Suggestions for places to visit and things to do north Devon

[Hobnobswantshernameback]

We are off on holiday near Ilfracombe for a few days. Teen and adult children coming with us
Staying in self contained accommodation
Suggestions if nice places to visit and things to do would be appreciated as it's not a part of the world I know well
Would love maybe more off the beaten track or quieter places if we can and obviously keen to be respectful and keep distancing but have a nice relaxing few days
TIA

Can I just say a thank you to the OP and posters. We’re off to N Devon a week on Sat and this has made me very excited!

Saunton sands beach is stunning & the beach bar (not the little cafe&shop) owned by Saunton sands hotel does fantastic food.

I think the aquarium is closed. We’ve been going to Saunton in the evening so it has been quieter but if you go in the day you will still find plenty of space if you are good to walk a bit. It’s just the ramp getting on to the beach that might be busy.

We went to the big sheep and it was easy to social distance but you may not find it worth the money.

Haven’t been to Exmoor zoo yet but have been in the past and can see how easy it would be to social distance. It’s a sweet small zoo.

Lynton and Lynmouth
Watersmeet
Dunkery Beacon
Clovelly
Appledore
Tarka Trail

I would get your hands on an ordinance survey map as there are loads of footpaths to explore.

We might go to the Milky Way and the Quince Honey Farm in south moulting at some point but they might be busy. I haven’t been to Widmouth castle since I was a kid, it was mostly outside but I think it’s quite dated now.

👍

@MiddleClassProblem Just to clarify the milky way is part of the galaxy in space that can be seen from earth.
www.luttrellarms.co.uk/blog/latest-news/stargazing-on-exmoor-europes-first-dark-sky-reserve

Clovelly is nice. Milky Way is good if you’ve got primary age kids, any older and it’s probably a bit tame (esp as the awesome huge soft play bit is presumably still closed). Lots of nice beaches for surfing/body boarding.

They have added some rubber ring slide (non wet) outside which looks fun.

Also didn’t read op properly so some of my suggestions are too young.

There are mackerel boats going out from ilfracombe if any of them fancy a hand at fishing.

Craving along the harbour used to be quite common but maybe less so now it has changed.

Back up wet day stuff, there’s a little cinema there and a but bigger one in barnstaple. There’s also bowling near barnstaple which has skating and karaoke pods but not sure if all of it will be open at once.

Woolacombe has a nice beach too. I think I saw the surf school running at Saunton today but may have been mistaken.

Just to add you have to pay to visit Clovelly as its a "private" estate.

This thread is great! We are heading to north Devon in two weeks. Lots of great ideas!

Woolacombe beach for the teens, take body boards if you have them. Barricane beach next to it has a fab curry house for the evening.

Clovelly is a must, even my hard to impress teens enjoyed it there, including soaking each other under the waterfall.

Lynton and Lynmouth as others have said.

Enjoy. It's a really lovely part of the country, I fell in love with it when we stayed a couple of years ago.

How about the sculpture garden at Broomhill. Could then head to the massive sand dune at Braunton

Oh and Lundy island has reopened but I remember the boat trip being cold and choppy so take layers

Squires fish and chip shop in Braunton- best fish and chips ever.
Croyde beach for surfing/ body boarding.
Saunton sands is a stunning beach.
Annie and the Flint coffee shop in Ifracombe.
Hele bay in Ifracombe is nice for a swim when the tide is in (you can swim across the bay).
Ifracombe is quite run down on the high street but the harbour is nice for a walk/ an ice cream.