Places to visist

We have made a list of a few places to see or visit that are in the area or slightly further afield. I hope they are of interest

Clovelly

Clovelly is a small village in the Torridge district of North Devon. It is a major tourist attraction notable for its extremely steep pedestrianized cobbled main street, donkeys and views over the Bristol Channel. Don’t forget to try the local crab!

Hartland & Hartland quay

A village which acts as a centre for a rural neighbourhood, until Tudor times Hartland was an important port. It lies close to the promontory of Hartland Point, where the coast of Devon turns from facing north into the Bristol Channel to face west into the Atlantic Ocean. There is an important lighthouse on the point. The town's harbour, Hartland Quay, is to the south of the point: the quay was originally built in the late 16th century but was swept away in 1887. The high tower of the Church of Saint Nectan in Stoke remains a significant landmark for ships in the Bristol Channel

Instow

Instow is a village in north Devon, England. It is on the estuary where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet, between the villages of Westleigh and Yelland and on the opposite bank of Appledore. There is a small river beach and sand dunes. The Tarka Trail passes through Instow, providing an easy means for people to arrive by foot or on bike. This section of the Trail is also part of the South West Coast Path, offering longer walks along the coast.

Appledore

This small fishing village stands in North Devon where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet before they flow into the Atlantic at Bideford Bay. For centuries an important shipbuilding centre, Appledore is now home to the North Devon Maritime Museum. A large, privately owned indoor shipyard continues to employ many local people, while the quay is dotted with traditional fishing vessels, now rubbing shoulders with yachts and pleasure craft, offering cruises up and down the estuary. A seasonal ferry takes passengers to the pretty little village of Instow, with its sheltered stretch of sandy beach, 17th century pier and cosmopolitan yacht club. Built on a hillside and described by Victorian novelist Charles Kingsley as that ‘little, white fishing village’ Appledore’s maze of narrow lanes are an attractive jumble of closely packed, brightly painted cottages, decorated with hanging baskets.

Braunton

The South West Coast Path National Trail passes through the village and gives access for walkers to the spectacular North Devon coast. The Tarka Trail also passes through the village. Braunton Burrows marsh on the west side of the parish is a designated biosphere reserve, the first place in Great Britain to have gained such status. The coastal part of the parish lies within the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and comprises Saunton Sands to the west, a beach of finely-grained sand, and to the south the estuary of the River Taw, of mixed mud and sand. The north of Braunton Burrows are open to light public access and have been converted into a Links Golf Course. Braunton was half-surrounded by an extensive brackish salt-water marsh restricting available agricultural land. Since the closing years of the 20th century, the village has become a hub for surfing as it is on the main road gateway to three of the South West's surf beaches of Saunton, Croyde and Putsborough all with fine powdery sand and (to a lesser extent a road to Woolacombe). A number of major surf brands are associated with the village including Tiki and Salt Rock. The village has a number of shops and restaurants – Squires famous Fish & Chips Restaurant is well worth a visit for lunch!

Tintagel

The home the legendary King Arthur and His knight of the round table this place is well worth a visit.

would suggest you book in advance Tintagel and, you may want to link it with a trip to Port Issac, the home of Doc Martin that is close by

Lynton & Lynemouth

(Including The Valley of the Rocks)

Lynton and Lynmouth offer a unique experience, situated on the North Coast of Devon noted for its high sea cliffs, within the Exmoor National Park. This is a perfect place to access the inner more and its historic houses and gardens as well as a cream tea at Watersmeet - a big must!! Then take a walk around the surrounding moor. A unique water powered Victorian Cliff Railway link offers an additional form of transport between Lynton and Lynmouth giving views over Lynmouth bay and towards the South Wales coast. Lynton and Lynmouth has much to offer as well as a good selection of restaurants and shops. Close to the are is the beautiful Valley of the Rocks, again a must do!

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is the closet of the 2 National Parks in Devon. It is well worth a day out for a walk over the moors or coast such as Valley of the Rocks, lunch at one of the many pubs or visit Lyton & Lynmouth ….. or, a walk and light lunch at Watersmead.

It is best to visit the parks website to see what is available during your visit.

https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is a little further away and again has a lot to offer visitors from views, walks, wildlife, and places to rest in coffee shops and pubs. It is best to visit the website and see what is going on and plan your visit accordingly. The only advice really is to watch the weather if you are on a long walk and dress accordingly as the moors are stunning but subject to the elements.

https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk

Tapley Park Gardens

Tapley Park is on the way to Instow so only about 2 miles away. There are gardens to visit with a view across the estuary. There are often local traders gathered together to form a little market on a Saturday that has become a popular attraction.

https://www.christieestates.co.uk/tapeley-park

Ilfracombe

The seaside town of Ilfracombe is home to Damien Hirst’s Verity, the award winning Ilfracombe Aquarium and the unique Tunnels Beaches, holders of a blue flag and seaside award. The Victorian shops and houses nestle against the rugged coastline where there are many secluded coves and rock pools to discover and explore

Port Issac & Area

Port Isaac has been an attractive fishing village since the early fourteenth century. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with old white-washed cottages and traditional granite, slate-fronted Cornish houses, many of which are listed as of architectural or historic importance. Visitors are advised to use the large car park at the top of the hill and to walk down to the village, as the narrow streets can be difficult to negotiate. There is a stunning view of the coast from this car park, in addition to easy access to both Port Isaac and Port Gaverne. Over recent years Port Isaac has become a popular location for both films and television series. The village is possibly best known as the fictional Portwenn from the ITV television series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes.

Also in the area on your way back are Tintagel, famous for the legend of King Arthur but, you may need to book to get across to the Castle or, Boscastle, a small fishing port with tea rooms and small shops.

Padstow & Rock

Traditionally a fishing port, Padstow is now a popular tourist destination. Although some of its former fishing fleet remains, it is mainly a yachting haven on a dramatic coastline with few easily navigable harbours. The influence of restaurateur Rick Stein can be seen in the port, and tourists travel from long distances to eat at his restaurant and cafés. There have been ferries across the Camel estuary for centuries and the current service, the Black Tor Ferry, carries pedestrians between Padstow and Rock daily throughout the year

Bude

Bude is Cornwall's most northern town and has been a popular seaside resort from Victorian times. In the l9th Century, the town was notorious for wreckers who plundered ship wrecked off the coast. Today it has a large selection of Shops and restaurants as well as beach in the heart of the town. The beach at Widemouth Bay is a wide expanse of open sand stretching nearly 2 miles is also close by.

RHS Rosemoor

Set in the verdant Torridge Valley in Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor is an award-winning garden with glorious displays for every season, meaning people return time and again for ideas, inspiration or simply to enjoy a marvellous day out – highly recommend

NT Arlington Court

Set in the verdant Torridge Valley in Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor is an award-winning garden with. Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The collection consists of treasures for all tastes, from model ships to shells, collected over several generations. The house itself, built in 1823 and extended in 1860, has an austere facade. However, inside the cosy rooms purvey a homely, family atmosphere. The Carriage Museum in the stables has a vehicle for every occasion from cradle to grave. Currently on loan from the Houses of Parliament is the Speaker’s State Coach, a glorious, gilded carriage with over 300 years of history.

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