One of the best things about a holiday in North Devon is the smorgasbord of outdoorsy attractions sitting right on the doorstep. This section of the UK’s coastline sports incredible scenery and a landscape that invites you to dive right into fresh air fun…not to mention a glistening bay with miles of sand and ocean to explore.

We share top 5 outdoor adventures in North Devon that you can look forward to during your holiday in the special part of the UK.

 

Keypitts Off-road Adventures

Do you have a need for speed, or full-on fun-fuelled family adventure? If so, then this fantastic off-road activity centre in Ilfracombe is the place for you!
With 25 years of experience under their belts, you’ll be in safe hands as you tackle quad biking, 4×4 Landrover experiences, and muddy motorcycle adventures.

Younger members of the group will love being able to get behind the wheel and steer their own mini Landrovers too, although parents can relax as they’ll have full remote control of the vehicles. Keypitts Off-road Adventures is open all year round and is therefore a fantastic option for rainy days because as this family-run business says ‘the muddier the better!’

North Devon Tarka Trail

The longest, traffic-free cycle path in the UK often has people wondering: ‘Is the Tarka Trail just for cycling or can I walk it?’…and the answer is a resounding Yes!

Named after the fictional otter in Henry Williamson’s classic novel “Tarka the Otter,” this figure of 8-shaped trail which starts and finishes in Barnstaple, consists of sections of footpath and bridleway that can be accessed from all over North Devon which means visitors can do as much or as little of the trail as they like. The full circuit winds 180 miles (290 kilometres) through the stunning North Devon landscape and takes in some of the most incredible coastal and countryside views along the way.

Excitingly, a new section of the path between Willingcott and Knowle, or ‘the missing link’ as referred to in the media, is nearing completion which means guests staying at our Willingcott properties will have nature walks and exploration at their fingertips throughout their holiday.
On a side note, the trail is well-maintained and easily accessible, with plenty of signage and ‘refuelling’ pit stops along the way like cafes and pubs, so whether you’re nipping out for a quick jaunt or embarking on an all-dayer, this is a fabulous way to reconnect with nature.

 

 

Braunton Countryside Centre

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Woolacombe, the Braunton Coutryside Centre is a family-friendly site offering immersive experiences that aim to increase understanding, awareness and enjoyment of the local environment and the North Devon Biosphere.

Throughout the year, the centre has guided walks around Braunton and Braunton Burrows with each walk focusing on a specific area of interest like historic landmarks, natural formations and wildlife. There’s the Braunton Bat Trail which focuses on the Greater Horseshoe Bat (of which Braunton has the second largest population in the UK), a Bee Walk, Seashore Safari, and Woodland Walk to name but a few.

Inside the centre you’ll find information, displays, videos and interactive activities, full of fascinating facts about the plants, wildlife, and environment in the local area so this is a good place to go for a wet-weather activity for kids.

Woolacombe Beach Walk

This gentle circular walk along Woolacombe Beach is roughly a mile long and takes between 30 and 40 minutes to complete (depending on how many stops for photographs you take along the way), so it’s a great option for visitors of all ages. You can head to the car park on Marine Drive then wander down through the dunes until you pick up the South West Coast Path. In the summer, the area is alive with colorful wildflowers and all sorts of local bird varieties.

As you meander along the coast, look out for information about Woolacombe’s past – from wartime defenses to American soldier training during World War II. Soak up the incredible views over the beach and sea as you complete the loop and come back to Marine Drive car park.

 

Sea Kayaking in North Devon

Adventure for the whole family to enjoy and a truly magical way of exploring the North Devon coastline, sea kayaking in this beautiful part of the world offers an unbeatable vantage point of the landscape and wildlife surrounding Woolacombe Bay.

Offering a selection of sea kayak trips that range from beginner to challenging, Woolacombe Surf Centre and their ‘British Canoeing’ trained instructors will guide you past the rugged beauty of the coastline and its scenery, taking in views of spectacular cliffs, secluded coves, hidden caves and remote rocky headlands.

All you’ll need to bring along is a towel, sunblock and shoes you don’t mind getting wet, while everything else is supplied including wetsuits, kayaks and safety equipment.

 

 

 

 

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