Attractions and Places To See in North Devon Aonb - Top 20

The North Devon AONB, now known as North Devon Coast National Landscape, offers a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit Baggy Point, an exceptional headland separating Croyde Bay from Morte Bay, offering expansive views and popular for rock climbing. Another dramatic spot is Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall, where water plunges 157 feet (48 m) to the rocky beach below amidst rugged valleys and high cliffs. Don't miss the unique geological formations at Blackchurch Rock, Mouthmill Beach, a large arch stack made from Hartland Quay Shale. The region also features extensive sand dunes like Braunton Burrows, the wild coastal cliffs of the Hartland Peninsula, and the unique rock formations of the Valley of the Rocks.

Yes, North Devon offers several fascinating historical and cultural sites. Explore the privately owned, picturesque village of Clovelly, known for its cobbled streets and unique charm, which also houses the Kingsley Museum. You can also visit Hartland Abbey & Gardens, a historic stately home and popular film location. For a glimpse into Victorian engineering, the Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe are hand-carved tunnels leading to scenic beaches. Other notable sites include Hillsborough, an Iron Age hillfort near Ilfracombe, and various archaeological sites identified through aerial surveys.

Families will find plenty to enjoy. Combe Martin Beach is a picturesque spot for swimming, set below the village and surrounded by high sea cliffs. Beyond the natural attractions, you can visit Watermouth Castle near Ilfracombe, which offers eclectic treasures, nostalgic displays, a theme park with rides, and landscaped gardens. Other popular family destinations include The Big Sheep and The Milky Way Adventure Park, both providing a mix of farmyard fun and theme park excitement.

The North Devon AONB is a fantastic destination for hiking. The South West Coast Path runs along the entire coast, offering extensive walking opportunities and spectacular sea views. For specific routes, you can explore various options, including easy hikes like the 'Baggy Point from Moor Lane' trail or the 'South West Coast Path: Hartland Quay to Speke's Mill Mouth' route. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes in North Devon AONB guide.

Absolutely! The region is home to stunning waterfalls. The most prominent is Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall, which plunges 157 feet (48 m) in three steps to the beach below. You can find several routes that incorporate this natural wonder, such as 'Hartland Quay, Blackpool Mill Beach & Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall' or 'South West Coast Path: Hartland Quay to Speke's Mill Mouth'. Discover more waterfall hikes in the Waterfall hikes in North Devon AONB guide.

North Devon AONB offers diverse cycling experiences, particularly for gravel biking. You can find routes like 'Mortehoe Hill Climb – Combesgate Beach loop from Croyde' or 'View of Woolacombe Bay – View of Saunton loop from Braunton'. These routes allow you to explore the scenic coastal and inland landscapes. For more detailed gravel biking routes, refer to the Gravel biking in North Devon AONB guide.

Beyond the well-known attractions, consider exploring Lundy Island, a granite outcrop 18km off the coast and England's first Marine Nature Reserve, accessible by boat. The village of Appledore, with its narrow cobbled streets, pastel houses, and art galleries, offers a charming experience. For nature lovers, Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is the country's largest sand dune complex, teeming with diverse plant and insect life, making it a fantastic spot for nature walks away from the main crowds.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning coastal views and dramatic scenery, especially from viewpoints like Baggy Point. The unique geological formations, such as Blackchurch Rock, are also highly appreciated for their natural beauty. Many enjoy the charm of villages like Clovelly and the peaceful atmosphere of the beaches. The opportunity for outdoor activities, from hiking the South West Coast Path to surfing at Croyde Bay, is also a major draw.

Yes, North Devon is home to several beautiful gardens. RHS Garden Rosemoor is one of the UK's best, offering 65 acres of diverse gardens that change with the seasons. Other notable gardens include Marwood Hill Gardens, Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, Tapeley Park and Gardens, Docton Mill Gardens, and Clovelly Court Gardens, each providing a unique horticultural experience.

North Devon boasts numerous popular beaches. Croyde Bay is renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. Woolacombe, Saunton, and Westward Ho! offer vast sandy stretches ideal for watersports and relaxation. Combe Martin Beach, while shingle and pebble, becomes sandier near the water and is sheltered, making it a good spot for swimming. Westward Ho! is also noted for its distinctive Pebble Ridge and the beautiful sand dunes of Northam Burrows.

The North Devon AONB offers attractions year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activities. Spring (late April / early May) is beautiful for wildflowers, with thousands of bluebells in the forests. Summer is ideal for beach activities, watersports, and enjoying the longer daylight hours. Autumn brings dramatic coastal scenery and is excellent for hiking. While distinct, the nearby Exmoor National Park, bordering North Devon, is Europe's first Dark Sky Reserve, making it a prime spot for stargazing, especially in the darker months.