Enhanced by the beautiful autumnal colours, North Devon's winning combination of rural countryside, charming towns, cobbled street villages, and award-winning coastline makes it the perfect place to retreat to this autumn.
Full of character and charm, the ancient market town of Bideford is where you will find picturesque estuary views (pictured), many independent shops, and a pannier market selling local arts and crafts.
Bideford is well placed to explore the surrounding areas such as Westward Ho!, Appledore, Instow, Hartland, and the historic fishing village of Clovelly (11 miles from Bideford).
From 1st of October, dogs are welcome anywhere on the beach at Westward Ho! Find out more about our dog-friendly stays at The Royal Hotel in Bideford.
A thriving shopping town with a traditional pannier market, Barnstaple is a cultural hub for artists and historians. Take in a show at the Queen's Theatre, visit the Barnstaple and North Devon Museum with displays from prehistoric times to the Victorian era, or enjoy a delicious Devon afternoon tea in front of a cosy fireplace.
Just a short walk from Barnstaple town centre, the Imperial Hotel serves a sumptuous afternoon tea on vintage crockery (pictured) in a cosy lounge surrounded by breathtaking floral displays.
Or settle down in one of our hotels and enjoy a roast sunday lunch with all the trimmings with family or friends. Popular with guests and locals alike, book a table for roast sunday carvery at The Barnstaple Hotel.
Experience the warmer October sea temperatures, and head north along the coastline to find a surfer's paradise with beaches at Saunton, Croyde, and Woolacombe. Or visit the region’s surfing origins at the Museum of British Surfing in Braunton.
Take a walk along the coastal paths at sunset and watch the sky change colour, search for rock-pool-dwelling creatures, or head to the dramatic cliffs of Baggy Point.
Take a look at some coastal walks from Saunton Sands Hotel - South West Coast Path.
Further north, you will find the historic harbour town of Ilfracombe (pictured) where a Damien Hirst sculpture stands 20 meters tall on the pier. Whilst there visit the local aquatic exhibits at Ilfracombe Aquarium or take in a show at the iconic Landmark Theatre.
Head east from Ilfracombe to uncover ancient woodland, hidden waterfalls, and charming villages such as Porlock and Lynmouth. Or experience the world-famous water-powered Cliff Railway at Lynton.
If you would prefer to visit a family-friendly amusement park, take a look at all the autumn and Halloween fun at The Big Sheep (12 miles from Barnstaple), where kids have the opportunity to get up close with the farm animals or visit The Milky Way Adventure Park with over 110,000 sq. ft of all-weather family fun.
Designed with young adventurers in mind, check out our 'For the Kids' package at The Park Hotel in Barnstaple.
If walking or cycling on holiday is more your scene, inspired by the route travelled by the Tarka otter, the Tarka Trail is the UK's longest (163 mile loop), traffic free pedestrian and cycleway which takes you through North Devon's unspoiled countryside and ancient woodland.
Set within a pretty wooded valley in Torrington, take a gentle walk around the beautiful gardens at RHS Rosemoor enhanced by the autumnal colours of the trees and plants (13 miles from Barnstaple).
With the landscape turning golden, and the coastline taking on a dramatic feel, it's safe to say that autumn is here to stay.
