North Devon’s Best Adventures

15th July 2019

North Devon’s Best Adventures

They don’t call North Devon ‘England’s Adventure Coast’ for nothing - along our golden shores, there are a myriad of different adventure days out for you to explore and discover. And with a vast number of different beaches and rolling green hills, it’s no surprise to learn that there’s quite the variety to get involved with.

As the summer holidays are around the corner, there’s no better time to book in to learn something new, or spend a day doing something a bit different. We’ve put together a guide to some of the very best adventure days out in the area - take a look to discover the best places to learn new skills, get outdoors and have a great time with the family!

The Ultimate Adventure Centre, Bideford

Credit: The Ultimate Adventure Centre

A site with one of the most comprehensive range of outdoor activities available in North Devon, the Ultimate Adventure Centre is guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping.

With activities including coasteering, mountain boarding, kayaking and archery, there’s absolutely something for everyone. Their most popular attraction, the Ultimate Assault Course, was rated one of the best activities in the UK by The Guardian, and is considered North Devon’s premium assault course.

Comprising of a range of obstacles, including wipeout balls and swimming, it’s a super fun and challenging experience. Book the Ultimate Day Out for a go on the assault course as well as a high-ropes aerial course experience, before finishing the day with frisbee golf, nerf shooting or learning BushCraft skills.

Keypitts Offroad, Ilfracombe

Credit: Keypitts Offroad

Based in beautiful Ilfracombe, Keypitts Offroad offers a variety of challenging and exciting outdoor adventures in all types of weather.

The unmissable 4x4 Land Rover experience takes guests over 200 acres of challenging terrains, and is designed to test ability and offer a new challenge. Please bear in mind only those with full driving licenses can drive, however up to 4 passengers can ride with an instructor.

Other activities include quad biking, axe throwing, and battlezone archery - an action-packed game guaranteed to get the pulses racing. Up to 24 players can get involved so this is absolutely perfect for big events or groups.

Skern Lodge, Appledore

Credit: Skern Lodge

Skern Lodge is located on the edge of Appledore, right alongside the estuary. Its prime location contains over 22 acres of land and provides the perfect landscape for getting outdoors along with quick links to other fantastic North Devon locations, like Hartland, where select activities are on offer.

Voted Best Active and Sporting Experience in Devon in 2017/2018, the range of activities on offer mean it isn’t hard to see why - expect surfing, assault courses, zip wires, river kayaking, rafting, climbing, abseiling and even more. Accommodation options are also available for two-night breaks in April and August for families to enjoy dedicated adventure weekends.

North Devon Wake Park, Higher Clovelly

Credit: North Devon Wake Park

Nestled into the countryside and only 10 minutes from the coast, the North Devon Wake Park offers a range of fantastic, water-based activities across a stunning lake.

One of these is the Aquapark - essentially a total wipe-out style course atop the lake. Race, slide and chase the whole family around the park without falling into the water and for an additional challenge, try and beat the time records held by the lifeguards.

Wakeboarding is another popular activity, where you can receive professional coaching from skilled wakeboarders, and be pulled around over the water by an overhead cable. That’s not all though - other adventures to try include paddleboarding and ringo rides. 

Active Escape, Ilfracombe

Credit: Active Escape

Active Escape enjoys exclusive access to a beautiful stretch of coastline around Ilfracombe - and as a result, is one of North Devon’s best providers of outdoor activities and watersports.

Offering unique experiences such as coasteering, stand up paddleboarding, surf and coastal rafting, as well as inflatable rides and splatgun paintball, you’re guaranteed to find something that’ll get the adrenaline pumping and the whole family involved. With use of other fantastic coastal locations and highly skilled staff to coach, you can make the most of North Devon’s stunning coast to learn something new in a totally safe - yet simultaneously super exciting - environment.

Calvert Trust, Exmoor

Credit: Calvert Trust

The South West’s leading premier outdoor activity destination for those with disabilities, Calvert Trust’s primary focus is providing exciting and accessible experiences for groups of families and friends.

With activities including climbing, archery, horse riding, sailing and cycling, a team of highly trained staff work with equipment tailored for maximum accessibility, to ensure fun-filled yet totally safe days out, a stunning stretch of land on the edge of Exmoor National Park. They cater to those of any age and ability, and offer residential packages to provide holidays that really are unlike any other. 

Nick Thorn Surf School, Woolacombe

Credit: Nick Thorn Surf School

North Devon is one of the UK’s surfing meccas, and one of the very best places to learn all about the sport. The best way to get involved within the surfing community, is with the Nick Thorn Surf School. 

With a team of dedicated and talented instructors, you’ll learn the basics of surfing etiquette, sea safety, and the thrilling experience of surfing your very first wave, in preparation for future adventures along the North Devon coast. Based in Woolacombe, one of the finest beaches for surfing, you’ll also have access to some incredibly beautiful scenery whilst you learn.

H2Outdoor, Ilfracombe

Credit: H2Outdoor

H2Outdoor are also based in Ilfracombe, and their location allows them to combine the spectacular sights of North Devon’s natural beauty with a series of unforgettable activities and experiences.

With a range of packages available, activities include everything from coasteering, kayaking, surfing, stand up paddleboarding and wild swimming. A team of skilled and experienced instructors will be working with you to ensure total safety whilst you learn, as well as utilising the best facilities and access to prime locations. 

So there you have it - with plenty of choice and a wide range of different adventures on offer, the only question is what you’re going to try first!. Make sure to let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you’ve got any dates booked in already, we’d love to hear from you!