Spotlight on North Devon – suggestions for the best places to stay

19th August 2020

Image: Putsburgh 

Interested in watersports?
Love going on long, rural walks?
Looking for a foodie break?
Then you might want to book your next Devon break in the north of the county. North Devon has a beautiful coastline, which falls within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it features the Exmoor National Park, has the perfect environment for surfing and other watersports and a whole host of quaint little towns and villages where you can find some of the best local produce in the south west.

If you are a fan of watersports, you’ll want to head to areas like Croyde Bay and Woolacombe, where the conditions are just right for riding the waves. If you want a chance to head into nature and lose yourself in the wilderness, the geopark at Braunton is the ideal location, while those of you who want to indulge in tasty food and drink will want to spend some time in Ilfracombe. Wherever you go, you’ll find plenty to see and do.

First off, here are some suggestions of places to stay. There are plenty of accommodation options, so you can easily find something that suits your taste and budget. For those of you looking for a hotel stay, take a look at some of these suggestions.

North Devon has a range of luxury hotels to choose from with several of the Brend Hotels being located there among others.

One such hotel is the Barnstaple Hotel located in the heart of North Devon’s premier town. From here you are just a fifteen minute walk into the town centre and short drive to a host of the region’s famous beaches. The Barnstaple Hotel has everything from comfortable rooms, exquisite fine dining and the best in conference facilities too.

Image: Barnstaple Hotel.

Nearby you’ll find the Imperial Hotel, the flagship of the Brend Hotels group, it has a a wonderful atmosphere with fabulous rooms and an incredible view of the River Taw. The Imperial is one of the leading luxury hotels in Barnstaple.

The Royal and Fortescue  is another Barnstaple based hotel. Having started life as an ancient coaching inn, this hotel has historic charm with all the modern comforts you’d expect from a luxury hotel. The Royal part of its name comes from when King Edward VII visited in 1856 when he was the Prince of Wales – to this day, it remains fit for a king! Plus, if you stay in one of the Brend Hotels, you can use all the facilities across the chain, no matter which one you’re staying in!

Located along the River Taw is the Park Hotel, which following a multi-million pound redevelopment, this hotel is an exciting new hub for visitors and locals alike. Just opposite Rock Park and along the river, you have wonderful views of beautiful green spaces whatever room you stay in. There is even charging points for electric vehicles as well as the bedrooms being fitted with smart TVs, Sky, power showers and high speed WiFi. The rooms even have smartphone entry!

Image: Highbullen Hotel

In Umberleigh you’ll find Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club which has been provided excellent accommodation for years, it is well placed for visiting some of the area’s popular attractions and with the onsite tennis and golf facilities, it is a great place for relaxing. 

If you’re someone who likes both coast and country, Heddons Gate Hotel  is an ideal choice. Based on the outskirts of Barnstaple, this hotel is hidden away among acres of greenspace while also providing easy access to the South West Coast Path, plus it is located between Lynton and Combe Martin, giving you two stunning coastal areas to visit.

For more coast than country, make sure to check out Saunton Sands Hotel  which is located right on the front of one of the region’s award winning beaches. You can choose between spending your day enjoying the sun, sea and sand or relaxing in the onsite spa. The hotel also features its own swimming pool, gym, sauna, tennis courts, hairdressing and beauty facilities, restaurant and more. You even have the chance to take up a new skill with surfing lessons being run throughout the summer!

For those of you who want to be right on the coast and love a dramatic view, the Hartland Quay Hotel is definitely one you need on your radar. Located near Bideford, this hotel sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean, giving you a perfect view of the North Devon coastline and easy access to a range of coastal walks, including the South West Coast Path. The spectacular views make it a real haven for artists, so if you’re looking for some inspiration, make sure to pack your equipment!

mage: Hartland Quay Hotel

Ilfracombe is one of the region’s most popular seaside resorts, so if you fancy spending most of your time there, take a look at the Darnley Hotel, an independent family run establishment that retains its original features and combines them with a host of modern facilities. Ilfracombe is fast becoming one of the hotspots in the UK for foodies, so this is the ideal place to base yourself if you want to experience everything that the town’s independent eateries have to offer!

Another popular spot is Woolacombe. This town has a host of accommodation options including Trimstone Country House Hotel which is on the outskirts in West Down. Despite being conveniently located just off the A361, you’d never know it, this is one of the most tranquil and calm environments you could imagine making it perfect for a relaxing break, a romantic getaway or a business conference. It’s ideal if you want the best of both worlds, you’re close to both Woolacombe and Ilfracombe giving you a chance to explore the beaches and get involved in the hustle and bustle of the towns and you can also escape to the peace and quiet of the hotel grounds.

Looking for an alternative to a hotel? Why not take a look at the region’s holiday parks? You get all the facilities of a hotel but with the flexibility of a self-catering accommodation, plus plenty of space and onsite entertainment. These are a great option for families or those travelling in groups or on a budget and there a host of them on the seafront, allowing you to have some incredible views and easy access to the coast. Some of them even have their own private beaches for you to enjoy!

Image: Croyde Bay Holiday Resort

For those of you into surfing, take a look at Croyde Bay Holiday Resort , it’s nestled behind the famous sand dunes of Croyde Beach and is just a few minute’s walk from the centre of the village with its trendy shops and eateries. The site has a number of dog friendly lodges available too, so your four legged friends can also join you! 

Another popular place to stay is Combe Martin, it has a beautiful beach, fun attractions and plenty of eateries and other entertainment to keep the whole family occupied. Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park is a quiet park ideal for those that want to enjoy a relaxing holiday, it has beautiful sea views, a private beach and is surrounded by woodland so you have lots of options for things to do.

With views across Ilfracombe’s bay is Sandaway Beach Holiday Park in Berrynarbor. Set on the edge of a cliff, this family friendly park has its own private beach and incredible views across the ocean. Guests can use a variety of facilities and can even book kayak lessons directly through reception!

Hele Valley Holiday Park  is another Ilfracombe based option. This award winning park has been in the same family for over forty years and is a wonderful place to escape the bustle of every day life. With its own nature trail, plenty of greenery and nearby beaches, you’ll find plenty of places to relax in the beautiful surrounds.

Image: Golden Coast Holiday Park

Being a popular location for family holidays, you’ll find lots of holiday park options in Woolacombe. Golden Coast Holiday Park is one option, this park is known as an ‘all action park’ with lots going on all day and all night making it perfect for families who don’t want to travel around too much! Of course, there are some restrictions in place on some of the facilities at the moment, so make sure to check before you book, but generally speaking, this one is perfect for those of you who are travelling with teenagers!

Did you know North Devon is home to the only town in the UK with an ! in the name? Well now you do so why not stay there? It’s a popular spot for surfers and is close to Bideford so you can easily travel around the area. Seafield Holiday Park is located right on the coast with a host of accommodation for you to choose from and is close to the blue flag award winning beach at Westward Ho!

Alternatively, there is Golden Bay Holiday Village right in the heart of Westward Ho! It has a purpose built wheelchair friendly ramp down to the beach and with its range of properties, you can easily find the right property for you. Westward Living  is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Westward Ho! The site is comprised of a number of luxury cottages, allowing you to have a home from home with all the privacy you would expect from a cottage holiday but with the facilities of a holiday park. The site has a number of family friendly facilities and even their own chickens delivering fresh eggs every morning!

Image: Westward Living

If you’d rather stay in Bideford, Bideford Bay is a good option, with its gorgeous hill top setting, woodland location and nearby award winning beaches, there are loads of activities for everyone. The site has a range of facilities, including a kids’ club and crazy golf and onsite restaurants. There is even free WiFi at various locations across the park.

Holiday parks aren’t for everyone, so if you’d rather do a spot of camping or stay in a caravan, there are a few options for you too, including Stowford Farm Meadows in Ilfracombe. It’s a dog friendly site with tent pitches and spaces for motorhomes.

If you like the idea of a hotel but want the flexibility when it comes to meals and something a little more informal, you might like one of the B&Bs and guesthouses based in North Devon. These properties are based all over the region and as they are usually independently owned with live in managers, you have a talking guidebook with all the advice you could ask for. You can also find last minute deals and bargains, make sure to check out our special offers!

West Down Guest House  is an award-winning AA farm guesthouse providing superb dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation in North Devon who are happy to cater for special diets and requirements, just let them know when you make your booking. The farm has a scenic view and is close to towns such as Barnstaple, Bideford, Umberleigh and Torrington making it easy to explore the wider area.

In Braunton, the Old Bakery is run by David and Pippa Morton, they offer both Bed and Breakfast and self-catering accommodation. They serve a full cooked breakfast as well as a continental breakfast and even options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free diets. Whether you choose to stay in the B&B or in the self catering cottage, you have access to free WiFi as well as the option to use a pass to park at Putsborough Beach, perfect for those of you who love watersports.

For anyone who wants the ultimate flexible break, book a self-catering cottage or property. These properties are like a real home from home, you have your own private parking and garden areas, plus enough space to be able to escape the kids when they get too excited! They’re a great option for anyone who has different meal and bedtimes for family members and many of them are dog friendly too.

Image: Moorparks Holiday Cottages

Moorparks Holiday Cottages consists of two, two bedroom cottages converted from one of the original fam buildings sitting within 12 acres of farmland with fabulous views and a host of animals to watch including alpacas and chicken. It’s a great base to explore from with both the national parks only being around forty minutes from the farm and the cottages come equipped with central heating and a log burner, making them cosy whatever time of year you visit.

Set in Exmoor with stunning views across Devon is Blindwell Bunkhouse where you’ll find red deer, Exmoor ponies and a whole host of other wildlife. If you’re planning to take part in the dark skies event, this is a great place to base yourself.

Or alternatively, on the outskirts of Barnstaple, there is Bampfield Farm Cottages which has two different sized properties perfect for families or groups. Both cottages have everything you need for a luxurious and relaxing stay plus free wifi!

Of course, this is just a selection of the accommodation options that can be found in North Devon, click here to see a whole range of places to stay, plus things to do and places to eat while you’re in the region!