Towns, villages and things to do

There are many quiet villages and towns to visit around North Devon all just a short drive away and offer plenty to see and do for everyone. The towns have fantastic restaurants and lively bars as well as cinemas and theatres.

Bideford - This is the closest large town to The Cabin with all the usual supermarkets local shops and much more too see and do, including regular boat trips to the island of Lundy.

Barnstaple - The "Capital" town for the region is Barnstaple which is only 30 minutes away and has great shops and restaurants. It has a newly renovated leisure centre and swimming pool. Barnstaple also has the main railway station where you can get the train to Exeter for a day out.

Woolacombe - Woolacombe sits at the far right corner of Woolacombe Bay, with a wonderful sandy beach stretching 6 miles to the west to Putsburough beach. This is a surfer's paradise and you can always find a patch of water to practise your board skills, whatever your skill level.

Ilfracombe - For more shops and facilities Ilfracombe is a larger town, with more to offer in terms of cinemas and a unique looking theatre - The Landmark. This historic Victorian seaside town boasts wonderful original Victorian architecture which contrasts with the seafront shops and bars. Damian Hirst's harbour restaurant on the quay offers a unique dining experience.

Combe Martin - This North Devon harbour town claims to have a street with more pubs than any town in England! The town not only has plenty of bars and restaurants but an enclosed harbour beach, which is a wonderful place for children to play and swim and you may even be able to swim with the local friendly dolphin!

Croyde - Further west the beautiful surfing village of Croyde is a mecca for surf lovers and the young fashion conscious. The village has some great pubs, notably The Thatch and some very cool restaurants. Croyde is really famous for its lovely beach and great surfing.

Great Torrington - has loads of history with a notable Roundheads & Cavillers battle in 1646, so be sure to visit the 1646 exhibition visit info@torrington-1646.com. Henry Williamson wrote his world famous 'Tarka the Otter' here in the 1920's.

Lundy Island - This is a great trip either by boat or helicopter, Lundy is about 11 miles offshore into the Bristol Channel it is about 3miles long and is about a half mile wide. There are 3 light houses of which 2 are still working /a castle/a church/a shop and lastly a good tavern. The boat trip on the MS Oldenburg either from Bideford or Ilfracombe is an excellent way to get to Lundy. Remember Lundy is famous for its nesting Puffins.

The Tarka Trail and Instow - Bikes can be hired in Bideford at Bideford Cycle Hire; they are really helpful with lots of information and advice. It takes about 15 minutes to get to Instow where there is a good sandy beach. There are plenty of places to eat and then you can carry on along the trail to Fremington again Hockings Ice creams can be enjoyed at Instow.

Clovelly & Hartland Point - Clovelly is a world famous fishing village built under a 400 foot high cliff, the cobbled streets are traffic free except for the donkeys! It really is worth the walk up & down to experience the stunning views and the peaceful tranquillity, the village has been owned by the same family since 1738. Hartland point and light house is about 1 mile from Hartland Quay.