Audrey's Guidebook
Outdoor activities
Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. Walking or cycling, you can experience the best this beautiful area has to offer.
You can join the Tarka Trail from just outside our village. Walk or cycle to Bideford, or further afield to places such as Instow (where you’ll enjoy great coffe at the Deli or a pint at one of the lovely pubs!).
63 locals recommend
Tarka Trail
Inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter, this 180 mile, figure eight route traverses unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and beautiful beaches. The southern loop incorporates the longest, continuous off-road cycle path in the UK. Walking or cycling, you can experience the best this beautiful area has to offer.
You can join the Tarka Trail from just outside our village. Walk or cycle to Bideford, or further afield to places such as Instow (where you’ll enjoy great coffe at the Deli or a pint at one of the lovely pubs!).
The South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles, running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Enjoying hiking parts of the SWCP whilst you stay and enjoy the sea breeze and breath taking scenery. You can pick up the path in Westward Ho!, Instow or Hartland Quay (our favourite).
Their website https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walk-coast-path/south-west-coast-path-national-trail/area/north-devon/ is really helpful and the walk is well sign-posted.
27 locals recommend
South West Coast Path
South West Coast PathThe South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles, running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Enjoying hiking parts of the SWCP whilst you stay and enjoy the sea breeze and breath taking scenery. You can pick up the path in Westward Ho!, Instow or Hartland Quay (our favourite).
Their website https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walk-coast-path/south-west-coast-path-national-trail/area/north-devon/ is really helpful and the walk is well sign-posted.
This is one of our favourite places! Whether you’re a walker, enjoy a swim, like bird spotting or just want to take in incredible views, Hartland Quay is a must visit.
The spectacular cliffs with their incredibly contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks to scramble over.
There’s a car park at the heart with toilets, a pub (Wreckers Retreat) and a museum.
There’s also access to the South West Coast Path both North and South from the Quay, making an ideal start/finish point for a wide variety of walks.
109 locals recommend
Hartland Quay
This is one of our favourite places! Whether you’re a walker, enjoy a swim, like bird spotting or just want to take in incredible views, Hartland Quay is a must visit.
The spectacular cliffs with their incredibly contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks to scramble over.
There’s a car park at the heart with toilets, a pub (Wreckers Retreat) and a museum.
There’s also access to the South West Coast Path both North and South from the Quay, making an ideal start/finish point for a wide variety of walks.
Sightseeing
Welcome to a different world! The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England.
From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere.
Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and C14th quay. Enjoy an afternoon tea or drink overlooking the seascape, or wander around the beautiful gardens.
Certainly worth a visit, and approx 19miles in the car.
277 locals recommend
Clovelly
Welcome to a different world! The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England.
From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere.
Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and C14th quay. Enjoy an afternoon tea or drink overlooking the seascape, or wander around the beautiful gardens.
Certainly worth a visit, and approx 19miles in the car.
Beaches
WestwardHo is a seaside village at the south end of Northam Burrows and faces westward into Bideford Bay, opposite Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows.
It offers the complete seaside package. WestwardHo! has a huge sandy beach which extends 2 miles north of the town. There are areas of rock and pebbles at the southern end of the beach and a promenade above. To the north of the town the beach is backed by a pebble ridge and behind this is Northam Burrows Country Park.
If you enjoy outdoor swimming, as well as the ocean there’s a seawater pool you can take a dip in.
There’s plenty to do here, with various cafes, pubs and eateries at your disposal. Try your hand at surfing or Paddle boarding, or just sit back and read a good book. Then, finish the day with a cocktail or fish and chips as the sun goes down.
We are just over 7 miles from WestwardHo! - about a 10-15 minute drive.
172 locals recommend
Westward Ho!
WestwardHo is a seaside village at the south end of Northam Burrows and faces westward into Bideford Bay, opposite Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows.
It offers the complete seaside package. WestwardHo! has a huge sandy beach which extends 2 miles north of the town. There are areas of rock and pebbles at the southern end of the beach and a promenade above. To the north of the town the beach is backed by a pebble ridge and behind this is Northam Burrows Country Park.
If you enjoy outdoor swimming, as well as the ocean there’s a seawater pool you can take a dip in.
There’s plenty to do here, with various cafes, pubs and eateries at your disposal. Try your hand at surfing or Paddle boarding, or just sit back and read a good book. Then, finish the day with a cocktail or fish and chips as the sun goes down.
We are just over 7 miles from WestwardHo! - about a 10-15 minute drive.