Need some inspiration for your 2024 caravan trips? North Devon and the enchanting landscapes of Exmoor are brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Here are a few of our favourites that we recommend! There are so many great campsites within easy reach of these beautiful locations. Add a few of these spots to your 2024 to-do list!
North Devon Coast Checklist: Coastal Wonders and Quaint Villages
Lee Bay
Nestled on the coast between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, Lee Bay offers a beautifully secluded beach and a range of country walks. It sits at the bottom of a deep combe known as Fuschia Valley that is strewn with the flowers every summer. Be sure to visit The Grampus Inn, this delightful village pub serves hearty food, brews its own ales and distils its own gin. This historical village with a history of shipwrecks and smuggling is not to be missed!
Clovelly
Explore the cobbled streets of Clovelly, a timeless fishing village with charm at every turn. Wander down to the harbour, where the only mode of transport is donkeys or sledges! There’s lots to do with some small museums dedicated to Clovelly’s fishing heritage, pottery and silk workshops, fishing and crabbing, shops and coastal walking. Take a sneak peak at what’s going on in Clovelly with their webcams.
Braunton Burrows
For nature enthusiasts, Braunton is a gateway to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Braunton Burrows. Ideal for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the diverse ecosystems. Trek the sandy paths through the dunes to reach the rugged beauty of Saunton Sands. The fertile land just a stones throw from the burrows is home to some great local producers like Newcross Farm. Check them out to get yourself some quality seasonal fruit and veg for your dinner back at your caravan. Braunton also has a local farmer’s market every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Lynton and Lynmouth
Experience the unique twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, connected by a charming cliff railway. Enjoy seaside strolls, explore the Valley of Rocks ( look out for the wild goats!), and take a scenic ride on the cliff railway. There is a number of charming local shops selling local produce and several pubs and cafes to while away the evening in. For keen walkers, you can take the South West Coast Path up to The Blue Ball on top of Countisbury Hill or head around to Heddon’s Mouth and The Hunter’s Inn
Exmoor Explorations Checklist: Wild Landscapes and Walks
Dunster
Explore Dunster Castle, a medieval fortress with beautiful gardens. Wander through the village’s cobbled streets, discovering historical buildings and traditional shops. Dunster is a treasure trove for history fans with its yarn market, tithe barn, pottery kiln and many more historical buildings restored and intact. Dunster is a great place to visit with your dog too! Check out this post that gives you some great walking ideas and landmarks to visit.
Selworthy
Discover Selworthy, a beautifully preserved village managed by the National Trust. Admire the thatched cottages and gardens, and visit the iconic Selworthy Church with its thatched roof. Extend your exploration to the Holnicote Estate, where you’ll find diverse landscapes, from woodlands to heathlands, providing a rich tapestry of natural beauty. Selworthy is also home to the fantastic Periwinkle Tea Rooms, loved by tourists and locals alike.
Winsford Hill
Winsford Hill is known for its free-roaming Exmoor ponies. Witness these hardy, ancient breed ponies grazing in their natural habitat. They’re extremely photogenic on the heather-knitted moorland! This is an amazing area for walking with footpaths criss-crossing the vast landscape. On your walk be sure to find yourself at Tarr Steps, a river crossing made of large stone slabs, offering a picturesque setting for walks along the River Barle. The Tarr Farm Inn is situated right down near the steps serving up excellent food.
Porlock Weir
Porlock Weir is a quaint coastal hamlet with a charming harbour. Enjoy seafood at one of the local pubs, take a stroll along the pebble beach, and soak in the serene atmosphere. Try crabbing off the harbour wall or for the more adventurous take a kayaking trip and tour the marshlands. Birdwatchers will love Porlock Marsh, a nature reserve teeming with birdlife. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful walk with panoramic views.
