Between Brauton and Meeth, the Tarka Trail is over 30 miles of cycling terrain that uses the old railways of North Devon.  It goes through largely unspoiled countryside as described by Henry Williamson in his classic novel Tarka the Otter from 1927.  To enhance the experience there are also 21 audio recordings that you can download to tell you more about the wildlife, history and heritage of the trail.

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There can be few North Devon experiences as magical as pottering along the coast on a stand-up paddle board (SUP), and at Croyde Surf Academy it’s an area they specialise in.  Offering guided tours and intro days, as well as instruction in other areas of surfing and coasteering, the team is passionate and friendly, eager to introduce you to this happy, healthy way of exploring Devon whether you’re a beginner or a pro looking for a guide.

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Whether you’re looking for structured lessons or something a little different for a holiday or hen party, Roylands Riding Stables offers beach rides, parties, individual lessons and hacks for riders of all ages and experiences.  Sand, sea, surf and horses – that’s what this little corner of Croyde is all about!

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A stately home that’s passionate about sustainability, Tapeley Park and Gardens has a history dating back to before the Domesday Book.  Overlooking the port of Bideford, once the largest port in Britain, it was a spectacular vantage point with staggering views.  Fast forward a thousand years, and today the illustrious building is open for pre-booked seasonal tours and the gardens are open at select times of the year.  

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The North Devon Maritime Museum at Appledore offers a fascinating insight into the rich shipbuilding and seafaring history of the area. In seven well laid out exhibition rooms, with the help of child friendly interactive displays visitors can find out about WWII beach landing experiments, sail and steam vessels, shipwrecks and much more. 

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A contemporary bar and restaurant in the heart of Braunton serving a range of affordable British cuisine and a variety of wines, beer and cocktails. 

SQ Bar & Restaurant 3 Exeter Rd, Braunton EX33 2JT (T: 01271 815900)

Fish and chip restaurant and takeaway serving freshly caught, high quality local fish with all the traditional accompaniments.

Squires Fish Restaurant 1 Exeter Rd, Braunton EX33 2JL

A popular café specialising in home cooked food, smoothies, juices and fairtrade, organic coffee and tea.  Open for breakfast, lunch and early supper with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.

Wild Thyme Café 5 Caen Shopping Centre, Caen Field, Braunton EX33 1EE (T: 01271 815191)

A friendly village pub with a candlelit bar with cosy sofas and relaxed upstairs restaurant with a large balcony for alfresco summer eating.  Renowned for its menu of quality pub fare including gourmet burgers and Sunday Roasts, along with an excellent programme of local live music.

The Kings Arms Chapel St, Georgeham EX33 1JJ (T: 01271 890240)

This 17^th Century Inn boasts five cask marque real ales, an extensive wine list and delicious food made using the best local produce.  Eat either in the cosy fireside bars or bright and airy conservatory.  Excellent children’s menu.

The Rock Inn Rock Hill, Georgeham EX33 1JW (T: 01271 890322)

A long straight sandy beach backed by the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Saunton Sands Beach is popular with surfers and families alike thanks to the long stretch of tantalizing water.  Suited to beginners and intermediate surfers, the waters are comparatively gentle (although obviously you should always be careful), and it is famed for having featured in Robbie Williams’ Angels music video.  Restaurants, cafes, shops and toilets are all within easy reach of the beach, dogs are permitted all year round, and it is the only beach in North Devon to have a Landeez all terrain wheelchair so that everyone can have full enjoyment of it.

Very popular with swimmers and more experienced surfers, and of course sunbathers in the summer months, Croyde Bay is rated as one of the best surfing beaches in the world.  Lifeguards operate from May to September for peace of mind, and there are beautiful rock pools at either end of the beach.  Dogs are allowed on the beach although there are restrictions in summer months, and toilets are close by.  The beach is popular with swimmers, and you can hire equipment for activities such as surfing, fishing and canoeing close by. Restaurants are within easy reach, and you access the beach via a slipway and beach car park with disabled parking, so it’s an extremely welcoming beach for all visitors.

Rumoured to be one of the finest beaches in the South West, Putsborough Sands stretches three miles north to Woolacombe and has been voted Best Beach in Britain, fourth Best in Europe and thirteenth Best in the World multiple times.  Clear, gentle water make swimming in the summer months inviting, while the rock pools are wonderful sources of entertainment for budding adventurers.  There's a beach shop and a café, toilets close by, and the location is famed for its excellent sunsets.  Popular with surfers, especially long-boarders, Putsborough is the only beach in the area to have some protection from south and south-westerly winds thanks to the landscape, but if you’re heading into the water keep in mind that there’s no lifeguard cover.  Dogs are allowed on the beach and there’s plenty of parking with easy access via a long, sloping path.

A good choice for families, Instow is a pleasant sandy beach with safe swimming protected from swell by sandbanks at the mouth of the Taw estuary.  There’s plenty to do including kayaking and windsurfing and lots of space for children to play.  There are some good café’s to choose from, and the beach is easily accessible with a car park and toilets.  Dogs allowed October to April. 

An award-winning golden sand beach that’s three miles long, Woolacombe Beach is well served by Woolacombe village, a bustling seaside resort.  Praised for its cleanliness, water quality and facilities, the beach is adjacent to the village that’s brimming with great pubs and restaurants.  The laid back atmosphere is tangible as the beach welcomes surfers, families and walkers alike.  Lifeguards ensure safe family swimming during the summer, and although dogs are welcome in the winter, there are restrictions from May to September, although in some areas they are allowed on the lead all year round.  There are toilets close by and three car parks in the town a short distance from the beach, as well as some road parking by Barricane and Combesgate Beaches.  All in all, it has everything you could possibly want for a charming family day on the sand!