North Devon Attractions, Activities, Features and Things To Do!
1 Appledore - Quay Restaurant and GalleryNumber 9 The Quay is a high quality waterfront restaurant,
with coffee-shop and
gallery, where you can enjoy superb views of the estuaries of the Rivers Taw and Torridge.
Upstairs in the restaurant, fresh seasonal produce is used to create
modern British food, while downstairs the licensed coffee-shop will
provide you with breakfast and lunch, delicious regional food, organic juice and Fair Trade
drinks. You can also enjoy local artists' work, which is on display in all
areas of the building. Appledore itself is a charming little fishing and ship building
centre with a
picturesque quayside and twisty, narrow cobbled streets. 2 Bideford - Atlantic Village Shopping & Entertainment ComplexAtlantic Village provides a special blend of outlet shopping and
family attractions in the "Atlantis Family Adventure Park." You can
shop at over thirty five outlets in a delightful indoor mall while you enjoy regular
live entertainment and then go on to the fun in the Atlantis Family Adventure Park,
which will entertain you all,
whatever the weather. The kids will love The Atlantic Voyager, a children’s
fun and adventure ship which has rope
nets, slides and even a crow’s nest for the naughty! There's much more
to keep them entertained, including the Wreckers Creek, Pirates Island, and
the Mystery Maze – the largest hedge maze in Devon, in which they might
get lost for hours. (Since some of the attractions close in winter, check
before you set off to make sure you can enjoy your day out as planned!)
You'll also find food and drink galore here, with something to suit
everyone. 3 Barnstaple - The Heritage CentreThis entertaining "hands-on" attraction is
located in a splendid Grade I listed building situated on Queen Anne's
Walk on the riverfront at Barnstaple. Barnstaple Heritage Centre reveals the town's rich and vibrant past;
when you enter you'll embark on a journey through
the most important periods of Barnstaple's history, and meet key figures such as
the Town Clerk, the
Medieval Mayor and the ancient Apothecary! Staff are always on hand to
explain things, and with their help, the Heritage Centre captures more
than a thousand years of history and brings it all to
life before your very eyes! Open: April to October (inclusive): Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm.
November to March (inclusive): Tuesday to Friday 10:30 am - 5:00 pm and
Saturday 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. 4 Barnstaple - The Pannier MarketThis ancient market combines the best of fresh
food with a whole range of general goods
under one historic roof, and it's open all year round! After being voted one of the Top Ten Food
Markets in the UK, the market has become even more popular, and many of
the shops have extended into the next door properties, so they can now
display a larger selection of local produce. There are butchers, bakers,
delicatessens, florists and much more besides. 5 Various Venues - Beaford ArtsBeaford Arts was founded in 1966, and it
now creates opportunities for village
communities to experience the arts as both audience and participants, with
a whole year round programme of events and exhibitions in village
halls, museums, and theatres.
There are several branches to the organisation, including Beaford touring,
which arranges low cost performances by professional performers in venues such as halls, community centres,
local schools and
churches. Sometimes the artists will give a workshop or do some work
with
local schools. Of course, the artists benefit as well, with the opportunity
to perform in smaller venues that have greater connection with the
audience.
And Beaford's Moving Pictures is a touring cinema which screens major feature films at
community venues, including village and parish halls.
Films on offer include the latest block-buster or art-house type subtitled world
films, all screened on digital equipment. Beaford also offer the use of
Greenwarren House, a 19th century
pile in the small Devon village of Beaford, which was England's first rural
art centre. Greenwarren offers catering facilities, accommodation and work space
for a variety of groups. 6 Bideford - Bideford Bicycle HireThere are many shops to choose your bike
hire from, but Bideford Bike Hire has over 200 bikes, including tandems, electric bikes
and those with trailers. And the shop is based in a superb location from
which you can explore The Tarka Trail. 7 Bideford - The Pannier MarketThis historic market was opened in 1884,
and has evolved into the high quality market we see today with a whole
range of goods on sale. The covered Pannier Market opens all
year round from 8 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon on Tuesdays and
Saturdays, while the Butcher’s Row shops are open all week. 8 Bideford - The Big SheepOne of Devon's best
indoor adventure playgrounds for kids and adults, once a
working farm; now a tourist attraction which combines rural
crafts, cheese making, sheep shearing, and entertaining pieces such as racing
sheep and duck trailing. Highly amusing and very appealing, and all
undercover, so whatever the weather you're guaranteed a great day! There's
also a family entertainment park with the aptly named "Ewetopia Indoor Play Area",
outdoor Laser Games, pony rides and a great garden centre. See the ball pools,
secure play zones and climbing areas with three slides, one a "Free fall death slide"!
And there's a great range of down-to-earth hot food from
burgers and chips to jacket potatoes. 9 Various Venues - North Devon Cycle HireThe Tarka Trail has been laid out along reclaimed railway track, and is ideal for cycling. It connects Barnstaple, Bideford, Meeth and Great Torrington along the Torridge and Taw valleys. As you may well know, the trail is named after Williamson's book Tarka the Otter, a classic story which featured many of the places along the Trail. If you're staying on or near Exmoor, a day's enjoyable cycling along the Tarka Trail or Biketrails' Exmoor routes can be very enjoyable indeed. These suppliers may be able to help you. Bideford Cycle Hire, are open all year and offer direct access to the Tarka Trail from their depot. Phone: 01237 424123 www.bidefordbicyclehire.co.uk Tarka Trail Cycle Hire are located at Barnstaple railway station and are open seven days a week from Easter to October. Phone: 01271 324202 Otter Cycle Hire are located in Braunton, a mere twenty yards from the Tarka Trail. They are open from March through to November and you can reach them on 01271 813339. Torrington Cycle Hire can be found in the station yard at Torrington and offer bikes suitable for all the family. Booking is highly advisable, on 01805 622633 Crediton Cycle Hire can be reached on Crediton (01363) 774773. Bike Trail Hire (Tarka Trail) offer free parking and are
located on the Tarka Trail between
Barnstaple and Instow. There are bike, boat and bus links to Appledore,
and they offer guided nature and birdspotting rides. With special needs bikes
and some very good group
discounts, a company worth looking at. Phone: 01271 861424 Web:
Biketrail 10 Bideford - Breathing SpaceThis company describe themselves as Activity
Providers, by which they mean they will take you (or a group of people) surfing,
coasteering, riding, mountain biking, climbing,
kite flying, fly fishing, and guided walking. They also offer more
relaxing pursuits such as massage therapy! When a company offers so many
activities, they have to be careful to ensure standards are high in all
areas -
so it's good to know Breathing Space focus on quality, and use only highly qualified and
experienced instructors with full insurance cover for all concerned. For a full list of
what they offer, it's best to look at the website, though as an example of
their programme, you can have a surfing lesson from £20 per person per half day, equipment included. 11 Bude - Brocklands Adventure ParkGreat fun for kids
and adults alike, no matter whether it rains or shines! 12 Barnstaple - Broomhill International Art Gallery and Sculpture ParkWith over
300 sculptures by 60 sculptors ideally set in over 7 acres of superb wooded grounds,
plus an art gallery and a magnificent hotel, this is an ideal holiday
venue for everyone, not just art lovers. Broomhill Art Hotel, and the sculpture
gardens, art gallery
and restaurant, have now been in existence for ten highly successful years.
Located in one of the wonderful valleys of North Devon, in the midst of hundreds of acres of
forest and stream, this year the gardens feature important new sculptures
and installations from sculptors such as R A Westerhuis, David Kemp and Mike Roles.
The restaurant kitchen menu is based around Mediterranean
cuisine, using fresh local produce from neighbouring farms; it's no
wonder they were awarded the Devon Good Food Award! Lunch and evening meals are
served in the delightful restaurant or the sun-warmed terrace, and cream teas and refreshments are available during the day.
13 Barnstaple - Castle Hill Garden
This delightful Palladian
house is set in 18th century parkland (which is open to the public) with a
summer millennium garden and woodland
gardens, where you'll be surprised by the unexpected follies and temples!
It's a peaceful setting with magnificent views. 14 Lynton - Cloud FarmThis farm offers superb holiday facilities
including walking and riding for all ages and levels of ability. They say
that you can rediscover what life, and
holidays, should actually be about in this peaceful and beautiful
location! They have holiday accommodation,
campsites, stables, a craft centre and tea rooms. The local wildlife
includes herons, red deer, buzzards, and Exmoor ponies, while the scenery
is breathtaking, with wooded valleys, rolling moor, forests and streams,
all part of the Lorna Doone country in this beautiful part of Exmoor. Of
course, there's also Exmoor and its
villages, the beaches and the unspoilt coast as well, all of which are
quiet and uncrowded. 14 Lynmouth - Exmoor Brassrubbing CentreDiscover the ancient art of brass rubbing
in a relaxed atmosphere in the breathtaking village of Lynmouth. You don't
need to know how to do it before you arrive - all materials and friendly instruction are
provided. Kids and adults are all welcome, as the centre offers facilities
for all ages from 5 - 95! 15 Clovelly This unique village has traffic-free streets, flower-decked cottages, ancient inns, craft workshops, a fishing harbour, donkeys, interesting museums, and some stunning views. It's secluded, but easy to find, less than five minutes' drive from the Bideford to Bude road, the A39. Turn off the A39 nine miles west of Bideford at Clovelly Cross. 17 Combe Martin Wildlife Park and Dinosaur ParkA mixture of exotic birds and animals and realistic dinosaurs roaming the Earth! Web: www.dinosaur-park.com 18 Combe WalksYou can experience Devon’s wildlife and heritage
on a guided walk or
with the help of a self-guided walks leaflet. Combe Walks provide self-guided walk leaflets
for North Devon and Exmoor with
easy to follow and simple route directions, up-dated regularly, with no
map reading. You will never get lost with instructions this detailed, so
you can enjoy really relaxed walking! The owner of the company organises the
North Devon and Exmoor
Walking Festival. 19 Torrington - Dartington CrystalYou can visit the working factory, see how
the glass is made, then try your own hand at making a hand cast, painted
glass plate, or even glass-blowing. There's a museum, excellent restaurant and factory shop.
20 Hartland - Docton Mill And GardensThese famous gardens, with 8 acres of
beautifully tended planting, are located near Hartland, close
to Spekes Mill Waterfall. They are open from 1st March to October 31st,
10am to 6pm. They have won many awards, both for their gardens and their
cream teas! Highlights to look out for include spectacular displays of
daffs and narcissi in
spring, the river walk with
narcissi, bluebells and wild garlic, the superb bog garden, the massive herbaceous border of over
138m, the superb wild flower gardens, and the massive range of
herbaceous perennials for sale. 21 Ilfracombe - Dovetails GalleryYou can enjoy the luminous light, the
brilliant colours, and the various textures of Devon, in a wide
range of traditional and contemporary artworks.
The gallery has been described as a project in which local artists, including painters, potters, and sculptors
are able to show their works in a
wide range of
media, style and techniques. The Victorian building, with many hidden alcoves, is
perfect for displaying this wide variety of local art and craft. 22 Barnstaple - Exmoor ZooThis unusual zoo features over 200 species of wildlife,
but the difference is that they are much more hands-on than some other
zoos. It's an ideal family venue, especially for younger
children, because the zoo has always specialized in smaller mammals,
featured in naturalistic living spaces. They now have some larger animals such
as cheetah, blackbuck, and wolves. The personal, friendly approach makes
this a day out with a difference, where you can enjoy the keepers' talks and
animal encounter sessions every half hour in the Summer. 23 Bradworthy - Gnome Reserve and Wildflower GardenIf you're amused by the whimsical, and want
to meet over a thousand gnomes and pixies in a forest and wild flower garden,
then this is for you. The Gnome Reserve is located in rural countryside
near Bideford, about 7 miles from the Devon border with Cornwall. Kids
will love it - there's loads for them to discover, ranging from a woodpecker in a tree to
the little
pixies flitting over clumps of flowers. Recommended also for grown-ups who
might have become a little jaded. 25 Bideford - Hartland Abbey and GardensHartland Abbey is the
ancient family home of the Stucley family. It has an interesting history,
having been built in the 12th century, used as a monastery for 400 years, and
passed through the female line three times! The interior is
fascinating, and has a very lived-in feel. Located just a mile from Hartland
Quay, the Abbey is situated in a narrow, peaceful valley near the amazing Atlantic Coast
in an area of
outstanding natural beauty. You can enjoy not only the beautiful house and gardens
and a wonderful woodland walk to Atlantic Cove, but also a museum, while
the gardens feature peacocks, black sheep and delicious Devon cream teas!
Located five miles west of Clovelly through
Hartland Village en route to Hartland Quay. Turn off the A39 fifteen miles
west
Bideford, fifteen miles north of Bude. From the M5 junction 27, follow the North Devon link road to
Hartland. If you're enjoying the scenery while walking the south-west coastal path
you can pay a visit to the Abbey, and local
accommodation is available. 26 Bideford - Hartland Pottery
This pottery was established by Clive Pearson in
the early seventies. Output is mostly stoneware, including coffee, wine and tea sets,
jugs, mugs, plates and bowls, and a whole range of oven to tableware. Please phone for further details
and to check opening hours. 27 Woolacombe - Nick Thorn Hunter Surf AcademyThis British Surfing Association approved
school offers every form of ocean based training, and all the
equipment needed. The range of courses includes beginner's surf lessons,
ranging through youth ocean safety courses, all the way to BSA Level
3 - which means you can train to become a Surf Instructor or
a Beach Lifeguard. They have extensive experience of work in this field
and have helped hundreds of
people gain potentially life-changing qualifications. The staff offer one to one tuition,
as well as group coaching and corporate activities. 27 Woolacombe - Once Upon A Time Theme ParkDesigned specially for today's children,
this centre provides hours and hours of fantasy and fun. Children will
love playing in the creative areas with plastic ball oceans, a puppet
show, tales which come to life, and all kinds of exciting rides. 28 Ilfracombe - The AquariumYou can follow the water and its fishy
inhabitants from mountain top to Atlantic coast in this fascinating
display. 29 Ilfracombe - Ilfracombe Golf ClubWith a superb course, a friendly clubhouse
and a welcome for all who wish to play, Ilfracombe Golf Club is the ideal holiday golf
venue. This privately run club is located one mile east of Ilfracombe in
the direction of Combe Martin and boasts truly spectacular views across the
Bristol Channel to South Wales. The 18 hole course offers up a worthwhile
challenge to golfers of all abilities, while the relaxed atmosphere of the
clubhouse is the ideal place to enjoy an excellent bar and restaurant
menu as you enjoy the view, especially the stunning sunset over the
Devon coast and the Bristol Channel. 29 Ilfracombe - Watermouth CastleWatermouth Castle, which
overlooks the delightful Watermouth Cove, offers everyone a fun day out, with attractions and entertainment for
everyone from the youngest member of the family to the oldest!
The Castle's Great Hall has many magnificent suits of armour, antiques and
trophies, with an astonishing collection of
Victorian toys including
antique pier machines, games, a
fabulous model railway room,
strange curios
of every kind, and music machines.
But there's much, much more: you can see how
fairytales really do
come to life before your eyes, look at shops from days of long-ago,
play the
arcade machines from many years ago, and try to find your way through a
dungeon maze. 30 Ilfracombe - Princess Wildlife and Coastal CruisesSee the coast from a different angle: by
boat. Enjoy the sight of lighthouses, seals,
waterfalls, seabirds and a fantastic coastal landscape, perhaps unequalled
in England. The cruises take place aboard Ilfracombe
Princess, which is just about the most technologically advanced passenger
vessel in the U.K. You'll enjoy
seeing seals, porpoises and dolphins. 31 Clovelly - Independent Boat ChartersEnjoy fishing or sightseeing, or take an
exciting trip to Lundy Island! Independent Charters can offer
fishing and sailing experiences on the seas off the coast of North Devon and
the amazing Lundy
Island. Options include salt water fishing, lobster and champagne trips,
visits to Lundy Island, and marine wildlife trips. They sail from the
historic village of Clovelly in North Devon. 32 Barnstaple and Ilfracombe - the Landmark Theatres (owned by the Landmark Trust)These two theatres and pavilions provide a huge range of art and
entertainment all through the year. They offer drama,
classical music, children’s shows, opera, rock,
jazz, and local and international folk, dance, amateur shows, and much
more. You have two venues to choose from: Barnstaple's Queen’s Theatre or The
Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe. The trust also sponsors the North Devon Festival, a
celebration of the region’s rich cultural life, in June. 33 Barnstaple - Let's Go SuperbowlTen bowling lanes, a laser zone, play arena, soft play area
for kids,
video games, pool tables, air
hockey, bar and restaurant, guarantee fun for all the family, and it's
only 10 minutes outside Bideford, on the Braunton Road at
Barnstaple. 33 Barnstaple - North Devon Farm ParkThis farm and rare
breeds centre is based on a 15th century Devon farm, one of the oldest in
the area, with more than fifty acres of countryside and moorland to explore. There are ancient lime kilns, sparkling rivers and lakes, as well as
dozens of
animals to see and feed. 34 Lundy IslandNorth Devon has its own Atlantic Island in the form of Lundy, which you can visit for the day or longer, as cruises depart regularly from Ilfracombe and the delightful town of Bideford. This is a place of great natural beauty, a granite outcrop in the Atlantic, four miles long and about half a mile wide, completely peaceful and unspoilt, different from any other island - and a great place to relax! Lundy Island has a range of buildings in which to stay, all owned by the Landmark Trust, ranging from a 13th century castle, through a Georgian gentleman's villa, via a lighthouse to an authentic fisherman's chalet. All twenty buildings are furnished in style for comfort, elegance and practicality: they all boast gas or electric heating, and some have open fires or stoves as well, while all of them have baths or showers. Sheets, pillowcases and towels are included in the majority of properties; for communication, you'll find a pay phone in the Tavern. Visitors are transported to Lundy on the MS Oldenburg, an elegant vessel, which is fast, comfortable and elegant: she retains her original panelling and brass fittings, but has been modernised for safety, comfort and speed. Web: www.lundyisland.co.uk 35 Lynton and Barnstaple RailwayThis was one of the world’s most famous and
scenic narrow gauge railways, though sadly it closed many years
ago. Happily the first section from Woody
Bay Station on the A39, about four miles from Lynton, has now been
restored and reopened, so you can travel along one mile
of the railway in the Heddon Valley near Parracombe in Exmoor National
Park. Woody Bay Station, with car parking facilities, is situated on the
main A39, half way between Blackmoor Gate and Lynton. From the M5, turn off at
junction 27 and follow the A361 to
South Molton. At the roundabout take the A399 in the direction of Lynton and Combe
Martin. At Blackmoor Gate, turn onto the main road the A39 towards Lynton. 36 Bideford - Martin's AmusementsSlot machines, Bingo, Ten-pin Bowling, Kiddies Rides - a complete day of fun and only ten yards from the beach. Martins Amusements, Westbourne Terrace, Bideford, Devon, EX39 1LL Phone: 01237 474525 37 Barnstaple - Marwood Hill GardensThese gardens are spread over
20 acres in a valley setting, and within the gardens you'll find many collections:
for example, the Camellias include over eight hundred different cultivars, grown in a large greenhouse and
in various
parts of the garden. The Magnolias are a striking feature in March and April.
Other species represented in abundance are Betula, Rhododendron, Eucryphia,
Eucalyptus, Iris and Hosta. There are also three National Collections of
species in the gardens, protected in association with the National Council for
the Conservation of Plants and Gardens. 38 Bideford - Milky Way Adventure ParkMilky Way is an all-weather attraction in North
Devon, with live shows, entertainment, and rides for the whole family.
It's a super day out where the welcome is friendly and the service
faultless, all of which makes it one of the most entertaining days out in north
Devon. 39 Morthoe and Woolacombe Golf ClubLocated on the coast in Mortehoe,
this challenging 18 hole course will test your
skills! It's a pleasure to walk even if your golf is not up to par! For
the technically minded: the club has
9 holes and 18 tees, complete with practice nets, a superb putting green, chipping area and
- of course - wonderful sea
views! 4729 yds, par 66. 41 Barnstaple - North Devon Karting CentreNorth Devon Centre offers thrills,
excitement and drama on a 650m track, with
custom designed surface and
state-of-the-art equipment. The performance karts give fantastic speed
with responsive handling, and the track is fitted with state of the art timing equipment,
so when you win, it's clear to everyone! Whether you like to race individually,
prefer to test your skill as part of a group, or want to drive in the
Grand Prix events, there's no need to book! 42 Petrockstowe - Off the Beaten Track BikingEnjoy the facilities offerd by our hire
service, conveneinelty located near the Tarka Trail. We offer bike trailer pick up
as well as drop off, bike hire
delivery services, and self catering breaks which refresh and invigorate! Bring your own
bike or hire from us for about
£9 a day (whetehr you are staying with us or not!). We have a wide range of brand new "Gary Fisher" mountain bikes
and accessories. With 18 frames ranging from 13" to 19" we are sure to be
able to meet your requirements.
Tread about the Tarka Trail 44 Lynton - Outovercott Riding StablesThese
A.B.R.S approved stables offer year round accompanied rides along the Lyn valley,
over Exmoor, or along the coast, with horses matched to your ability, no
matter how limited or extensive. Families are very welcome, and hard hats
and instruction are provided. 44 Lynton - Glen Lyn GorgeThis Site of
Special Scientific Interest is a
spectacular gorge, best known for the 1952 Lynmouth flood disaster.
Nowadays its more tranquil, with lovely woodland walks by the waterfalls and paths
along the valley. You can bring a
picnic and sit alongside the river, or enjoy the exhibition which
demonstrates how water from West Lyn River now produces hydro-electricity. Children can
have fun with giant waterwheels and
playful water cannons. There's also a collection of steam engines and models
operated by water. 45 Torrington - Plough Arts CentreA varied and lively programme featuring
live performances, film screenings and dozens of arts workshops. 46 Croyde Bay - Point BreaksIf you're in the mood for an adrenaline
packed day or weekend of surfing, watersking, wakeboarding, waterfall
climbing, pier jumping, coast-orienteering, kayaking in paddle skis, or
riding the the superscreamer behind a fast speedboat - then you need Point
Breaks! 47 Barnstaple - Queen's TheatreNorth Devon Theatres’ Trust presents shows at the Queen’s Theatre in
Barnstaple, which has been superbly restored, and boasts a main theatre
and cafe. The Queen's serves as a regional centre for larger-scale shows
all year round. The Trust's other venue, the Landmark in Ilfracombe, has a
theatre and the less formal Pavilion and has a busy summer programme. The
Trust organises parts of the North Devon Festival, a celebration of the
region’s diverse cultural life, held throughout June. 48 South Molton - Quince Honey FarmYou certainly learn some amazing things
here, about the extraordinary life of the honey bee, complete with living exhibits
and a huge range of honey and wax products for sale. You can
watch these astonishing creatures close up viewing in complete
safety, from booths which show exactly how the colonies of honeybees work,
and you won't interfere with them in any way (nor they with you!). At the heart of the
farm you can see the bee colonies which have taken
over a chimney, spaces in the roof, hollow trees and bushes. This museum
provides safe and fascinating views of the most productive insect in the world.
By the time you've seen it all, you'll know the entire story of honey production and beeswax
extraction from the flower
to the finished product. And the shop has a massive range of high quality products at sensible prices. 49 RHS Garden RosemoorEstablished in 1804, the Royal
Horticultural Society is committed to developing horticulture and
promoting good gardening practices, by helping men and women to share
their passion
for plants, developing excellence in horticulture and providing inspiration
to everyone with an interest in gardening.
This is a delightful garden with year-round interest. There's also a
shop, plant centre, excellent restaurant and tea room. 50 Highampton - Ride On SouthwestHigh quality bicycle hire and repairs, with
the bonus of free delivery and collection. You can safely explore
beautiful cycle paths on a wide range of well-maintained bikes, and with
all the admin taken care of by telephone, there’s no waiting for delivery,
identification is taken care of by phone, and it's just incredibly easy and
simple to hire your bikes during your holiday in Devon. 51 SailcatsHow about enjoying a sail with a
difference?
Catamaran sailing in the safe waters of the Taw
and Torridge estuaries, for example? With all equipment provided, you can
enjoy the thrills of a
catamaran, perhaps even
surfing as you go! This company provide all the information, techniques
and instruction you need to sail a modern
high-performance cat with plenty of opportunity to see to sights! You
don't need any experience since expert tuition and all equipment is
provided. You
can sail through this UNESCO biosphere reserve
in more than 10 square kilometres of
clean, sheltered, quiet waters, admire the golden sandy beaches, watch the ancient
fishing villages slip by and spot the backdrop of Lundy Island as you sail
away! 52 Appledore - Skern LodgeWhat do you want to try today: surfing?
Kayaking? Ropes or assault courses? Abseiling or exciting archery? High
speed powerboating? Skern Lodge can do all this and more for individuals
and groups, with a whole schedule of corporate and personal development
programmes, comprised of exciting events and activities - and it's all suitable for
men, women and children of all
ages and abilities. Skern Lodge has been around since 1976 and has achieved
superb
results with many companies, organisations, schools
and individuals. Whether you come as a group, a family holiday, or on an
individual basis, you will be welcome for anything from a half day to a
week long residential! The location, near the delightful fishing village of Appledore, near
Bideford is another delight, and the coast is one of the UK's finest for surfing!
53 Woolacombe - Surf seekersSurfseekers is a BSA
Approved surf school with a long history in the business. Indeed, it is
the oldest established surf school in Woolacombe - and the most
experienced. Their coaching and equipment are of the
highest standard and
they take special care to rigidly adhere to their mission statement
about providing
professional and above all safe surf coaching. Spencer Nasey is the owner,
with over 10 years' experience at the sharp end of coaching in the UK, Australia and
even the Canary Islands. All the firm's instructors have the
relevant BSA coaching
qualification, a lifeguard certificate, and in addition they are
surfers with a great deal of experience themselves.
They will provide all equipment so you can learn to surf safely and with
confidence! 54 Croyde and Saunton Sands - Surf South WestLearn to surf with a British Surfing Association approved school. Based at
Croyde and Saunton beaches. All equipment supplied. 55 Croyde Bay - Surfing Croyde BayYour surf experience
can be improved with a high instructor to student ratio - and here
you get the highest ratio of any British
Surfing Association surf school! This means much more attention for you,
which means you will learn much faster. The full package of surf lessons
ca be found on the school's website, with a 5:1 student to instructor
ratio. Located in Croyde Bay, the
school has some of Europe's premier
surfing areas. 56 Barnstaple - Survival PaintballPaintball is fun,
fast and furious - a thrilling game for everyone! Survival Paintball of Barnstaple
have been running paintball on a fantastic 20 acre woodland
site for over 20 years so they know how to make your game a great
experience. They offer state of the art equipment yet keep a clear focus on
the highest levels of safety so that all ages and abilities can enjoy the
experience with the assurance that comes from knowing your hosts are the
best in the business. The site can accommodate up to 150 players, they
have a large undercover HQ with
free tea, coffee and juice and a tuck shop for snacks and ice cream.
You'll enjoy a good lunch if you book for the whole day, and there are
friendly marshals to guide you round the site! 57 Bideford - Tapeley Park GardensOver 35 acres of beautiful gardens -
enjoy the Italian terrace garden, the stone labyrinth, the walled
gardens and relaxing woodland walks to the superb lakes. You
can find the gardens between
Bideford and Barnstaple near the village of Instow. The easiest way to get
there is to follow the signs from the A39 onto the B3233. 58 Appledore - Tarka CruisesPleasure trips and fishing trips from the ancient port of Appledore
will take you along the beautiful estuary
to see the superb scenery.
Sea fishing
trips available from Appledore with Tarka Cruises.
59 Barnstaple - Exeter - The Tarka LineTake a scenic trip on the Tarka Line from Barnstaple to Exeter, a beautifully scenic railway line which goes between Exeter and Barnstaple, and lets you relax and enjoy the superb valleys of the Rivers Yeo and Taw. For the real ale enthusiast, there are plenty of wonderful rural pubs on the Rail Ale Trail. You can get full information from Tourist Information Centres - see the website at www.carfreedaysout.com/tarka.htm 60 Barnstaple - Tarka Trail Cycle HireHow convenient, ideally situated for the
Tarka Trail! Get your cycles from Tarka Trail cycle hire at the railway station in Barnstaple.
This is a superb level, quiet and safe cycle trail, named after
Henry Williamson's book and character Tarka the Otter - the story was based
in locations
all the way along the trail 61 Great Torrington - Torrington 1646The Torrington 1646 Civil
War Heritage Centre lets you imagine what it must have been like in 17th century Great Torrington,
where the final battle of the English Civil War took place. Occupied by Lord Hopton, the town
was taken by storm in February 1646 by the Parliamentary
Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. Now you can visit the streets
as they might have been when the Great Battle took place, with all the wanton
folk, the wenches and plenty of rapscallions recreated for your fun and
amusement! There's loads to see and do, including the Physic Garden, meeting the characters, trying
the costumes and armour - or you can relax in the Coffee Shop or stroll in
the Rose Garden. 62 Somerset Tropiquaria Wildlife ParkYou can enjoy the mystique of snakes and
tarantulas, or try a visit to the fascinating aquarium, the entertaining
puppet theatre, the astonishing radio museum, the jolly pirate ships and
the bold adventure forts!
All of this makes Tropiquaria Animal
and Adventure Park a superb day out for everyone, regardless of age. 63 Ilfracombe - Tunnels to the BeachHand-carved tunnels made in the Victorian era lead to special sheltered beaches and a wonderful tidal Victorian bathing pool. 64 Watermouth Castle and Family Theme ParkWith a Victorian museum, horrifying dungeons,
entertaining water fountain show, and beautiful
gardens with fairy tale scenes, you're sure of a great day out - and
there's also gnomeland, super mini-golf and jolly fairground rides! 65 Ilfracombe - Waverley Pleasure SteamersYou can enjoy a regular day trip out to sea from Ilfracombe Harbour.
These fascinating ancient ships will take you sedately all along the
beautiful Exmoor
coastline or over to Lundy Island. It's an unforgettable journey into the
past, an era of more elegant travel, and you can even enjoy a
leisurely lunch, absorb the peaceful atmosphere and admire the great views
as you cruise along! Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer still
working in the world! She's now magnificently
restored with timber decks, and superb shining
brass.
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