Local Holiday Attractions

The Beaches

Woolacombe Bay Sands.

Here surfers are out all the year riding the breakers of the Atlantic Ocean. Watched over by lifeguards, bathing and swimming is safe between the flags. Avoid swimming at low tide and near the few rocks toward the north of Woolacombe beach.

More than two miles of sandy beach are perfect for sand castles, sunbathing and walks. All that you can need in refreshment is available at the Beachcomber café at the north end of the beach.

Barricane Beach.

The famous shell beach tucked in between the rocks, between Woolacombe and Mortehoe. Famous for cowries and other exotic sea shells brought in on the Gulf Stream. Safe for bathing and swimming, with rock pools to explore and more traditional sand at low tide.

Grunta Beach.

Apparently named after a cargo of pigs that was wrecked here in the depths of history. Grunta is a sun trap beach beneath Morte Point. A place to relax with peace and quiet.

Walks

The Mortehoe Lighthouse.

With Lundy Island to the west and Hangman to the east. The Lighthouse at Morte Point, by Mortehoe was originally built in the 1870's. Though rebuilt further inland after a landslip into the sea in in the 1970's.

Woolacombe Warrens and Downs.

From the top of woolacombe beach are the sand dunes and behind them the warrens. Where hang-gliders launch on fine weather days. American troops practiced for D-day on Woolacombe Sands. The walk is gentle yet very scenic.

Potter's Hill.

With its cairn on top offers stunning and far reaching views from Morte and Baggy points and on to Hartland point. Offering an almost aerial view of Woolacombe, the view is well worth the climb. Bear in mind it is a relatively steep and long climb.

For a quiet day out.

Marwood Hill Gardens
Marwood, North Devon

At Marwood Hill there are over eighteen acres of landscaped gardens with a large collection of trees, shrubs, herbaceous and alpine plants. The gardens were started in the 1950s by the present owner, Dr Smart. At that time they consisted of a neglected walled garden and its immediate surround. Over the years many new areas have been planted and new features added such as the Folly and the Scented Arbour. There is much of the botanic garden about Marwood Hill.

Around a ten to fifteen minute drive from the campsite.

Arlington Court
Arlington, North Devon

The 3,500 acre estate has attractive gardens, walks and Shetland ponies grazing in the parkland. The stables house the National Trust's collection of horse-drawn carriages, some of which are available for rides from the house. The ground floor of the house and the garden are accessible to the disabled.

The interior of Arlington Court is a series of fascinating collections amassed by the late Miss Chichester. The Chichester family had lived at Arlington for over 500 years, and Miss Rosalie Chichester, the last of her line, left the house to the National Trust. The house contains some furniture dating from the 18th century, and displays of model ships, Biltson enamels, pewter, shells, snuff boxes, fans and costumes, all collected by the much traveled Miss Chichester.

Around a fifteen minute drive from Woolacombe and Mortehoe.

The Elliott Gallery in Braunton
Braunton, North Devon

An art exhibition that you may not want to miss. It contains one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions of quality paintings, sculpture and craftwork in all North Devon. Much of the artwork displayed is for sale. Paintings are not just confined to local scenes, of which there are plenty but cover a wide range of types and styles from landscapes and seascapes to the more abstract and imaginative works. Craftwork and sculpture of all kinds are displayed - including woodcarvings, modeled porcelain, glass engraving, handmade clocks, dried flower collages, leatherwork, and many more.

Around a ten minute drive from Woolacombe.

Lundy Island.

An enigmatic feature on the Woolacombe horizon. A place of natural beauty, with the skies full of birds. Famous for its pirate haunts, Lundy offers it's own special postage stamps, Medieval Castle, Puffins, Lighthouses. Lundy Island is a trip worth taking if you are in North Devon on Holiday.