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25 May 2012
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South West England
 Tourist Net UK holiday guide for South West England
Home  >  UK  >  South West England  >  North Devon  >  Tourist Attractions |   About us   |   Contact us
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North Devon Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions, amusements, antique centres, theme parks, steam railways, factory shops, zoos & wildlife centres, country parks, etc in North Devon ...





This page covers general tourist attractions, including amusement parks, boat trips, steam and miniature railways, theme parks, specialist shops, factory shops and outlet villages, guided walks, country parks, viewpoints, zoos and wildlife parks, etc.

We know that not all the attractions in this area are listed. Please help us make this guide comprehensive by sending us details of missing attractions.

North Devon Tourist Attractions

 

LUNDY ISLAND

Tel: 01271 863636
E-mail: info@lundyisland.co.uk     Web site: www.lundyisland.co.uk

Lundy Island situated in the Bristol Channel is a place of outstanding natural beauty, but less than 2 hours boat journey from the mainland.

With its own shop, tavern and 23 individual properties for visitors to stay in, the peace and tranquillity is a world apart from the mainland. Why not take a Winter Break with an exhilarating helicopter ride to Lundy.  Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the island and coastline.  Departures Monday and Friday from Hartland Point Bideford.


BARNSTAPLE HERITAGE CENTRE

Queen Annes Walk, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1EU
Tel: 01271 373003    Fax: 01271 373003
E-mail: denise.holton@barnstapletowncouncil.co.uk
Web: www.barnstapletowncouncil.co.uk

''Fun, hands-on activities await in our updated exhibition centre...''.

Set in the magnificent colonnaded grade I & II listed 'Queen Anne's Walk' building, Barnstaple Heritage Centre awaits the visitor ready to reveal the many fascinating secrets of the town's history. ''A wealth of secrets unfold''. More than just an attraction.... a delightful visual chronicle of life through the centuries. Open all year. Coaches welcome. Group booking discounts. Special for Christmas starts mid November a walk through the ages with a free town walk/heritage trail. Feel free to check out our online gift shop and follow us on Facebook.


ILFRACOMBE PRINCESS

1 Pier Kiosk, The Quay, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9EQ
Tel: 01271 879727     E-mail: mail@ilfracombeprincess.co.uk
Web: www.ilfracombeprincess.co.uk

For wildlife coastal cruises to see seals, dolphins and porpoises along spectacular coastline.

The princess is one of the most technologically advanced passenger vessels in the UK we are based in Ilfracombe harbour and licensed for 100 passengers.

Why not take our seal cruise which passes Brandy Cove, Breakneck Pint, Lee Village and Bulk Point - seals and porpoises are regularly sighted.

 

If birdwatching is your thing then the Exmoor Bird Cruise is for you, passing Hele Bay, Rillage Point, and Coombe Martin Bay you will see some excellent wildlife including Razorbills and Peregrine Falcons. Please feel free to contact us with any queries.

Mortehoe Heritage Centre

Tel: 01271 870028   E-mail: dolan957@btinternet.com

The Heritage Centre is housed in a National Trust barn situated in the clifftop village of Mortehoe. The exhibition gallery offers fun for all ages: an historical cameo of life in this dramatic coastal setting; a fascinating presentation of maritime history including many local shipwrecks. A unique opportunity to understand the history and culture of this beautiful corner of Britain. Children will love the Centre's 'hands on' games, puzzles and quizzes.

The Gnome Reserve

Tel: 01409 241435    Web: www.gnomreserve.co.uk

Home to 1000+ gnomes and pixies, ready to welcome you to their delightful beech wood, complete with babbling brook. Wild Flower Garden where around 250 different species of wild flowers, herbs and grasses grow. Gnome hats are loaned free of charge together with fishing rods. Take your cameras and embarrass the family for some truly memorable photos for the family album! See gnomes for the garden and/or pottery pixies - many gnomes unique to the Reserve. The tiny indoor pixies, individually modelled, fired in the Kiln, in the studio of Ann Atkin, graduate of the Royal Academy of Arts; and hand painted - are symbols of joy in the flowering of human activities at work and at play.

Exmoor Brassrubbing Centre

Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 0NG
Tel: 01271 882486     E-mail: info@exmoorbrassrubbing.co.uk

Discover the simple craft of Brass rubbing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere amongst the breathtaking views of Lynmouth. No experience needed, we provide all quality materials and friendly instruction. Families are especially welcome and our rubbing plates are suitable for all ages from 4 - 94.

Torrington 1646 Civil War Heritage Centre

Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington, Devon, EX38 8AA
Tel: 01805 626146     E-mail: 1646@great-torrington.com

Why Torrington 1646? The Battle of Torrington was the last major conflict of the English Civil War. Occupied by the Prince of Wales' army led by Lord Hopton, the town was taken by storm on the night of February 6th 1646 by the Parliamentary New Model Army led by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. Lots of fun whatever the weather... Come with us to Torrington in the year of our Lord 1646. Travel our streets on the night of the Great Battle in the goodly fellowship of wantons, wenches and rapscallions as mayhap they shall see thee safe. Visit our famed Physic Garden and learn the secrets of our herbs and potions, while the wondrous views of the Torridge Valley shall alone cure thy ailments. Meet the characters, try their costumes, don their armour.... Relax and sup in our Restoration Coffee Shop or stroll in our Seventeenth Century Rose Garden. A wondrous and entertaining walk through time for all ages.

The Big Sheep

Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5AP
Tel: 01237 472366    Web: www.thebigsheep.co.uk

One of the west country's premiere indoor adventure playgrounds for children of all ages from 1 to 100! A working farm turned wacky tourist attraction. Combining traditional rural crafts, such as cheese making and shearing, with hilarious novelties such as sheep racing and duck trialling. An amusing and witty programme of events throughout the day. Hours of entertainment is guaranteed for all ages whatever the weather - huge undercover areas!

Tunnels Beaches

Bath Place, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8AN
Tel: 01271 879882     E-mail: bookings@tunnelsbeaches.co.uk

An aging holiday resort which was at its best during the Victorian era, although now is beginning to show a new life. The Tunnels are passages hewn through the cliffs to a privately owned bathing beach. The Victorians also built up walls between rocks to make two bathing pools - One for ladies and one for gentlemen. There is a small charge to use the Tunnel.

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North Devon Theme Parks, Amusement Parks, etc

 

THE MILKY WAY ADVENTURE PARK

Higher Clovelly, Bideford, Devon, EX37 5RY
Tel: 01237 431255     E-mail: info@themilkyway.co.uk
Web: www.themilkyway.co.uk

For the BIGGEST rides and the Best Shows! Acres of outdoor fun and the BIGGEST all weather adventure facilities in the South West.

Ride the Clone Zone - An alien encounter awaits you on Europe's first interactive adventure ride, beam aboard... Explore an alien ship... Fly away on the suspended ride... If you dare!! Go wild in our HUGE indoor play area - built for adults as well as children. Watch the amusing and fascinating bird of prey shows. Test your aim at archery and laser target shooting. Amazing new ride "Droid Destroyers". Take a ride on a train. Watch little ones play in safety in toddler town & Fantasy Farm.

Family Leisure

Belgrave Promenade, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9AS
Tel: 01271 866308

Amusement arcade, please telephone for further details.

Harbour Amusements

13 Broad Street, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9EE
Tel: 01271 865610

Amusement arcade, please telephone for further details.

Sunspot

Sunspot, Wilder Road, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 8BN
Tel: 01271 863352

Amusement arcade, please telephone for further details.

Once Upon A Time Children's Theme Park

Station Road, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7HN
Tel: 01271 870999

Please telephone for further details regarding opening times etc.

Stardust Leisure LTD

Sunspot Amusement, 2 Barton Road, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7BA
Tel: 01271 870763

Amusement arcade, please telephone for further details.

Watermills Castle

Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9SL
Tel: 01271 863879

Castle with museum. Please telephone for further details regarding opening times etc.

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North Devon Preserved Railways, Steam, Narrow Gauge and Miniature Railways

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Esplanade, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6EQ
Tel: 01598 753486    Web: www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk

Experience Victorian travel - ride the unique water powered carriage (a cross between a railway and a lift) from Lynmouth to Lynton, enjoying the spectacular views on the way, and then take a leisurely stroll back down through the woods. An experience to remember. Open seven days a week.

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North Devon Antique Centres, Factory Outlets, Specialist retailers


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North Devon Country Parks, Walks & Viewpoints

Heddon Valley Shop

Heddon Valley, Parracombe, Barnstaple, EX31 4PY
Tel
: 01598 763402    Warden: 01598 763306    Fax: 01598 763402
E-mail: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Information centre and gift shop set in a spectacular NT-owned wooded valley on the West Exmoor coast.




The area offers many beautiful coastal and woodland walks.

 

Trentishoe Photo © Martin Bodman
Trentishoe - Photo: Martin Bodman CCL

DEFRA – Rural Affairs

Tel: 08459 335577
E-mail: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk    Web: www.countrywalks.defra.gov.uk

More than 1800 walks etc in the United Kingdom. Simply select your destination and you will be rewarded with mini guides and map references to help you explore the countryside at your leisure.

Combe Walks

Web: www.combewalks.com

Offers easy to follow and accurate self-guided walks around North Devon, Exmoor and Tarka Country. We also provide tailor-made supported self-guided walking holidays along the South West Coast Path and on Exmoor.

Glen Lyn Gorge

Tel: 01598 753207

Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, you should not miss a visit to this spectacular gorge, through which poured the waters of the 1952 Lymouth Flood Disaster. There are lovely woodland walks by the waterfalls and well made paths climb this beautiful unspoilt valley. Ideal spot to bring a picnic and sit beside the river. Also Power of Water exhibition showing how some of the water from West Lyn River now produces environmentally friendly hydro-electricity. Children can operate the giant waterwheels and water cannons. Collections of steam engines and water operated models.

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North Devon Zoos and Wildlife Parks, Birdwatching, Rescue Centres

 

EXMOOR ZOOLOGICAL PARK

South Stowford, Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4SG
Tel: 01598 763352
E-mail: exmoorzoo@btconnect.com      Web: www.exmoorzoo.co.uk

Charismatic and charming animal favourites can be seen playing and enjoying themselves in NATURAL surroundings.

Organised keeper talks orientated around animal feed times, encounter sessions and displays make a relaxed, informative and entertaining day out. Designed for the family, inside the zoo is something for everybody interested in our living world, whether that is Rabbits, Spiders Monkeys or Birds. Exmoor Zoo has character and charm. No massive buildings or concrete structures - but friendly purpose built enclosures that merge into beautiful west country landscape. Come and support us, in our efforts to educate and conserve you'll be glad you did!


WILDLIFE & DINOSAUR PARK

Higher Leigh, Combe Martin, Devon, EX34 0NG
Tel: 01271 882486      Fax: 01271 883869
E-mail: info@dinosaur-park.com      Web: www.dinosaur-park.com

Explore 30 acres of sub-tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls and woodland walks with life size animated Dinosaurs.

Over 170 species of wildlife many of them endangered and on breeding programmes. The park has been designed for everyone and the kids will feel especially at home with their own zoo, adventure playground, and a magic show.

North Devon Farm Park

Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0NN
Tel: 01271 830255    E-mail: info@farmpark.co.uk

The Farm Park and Rare Breeds Centre is based around a 15th century Devon farmhouse. It is one of the oldest farms in the district and has over 50 acres of countryside and moors to explore. There are lime kilns, rivers and lakes, as well as many animals to see and feed.

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North Devon Ancient Monuments North Devon Antique Centres North Devon Attractions North Devon Castles North Devon Cathedrals and Churches North Devon Cinemas North Devon Factory Shops North Devon Galleries North Devon Heritage Sites North Devon Historic Monuments North Devon Museums North Devon Stately Homes, Gardens North Devon Steam & Miniature Railways North Devon Theatres North Devon Theme Parks  North Devon Walks & Viewpoints North Devon Zoos & Wildlife Centres