Which is nicer North or South Devon?

Dramatic Landscapes

The North Devon coast is known for its rugged and dramatic landscapes. High cliffs, rocky headlands, and loads of sandy beaches are the highlights of this area. The coastline here is raw and wild, offering breathtaking views, especially from spots like the Valley of Rocks near Lynton.

Secluded Beaches

The beaches in North Devon, such as Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands, are vast and open, meaning you can see for miles, with long stretches of stunning golden sand. These beaches are particularly popular with surfers, thanks to the mighty Atlantic swells. Woolacombe Beach, for example, has been frequently voted one of the best beaches in the UK.

Surfing

North Devon is known as one of the capitals for surfing in the UK. The steady waves and excellent surf schools make it a prime destination for beginners and experienced surfers. Croyde Bay is especially renowned for its challenging waves.

Natural Beauty

The coastline here is part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and includes part of the Exmoor National Park. It offers stunning cliffs and coastal paths like the South West Coast Path. This area is perfect for walkers and nature lovers, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

Gentler Scenery

The South Devon coast has a softer and more varied landscape. It has rolling green hills, sheltered bays, and picturesque coves. The cliffs are lower and more verdant compared to the rugged cliffs of the north.

Vibrant Beaches

South Devon offers the perfect mix of sandy and pebbly blue flag beaches as well as stunning secluded coves. Beaches like Blackpool Sands, Bantham, and Bigbury-on-Sea are often voted as some of the best in the UK. Bantham Beach is also known for surfing, though the waves here are generally calmer than in the north, making it the perfect family beach day out.

Picturesque Towns

The South Devon coast has charming seaside towns and villages, such as Salcombe, Dartmouth, and Brixham. These towns offer a mix of maritime heritage, boutique shopping, and food and drink, making them famous and the perfect tourist destination.

Sailing and Watersports

South Devon is the perfect hub for sailing and other water sports. The estuaries and sheltered waters are ideal for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The River Dart and the Salcombe Estuary are particularly popular for these activities.

Clovelly

Clovelly is a historic fishing village famous for its steep, cobbled streets leading to a picturesque harbour. The village is car-free, maintaining its old-world charm. The highlights of Clovelly are Clovelly Harbour, donkeys traditionally used to carry goods up the steep streets, and the Charles Kingsley Museum.

Lynton and Lynmouth

Twin villages are often referred to as "Little Switzerland" because of their dramatic coastal scenery. Lynton sits high on the cliffs, while Lynmouth lies at the water's edge.
The highlights of Lynton & Lynmouth are the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the Valley of Rocks, and Watersmeet, a beautiful area where two rivers meet, surrounded by lush woodland.

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a quaint seaside town with a mix of Victorian architecture, a bustling harbour, and contemporary art. The highlights are the Damien Hirst statue "Verity," Ilfracombe Harbour, and Tunnels Beaches, a set of hand-carved tunnels leading to sheltered beaches and a tidal pool.

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum

Arlington Court is a grand Regency house set in beautiful gardens with an extensive collection of horse-drawn carriages. The highlights are the house's Victorian interiors, the Carriage Museum, and the surrounding parkland, perfect for walking.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a historic port town on the River Dart, known for its maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful waterfront. The highlights are Dartmouth Castle, the Dartmouth Steam Railway, and boat trips along the River Dart.

Totnes

Totnes is a quirky market town with a bohemian vibe. It is known for its independent shops, historic buildings, and cultural events. The highlights are Totnes Castle, the town's weekly markets, and the River Dart, with its scenic boat trips.

Salcombe

Salcombe is a charming coastal town popular for sailing. It has stunning beaches and estuary views, and our very own Gara Rock is based there. It's a hub for watersports and offers a laid-back, upscale vibe. The highlights are North Sands and South Sands beaches, Overbeck's Garden, and boutique shopping in the town centre.

Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre is a beautiful 1920s country house with gardens located near Kingswear. The National Trust property offers stunning coastal views and well-preserved interiors. The art deco interior, lush gardens, and walks along the South West Coast Path.

South West Coast Path (North Devon Section)

This stretch of the famous coastal path offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK, with rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping sea views.

The highlights are Hartland Quay to Bude, a challenging section with stunning views, wild cliffs, and the historic Hartland Abbey. Morte Point and Bull Point, a circular walk from Mortehoe, offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the chance to spot seals. Valley of Rocks is a relatively easy walk near Lynton, with dramatic rock formations and the chance to see wild goats.

Exmoor National Park Walks

Exmoor offers a mix of moorland, wooded valleys, and coastal scenery, making it perfect for varied walks.

The highlights are Tarr Steps: A circular walk around this ancient clapper bridge, with a beautiful riverside path through the Barle Valley. Dunkery Beacon: The highest point on Exmoor, offering panoramic views over the moorland and out to sea. The climb is worth it for the spectacular scenery. Heddon's Mouth: A beautiful walk through a wooded valley leading to a secluded rocky beach, starting from the Hunter's Inn.

Tarka Trail

Traka Trail is a long-distance path following the route described in Henry Williamson's novel Tarka the Otter. It offers a mix of coastal and inland scenery.

The Highlights are Braunton to Barnstaple: A flat, family-friendly section along a former railway line with lovely views over the Taw Estuary. Instow to Bideford: Another flat section, ideal for easy walking or cycling, with estuary views and the chance to explore charming towns.

Heddon Valley to Woody Bay

This stunning circular walk starts from the Heddon Valley, passes through ancient woodlands, and offers fantastic coastal views. The Highlights are the dramatic cliffs at Woody Bay and the peacefulness of the Heddon River.

South West Coast Path (South Devon Section)

This section of the coast path is known for its more gentle and verdant landscapes, with picturesque villages and sandy coves.

The Highlights are Salcombe to Hope Cove: A scenic walk that takes you through rolling hills, clifftops, and past sandy beaches. The views over the Salcombe Estuary are spectacular. Start Point to Prawle Point: A slightly more rugged section with dramatic headlands, secluded coves, and a chance to visit the historic Start Point Lighthouse. Dartmouth to Greenway: A walk along the River Dart, through woodlands, with stunning views of the river and a chance to visit Agatha Christie's holiday home, Greenway.

Dartmoor National Park Walks

Dartmoor offers a mix of wild moorland, wooded valleys, and picturesque villages, perfect for exploring on foot.

The highlights are Haytor and Hound Tor: A circular walk that takes in two of Dartmoor's most famous tors, with wide-ranging views across the moor and opportunities to explore granite outcrops. Wistman's Wood: A mystical walk through an ancient oak woodland with twisted trees covered in moss and lichen. It's a relatively short but atmospheric walk. Bellever Forest and Laughter Tor: A scenic circular walk through the forest and open moorland, offering great views and a peaceful atmosphere.

The Dart Valley Trail

The Dart Valley Trail is a beautiful trail that follows the River Dart through woodlands, meadows, and charming villages.

Highlights are Totnes to Dartmouth, a more extended, challenging section that rewards walkers with stunning river views and a mix of landscapes, from ancient woodlands to open fields, and Dittisham to Greenway, a shorter, more leisurely walk ideal for families, with a ferry ride across the river and a visit to Greenway.

Avon Estuary Walk

A tranquil walk along the Avon Estuary, with beautiful views over the river and the surrounding countryside. The walk from Bantham to Bigbury-on-Sea passes through serene countryside and offers stunning views of Burgh Island.