Capybara, quiet beaches and cocktails
Meet alpacas, capybara and T-Rex at Combe Martin Dinosaur and Animal Park, see the UK’s only black leopard at Exmoor Zoo, or watch the sheep-racing at The Big Sheep. Follow the Tarka Trail by bike or gallop along quiet beaches with Mullacott Riding School. And kick back with cocktails at The Chill Bar.
Kids ahoy!
Head to the old lifeboat house on the pier to visit much-loved llfracombe Aquarium and see hermit crabs, octopii, sunstars and more. Refuel in the café and exit through the gift shop. Or discover natural specimens, maritime models, local nostalgia, technology through the ages and Victoriana at llfracombe Museum.
Head to the biggest climbing centre in North Devon at Rock and Rapid Climbing Wall, hit the air at Extreme Trampoline, or take it easy on the plush seats of the llfracombe Embassy Cinema or Neo Cinema in Woolacombe. Or ride the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway in carriages dating from the 1890s.
Meet alpacas, capybara, penguins and dinosaurs at Combe Martin Dinosaur and Animal Park. Or see the only black leopard on display in the UK and hear about the Exmoor Beast myth at Exmoor Zoo. Or enjoy family rides, sheep-racing, indoor and outdoor play, and even live music at The Big Sheep.
Explore a Victorian castle full of eclectic treasures, vintage curios, rides and gardens at Watermouth, with its mining village and fairy museum. Or discover a multi-award-wining family theme park at Crealy, with over 60 rides and attractions, spectacular entertainment, live shows and animals galore.
For the grown ups
Welcome to Ilfracombe, a prime surfing spot on a wild coast. This is the place to ride the breaking waves, sea-swim with the North-Devon dolphins, walk, shoot or just shoot for the fairways on a bunch of stunning golf courses. So pack your clubs for Ilfracombe,
Portmore, and Saunton Sands – one of the top links courses in the UK. Follow disused railway tracks, traffic-free, on bikes through glorious countryside along the Tarka Trail: get your wheels from Waterside Bike Hire. Walk the South West Coast Path and take in lofty views from Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Lee Bay and Morthoe. Check out the golden sands of Croyde and Saunton and wave-lashed Woolacombe.
Bring your rods for fly-fishing at Blakewell Fly Fishing, or fish the deep blue sea with Bluefin Fishing Charters for mackerel, ray, conger, bass and bull huss. Cast off on Ilfracombe pier next to Verity, the Damien Hirst statue. Or explore Devon’s many caves, secluded beaches and clear blue waters by kayak with H2Outdoor.
Discover fine-art galleries such as Echo, Magenta and The Pier. Explore grand properties and gardens at Arlington Court, Rosmoor and Castle Hill. Or come for occasions and events such as the North Devon Show, the Ilfracombe Festival, Ilfracombe Street-Food Festival or the Round Lundy Yacht Race.
