AREA GUIDE

Welcome to the mobile friendly North Devon Focus Picture Tour which has been developed to promote the splendid coast and countryside surrounding the "Little White Town" of Bideford. Our aim is to capture the seasonal changes in this still unspoilt corner of North Devon and whilst concentrating on the captivating landscapes, flora and fauna, we hope the site will be of benefit to anyone planning a visit to the area, for those offering tourism based services or living in the local community. The main North Devon Focus site was created in 2002 and the pages are readable on Desktop, Laptop and Tablet so please visit for "Coast & Country Picture Tour" of towns, villages, history, special features and local events.

The Hartland and North Devon Heritage Coast is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills, wooded valleys, steep cliffs and dramatic seascapes this is an ideal base for touring North Devon and visitors can choose to stay in a variety of accommodation from traditional bed and breakfast, caravan, camping and holiday parks, hotels & inns to self-catering cottage, apartment and farmhouse holidays. If you want a family holiday or a relaxing break away this is the place to be!

The Atlantic Highway (A39) meanders through the countryside running parallel to this rugged section of the North Devon Heritage Coast which is steeped in history with tales of ancient mariners and smugglers. A warm welcome awaits you at the many cafes, inns and hotels along the way and it is definately fun for ALL family at local attractions such as the Big Sheep at Abbotsham and the Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly. Nature lovers and walkers can enjoy the view over Bideford Bay from this spectacular stretch of the South West Coast Path. Northam Burrows Country Park (part of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve) is popular with birdwatchers and dog walkers. Picture perfect coastal villages include Appledore, Instow, Westward Ho! Bucks Mills, and Clovelly. The small town of Hartland, nestling on the tip of the Hartland Peninsula is famous for its impressive rock formations at Hartland Quay and the awesome waterfall at Spekes Mill. The path continues onwards to the North Devon/Cornwall border at Welcombe, Morwenstow and onto Bude.

Venture inland to discover rural North Devon with its many picturesque villages and hamlets including Abbotsham, Alwington, Ford & Fairy Cross, Buckland Brewer, Parkham, Woolsery (Woolfardisworthy) the new home for The Gnome Reserve, Wild Flower and Pixie Kiln. In the heart of "Ruby Country" lie the market towns of Holsworthy and Hatherleigh. The holiday resorts of Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, and popular surfing hotspots Woolacombe and Croyde are all within easy reach. North Devon's commercial centre, Barnstaple, is thirty minutes away, South Molton and Exmoor National Park Lynton and Lynmouth approximately one hour. The Island of Lundy, which can be visited by boat or helicopter, is just off the coast where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. If you take the A386 from Bideford the road snakes beside the River Torridge. You are now in Tarka Country with the river running onwards through Weare Gifford, Landcross and down to Great Torrington. The "Cavalier" town has two major attractions. Here you can see the traditional art of glass blowing at Dartington Crystal or take a leisurely stroll around the RHS Garden at Rosemoor in the beautiful setting of the Torridge Valley. The "Tarka Trail" is now a 180 mile long footpath enjoyed by walkers and cyclists re-tracing the steps that Tarka took in the novel written by Henry Williamson.

There is something for everyone in the area including horse riding, walking, mountain boarding, cycling, canoeing, adventure activities, surfing, shooting, sailing, boat trips, coarse fishing, deep sea fishing and for those who enjoy more leisurely pursuits there are plenty of art galleries, museums and local craft centres with work by local artists and craftsmen on display. Children just love the golden sands at Instow and the Blue Flag beach at Westward Ho!

So much to see, so much to do, so little time!

Great News - North Devon is normally open for business All Year Round