Things to Do in North Devon

North Devon packs a lot into one stretch of coast. Golden beaches, bobbing harbours, dolphin-spotting boat trips - and a Victorian castle with a theme park hiding inside it (that's us).

Whether you're here for a week's holiday or a spontaneous day out, this is our local's guide to the best things to do in North Devon. We've included how far everything is from Watermouth Castle, so you can plan your days without the map-juggling - and because we know British weather has opinions, you'll find plenty of ideas for rainy days too.

Explore the coast, then come and find the gnomes. Here's where to start with our pick of the best things to do in North Devon..

Nearby Beaches
Places to Eat
Things to Do
Local Events
Our Partners

Nearby Beaches

From golden sands to hidden coves, these beaches are some of the best free things to do in North Devon.

Lee Bay

✓ 10 minutes from Watermouth Castle
✓ Lee Bay, Ilfracombe, EX34 8LR
✓ Secluded rocky cove ideal for rock pooling and coastal walks, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Barricane Beach

✓ 30 minute drive from Watermouth Castle
✓ Barricane Beach, Woolacombe, EX34 7DJ
✓ Beautiful sheltered cove known for its rock pools, unique shells and seasonal Sri Lankan curry hut overlooking the sea.
Croyde Bay

✓ 35 minutes from Watermouth Castle
✓ Croyde Bay, Braunton, EX33 1NZ
✓ Beautiful sandy beach popular with surfers; dogs allowed October–April and on the dunes during summer.
Putsborough Beach

✓ 35 minutes from Watermouth Castle
✓ Putsborough, Croyde, Braunton, EX33 1LB
✓ Wide sandy beach popular with families and surfers, with seasonal lifeguards and excellent views
Woolacombe Beach

✓ 30 minutes from Watermouth Castle
✓ Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, EX34 7DL
✓ Award-winning three-mile sandy beach perfect for swimming, surfing and family beach days.
Saunton Sands

✓ 40 minutes from Watermouth Castle
✓ Saunton Sands, Braunton, EX33 1LQ
✓ Expansive sandy beach backed by Braunton Burrows, perfect for long walks, surfing and coastal views.

Places to Eat

Fuel up between adventures - great food is part of any day exploring things to do in North Devon.

Storm in a Teacup

✓ 1 minute walk from Watermouth Castle
✓ Watermouth Harbour, Ilfracombe, EX34 9SJ - Tel: 07463 630 611
✓ Friendly harbour café serving coffee, cakes, sandwiches and light lunches.
Sawmills

✓ 3 minute drive / 15 minute walk
✓ Watermouth, Ilfracombe, EX34 9SJ - Tel: 01271 883 388
✓ Traditional pub with bar and restaurant serving hearty meals and local drinks.
The Seacliff Restaurant

✓ 4 minute drive
✓ Hillsborough Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 9PG - Tel: 01271 882243
✓ Michelin-listed restaurant offering refined dining and seasonal menus.
The Thatched Inn

✓ 5 minute drive
✓ Hillsborough Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 9PG - Tel: 01271 864 450
✓ Traditional Devon pub with coastal views and a varied food menu.
North Devon Resort

✓ 8 minute drive
✓ Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 8PF - Tel: 01271 623130
✓ Casual dining venue offering family-friendly meals and leisure facilities.
Pack of Cards

✓ 10 minute drive
✓ High Street, Combe Martin, EX34 0ET - Tel: 01271 882 300
✓ Historic inn famous for its unusual architecture and classic pub dining.
George & Dragon

✓ 10 minute drive
✓ Fore Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED - Tel: 01271 649993
✓ Friendly local pub serving drinks, pub classics and regular entertainment.
Seventy-one

✓ 10 minute drive
✓ 71 Fore Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED - Tel: 01271 863 632
✓ Contemporary restaurant serving modern British dishes using seasonal produce.
Terrace Tapas

✓ 10 minute drive
✓ 62 Fore Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9ED - Tel: 01271 863 482
✓ Relaxed tapas restaurant serving Spanish-style sharing dishes.

Things To Do

Here's our shortlist of the best things to do in North Devon, from castles to coastal walks.

Watermouth Castle

✓ Family theme park in a Victorian castle - ride the toboggan run, discover the gnome village and explore one of the most popular things to do in North Devon, whatever the weather
✓ A399 coast road, between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe
✓ North Devon's most magical day out
✓ Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe, EX34 9SL

Get Tickets
Watermouth Harbour

✓ 1 minute walk from the Castle
✓ Watermouth Harbour, Ilfracombe, EX34 9SJ
✓ Picturesque harbour with moorings for boats and beautiful coastal views.
$Ilfracombe Harbour$

Ilfracombe Harbour

✓ 10 minute drive from Watermouth Castle
✓ Ilfracombe Harbour, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ
✓ Historic working harbour with colourful boats, coastal views, boat trips, cafés and the famous Damien Hirst statue Verity.
$Ilfracombe Sea Safari$

Ilfracombe Sea Safari

✓ 10 minute drive
✓ Ilfracombe Harbour, EX34 9EQ
✓ High-speed boat trips exploring the North Devon coast with chances to see dolphins and seals.
Walk to Lee Bay

✓ 10 minute drive to Ilfracombe
✓ The Torrs Walk, Ilfracombe
✓ Stunning coastal walk leading to the peaceful village of Lee with panoramic sea views.
North Devon Resort

✓ 10 minutes drive
✓ Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe
✓ Indoor pool and sauna. Diners spending £5+ get free access to soft play, PlayZone & beanbag cinema
Lets Go - Barnstaple

✓ 28 minute drive from Watermouth Castle
✓ Braunton Road, Barnstaple, EX31 1LG
✓ Family entertainment centre with bowling, crazy golf, karaoke, interactive darts, pool and arcade games under one roof

https://letsgobarnstaple.com/
Embassy Ilfracombe Cinema

✓ 10 minute drive
✓ 134 High Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EZ
✓ Independent cinema showing the latest films in the centre of Ilfracombe.
Marwood Hill Gardens

✓ 25 minute drive
✓ Guineaford Road, Barnstaple, EX31 4EA
✓ Private 20-acre garden with lakes, rare plants and a charming tearoom.
Croyde Bay

✓ 35 minutes from Watermouth Castle
✓ Croyde Bay, Braunton, EX33 1NZ
✓ Live music on Wednesday and Friday evenings at Freshwell Farm. They also have 2 or 3 street food vendors.
Curry at Barricane Beach

✓ 30 minute drive
✓ Barricane Beach, Woolacombe, EX34 7DJ
✓ Seasonal Sri Lankan curry hut overlooking the sea — perfect for sunset evenings.
Scott Cinemas

✓ 25 minute drive
✓ 77 Boutport Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1SR
✓ Modern cinema complex screening the newest film releases.
Arlington Court, National Trust

✓ 30 minute drive
✓ Arlington, Barnstaple, EX31 4LP
✓ National Trust estate featuring a historic house, gardens and countryside walks.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

✓ 40 minute drive
✓ Lynton & Lynmouth, North Devon
✓ Picturesque twin coastal villages known for dramatic scenery and the famous cliff railway.
Tarr Steps, Exmoor National Park, Dulverton

✓ 1 hour drive
✓ Tarr Steps, Dulverton, TA22 9PY
✓ Historic clapper bridge surrounded by beautiful woodland walks on Exmoor.
Dunster Castle, National Trust

✓ 1 hour 20 minute drive
✓ Dunster, Minehead, TA24 6SL
✓ National Trust castle with dramatic views, historic interiors and subtropical gardens.
Southwest Coastal Path

✓ Direct access opposite Watermouth Castle
✓ South West Coast Path – North Devon section
✓ Famous 630-mile coastal walking route with spectacular cliff-top scenery.

Local Events

These seasonal events are another brilliant way to enjoy things to do in North Devon all year round.

Pumpkins at the Castle

✓ 26th & 27th September 2026
✓ Ilfracombe
✓ Pumpkins, Play and Family Adventure

Local Partners

Saunton Beach Villas

✓ Dog-friendly self-catering accommodation beside Saunton Beach

✓ Award-winning Beach Villas sleeping 4 - 8 guests

✓ No dog limit, enclosed gardens, year-round dog-friendly beach

www.sauntonbeachvillas.co.uk
North Devon Resort

✓ 3 Tiers of Accommodation: Budget, Superior and Residences - ranging from double rooms and studios, to 1, 2 & 3 bed apartments – including 1 & 3bed hot tub residences!

✓ Family Friendly Resort Facilities: Indoor pool and sauna, treatment room, soft play, sensory play.

✓ Food and Refreshments: Café, restaurant and bar.

www.northdevonresort.com