Planning your Holiday in North Hill Cottages

This is North Devon: Isn’t it nice to be spoilt for choice? North Devon offers so much variety; the seaside, the picturesque villages, Exmoor walks, surfing, National Trust properties, golden sandy beaches to name but a few choices.

Rediscover the England you knew as a child. Time does not stand still in North Devon – it just moves slowly. It doesn’t matter if you just want to relax on the beach, take time out fishing, or even spend your days at a fun park – it’s all here for you – rain or shine (and generally, it mainly shines).

To help you plan a memorable holiday in North Devon, we’ve prepared a selection of places to go, things to do and activities to try.

North Devon may be a quiet corner of the country – but we can still entertain as well as relax visitors to this secret corner of England. It’s the England where we spoil our guests – not the landscape

Days out for the whole family

The reason Devon is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK is that there is just so much to do for all the family. From animals to Trains, we have it all! Within an easy car journey, there is so much for the whole family to see and do, boredom will not be an issue.

Enjoy the relaxation of the beach

Devon is famous for its beaches. It is true to say that Devon has some of the best beaches in the country. Take a little time out and relax a little on the golden sands, listen to the surf caress the sand, it really will take all the stress of life off your shoulders

Putsborough Sands
Putsborough, Braunton, Devon EX33 - England, UK
This beach is found at the southern end of Morte Bay, a three mile stretch of sand, and is a popular spot for families and surfers. Rock pools are scattered across the beach and Baggy Point, a large national trust headland, stretches out into the Atlantic on its left side. A great alternative when Croyde Bay is busy, there is a large car park overlooking the beach, and also a cafe, shop and toilets nearby.

Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe, Devon EX34 - England, UK
Woolacombe Beach is more than two miles of golden sand backed by sandy hills and the Woolacombe Downs. The village of Woolacombe lies at the northern end of the beach. Speed boats and jet skis are prohibited, therefore offering superb facilities for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, sailing and sea canoeing. To get to the beach, take the A361 Ilfracombe road from Barnstaple and turn left at Mullacott Cross roundabout on to the B3343 for Woolacombe.

Croyde Bay
Beach Road, Croyde, Braunton, Devon EX33 1NZ - England, UK
Croyde Bay is a spectacular sandy beach backed by high sand dunes, and known as one of the finest surfing beaches in North Devon. It is a great place to watch the sunset over the sea during the summer, or to take a chilly walk across the sand during the winter. There are ample facilities here, including car parks, showers, toilets, shops, and camping, all very close to the beach. It can often become crowded here, so nearby Putsborough Sands offers a great alternative.

Saunton Sands Beach
Saunton Sands, Braunton, North Devon
Saunton Sands is a three mile long expanse of sandy beach facing due west backed by impressive sand dunes and cut off to the south by the combined estuaries of the rivers Taw and Torridge. This is a popular beach with surfers and ideal for families.
Facilities: Toilet, shop and Sands Café Bar. The takeaway shop is open throughout the year, together with the more formal facilities at the Sands Café Bar.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the beach provided that the dog owner removes all waste matter. The beach owner reserves the right to restrict access for dogs at any time during the year. No horses are permitted at the beach.

Walking around Devon

With some of the most stunning scenery in Britain, it is easy to see why so many people come to Devon just to put their boots on and get out their walking. The nature that is abundant on every walk makes the whole experience much more fantastic.

Country

Eggesford Forest (FC) offers extensive woodland paths and  cycle trails - ask for a free leaflet at a Tourist Information Centre, on arrival.

Arlington Estate (NT), from OS grid ref: SS 610 384, woodland paths: wild flowers in abundance, red deer.

Tarka Trail (180 miles long figure-of-8 path based on Barnstaple).

Exmoor (NP): The Doone Valley from Malmesmead car park, OS grid ref: 792 478.

Exmoor Walks can arrange for a professional guide to lead your group on a tailor-made Exmoor walk.

West Country Walks will provide some good suggestions – or you may commission them to organise a special walk just for you.

Coastal

South West Coast Path: a continuous path (unbroken) along the whole of North Devon's 80 mile coastline. Visit one of North Devon's Tourist Information Centres on arrival to buy an Ordnance Survey Map, a walks book or leaflet, or get some free advice. Ask which map is suitable.

Great Hangman and Little Hangman
Combe Martin, North Devon EX34 - England, UK
The 35 mile stretch of the South West Peninsula Coast Path between Minehead and Combe Martin is largely dominated by the hogsback cliffs which make up the coastline of the Exmoor National Park. The highest is Great Hangman just to the east of Combe Martin. This hill with neighbouring Little Hangman are among the highest sea cliffs in England and are a dramatic sight, especially if viewed from out at sea. In the spring and early summer, masses of seabirds can be viewed along this section of coast.
First time in the area? –

Heddons Mouth (NT)) from Hunters Inn, OS grid ref: SS 655 483; or

Baggy Point (NT) from OS grid ref: SS 432 397; or

Peppercombe (NT) from OS grid ref: SS 384 232.

Fishing in Devon

Whether it’s adrenaline fuelled shark fishing on a boat, or the serene fly-fishing on a tranquil river bank. Devon really can satisfy many of your fishing dreams. Within a few miles of North Hill you find any sort of fishing your heart desires.

Cycling around Devon

If your passion is using two wheels instead of two legs, then you couldn't be in a better place.  There is both on and off road within a few miles of North Hill.   If you don't want to go to the hassle of bringing your own bike then why not hire one?

A round of Golf in Devon

Whether you are just want to give golf a go, or you have been developing your handicap for years, Devon offers some fantastic golf courses. Just to make sure you really can relax and enjoy your swing, there is always something nearby that a golf widow(er) can enjoy while you’re on the fairway.

Private Clubs

Will allow visitors from other private clubs, with proof of membership...

Royal North Devon Golf Club,
Westward Ho!, near Bideford. Tel: 01237 473817.

Saunton Golf Club, Saunton, near Braunton. Tel: 01271 812436.

Ilfracombe Golf Club, Hele, Ilfracombe. Tel: 01271 863328.

Non-restriced courses

Chulmleigh Golf Course
(par 3), 17 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01769 580519

Clovelly Golf & Country Club
Woolfardisworthy ("Woolsery"). Tel: 01237 431442

Holsworthy Golf Club
7 miles east of Bude, 2 miles west of Holsworthy. Tel: 01409 253177

Portmore Golf Club
2 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01271 374028

Torrington Golf Club
1 mile north-west of Great Torrington. Tel: 01237 622229