough Sands or Croyde also means it’s the perfect place to get in the sea before or after the Baggy Point walk. Not only are both locations great for surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, but Croyde is renowned for being a great place to go coasteering too. (Make sure you do this with a tour guide however as it can be dangerous in the wrong condition).
The route itself is really easy to follow, simply get on the South West Coast path at either location then follow it around the coastline! Be sure to find and climb the waymarker pole, that was originally used for training for sea rescues, and walk down to the very end of Baggy Point for views out to Lundy and beyond. On a clear day, you can even see Wales from here.
Planning your own trip to North Devon? Make sure you check out our Travelling Tedaldi Amazon Store Travel Guides for all your guidebooks and maps. (We’ve done the hard work for you and linked all the things we used to plan our trip!)
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Two – Watermouth
Out of all the places to visit in North Devon, what better place is there for a camping trip than Watermouth? With most visitors opting to go further down the coast, this area of North Devon is quite quiet in comparison. However, with numerous coastal trails to follow and a hidden beach or two to find, a long weekend around Watermouth is wonderful.
Stay at Little Meadow Campsite for this weekend. With fresh pastries baked on-site each morning and some of the most incredible views of the coastline, it is a wonderful place to call home for a few days.
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Two – Watermouth: Day 1 – Watermouth to Combe Martin
Start the day off at Storm in a Teacup café in Watermouth Bay for a cup of tea and some delicious homemade apricot flapjack. It is located only a short walk from the campsite in the quaint little bay of Watermouth, the perfect location to fuel up for the walking ahead. The footpaths around the bay out to Sexton’s Burrows are rather lovely to explore, with old turret buildings to find and some of the most wonderful views out over the surrounding coastline.
After getting your fill here though it is time to hit up the South West Coast Path to the east around the headland to Combe Martin. This walk is only 3 miles each direction, so roughly an hour, but boy does it deliver in terms of views! Passing some of the more scenic bays you will find in North Devon, such as Broadsands Beach, this walk up and around the coast is not only lovely to do but also relatively quiet.
After passing through woodlands and past a quirky house or two, (you’ll know the one we mean when you get there!), you will find yourself walking down to Newberry Beach just around the corner from Combe Martin. After a steep section of stairs down it’s only a short walk to this pebble beach that is often much quieter than the next-door Combe Martin, but just as lovely. Just around the corner lies Combe Martin where you can grab yourself a bite to eat, have a dip in the sea, watch the sea mist roll in and then turn tail and head back the way you came. You could even continue along the South West Coast Path from here too.
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Two – Watermouth: Day 2 – Watermouth to Ilfracombe
Begin the day with some fresh croissants from the campsite before heading off along the South West Coast Path but this time to the west and towards Ilfracombe. Ilfracombe is often high on peoples lists of places to visit in North Devon, with its art scene, numerous typical seaside entertainment and quaint harbour, but very few actually walk into it.
From Watermouth to Hele Bay to Ilfracombe, the scenery just gets better and better, through bluebell filled woodlands, to open cliffside footpaths, to hidden viewpoints. In particular, the views from Hele Bay all the way across the coastline to Ilfracombe are astounding. We had a day where the sea mist kept rolling in and it made it even more beautiful.
After glimpsing Damien Hurst’s Verity, you will soon be on the long, but beautiful walk down into the harbour at Ilfracombe via Rapparee Cove with its hidden shipwreck. Upon reaching Ilfracombe be sure to make a beeline for some of the best fudge in town, Roly’s Fudge on the Quay, it is a must-stop after a long days walk along the coastal paths. Then walk up around the hill to the Chapel of St Nicholas overlooking the bay, before following the coast along to Capstone Hill with its expansive views over the entire town.
All in all, the walk is 4.5 miles, 2 hours ish each way and really easy to follow. With a couple of places along the route, you could stop for refreshments and Hele Bay if you fancy a dip, this walk is one that can take you from high up on the cliffs, through bluebell woodland, to the seashore and back again in the space of a mile!
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Two – Watermouth: Day 3 – Woolacombe
For the final day of the North Devon itinerary around Watermouth make the short trip, this time by road, down the coast to Woolacombe. Perfect for a last-minute dip in the sea on some golden sands, Woolacombe is a stunning beach to visit even if the weather isn’t playing ball! Park up along Marine Drive, as far along as you fancy, (the further away from Woolacombe you are the more beach you are likely to get to yourself) and make a relaxed day of it. Take a picnic, enjoy the sand dunes and get in the sea!
If the weather really isn’t having it, (it is the UK, it is bound to rain at some point), then Woolacombe has a traditional arcade with all the typical seaside games in it to keep you entertained. Plus, it’s not far from one of the best ice cream and pasty shops for miles around…
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Three – Exmoor
Partly in North Devon and partly in Somerset this long weekend is high on our places to visit in North Devon list. Exmoor National Park is an area like no other in England. With coastal walks, quaint villages in hidden valleys and beacon upon beacon to catch a good view, you should really visit Exmoor.
Stay at Burrowhayes Farm for the perfect location to gaze at the famous dark skies, walk into the nearby village of Porlock or take a horse out on a ride across the Exmoor landscape.
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Three – Exmoor: Day 1 – Watersmeet, Lynton, Lynmouth & Valley of the Rocks
Day one and we are starting off the long weekend with a walk through some of the most picturesque landscapes in all of Exmoor, from Watersmeet to the Valley of the Rocks. Beginning in Watersmeet park up at the roadside before heading down deep into the surrounding woodland to the river’s edge. From here follow the river east, through the beautiful ancient woodland, (which is even more beautiful in the autumn), and all the way out to the sea via the tiny harbour village of Lynmouth.
After grabbing a bite to eat from one of the local bakeries in Lynmouth it’s time to take the Funicular Cliff Railway up the cliffside to Lynton. As one of the oldest and steepest funicular railways in Europe, it is well worth a ride on, and the views from the top are incredible! After wandering around Lynton set out along the South West Coast Path to the famous Valley of the Rocks.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the local goats along this stretch of coastline, you won’t believe where you might spot them! Upon reaching the Valley of the Rocks and having had a good wander around, simple retrace your steps all the way back to Watersmeet. We opted to walk down underneath the Funicular Cliff Railway and along the opposite side of the river to mix it up a bit.
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Three – Exmoor: Day 2 – Porlock & Porlock Weir
Day two of our places to visit in North Devon Exmoor itinerary, and we are actually stepping into the Somerset side of Exmoor, heading out on foot from the campsite to walk the Porlock to Porlock Weir loop. It is a relatively easy walk that starts off through the village of Porlock taking in all the independent village shops, and of course, stopping for a scone at the Whortleberry Tearooms, (they make local whortleberry jam and it is delicious!).
The walk then continues out from Porlock along the Coleridge Way through beautiful woodland before reaching the coast and the small port otherwise known as Porlock Weir. After getting your fill of fresh Porlock oysters follow the South West Coast Path back along the coastline rather than through the woodland, taking in the Porlock Salt Marsh with its expansive shingle ridge, petrified forest and wooden boardwalks. Then settle in for the night and keep an eye on the stars!
North Devon Road Trip Itinerary Three – Exmoor: Day 3 – Selworthy & the Holnicote Estate
For day three on the Exmoor weekend itinerary, we head to the 12,000 acres of Holnicote Estate and the quaint village of Selworthy with its picturesque surrounding walks. Again, this is actually in Somerset not North Devon but the entire stretch of coastline from the very south of North Devon to Exmoor is all worth exploring!
Begin at Selworthy Church, with views over the surrounding landscape, before bearing left and heading up into the Selworthy Combe woodland near the entrance to Selworthy village. Follow the footpaths up on this circular walk to Selworthy Beacon and Bossington Hill. From the top on a clear day, (which we did not have!), you can supposedly see all along the Exmoor and North Devon coastline for miles in each direction.
On the way back down, make sure you peer in at the Memorial Hut to Sir Thomas Dyke and the Bury Castle remains (if you can find them). At the bottom of the woodland, back near your starting point, bear right and stop by the quaint, and very yellow, village of Selworthy. In particular, make sure you go by the Periwinkle Tea Rooms for a refuel after all that walking and try the lemon curd scones and the tomato and basil scones, both are delicious!
Where to stay in North Devon?
Anywhere along the coast with a good view, there are very few places that you wouldn’t want to stay. We’ve stayed in numerous places over the years but keep coming back to Putsborough Sands, Croyde and Watermouth purely because of the access to not only the surrounding beaches but the coast paths through North Devon too.
Places to visit in North Devon FAQs
Is North Devon worth visiting?
Yes! We’ve been visiting every year for over 10 years now and still haven’t gotten bored of the place. There is just so much on offer to do and see throughout the region you simply have to visit. Who doesn’t love a fish and chip tea at the seaside?
Where is North Devon located?
North Devon is situated in the southwest of England, between Somerset and Cornwall. Starting in the east at Lynmouth in Exmoor and stretching 50 miles to just past Hartland Point in the west, this area is vast and full of beautiful landscapes. So much so an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers over 170 square kilometres of the area.
How to get to North Devon
The easiest way to get to North Devon is via road, the M5 and A361 from the north and east, or the A39 from the south. Public transport is limited throughout the area, with Barnstaple having the last train station for North Devon and local buses that are few and far between. There are no airports in North Devon, however, the closest airport that serves Devon (and Cornwall), is Exeter Airport. Plymouth, Newquay and Bristol airports are the other nearest airports to North Devon.
How to get around North Devon
Getting around North Devon can be tricky if you don’t have access to a vehicle. There is very limited public transport, trains are pretty much non-existent once out of Barnstaple, and buses are few and far between other than to the main tourist towns like Croyde and Ilfracombe. So if you want to get out to the lesser-known locations or other places, like in our North Devon itineraries below, then it is best to opt for driving yourself instead.
Is it easy to drive around North Devon?
Between major towns, most of the roads are your typical British two-laned type, however, once you venture away from these main roads you will be driving along single-track lanes with passing places to allow traffic from both directions to pass each other. If you’re not a confident driver, (and especially if you aren’t a confident reverser!), then maybe steer clear of driving these lanes. We’ve been driving them for years so have no problem with them, but you can tell the people who aren’t…
Where to stop on the way to Devon
If coming from the north or east of England be sure to stop in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or in Exmoor National Park, both are full to the brim with quaint villages and beautiful walks. If coming from the south be sure to stop along the Hartland Devon Heritage Coast, Hartland Point or Clovelly are particularly stunning, or stop anywhere in Dartmoor National Park.
What is the best time of year to visit North Devon?
The best time to visit North Devon has to be spring / early summer or late summer / autumn, avoiding the masses and the school holidays in the middle of the year. Just as the weather is warming up in the spring and cooling down in the autumn is when North Devon really comes to life. It is also lovely to visit during the winter with no one else around, but the wind can be bracing, and some attractions might not be open as often.
How many days do you need in North Devon?
At least a week to see a few locations, be it just around the North Devon coast or some inland locations as well. But the ideal amount of time to spend in North Devon is 2 to 3 weeks.
Is Barnstaple worth a visit?
It might not necessarily seem like it, but Barnstaple is definitely worth a visit. This riverport town was once the home of the historic wool trade and as such has some rather beautiful buildings you can discover. Barnstaple is also the key point along the Tarka Trail, so a great place to pick up your bicycles and get cycling along the River Taw.
What is North Devon known for?
North Devon is famous, first and foremost, for its incredible sandy beaches. There are of course other things that make North Devon worth a visit, such as beautiful National Trust properties and gardens and stunning coastal walks, but it is the beaches that North Devon is most famous for.
Which is nicer Woolacombe or Ilfracombe?
This depends on what you want from your trip. Woolacombe has a lovely beach and some great places to eat as well as some pretty extensive sand dunes. Ilfracombe on the other hand is more well known for its art galleries, quaint seaside shops and amusements and cliffside coastal walks.
Which is nicer North or South Devon?
Everyone has a preference, and although both North Devon and South Devon are beautiful places to visit, (check out our South Devon blog posts for more info), we definitely have a soft spot for North Devon. It could be because that is where we spend most of our time when in Devon, and we just need to visit South Devon more!
Conclusion: Places to visit in North Devon – Three North Devon road trip itineraries
So, there is our guide on places to visit in North Devon through three road trip itineraries. Is there anywhere you would add? We will sure be back exploring North Devon, it being like our home away from home, so keep an eye out for more North Devon road trip ideas.
Why not extend your stay in North Devon and visit more of the stunning coastline or even explore some more of Exmoor – we spent 5 days in Exmoor National Park all together and it was some of the most wonderful adventuring we have had in England!
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.
