9 unique things to do in North Devon

North Devon maintains a unique balance between being popular and tranquil, combining spectacular landscapes with unusual and fun activities for you and your family to experience. Read on for our list of recommended activities those holidaying in the area, highlighting 9 unique things to do in North Devon.

1. Watermouth Castle

3 miles outside of Ilfracombe is Watermouth Castle. The castle provides family entertainment with displays of eclectic treasures from Victorian times, a stunning landscape garden, a great view over Watermouth cove and, last but not least, theme park rides! The whole family will also find delight in the underground Water Show Extravaganza, a performance of fountains and water jets timed beautifully to lights and music.

2. Dartington Crystal 

Try your hand at glass blowing at the Dartington Crystal glass factory in Great Torrington. Take a tour to watch craftsmen creating pieces of glass and crystal art, and then enjoy creating and painting your own keepsake.

3. Clovelly

A steep cobbled street runs all the way through Clovelly village, which has been situated in a fold in the cliffs for over 800 years. This means the only forms of transport you will see in Clovelly are sledges and donkeys! But if you don’t fancy walking from the traditional fishing port at the bottom back up the steep hill, a fare-paying land rover service is available! This village won Countryfile’s Best Heritage Attraction Award in 2012, so you can be sure for a memorable day out in a beautiful setting. Be aware that there is an entrance fee of £6.50 for adults and £4 for children. 

4. Lundy Island

If you’re staying close to Clovelly, you can easily get a boat across to Lundy Island (pictured above). This unspoilt granite outcrop is only three and a half miles long and half a mile wide. Located where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean, standing here there is nothing between you and America but the sea!

5. Lynton and Lynmouth

The main attraction connecting the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth is the rare, fully-functional Victorian water-powered lift. For £3 or less, you can get a return trip in the lift up the 300 metre cliffs, where you can eat in the Cliff Top restaurant or just enjoy the views over the Bristol Channel to Wales.

6. Letterboxing

For families keen on pulling on their walking boots and enjoying the fresh air, Dartmoor is the place to go. Here you can try the unique hobby of letterboxing. For this activity, you must walk to find boxes people have placed on the moors. In these boxes, you will find a stamp and a visitor book. Kids will love the idea of collecting as many stamps as they can in one notebook. It’s like a big treasure hunt!

7. Arlington Court

A stunning National Trust property on the edge of Exmoor, Arlington Court has been in the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The Arlington estate is now accessible to even more people, with a mobility tramper that enables users to access the lake walk. Use of this facility must be booked in advance, so go online before you visit.

8. Tunnel Beaches

Another Victorian curiosity in North Devon are the Tunnel Beaches at Ilfracombe. The tunnels down to this private cove and tidal pool are lined with archives and memorabilia dating back to it’s opening in 1823. Children will love exploring the smugglers caves or playing on the dark sand beach. Children under 3 years old are free and family tickets are very reasonable, with 4 or 5 family members entering for under £10. They also have easy entry for buggies, plus great facilities and a family-run restaurant. The tunnels are closed between November and March, except during the February half term.

9. Big Sheep 

By far the most unique North Devon experience on the list is the Big Sheep in Bideford, where you can watch world famous sheep racing! There are 12 live shows daily, with a mix of the sheep races, lamb feeding and horse whispering. A great day out for the whole family, this attraction is open all year, daily in the summer months and weekends and holidays in winter. The Big Sheep Dip also hosts seasonal events. If you’re holidaying in North Devon in October, we recommend checking out the special Halloween festival.

The North Devon coastline and countryside provide a beautiful backdrop for you and the family to explore. With plenty of fun and exciting activities for all ages, it’s the perfect place to create holiday memories that last a lifetime.