Holiday rentals in North Devon District

A region within the county of Devon, North Devon boasts an invigorating mix of dramatic seascapes, open moorlands, dense woodlands, and picturesque villages. North Devon is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is known as England’s Adventure Coast, with surfers heading to the beaches at Croyde and Saunton Sands. People flock to the coastline to experience the region’s inviting beaches, including Westward Ho! and Ilfracombe, while fishing villages like Appledore and Clovelly are a reminder of the area’s important maritime heritage. Boats set sail from Ilfracombe and Bideford to Lundy Island, the first Maritime Conservation Zone in England, home to puffins, sea birds, and seals.

North Devon contains part of Exmoor National Park, which heads inland from the coast to encompass extensive moorland, farmland, and woodland. There are many trails to be explored in this region for walkers and cyclists. Highlights include the South West Coast Path, which winds its way around the coastline, and the 290-kilometre Tarka Trail, which starts in Barnstaple before heading through inland market towns like Okehampton and Chulmleigh and crossing Exmoor to the coast.

Being home to a national park and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes North Devon a year-round destination, with a host of outdoor activities depending on the season. Its beaches and seaside resorts attract the highest number of visitors during the summer months, particularly during school summer holidays. Some attractions — such as Hartland Abbey and Gardens and North Devon Maritime Museum — are only open from around April to the end of October. Major events in the area include the family-friendly Pigstock music festival in Bideford in May, the Ilfracombe Victorian and Steampunk Celebration in June, and the Appledore Book Festival in September. Spend the long nights of winter stargazing in Exmoor National Park, the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe.

Clovelly

Fishing has played an important role in the history of North Devon, and the village of Clovelly is a reminder of its past history. A traffic-free and captivating village, Clovelly is located beside a 120-metre cliff and has cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and a quayside dating from the 14th century.

Valley of the Rocks

Starting in the coastal town of Lynmouth, a short waymarked trail with views across the bay leads to one of the most awe-inspiring geological formations in North Devon: the cliffs of the Valley of the Rocks. They are known for their impressive jagged rocky outcrops, including Castle Rock. While there, you can look out for the daredevil wild goats that have made these steep rocks their home.

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Beautifully located within the Torridge Valley, Garden Rosemoor provides an exquisitely curated landscape that changes with the seasons. From its formal garden and orchards to a massive fruit and vegetable garden, Rosemoor takes visitors on a voyage of discovery of the horticultural heritage of North Devon. It features a restaurant for refreshments, and organises a flower show every year.