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.
We’ve also rounded up a few tried-and-tested things to do beyond the hotel which you might like to explore. And, with that in mind, we have teamed up with many local attractions and are pleased to offer you a number of discounts.
Families & Places of Interest
Dartington Crystal
Torrington, North Devon
Distance: 21.7 miles [approx. 40 mins]
20% off first-quality items in-store when you stay with us
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.
Exmoor Zoo
Bratton Fleming, North Devon
Distance: 18.8 miles [approx. 35 mins]
10% off when you stay with us15% 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.
Milky Way Adventure Park
Bideford, North Devon
Distance: 27.4 miles [approx. 45 mins]
10% off entry when you stay with us [term time only]
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.
Quince Honey Farm
South Molton, North Devon
Distance: 24 miles [approx. 40 mins]
20% off entry 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.
Stuart Line Cruises
Exmouth, South Devon
Distance: 67.5 miles [approx. 1hr 46 mins]
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.
Watermouth Castle
Ilfracombe, North Devon
Distance: 12.1 miles [approx. 30 mins]
25% off day tickets & 50% off 7 day tickets when you stay with us
Watermouth Castle, nestled near the coastal town of Ilfracombe in North Devon, exudes a rich history and charm that captures the imagination of visitors. Originally built in the 19th century as a residence, it later transformed into a family-friendly attraction, offering a unique blend of adventure and heritage. It features captivating gardens, a Victorian castle filled with intriguing artefacts, and an enchanting theme park with rides and amusements suitable for all ages.
Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon
Barnstaple, North Devon
Distance: 11.1 miles [approx. 24 mins]
Learn all about the natural and human history of beautiful North Devon.
The Big Sheep
Abbotsham, North Devon
Distance: 20.2 miles [approx. 35 mins]
The perfect family day out, with live shows, farmyard animals, rides and entertainment.
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
Combe Martin, North Devon
Distance: 14.9 miles [approx. 30 mins]
See African lions, wolves, sea lions and meerkats, as well as spectacular dinosaur models.
Clovelly
World famous for its cobbled, traffic-free street, donkeys, sledges and historic harbour. The stunning views, peaceful tranquility and cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this fishing village, built into a cleft in a 400' high cliff, tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port.
Distance: 29.9 miles [approx. 50 mins]
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]
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]
House & Gardens
RHS ROSEMOOR GARDENS
Torrington, North Devon
Distance: 22.5 miles [approx. 45 mins]
£8 entry instead of £12.65 when you stay with us
At Rosemoor Gardens, you can enjoy 65 acres of beautifully planted flower beds, set within a pretty wooded valley. Around every corner, there's a lovely surprise. The gardens are home to plants from around the world. Events take place throughout the year, there's lots of shopping to be done and children's activities keep little green-fingers amused.
HARTLAND ABBEY AND GARDENS
Bideford, North Devon
Distance: 33.4 miles [approx. 1 hour]
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. 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.
Tapeley Park
Instow, North Devon
Distance: 15.2 miles [approx. 34 mins]
2 for 1 entry when you stay with us
Tapeley Park situated between Instow and Bideford is one of North Devon’s best-kept secrets. Take in the magnificent views over the Torridge Estuary to the sea beyond. Their grounds are renowned for their beautiful gardens, especially the Italian terraces where visitors can sit back and relax and make the most of the peace and tranquillity.
Marwood Hill Gardens
Barnstaple, North Devon
Distance: 9.7 miles [approx. 26 mins]
Marwood Hill Gardens is an excellent 20-acre private garden and lakes, with a Garden Tea Room and wonderful views.
Adventure & Activities
Walking on Waves
Saunton Sands, North Devon
10% discount on all lessons & 25% off 2pm group surf lessons
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.
Rock & Rapid Adventures
South Molton, North Devon
Distance: 22.2 miles [approx. 40 mins]
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.
OSKC Water Sports
Combe Martin, North Devon
Distance: 14.5 miles [approx. 35 mins]
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.
Keypitts Activity Centre
Ilfracombe, North Devon
Distance: 10.1 miles [approx. 22 mins]
10% off when you stay with us
Keypitts Activity Centre is a popular outdoor recreation destination nestled in the picturesque countryside of Devon, offering a wide range of exciting activities such as Quad Biking, Axe Throwing and 4×4 Land Rover Experience, making it an ideal spot for groups, families, and adventure seekers looking to enjoy thrilling experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
H2Outdoor
Woolacombe, North Devon
Distance: 5.6 miles [approx. 18 mins]
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.
EasiGlide Segway Experience
Mullacott, North Devon
Distance: 7.4 miles [approx. 18 mins]
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.
Solid Strike Arena
Barnstaple, North Devon
Distance: 7.2 miles [approx. 17 mins]
Free Double Ammo when booking an Elite or Premium package
Whether you're trying to up your game on the airsoft field, improve your reaction times with your airsoft weaponry or just challenge your friends to a friendly yet competitive shootout they have it all covered at The Solid Strike Arena in Barnstaple.
Tarka Pottery
Torrington, North Devon
Distance: 23.2 miles [approx. 45 mins]
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.
TIDAL & TRAIL BIKE HIRE
Bideford, North Devon
Distance: 17.1 miles [approx. 40 mins]
10% off when you stay with us
Tidal and Trail Bike Hire in Bideford provides an exciting opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the stunning North Devon coastline and countryside on bikes, offering eco-friendly adventures with ease. With a variety of scenic trails and coastal paths to choose from, it's an excellent way to discover the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the thrill of biking.
The Ultimate Adventure Activity Centre
Bideford, North Devon
Distance: 18.5 Miles [Approx. 36 Minutes]
15% off when you stay with us
Based in Abbotsham, North Devon the centre has been providing a comprehensive range of outdoor adventure activities since 2011. Choose from, high ropes, kayaking, coasteering, archery, paddle-boarding, mountain boarding, surfing, and the famous total wipeout-inspired assault course. Activity sessions run every morning, afternoon & evening.
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.
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.
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.