Vacation in North Devon: why this region of Britain is worth your attention.

Ideal vacation in North Devon

According to The Sun: If you dream of endless skies, sandy beaches, cliff walks, and ending the day with a glass of beer in a country pub, North Devon is the perfect place for you.

This corner of the South West is famous for its dramatic coastline, picturesque landscapes, and some of the best beaches in Britain.

Add to this historic villages, numerous attractions for the whole family, and diverse food — from traditional pub dishes to the best fish and chips — and it becomes clear why many visitors return here again.

Staying in a historic cottage

Our base for the week was the Summermoor cottage in South Molton — a 17th century home that combines history and modern comfort.

With low beams, thick stone walls, a cozy kitchen, and a wood-burning stove, it felt genuinely welcoming from the moment we stepped inside.

The cottage is equipped with all modern conveniences, but its character is what impressed us the most. After a few hours, we already felt like this was not just a vacation rental but a true home that we didn't want to leave.

South Molton is a small market town with rich traditions. Twice a week, a market takes place here where you can find everything from local cheeses and honey to handmade gifts and crafts.

One local spot worthy of special mention is The Welcome Fryer, the town's chip shop that has earned loyal fans and quickly became our favorite place, causing salivation every time we passed by.

Exploring the natural beauty

As we explored the surroundings, we started at Heddon’s Mouth, one of Exmoor's hidden gems and one of the most impressive walking routes.

The trail winds through a steep wooded valley, following the river down to the sea.

The beach was the perfect spot for our family: our children — Hannah, ten years old, and Adam, seven — were thrilled to throw stones.

Another highlight was the Tarr Steps, a 17-arch clapper bridge over the Barle River, which is estimated to be over a thousand years old.

Myths aside, this is an amazing place, especially for kids. Armed with nets and buckets, my mini-Attenboroughs tirelessly caught little fish in the tidal waters. We also had a picnic by the river and enjoyed a sunny day.

Additionally, we spent a day exploring Castle Hill — an Italian manor near Barnstaple that has been owned by the Fortescue family since 1684.

Droaming through the beautifully landscaped gardens, we enjoyed a piece of cake and tea in the tea room.

For those seeking something more eccentric, the Watermouth castle, near Ilfracombe, resembles a fairy tale. It houses a museum full of vintage arcade machines, unusual exhibits, and a gnome garden hidden among flowerbeds.

A classic day at the beach

For a classic beach getaway, boldly head to Woolacombe. The beach stretches for three miles and is regularly voted the best beach in Britain — it's hard to disagree with that.

Golden sands, waves, and plenty of space make this spot ideal for a family vacation.

We built sandcastles, searched for seashells, and jumped through the warm waves. Nearby is Croyde, which also invites with its beach attraction, especially for surfing.

We combined our morning at the beach with a walk in the Baggy Point nature reserve — a place with stunning views and a not too challenging path. At the top, we laid out our kites and took advantage of the strong sea breeze.

The end of an unforgettable week

Evenings at the Summermoor cottage were spent in the garden playing board games.

On our last night, we treated ourselves to dinner at The Bell, a local pub where the atmosphere was as warm as the food — delicious beef pies and ale, alongside an impressive sticky toffee dessert worth every penny.

By the end of the week, North Devon had lived up to all our expectations for a holiday. Packing our things, we were already planning our return, inhaling the aroma of those unforgettable chips on the way home.