Explore the region
Great Days Out
North Devon is packed full of options for a fantastic day out. From secluded islands, to country estates, charming seaside towns, stunning beaches, cities, and areas of beauty, we’ve gathered some of our favourite suggestions for you but there is so much choice that you certainly won’t fit it all into one visit!
Lundy Island - National Trust
Escape all hustle and bustle of everyday life, and surround yourself with water, nature, and incredible scenery on Lundy Island. Lying off the North Devonshire Coast where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean, this 3-mile-long island is a place of unspoiled peace. Sailing from Bideford and Ilfracombe, hop on the historic MS Oldenburg, a beautifully built wooden and brass ferry that takes 2 hours to reach Lundy Island, giving you a good 4-6 hours to explore. Discover the 4,000 years of human history, stumble across ancient monuments and buildings, and lose yourself in this truly unique day just off the Devon coast.
Lynton and Lynmouth
The picturesque twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are a popular destination for visitors to North Devon. Lynmouth is buzzing with independent shops, cafes, and pretty fishing cottages with hundreds of years of history to discover. Sitting 500 ft above Lynmouth is the unspoilt village of Lynton, don’t be deterred by the distance, as the two villages are linked by the famous Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway! Also make sure you explore the incredible Valley of The Rocks, a unique valley of incredible geology, jagged cliff edges, and wildlife.
RHS Rosemoor
Many of our guests have raved about RHS Rosemoor and its beautiful gardens. It is a fantastic day out any time of year as the gardens change along with each season. There is always something new to see and numerous shows and displays throughout the year. With a cafe and restaurant on site too, you don’t even need to prepare the packed lunch!
Clovelly
The romantic fishing village of Clovelly is nestled in the green coastline of North Devon, and is perfect for a day out. Due to the village’s history, its busy calendar of events, and the incredible views over the Bristol Channel; Clovelly is a major tourist attraction, so it’s worth getting down early! Walk the cobbled streets that lead to the turquoise waters, marvel at the stunning fishing cottages, and browse the independent shops for all the local produce and fresh fish on offer! If you’re visiting in the summer, then keep an eye out for the village’s famous lobster festival!
Arlington Court (NT)
Arlington Court is a National Trust estate with a regency house and gardens plus a horse drawn carriage museum. There is an ever-changing display of flowers in the formal Victorian garden and the estate has over 20 miles of footpaths to explore, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding walks. Dogs on leads are welcome to walk around the grounds, formal gardens and go inside the Carriage Museum.
Exeter
As the fastest growing city in the South West, Exeter has so much to offer those visiting for the day. For those on the hunt for some retail therapy, Exeter’s high street is thriving with well-known retailers, restaurants, cafes and pubs. If you’re a history buff, then there’s thousands of years of history to discover in Exeter, with the Cathedral and it’s surrounding cobbled streets. You can drive to Exeter from Eastacott Barton within an hour or why not take the train from Umberleigh station (1 mile away) and enjoy the scenic route.
Castle Hill Estate & Gardens
A short drive from Eastacott Barton, Castle Hill Estate is home to the Fortesque family and is steeped in Devon history. Situated on the southern edge of Exmoor the beautiful gardens are set within 50 acres of historic parkland with an 18th century Palladian manor house as a backdrop. With statues, follies, temples, waterfalls, water features and walled gardens to explore, not to mention a castle fort look-out, there is a lot to cram into one day. It’s a good job the tea rooms provide a classic Devon cream tea to refuel! During the summer months there are also open-air theatre productions. Check the website for more information.