North Devon is one of those rare places where you can wake up in a
peaceful countryside setting, spend the afternoon on golden sand, and
still be back in time for a proper dinner. We’ve spent enough time
exploring this corner of Devon to know that families and couples who
stay here tend to come back again and again – and honestly, once you
experience the blend of coastal charm and rural tranquility, it’s easy
to understand why.
## The Walks That Make North Devon Special
If you’re the type who genuinely enjoys getting outdoors, North
Devon’s walking routes are genuinely world-class. The South West Coast
Path runs right through the region, and sections around Watermouth and
Lee Bay offer dramatic clifftop views that’ll make your phone camera
work overtime. From Beachborough Country House, you’re positioned
perfectly for exploring Exmoor’s edge – some of the most stunning
walks in England are literally minutes away by car.
The Valley of Rocks walk near Lynton is absolutely worth the short
drive, especially if you’ve got teenagers who can handle the pace.
It’s otherworldly in the best way possible. For something gentler with
younger kids, Braunton Burrows offers easier terrain and the whole
family can stretch their legs without anyone complaining about sore
feet. After a morning hike, the hot tub at Beachborough Country House
becomes even more appealing – trust us, there’s nothing quite like
soaking under the stars after a proper day outdoors.
## Beach Days Done Right
Croyde Bay is the showstopper beach in North Devon, and for good
reason. The beach is huge, the waves are reliable, and there’s a
genuinely good food scene clustered around it. The Thirsty Turtle does
decent fish and chips, while Wayfarer’s for Pizza is unexpectedly
excellent (wood-fired pizza in North Devon – who knew?). If you want
something more casual, Georgie Porgie Pudding Pies has proper pasties
and baked goods that beat the standard seaside fare.
Woolacombe Beach is slightly quieter and brilliant for families with
younger children – the beach shelves gently, and the lifeguard
presence is reassuring. Rock and sand pools make for hours of
entertainment if your kids are still at that stage.
## Local Attractions Worth Your Time
The Baggy Point walk connects Croyde and Woolacombe and takes about
ninety minutes – it’s one of those perfect half-day activities that
doesn’t require booking anything in advance. Watermouth Castle might
sound touristy, but it’s genuinely fun for families, especially on
those inevitable rainy North Devon afternoons. They’ve got go-karts,
indoor play areas, and enough quirky Victorian charm to keep everyone
entertained for three hours.
For something different, visit Putsborough Mill – a proper working
mill where you can actually see how flour gets made. The tea room is
surprisingly good, and it feels like you’ve discovered something real
rather than somewhere designed purely for tourists.
## Evening Entertainment and Dining
The Rock Inn at Georgeham is worth the short drive –
proper Devon food, real ales, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely
local. If you’re after something more refined, Squires Fish Restaurant
in Braunton does exceptional seafood without being pretentious about
it.
North Devon’s evening entertainment tends toward the natural rather
than manufactured – watching the sunset from the cliffs, browsing the
galleries in Barnstaple, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with a
wood burner (which makes the hot tub at Beachborough Country House an
even more tempting prospect when the sun goes down).
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If you’re ready to experience North Devon properly – with all the
walking, beach days, and genuine local experiences it offers – we’d
recommend booking Beachborough Country House as your base. Get in
touch directly to check availability and discover why families keep
coming back to this corner of Devon year after year.
