Towns and Villages in North Devon

Westward Ho!

17 September 2026

Westward Ho! is one of possibly only two place names in the world that features an exclamation mark; it's almost impossible to say it without breaking into a smile. Once dominated by holiday camps, Westward Ho! has been updated in recent years and although it remains a lively resort, it now has a thriving permanent population. The big draw, of course, is the beach – two miles of sand stretching into the distance, backed by a pebble ridge that forms a dividing line between the beach and Northam Burrows Country Park, a magnificent stretch of salt marsh, grassland and sand dunes.

Woolacombe

13 September 2026

Beaches don't come any bigger than this – Woolacombe's sands stretch beyond the horizon in a perfect yellow arc. Surfing is the main activity here and this bay is a great place to learn, with consistent swell and a gently shelving beach. The town has a classic seaside feel, with ice cream parlours, surf shops and cafes serving fresh local seafood. There's an unhurried pace of life here that just begs you to unwind.

Clovelly

5 October 2024

A beautiful, unspoilt fishing village enveloped in green countryside. From Clovelly it is easy to take a boat trip across to Lundy Island, a pristine little wilderness just off the coast. Unusually, this village is privately owned and has a modest entrance fee to help maintain its upkeep.

Hartland

25 August 2024

Once a busy Georgian market town, Hartland is now a beautiful, peaceful idyll set in stunning surroundings. It's a rare visitor who leaves without seeing Hartland Abbey; built 850 years ago, the Abbey is a magnificent residence (it is still a family home to this day) which exhibits a variety of architectural styles including Queen Anne and Regency. Hartland Quay, a short distance from the village, is known for the immense rock formations that rear out of the sea; storms battering the north Devon coast here are invariably a dramatic sight.

Barnstaple

8 July 2024

One of north Devon's largest towns, Barnstaple is a hive of activity all year round. The popular Pannier Market is good for a browse, while the Green Lanes shopping centre has many big high street retailers if you feel the urge to shop.

Combe Martin

28 August 2023

Combe Martin is on the edge of Exmoor and claims to have the longest village street in England. Visit the Pack of Cards Inn, built to celebrate a large win at cards by George Lay in 1626; it has 52 windows, one for each card in the pack, and four floors, each with 13 doors. The beach is perfect for the whole family with rock pools, cliffs, caves and pebbles plus lots of soft sand when the tide is out.

Appledore

17 August 2022

A lovely little seaside village with quintessential narrow streets, houses in pastel hues and a Quay to sit and eat your local fish and chips on. Tea shops and bistros, small boutiques and fishermen's fare - take delight in everything Devonshire as you breathe in the clean, fresh sea air. There's even the Appledore Book Festival thanks to the association with A. A. Milne.

Braunton

20 June 2022

The village of Braunton sits perfectly between Branstaple and the fabulous surfing beaches of Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe. This pretty village has lots to offer including a good selection of restaurants, inns, cafes and the obligatory surf shacks. There's even a surf museum to visit!

Instow

7 April 2017

Located where the rivers Taw and Torridge combine and flow into the sea, Instow is a pretty waterside village and perfect for a spot for sailing or windsurfing, and for families to take advantage of the sheltered sandy beaches.

Bampton

11 May 2014

Just outside Exmoor National Park, Bampton is everything you could hope for in a Devon town. Located entirely within a conservation area, Bampton's streets are lined with historic listed buildings, giving the distinct feeling that you've stepped back in time. The town is famous for its flowers - having won the Britain in Bloom' competition no less than 6 times, Bampton is a magnet for the green-fingered, who make a pilgrimage here during the summer months to marvel at the floral displays.

Towns and Villages in North Devon

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Towns and Villages in North Devon