Eat up North Devon
A selection of the best things to do for kids in North Devon and surrounds
Think back to your childhood. I mean, way back when your biggest concern was Barbie's love life, or which Scalextric car whizzed around the track the fastest. Kids of today may live in a technological world of Xbox's and scooters, but they still have the same imagination, and an insatiable appetite for fun and adventure. * Prices may differ
Ride the Lynton Funicular Cliff Railway
Lynton & Lynmouth are enchantingly connected by the infamous Cliff Railway, built in 1888 the 862ft funicular railway is the highest and steepest fully water-powered Victorian railway in the World, with breathtaking views across the dramatic cliff-scape, okay this one might not be completely free but we think it’s definitely worth the small fee and it also helps support the running of the railway.
£3.50 adult – £2.20 child.
£3.50 adult – £2.20 child.
Visit the Valley of the Rocks
Nestled less than a mile outside the village of Lynton, the Valley of the Rocks is a dramatic place to visit in North Devon; with it’s magnificent rock formations and mountainous terrain only goats could master – oh did we mention there are wild goats? Catch them roaming the challenging cliff-paths with their kids in springtime, it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular spot with photographers – take a wander around late afternoon for a pretty sweet sunset over the valley and cliffs..
Exmoor National Park
Designated a National park, way back in 1954, if you love the Great Outdoors and getting your hiking on; this is the perfect stop off with huge views and dramatic landscapes steeped in history it is one of England’s last tranquil areas. Roam across the moorland trails that criss-cross the expanse of Exmoor, head to the Breacon beacons or dart across to the coastline of Porlock Weir, you can’t miss out on visiting Tarr Steps – cross the 3,000 year old bridge and step back in time to when the Mesolithic civilisations roamed the hillside.
Whilst out and about why not download a wildlife check list from Devon Wildlife Trust here and see how many you can tick off, you might even catch a glimpse of a herd of wild Exmoor ponies or red deer! Download a geo caching app and get your adventure on – there are plenty of stashes to find around the tors and kerns.
Whilst out and about why not download a wildlife check list from Devon Wildlife Trust here and see how many you can tick off, you might even catch a glimpse of a herd of wild Exmoor ponies or red deer! Download a geo caching app and get your adventure on – there are plenty of stashes to find around the tors and kerns.
Pack a Picnic and stroll down river to Watersmeet
Probably one of Lynmouth’s most famous walks and made even more popular by TV’s Julia Bradbury. The walk from Lynmouth is a delightful 2.5 mile walk alongside the East Lyn River to Watersmeet, where an old fishing lodge now offering a National Trust shop and tea gardens sits along the exuberant East Lyn River and is an absolute walker’s delight. This luscious valley is home to meandering riverways, woodland canopies, age-old bridges and dotted along the river you can even take a dip in the brisk natural bathing pools traversing where the two waters meet, so don’t forget to pack the cossies amongst the sarnies!
Wonders of Ilfracombe
This town has it all, the harbour where you can chill out with your deck chairs and watch the kids play in the water at low tide, bucket, spade and fish-nets galore. Climb up Lantern hill a popular viewpoint and peak inside the old Chapel of St Nicholas dating back to 1321 – you can’t miss the iconic Damien Hirst statue ‘Verity’ that towers over Ilfracombe harbour, you could even splash out on a stick of rock – you are by the seaside after all!
Discover Tunnels beach, a curious phenomenon, hand-carved by the local community back in the 1820s, the tunnels led down to sandy beaches and a popular Victorian bathing spot; now turned into a low-cost attraction for visitors: £2.50 per adult – £1.95 per child.
Discover Tunnels beach, a curious phenomenon, hand-carved by the local community back in the 1820s, the tunnels led down to sandy beaches and a popular Victorian bathing spot; now turned into a low-cost attraction for visitors: £2.50 per adult – £1.95 per child.
Exmoor open top bus
From just £5 for the day you can save your fuel and discover the beauty of Exmoor from a completely new perspective – a Heritage open top bus ride along the Coastal road, to Porlock. Not only is it a more sustainable way to get about it’s also quite probably the most scenic bus ride in the country? The 300 Exmoor Coaster service between Minehead and Lynmouth runs from the end of May to September every day apart from Mondays, see full routes here.
Camp out under Exmoor’s Starry clear night skies.
Looking to stay in North devon on a budget? From just £20 per night you can pitch up your tent or camper-van with all the family and stay under Exmoor’s clear night skies. Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is situated in an isolated spot perched overlooking Lyn bay and the valley below.