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Local Attractions

Cyclist on Tarka Trail in Rock Park Barnstaple North Devon

Adventure
for all ages

Get the most from your stay at Saunton Sands Hotel and explore North Devon. Admire the epic coastline from the ocean, paddleboard around the headlands, surf the UK’s top spots, take a fishing trip, and leap from cliffs into the water on a coasteering adventure. Scuba dive around Lundy Island, take to the skies and hang glide over Woolacombe, canter across rugged moorland on horseback and cycle through miles of countryside on the traffic-free Tarka Trail ... there really is no end to the activities in North Devon for adventure junkies.

To give you a helping hand, we've pulled together a list of some of the things to do in Barnstaple, Braunton and the surrounding area. Plus, we have arranged exclusive discounts for you with many of our top local attractions, saving you money on fabulous days out in North Devon.

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Things to do in North Devon

Air Extreme Trampoline Park
Air Extreme - Indoor Trampoline Park

10% off when you stay with us

Bounce, flip and let loose on the wall-to-wall trampolines inside Air Extreme for an exciting activity for all the family. Situated in Barnstaple, the park offers a wide range of fun sessions from disco to fitness.

Distance: 12.2 miles [approx. 26 mins]

Becky Falls
Becky Falls

10% off when you stay with us

No visit to Devon would be complete without a visit to Dartmoor's iconic landmark. Come and breathe some of the purest air in England, explore 50 acres of stunning woodlands and enjoy a very, very warm welcome!

Distance: 52.9 miles [approx. 1hr 40mins]

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens
Broomhill Estate

10% off sculpture park entry when you stay with us

A sanctuary for fine arts set in a 103-acre estate with over 200 sculptures.

Distance: 12.1 miles [approx. 26 mins]

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

See African lions, wolves, sea lions and meerkats, as well as spectacular dinosaur models.

Distance: 14.9 miles [approx. 30 mins]

Clovelly Harbour and Seafront North Devon
Clovelly

A gorgeous working fishing village, teetering to a 400-foot cliff, overlooking Bideford Bay. The cobbled steep path to the sea houses numerous independent shops, pubs and cafes. The donkeys’ trotting to and fro is also a lovely sight to behold.

Distance: 29.9 miles [approx. 50 mins]

Dartington Crystal
Dartington Crystal

Experience a brand new Visitor Experience at Dartington Crystal’s popular tourist attraction in Great Torrington, the home to the UK’s last remaining factory scale crystal and glass manufacturer. Delve into the history and heritage of Dartington Crystal before venturing around the modern-day factory as you witness glass-making demonstrations in a newly installed studio furnace.

Distance: 21.7 miles [approx. 40 mins]

Segway
EasiGlide Segway Experience

10% off when you stay with us

EasiGlide offers Segway tours around North Devon and other areas of the South West. Rolling hills, ocean views, muddy fields, sand dunes as well as plenty of obstacle courses and games provide the ultimate thrill of riding a Segway.

Distance: 7.4 miles [approx. 18 mins]

Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoo

15% off entry when you stay with us

An enjoyable day trip for all ages, the zoo treats visitors to a close-up view of excellent animal exhibits. The closest local zoos are Exmoor Zoo, which is home to the only pair of black leopards (or Exmoor beasts if you believe the legends) on exhibit in the UK, and Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, a prehistoric park that features a variety of exotic animals alongside plenty of dinosaur animatronics.

Distance: 18.8 miles [approx. 35 mins]

Walking Group
Guided Walking Tours

John Ward offers guided walking breaks and tailor-made adventures within the wild beauty of the coastline and moors of North Devon and Exmoor.  Walk the stunning coast and country of North Devon and Exmoor with a knowledgeable and friendly local guide and visit the 'hidden gems' of the area - from the old-world charm of remote hamlets to expansive moors and secluded coves. 

Hartland Abbey
Hartland Abbey & Gardens

10% off when you stay with us

A day out at Hartland Abbey, a stately home and popular film location in a stunning valley a mile from Hartland Quay on the N W Devon coast, is to step back in time. The award-winning house, with its fascinating interiors and decoration, beautiful woodland walks, walled gardens and parkland, has been in the same family ownership for generations and provides a warm welcome to visitors.

Distance: 33.4 miles [approx. 1 hour]

Coasteeing
H2Outdoor

10% off when you stay with us

H2Outdoor specialise in providing unforgettable experiences by combining high-quality activities with the outstanding natural beauty of this area. Coasteering, Kayaking, Surfing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Wild Swimming are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed with them either on a single-session basis or combined to form an exhilarating adventure package. 

Distance: 5.6 miles [approx. 18 mins]

Quad Biking
Keypitts Activity Centre

A fantastic activity centre near Ilfracombe, offering Quad Biking, Axe Throwing and 4×4 Land Rover Experience. 

Distance: 10.1 miles [approx. 22 mins]

Puffins on Lundy Island
Lundy Island

Catch the MS Oldenburg ship from either Bideford or Ilfracombe to the spectacular three-mile-long unspoilt island (hopefully catching sight of some dolphins along the way) and roam the landmass for the rich diversity of wildlife, while submerging in the fascinating history of Lundy Island.

Distance to Bideford: 19.3 miles [approx. 35 mins]

Distance to Ilfracombe: 8.9 miles [approx. 20 mins]

River Lyn through Lynmouth North Devon
Lynton & Lynmouth

Two twin villages interconnected by a funicular Cliff Railway, which is powered solely by water, is worth taking a little time to sightsee. Lynmouth lays on the base, with plenty of quirky shops and cafes to see, before taking the trip up via the railway to Lynton and discovering more splendid local gems.

Distance: 23.4 miles [approx. 45 mins]

Marwood Hill Gardens
Marwood Hill Gardens

Only 4 miles from Barnstaple, Marwood Hill Gardens is an excellent 20-acre private garden and lakes, with a Garden Tea Room and wonderful views.

Distance: 9.7 miles [approx. 26 mins]

The Milky Way Adventure Park
Milky Way Adventure Park

10% off entry when you stay with us*

An all-weather theme park with something for everyone. From the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster, gravity rider donut slide, maze, fantastic outdoor displays from the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre, Droid Destroyer Dodgems, and the Milky Way Railway - we can guarantee you won't be bored when spending a day here.

*term time only

Distance: 27.4 miles [approx. 45 mins]

Museum and Clock Tower on Barnstaple Square North Devon
Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon

Learn all about the natural and human history of beautiful North Devon.  

Distance: 11.1 miles [approx. 24 mins]

Wake Park Water fun
North Devon Wake Park

An action-packed day out perfect for friends and family who want to take on an exhilarating day of activities at the Aqua Park. Activities include wakeboarding, paddleboarding, volleyball and slacklining.

Distance: 27.5 miles [approx. 45 mins]

People Kayaking
OSKC Water Sports

10% off when you stay with us

Watersports Centre in Combe Martin offers all types of kayak and stand-up paddle board activities including hire and guided kayak tours.

Distance: 14.5 miles [approx. 35 mins]

Quince Honey Farm
Quince Honey Farm

10% off when you stay with us

Discover the hidden world of bees at this delightful family-run farm in South Molton. Since upping sticks and relocating to a bigger location, the site now holds a gorgeous stretch of gardens to roam while keeping the same glorious activities – from a beekeeping tour or experience to candle rolling and honey tasting.

Distance: 24 miles [approx. 40 mins]

RHS Garden Rosemoor
RHS Garden Rosemoor

£8 entry instead of £12.65 when you stay with us

Nestled deep in the Devonshire countryside, RHS Garden Rosemoor is situated in the Torridge Valley. It provides a beautifully vibrant space, filled with plenty of gardens and woodland walks to explore the seasonal flora. Keep your eyes peeled for enthralling events and shows.

Distance: 22.5 miles [approx. 45 mins]

Coasteering in Devon
Rock & Rapid Adventures

20% off when you stay with us

We can organise a day of coasteering in Croyde with a local specialist, Rock and Rapid Adventures. They will provide all the equipment and training you need for an amazing experience, as you swim, climb and jump your way along the dramatic North Devon coast.

Distance: 22.2 miles [approx. 40 mins]

Couple walking down sandy path
South West Coast Path

We’re located on the South West Coast Path and just a stone’s throw from Braunton Burrows, part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to 500 species of wild flowers and rare wildlife. Other stunning close walks (which are good for all the family) to try are to Baggy Point in Croyde and Crow Point at the southern end of Braunton Burrows.

Stuart Line Cruises
Stuart Line Cruises

10% off when you stay with us

Ensure you don’t miss out on one of Devon's top things to do and take a trip with Stuart Line Cruises. Sailing all year round, you can set sail and explore the rich wildlife and breathtaking views of the River Exe or set sail back 250 million years exploring the Jurassic Coast Line.

Pottery workshop
Tarka Pottery

10% off when you stay with us

Tarka Pottery is a pottery painting studio offering an exciting range of fun creative activities for kids, teens and adults alike! It's a great chance to get creative and relax in the pottery studio where plenty of help is on hand. You can choose from making a bowl on the potter’s wheel, painting a pot or joining a clay workshop or pottery class.

Distance: 23.2 miles [approx. 45 mins]

The Big Sheep
The Big Sheep

The perfect family day out, with live shows, farmyard animals, rides and entertainment.

Distance: 20.2 miles [approx. 35 mins]

Cyclist on Tarka Trail in Rock Park Barnstaple North Devon
The Tarka Trail

Enjoy a breathtaking day of cycling along the unique trail based on the famous book, Tarka The Otter. The perfect way to enjoy some of the most stunning scenery and views in Britain.

Saunton Sands Hotel Saunton Beach Surf Instructor Teaching Children with Hotel in Background
Walking on Waves

10% discount on all lessons when you stay with us

First Wave sessions are designed to get you off the beach, in the water, and having fun as quickly as possible. We meet up, get to know each other and jump into our “guaranteed to keep you warm” winter wetsuits. It’s only 100m to the beach (although if the tide’s out it can be a bit further to the sea) where we’ll go through the safety drill and give you a chance to practice before we get wet. Then it’s off to the sea to get some real experience with the help of the Walking-on-waves team.  

Watermouth Castle
Watermouth Castle

A beautiful Victorian castle holding unique treasures and collections is adjacent to a family theme park with electrifying rides and soft play areas for little ones, all set within picturesque gardens to wander.

Distance: 12.1 miles [approx. 30 mins]

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