Luxury Holiday Cottages in North Devon. Map of North Devon

Some of the Best Attractions in North Devon

The South West boasts a fantastic range of indoor and outdoor activity centres, National Trust attractions, RHS gardens, and family days out. Take a look at our pick of just some of the great local days out below. If you can’t see anything that takes your fancy, let us know what it is you’re looking for and we’ll be more than happy to advise.

Whether you’re coming to North Devon with the family, a group of friends, or just the two of you, you may be surprised at just how much there is to see and do in the area. There are so many reasons that people head to North Devon for their holidays, come and explore!

Luxury Self Catering Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near Arlington Court

Arlington Court (NT)

Located in the picturesque hills of Exmoor, Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel in Devon’s crown. This complete family estate (held by the Chichester family) has over 20 miles of footpaths to explore, including a breathtaking lake walk. Regency House was built in 1823 and contains treasures that will fascinate the whole family; from model ships to shells.

The Carriage Museum in the stables has a variety of classic vehicles that are steeped in history. Currently on loan from the Houses of Parliament is the Speaker’s State Coach, a glorious, gilded carriage with over 300 years of history.

For more information, click here.

Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near RHS Rosemoor Gardens

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Located just outside of Torrington, RHS Garden Rosemoor is a 65-acre garden of intoxicating beauty. The garden has been meticulously crafted and planted to create breathtaking views in all seasons.

Rosemoor sits within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides and retains the essence of rural North Devon. With woodlands, vegetable patches, streams, and themed gardens, this RHS garden has something for children and adults to enjoy. Stop off in the café before you leave for tea and cake, or perhaps a spot of lunch.

For more information, click here.

Luxury Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near Lundy Island

Lundy Island

If you’ve got good sea legs, then we’d highly recommend climbing aboard the MS Oldenburg and sailing to Lundy Island. Lundy is a small island that lies off the coast of North Devon where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. The island is three and a half miles long, half a mile wide, and boasts an abundance of nature and wildlife. A haven for photographers and bird watchers, Lundy is a quiet, uncrowded and unspoilt retreat from the modern world.

“Clovelly Charters” also run boat trips to and from Lundy on the ‘Jessica Hettie‘. On this trip you get the chance to swim, snorkel or dive with the friendly seals of Lundy!

If you don’t think your stomach could handle the boat trip, helicopter rides run to and from Hartland point. Journey time on the helicopter is just 7 minutes… it’ll seem so much quicker though; the views of the North Devon coast are just spectacular!

For more information, click here.

Luxury Self Catering Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near Clovelly

Clovelly

Take a step back in time with a trip to the traditional fishing village of Clovelly. Famous for its steep cobbled hill, donkeys, and working fishing bay, Clovelly is a unique, privately owned village which has managed to preserve its original atmosphere.

Spend an afternoon out on a fishing trip, visiting the donkey sanctuary, or exploring the quaint shops and cafes – it really is a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

In the summer months, many events and festivals take place in the village harbour, including rowing regattas, RNLI events, and food festivals… the crab and lobster festival in September is always a popular day out!

Clovelly is also very well known for its strong arts and crafts scene. Take a trip to Clovelly Pottery where you can learn about the history of ceramics in North Devon and even have a go at making your own pot! The Clovelly Silk Workshop, featured on channel 4’s ‘Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas’, runs a popular devoré scarf making course which is hosted by Ann Jarvis, a distinguished textile designer.

For more information, click here.

Self Catering Luxury Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near Hartland Abbey

Hartland Abbey and Gardens

Open from May – October, Hartland Abbey is the home of the Stucley family. The impressive 12th century family home is surrounded by walled and woodland gardens, which visitors are invited to explore. If you’re a keen photographer, Hartland Abbey and Gardens are sure to provide you with a whole day’s worth of inspiration!

After you’ve explored the grounds and discovered the collections of pictures, furniture and porcelain in the Abbey, we recommend taking a walk through the valley to Atlantic Cove and Blackpool Mill. These locations were recently made famous by the popular BBC series, ‘The Night Manager’, starring Tom Hiddeston, Hugh Laurie and Olivia Coleman. You might also recognise Hartland Abbey as being the setting for a 2012 episode of ‘Antiques Roadshow’.

Throughout the summer, Hartland Abbey plays host to a number of open air arts and theatre productions in conjunction with the Plough Arts Theatre. Events range from Shakespearean plays produced by well-known theatre groups, to light hearted productions for children, such as adaptations of Roald Dahl stories.

For more information, click here.

Luxury Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near Broomhill Sculpture Gardens

Broomhill Sculpture Gardens

“Where art and culture meet in magical surroundings” – Located in Muddiford, just outside of Barnstaple, Broomhill is home to an inspiring collection of sculptures which are scattered around wild woodland and gardens.

The collection was established in 1997 by Dutch couple, Rinus and Aniet van de Sande. Nearly 20 years later, they now have one of the largest permanent collections of contemporary sculpture in the South West.

Broomhill has regular exhibitions from well-known artists and designers, and also plays host to a number of prestigious national sculpture competitions. With such a variety of artwork on display, as well as acres of garden and woodland to explore, Broomhill is always a popular day out for the whole family.

Inside the house, you’ll find a lovely gallery that contains a diverse selection of sculptures, paintings, prints and ceramics (see website for current exhibitions). There is also an award winning restaurant that serves a fine range of food, including a great tapas menu. Dogs are permitted in the gardens, but not inside the house.

For more information, click here.

Self Catering Luxury Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near Dartington Crystal

Dartington Crystal

As the only major crystal factory in the UK, Dartington Crystal is a must if you’ve got an eye for arts and crafts. Since 1967, Dartington has produced a stunning range of glassware, including vases, wine glasses, whisky glasses, decanters, and more.

At Dartington’s award winning Visitor Centre, you can learn all about the history of the factory. The ‘audio visual theatre’ experience will take you back in time to when the first pieces of Dartington glass were produced. You can then follow a timeline which shows how Dartington has developed over the years.

Demonstrations take place throughout the week - watch Dartington’s Master Engraver produce stunning works of glass art, and Amanda Muddimer from ‘Mango Beads’ create her gorgeous lampwork beads. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir for a loved one!

Dartington’s Pavilion Café serves a selection of fair trade coffees, drinks and freshly made cream teas, cakes, and light lunches. Opening hours are seasonal, so please check the website for more details.

For more information, click here.

Luxury Holiday Cottages In North Devon Near Atlantic Village And Atlantis Adventure Park

Atlantic Village & Atlantis Adventure Park

If the weather is looking bleak and you’re struggling for things to do, then a day at Atlantic Village near Bideford is sure to keep the whole family entertained. With over 30 outlet stores, including Gap, M&S, Claire’s, Cadbury, and Saltrock, offering incredible discounts that you won’t find on the high street, you’re sure to leave with arms full of bargains! Outside in the Food Court, you’ll find a Costa coffee shop and The Cornish Bakery, which serves award winning pasties and pastries.

For the kids, Atlantis Adventure Park is an all-weather attraction with a range of exciting activities, including: a soft play area, a pirate ship, outdoor rides, bungees (seasonal), water wars, crazy golf and gold panning! Whilst the kids play, parents can enjoy a cup of Havanna coffee or even a spot of lunch at the café. For more information, please see the Atlantis website.

Next to Atlantic Village is a large Asda supermarket which has a George clothing section and a café.

For more information, click here.