Discover North Devon – An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Nestled in the heart of the South West, North Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that captivates with its rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and quaint villages. We find ourselves drawn to its diverse landscapes, where dramatic cliffs meet golden sandy beaches, and lush countryside offers endless opportunities for exploration.
As we wander through this enchanting region, it’s clear why North Devon holds a special place in the hearts of nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From the picturesque Exmoor National Park to the charming seaside towns, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic corner of England. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and breathtaking vistas that make North Devon a must-visit destination.
Key Takeaways
- Natural Beauty: North Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and diverse landscapes, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
- Exmoor National Park: Spanning over 267 square miles, Exmoor National Park offers unique landscapes, wildlife like red deer and Exmoor ponies, and notable sites such as Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon.
- Stunning Coastline: The South West Coast Path and popular beaches like Woolacombe and Croyde Bay offer breathtaking views, surfing, and extensive walking trails.
- Historic Villages and Cultural Attractions: Quaint villages like Clovelly and Lynton, alongside museums and cultural events, highlight North Devon’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit.
- Outdoor Activities: From hiking trails and water sports to bird watching and stargazing, North Devon provides a variety of outdoor adventures for all types of travellers.
Overview Of North Devon
North Devon, situated in the South West of England, offers a range of natural and cultural attractions. Stretching from the wild landscapes of Exmoor to the sprawling sandy beaches, it provides diverse environments for exploration and relaxation. The region’s rugged cliffs, peaceful valleys, and historic villages create a unique blend of scenery and heritage.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park covers over 267 square miles, straddling the border between Devon and Somerset. It features ancient woodlands, moorland, and rivers teeming with wildlife. Notable sites include Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge, and Dunkery Beacon, the park’s highest point at 519 metres. Visitors can enjoy walking, horse riding, and wildlife spotting.
Coastal Beauty
North Devon’s coastline showcases some of the UK’s most dramatic seascapes. The South West Coast Path offers 90 miles of trails within North Devon alone. Highlights include the towering cliffs of Hartland Quay, the sandy expanse of Woolacombe Beach, and the picturesque harbour at Clovelly. Surfing and rock pooling are popular activities along these coastal stretches.
Historic Villages And Towns
Historic villages and towns dot North Devon. Barnstaple, the region’s largest town, features a blend of modern amenities and historic architecture. Braunton, known for its proximity to Braunton Burrows, holds the UK’s largest sand dune system. Lynton and Lynmouth, often called “Little Switzerland,” are linked by a Victorian cliff railway offering stunning coastal views.
Cultural Attractions
North Devon’s cultural attractions are plentiful. The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon hosts exhibits detailing local history. The Ilfracombe Harbour’s Damien Hirst’s ‘Verity’ statue symbolizes the area’s vibrant art scene. Annual events like the North Devon Show celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit.
Outdoor Activities
North Devon delivers a variety of outdoor activities. The Tarka Trail, a 180-mile track, follows the journeys of Henry Williamson’s fictional character Tarka the Otter. Both cycling and walking enthusiasts frequent this trail. Exmoor’s dark skies attract stargazers, offering exceptional conditions for astronomy.
Conclusion
North Devon stands out as a destination of natural beauty and cultural depth. We explore the area not just for the landscapes but also for the rich history and outdoor activities awaiting discovery.
Natural Landmarks
North Devon boasts an array of natural landmarks, each offering unique experiences for visitors.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park, spanning over 267 square miles, combines rugged moorland, ancient woodlands, and coastal scenery. Visitors often explore Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge, or Dunkery Beacon, the park’s highest point at 519 metres. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with species like red deer and Exmoor ponies frequently spotted. Ancient woodlands and open heathlands provide diverse hiking opportunities, creating unforgettable experiences for all nature lovers.
Lundy Island
Lundy Island, located 12 miles off the coast, offers a unique escape. This granite outcrop, managed by the Landmark Trust, is home to diverse wildlife, including puffins and sika deer. The island’s marine reserve attracts snorkellers and divers eager to explore its underwater habitats. Historical landmarks, like the 13th-century Marisco Castle, offer a glimpse into the island’s storied past. Visitors can also embark on scenic walks, enjoying panoramic views and tranquil surroundings.
Coastal Beauty
North Devon’s coastline is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and diverse natural features. From sheer cliffs to sandy stretches, the coastal beauty here is unrivalled.
Cliffs And Beaches
The cliffs of North Devon, including Baggy Point and Morte Point, provide awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic. These cliffs feature dramatic rock formations, offering perfect photographic opportunities. Below these cliffs, we find some of the finest beaches in the UK. Woolacombe Beach, a three-mile expanse, is famous for its golden sands and clear waters. Its consistent waves make it a favourite amongst surfers and bodyboarders. Croyde Bay, another notable beach, also draws surfers and has rock pools that delight families. Saunton Sands, with its extensive dunes, provides a quieter, more tranquil retreat.
Popular Coastal Paths
North Devon’s coastal paths reward walkers with striking scenic experiences. The South West Coast Path, notable for its length and beauty, stretches through this region, providing exceptional hiking opportunities. Sections like the Woolacombe to Putsborough walk offer panoramic coastal views and glimpses of marine wildlife. The Hartland Quay to Bude portion features rugged landscapes and historic sites like Hartland Point Lighthouse. Easy access points to these paths make them suitable for both seasoned hikers and casual walkers, enhancing their appeal. Our coastal paths also link picturesque villages, allowing for convenient rest stops and local explorations.
Local Wildlife
North Devon, with its rich ecosystems, harbours a plethora of wildlife unique to its landscapes. The region’s diverse habitats, from rugged coastlines to dense woodlands, support many species.
Marine Life
North Devon’s coastal waters teem with marine life. The area around Lundy Island, a marine nature reserve, hosts seals, basking sharks, and dolphins. During snorkelling and diving excursions, we can often spot these majestic creatures. The rocky shores and tidal pools reveal various smaller marine animals, such as crabs, starfish, and anemones. The local conservation efforts ensure the protection of these marine species and their habitats, making North Devon a prime spot for marine biodiversity.
Bird Watching Spots
Bird watching enthusiasts flock to North Devon for its exceptional birdlife. Braunton Burrows, an expansive sand dune system, attracts numerous bird species, including skylarks and stonechats. Exmoor National Park is home to the elusive merlin and red kite, offering bird watchers a chance to spot rare and migratory birds. Estuaries like the Taw and Torridge estuary provide feeding grounds for waders and wildfowl, making them ideal locations for bird watching year-round. We can also explore RSPB Isley Marsh, which offers excellent viewing opportunities for avocets, curlews, and redshanks. These diverse habitats ensure that North Devon remains a haven for bird watchers.
Outdoor Activities
North Devon offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and families alike.
Hiking And Walking Trails
Our region boasts an extensive network of hiking and walking trails, catering to all levels of fitness and experience. The South West Coast Path is a must-visit for avid walkers, stretching 90 miles through dramatic seascapes and quaint villages. Highlights include Clovelly, with its cobbled streets, and Valley of Rocks, renowned for its unique rock formations and wild goats.
Exmoor National Park offers various trails that wind through ancient woodlands and open moorland. Hikers can explore Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, or venture to Tarr Steps to see the ancient clapper bridge. The Tarka Trail provides 180 miles of scenic paths through the countryside, inspired by Henry Williamson’s classic novel “Tarka the Otter”. This trail is perfect for cycling and walking.
Water Sports And Adventure
Adventure enthusiasts will find a plethora of water sports and activities along the coastline. Our beaches, like Woolacombe Beach, Croyde Bay, and Saunton Sands, are renowned for excellent surfing conditions. Surf schools offer lessons for beginners, making it easy to catch some waves.
Coasteering, an exhilarating activity involving rock climbing, cliff jumping, and swimming along the coast, is popular around Baggy Point and Hartland Quay. Whether you’re kayaking in the peaceful waters around Combe Martin or paddleboarding along the coast, options abound for a memorable adventure.
The coast near Lundy Island is a haven for snorkellers and divers, with clear waters teeming with marine life. Lundy’s marine reserve attracts those eager to explore underwater habitats and observe species like seals and basking sharks.
Historical And Cultural Sites
North Devon offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites that reflect its rich past and vibrant heritage. These attractions provide a deep understanding of the area’s evolving history.
Historic Villages
North Devon’s historic villages like Clovelly, Bucks Mills, and Lynton feature cobbled streets, traditional cottages, and welcoming communities. Clovelly, known for its steep, traffic-free cobbled street that tumbles down past whitewashed cottages to the ancient working port, transports visitors back in time. Bucks Mills, a once-thriving fishing village, offers picturesque coastal views and a glimpse into Devon’s maritime history. Lynton and its twin village Lynmouth, connected by the Victorian-era water-powered funicular railway, provide stunning views of the North Devon cliffs and the Bristol Channel.
Museums And Heritage Centres
North Devon’s museums and heritage centres preserve and exhibit the area’s cultural and historical artefacts. The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, located in Barnstaple, showcases regional history from prehistoric times to the present day, including local pottery, silverware, and historic photographs. The Arlington Court, a National Trust property, features a Regency house with collections of model ships and horse-drawn carriages, offering insights into the lifestyle of Devon’s gentry. The Combe Martin Museum focuses on local history, geology, and the village’s past mining heritage, providing educational experiences for all ages.
Conclusion
North Devon stands as a beacon of natural beauty and cultural richness. Its diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to rolling hills, offer endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether we’re exploring Exmoor’s wild terrains or soaking in the serene beaches, there’s something for everyone.
The vibrant wildlife, historic villages, and extensive outdoor activities make North Devon a unique destination. From bird watching at Braunton Burrows to snorkelling around Lundy Island, the experiences are as varied as they are unforgettable.
Let’s embrace the charm and beauty of North Devon, a region that promises not just stunning vistas but also a deep connection with nature and heritage. It’s time to discover all that this remarkable area has to offer.