A dedicated outdoor activities company in North Devon, Active Escape offers a range of experiences that are ideal for groups or families, including rafting, coasteering, surf rafting and SUP.  They cater to hen and stag parties as well as individual activities and courses and you can hire all the kit while you’re there as well.

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A Victorian Castle full of eclectic treasures, nostalgic displays and curiosities, as well as being a theme park, Watermouth Family Theme Park and Castle overlooks the picturesque Watermouth Cove and is a magic experience for all ages.  Opening times are seasonal, so keep an eye on the website. 

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Founded in 2006, Surfside Kayak Hire is in a prime location for kayaking and a great place to go to hire or buy a sit on top kayak.  With a team of friendly staff, they offer introductions to kayaking and guided tours, as well as stocking all the necessary accessories including paddles, buoyancy aids, fishing tackle and wetsuits. 

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Enjoy 10% off kayak, equipment and wetsuit hire, plus 15% off Guided Kayak Tours with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card 

With a range of quad bikes to cater for everyone aged six and up, Quad Biking Devon at Keypitts Farm in Ilfracombe supplies helmets and wellies, and if you forget your waterproofs you can purchase those as well.  There are a number of trails and ride options, so prices vary accordingly.

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A unique and intriguing property steeped in history and legend, Chambercombe Manor was owned by the Champernon family from around 1162. In the early 16th century it became the property of Henry Duke of Suffolk, father of the ill fated Lady Jane Grey.  Today you have the chance to explore the house and its history before cream tea, from March to October.  

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This seaside beach café and art gallery serves a delicious range of toasties, coffees, milkshakes, cakes and much more while you browse the artwork or admire the fabulous sea views.  Open for lunch only.

Wabasso Art Café Parade Building Seaside, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0AW (T: 07517 110663)

A family run fish & chip shop serving high quality local fish along with all the traditional accompaniments.

Black & White Borough Rd, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0DQ (T: 01271 883548)

A 400 year old pub in the heart of Combe Martin serving lunch and dinner as well as an acclaimed Sunday Carvery. Eat in the bar, restaurant or large rear terrace or enjoy a game of table tennis or pool along with regular live music nights.

The George & Dragon Castle St, Combe Martin EX34 0HX (T: 01271 882282)

A unique fine dining restaurant with fabulous sea and harbour views, where diners have the unique opportunity to eat alongside original artworks by Damien Hirst.  Enjoy a drink or relaxed meal in the downstairs bar with outside terrace for warmer months, or eat upstairs in the dining room with stunning sea views.  The Quay is famous for its fresh, locally sourced classic British and European cuisine, simply and stylishly presented.   

The Quay 11 the Quay, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9EQ (T: 01271 868090)

Dating back to the 14^th Century and once a working farm, The Grampus is set in the heart of the pretty village of Lee and popular with locals and holiday-makers alike. Come for a pint of local ale and enjoy one of the many pub games available including chess, backgammon, darts, pool or table tennis. Stay longer for a hearty home cooked meal in the bar or Devon cream tea in the tea rooms (open Easter - October). Families are well catered for and walkers and dogs are always welcome.

The Grampus Inn Lee Bay, Ilfracombe EX34 8LR (T: 01271 862906)

Next to the North Devon town of Combe Martin, at the western edge of the Exmoor National Park, is a pretty sandy beach peppered with rock pools.  Enjoying easy access and facilities close by, the beach is popular and has won awards for its high quality.  The beach is also good for families due to the vast stretch of sand and rock pools that will keep children entertained for hours, dogs are not allowed on the beach from May to September and there are cafes and restaurants close by.  It boasts some of the finest scenery and includes the reputedly highest cliffs in England, the gentle currents make the water perfect for swimming.  There is a large car park above Combe Martin beach, a small car park to the north of the beach, and toilets by the main car park.

Located between Hele Bay and Combe Martin, Watermouth Bay has a very sheltered and secluded harbour, shielded by the natural breakwater of Sexton's Burrows.  The area is postcard perfect with spectacular views.  It is famed for having created an ecosystem for many rare marine species, which makes it a very special experience to visit – you may even see porpoises, dolphins and seals when the tide is right.  The bay is located within the hamlet of Watermouth and as an added point of interest, over the road from the harbour, you will find Watermouth Castle which is currently used as a museum and theme park.  The beach is sandy and welcomes dogs throughout the year.  Surrounding rocks shelter the waters from strong tides, making it a safe area for swimming. 

A small cove on the edge of Ilfracombe, Hele Bay is a sand beach with lots of rock pools.  Easily accessible via a short slipway, which is suitable for wheel chairs, the car park is several minutes from the beach on foot.  There are toilets close by as well as a shop and café, so all the necessary amenities are near.  It is tidal, so do be careful not to get stuck when the tide turns, and the currents can be strong so again be careful if you’re swimming.  It’s a wonderful place for a good old fashioned family day out, you can walk from Ilfracombe and really take in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that it sits in.  Don’t forget the binoculars and see how many big ships you can spot out at sea!

In Ilfracombe in North Devon, Rapparree Cove is famous as the site of the shipwreck of the London, which sank in 1796.  Reputed to have carried gold and several African slaves who perished, debates, rumours and myths surround the wreck, fuelled by the discovery of bones claimed to be those of ‘freedom fighters’ from St Lucia in the 1990s.  These days however, the rocky inlet is a pretty little beach accessible via steep steps.  It is popular with dog walkers and musing over the history and tales that have been left in the ship’s wake.

Ilfracombe has been home to a port since the 12^th century and has been a settlement dating back far longer than that.  Today it is still a working harbour where fish and seafood are landed daily, but it’s also a holiday maker’s paradise.  From here you can set off on trips to the uninhabited Lundy Island, go on coastal cruises and even sea life safaris.  Pop into an abundance of restaurants, cafes, tea gardens and pubs, or simply head to the beach.  Strand Beach is a sandy beach on the inner harbour itself where there is no access at high tide.  Although the water is sheltered, you need to watch out for boats if you choose to take a dip.  It’s recommended that you steer clear of the slipway at all times.