The most obvious attraction in this part of the world is the peaceful countryside and the beaches, however there are a host of other things to do in the area. Due to the vast countryside these attractions can be a little hidden so here's a few pointers of what can be found if you look around a little.
GolfIf you are going to the freshest air in the UK then why lock yourself indoors if you are not a beach person - there are plenty of golf clubs in the area, including:
- Clovelly Golf & Country Club, Woolfardisworthy ("Woolsery"). Tel: 01237 431442
- Portmore Golf Club, 2 miles south-east of Barnstaple. Tel: 01271 374028
- Saunton Golf Club, Saunton, near Braunton. Tel: 01271 812436
- Royal North Devon Golf Club, Westward Ho! Tel:01237 473817
- Torrington Golf Club, 1 mile north-west of Great Torrington. Tel: 01237 622229
- More Golf Clubs: www.golfindevon.co.uk
Horse Riding
This countryside is perfect for a gentle trek over the land, or even for a more robust gallop accross the moors if it takes your fancy. Horse riding stables are located at:
- Woolsery - Kingsland Stables, Tel: 01237 431 378
- Goodleigh, Barnstaple - Westacott Stables, Tel: 01271 372 965
- Arlington, Barnstaple - Arlington Riding Center, Tel: 01271 850 300
- Croyde - Roylands, Tel: 01271 890 898
- North Devon Equestrian Centre, Shirwell, Barnstaple, Tel: 01271 850 864
Fishing
North Devon has all you need, whether it's sea fishing tours or quite afternoons at a lake, there is certainly always something within drivable distance. And a nice gas hob at the cottage for pan frying your catch with lemon and dill from the local veggie stalls.
Salt water Fishing tours
- Clovelly "Hooker", Tel 01237 475535 (Ralph)
- Appledore - Sea Chest, Tel: 01237 476191
Coarse/Stillwater
- Riverton Lakes, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Tel: 01271 830009
- SWW Reserviors near Bideford or SWW Reservior Wistland Pound near Barnstaple
- Muddiford, Barnstaple - Blakewell Fisheries, Tel: 01271 44533
Cycling
Cycling in north Devon can be a little hilly but worth the effort. Lack of traffic away from the main roads make cycling a pleasureable experience. The Tarka Trail is often mentioned for cyling paths but the complete trail is not a day trip, it starts at Braunton and goes through Barnstaple and Bideford before turning south and ending at Meeth - 180 miles in total. The Bideford to Instow part of the trail is almost completely riverside and is a pleasant day trip. Cycle hire can be found at:
- Bideford Cycle Hire, Tel: 01237 424123
- Biketrail, Fremington Quay, Barnstaple, Tel: 01271 372586 (also guided tours)
- Tarka Trail Cycle Hire, Barnstaple Railway, Tel: 01271 324202
- Otter Cycle Hire, Braunton, Tel: 01271 813339
Other Attractions
What would a family holiday be without at least one day out? Here are a few options to whet your appetite:
- Milky Way, Clovelly - Kiddies Adventure Park, Tel: 01237 431255 or www.themilkyway.co.uk
- Brocklands, Kilkhampton - Kiddies Adventure Park. Tel: 01288 321920
- The Gnome Reserve, West Putford
- Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, Middiford, Barnstaple, Tel: 01271 850262, www.broomhillart.co.uk
- Dartington Glass Factory and visitor Center www.dartington.co.uk
- Arlington Court, National Trust property, Barnstaple www.nationaltrust.org.uk
- The Big Sheep, Bideford, Tel: 01237 477916, www.thebigsheep.co.uk
- Docton Mill & Tea Gardens, Hartland, Tel: 01237 441369, www.doctonmill.co.uk
- Hardland Abbey, Hardland, Tel: 01237 441264, www.hartlandabbey.com
- Marwood Hill Gardens, Barnstaple, Tel: 01271 342 528, www.marwoodhillgarden.co.uk
- Tapeley Park Gardens, Instow, Nr Bideford, Tel: 01271 342 371, www.tapeleypark.com
- Clovelly, Visitors Center Tel: 01237 431781
- Bude, Cornwall, A39 in the other direction to usual - beaches and a quaint seaside town
- Tintagel Castle, home of King Arthur, Cornwall, Tel: 01840 770328
Bird Watching
- Lundy Island - famous for puffins, also spring and autumn passage raraties
- Braunton Burrows - UNESCO regognised Biosphere Reserve
Anything else
And just because we are running out of space, here is a brief list of other things you can do in the area:
- Scuba Diving - Lundy Island
- Climbing - Hardland Quay: No Sweat Outdoords, Barnstaple Tel: 01271 371255 for Advice
- Canoeing - Appledore, near Bideford, anywhere in the sea
- Surfing - See our Beaches section
- Wind Surfing - any Reservior, any part of the sea
- Flying - Eaglescott Airfield, near Barnstaple, Tel: 01769 520404
- Falconry, Based at the Hoops Inn on the A39 about 3 miles from the cottage, Tel: 01237 431055
- Branham Pottery, home of the Toby Jug - Roundswell, Barnstaple Tel: 01271 343035
- Karting, Barnstaple, Tel: 01271 328460
- No more space ... !
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