As one of the UK’s most popular holiday locations, Devon is the perfect place for a weekend escape. Known for its picturesque towns, charming villages, atmospheric harbours, and gorgeous beaches - there are plenty of ways to spend a weekend in Devon.
We’ve put together a weekend guide to North Devon during the Autumn to make sure you have the best weekend possible. Discover the best of Devon this autumn, a truly breathtaking time to get away.
Things to do
- Have a go at crabbing during a visit to Appledore. It provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in simple seaside pleasures and appreciate each other's company with few distractions. Spend a day at the beach, have a go at crabbing, enjoy a Devon cream tea or demolish paper-wrapped fish and chips.
- North Devon Wake Park located on the stunning lake is situated in the beautiful fields of North Devon and is accompanied by a wooden clubhouse, undercover decking and luscious grassed areas, making it the perfect place to enjoy the charming setting and take on an enjoyable and entertaining activity. The WakePark has a variety of outdoor activities for all ages which include wakeboarding, Paddleboarding, slacklining and their unique aquapark.
- Visit RHS Garden Rosemoor and enjoy the enchanting gardens nestled in the beautiful Torridge Valley. Surrounded by woodland, the garden is rich in variety throughout every season and features inspiring planting displays enhanced by the natural beauty of Devon.
Scenic spots
- World-famous Clovelly is a true gem of North Devon, offering staggering views across Bideford Bay and a more relaxed way of life. The picturesque historic houses can be found winding their way down the wooded hillside, to the traditional fishing harbour on the coast. As part of a privately owned family estate, no vehicles are allowed down the steep cobbled street, instead, goods are transported by sledge, often pulled by donkeys.
- Enjoy a view of some of the most spectacular coastline in the British Isles from Hartland Point, one of the wildest headlands imaginable. There are many wonderful vantage points, accessible by car or on foot, from which one can enjoy views of the coast.
- The twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are located in the middle of the rugged Exmoor coastline. The two wooded combes of the East and West Lyn rivers meet at Lynmouth and cross the stoney beach to the sea. Lynton is 500 feet above Lynmouth and the two towns are connected by the cliff funicular railway. The railway is a 'must see and do' offering wonderful views over the bay.
Wondrous walks
North Devon’s colour pallete during autumn is stunning, with hues of burnt orange, vibrant yellow and musky brown sweeping the region. There are some stunning walks to enjoy, where you can feel a blanket of autumn leaves crunch beneath your feet, and watch the leaves nod towards winter.
- Baggy Point is one of the most breath-taking and beautiful climbs in the country. It separates Croyde Bay and Morte Bay which includes the beaches of Woolacombe and Putsborough. This short circular walk along the western flank of Baggy Point will reward you with far-reaching coastal, sea and farmland views. It's also an excellent place to see wildflowers and for a spot of bird-watching.
- Step into a whole other world at Braunton Burrows. Explore the expansive sand dune system of this beautiful nature reserve on the North Devon Coast and enjoy wildlife, coastal views and a variety of specialised plants.
- On the fringes of Exmoor you'll discover the beautiful Heddon Valley. Beginning in Heddon Valley, you’ll travel along one of the loveliest parts of the renowned South West Coast Path national trail. It's the perfect place to take in a river walk, wooded pathways and a beautiful beach too. Follow the river to emerge at the sea, and take in all the unbeatable views along the way.
Romantic recommendations
- Escape the stresses of day-to-day life with the one you love at Source Spa and Wellness. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity that only a romantic spa day set atop the cliffs on the North Devon coast can deliver, and enjoy the breathtaking views as you overlook Saunton Sands beach and World Heritage Braunton Burrows. Whether it’s to escape from the kids, to celebrate an anniversary, or just to spend time together, browse their range of spa days and treatments here.
- Bring out your creative side with pottery painting. Tarka Pottery is an inspiring and creative clay experience studio located in the beautiful North Devon countryside, only five minutes from RHS Rosemoor. This is the perfect an all-weather date activity where you can make a bowl on a potter's wheel, paint-a-pot or join a clay workshop or pottery class. Located in the beautiful countryside with stunning views, you can enjoy some time together or paint something special for your loved one.
- Watching the sun go down has been voted the most romantic way of spending an evening. With plenty of beaches to choose from, Westward Ho!, Saunton Sands and Woolacombe to name a few, you’ll be spoilt for choice of romantic locations during your stay in Devon. Westward Ho!’s pebble ridge is one of our favourite places to do so, so grab a fish and chip takeaway from Atlantic Bay and find your spot on the pebbles.
Devon is just as enjoyable in autumn as it is in summer, with quiet country lanes, harvest festivals, parks and moors displaying glorious colours and the beaches almost empty.
There is plenty for you to see and do during a weekend escape - whatever the occasion.
The Royal & Fortescue is ideally located in the heart of North Devon, convenient for everything this fantastic area has to offer, including the coast, Exmoor, picturesque villages and beautiful gardens.
For more information on our luxury weekend breaks, have a look at our website or call us on 01271 342289 to discuss.
