Devon & Cornwall

Places of Interest - Days Out in and around North Devon

Whilst in North Devon...

North Devon has a plentiful and perfect mixture of bustling market towns and sleepy villages, rolling hills and golden beaches, as well as the wild moorland

The Landmark Theatre

The Landmark Theatre is an award winning theatre in the coastal town of Ilfracombe. Housed in an unusual double conical design the theatre has varied acts and performances throughout the year from comedians to pop bands and orchestras to musicals. The 2009 line up includes The New Seekers (May), Dolly (May), Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds (June) and One Night in Vegas (July & August). Please visit the website for full details of the 2009 programme.

How to get there: Service 3 operates every half an hour from Monday - Saturday during the day and an hourly service on Sundays between Barnstaple, Braunton, Mullacott Cross and Ilfracombe Bus Station. Service 30/30E operates an hourly service from Monday - Saturday between Combe Martin, Hele and Ilfracombe Bus Station. Service 31 operates an hourly service from Monday - Saturday between Lee Cross, Mullacott Cross and Ilfracombe Bus Station.

www.northdevontheatres.org.uk (opens in a new window)

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

There’s fun for all the family at this exciting, fun filled park. Those interested in wildlife will enjoy the wildlife park which is home to monkeys, lions, wolves, sea lions, birds, insects, meerkats, penguins and racoons. A visit to the Dinosaur Show is also a must. Many of the realistic looking dinosaurs were built by local companies to the park’s specifications using the latest animatronic technology and are either computer, hydraulic or pneumatically driven. In fact their full sized animatronic T-Rex was the first one built in this country and their spitting Dilophosaurus is the only one of its kind in Europe. And all of this is situated in beautiful gardens full of lush fauna and flora. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

How to get there: From Easter until late October service 30 operates an hourly service from Ilfracombe, Hele and Combe Martin to the Park, from Monday to Saturday.

www.dinosaur-park.com (opens in a new window).

Queens Theatre

The Queens Theatre in Barnstaple is part of the North Devon Theatre’s Trust which also owns the Landmark Theatre. This theatre houses more large scale shows than the Landmark and has a 683 seat tiered theatre and disabled access. The 2009 line up includes Anything Goes (May), Fifi and the Flower Tots (May) and The Wizard of Oz (July). Please visit the website for full details of the 2009 programme.

How to get there: Those travelling from Northam, Bideford, Instow or Fremington should take services 1/2 which operate a 10 minute frequency from Monday to Saturday during the day, a half hourly service in the evenings and a half hourly service on Sundays and Public Holidays . Those travelling from Ilfracombe should take service 3 which operates a 30 minute frequency during the day from Monday to Saturday and an hourly service on Sundays and Public Holidays. Barnstaple Bus Station is just a short walk from The Queens Theatre.

www.northdevontheatres.org.uk (opens in a new window).

Tunnels Beaches and Tidal Victorian Bathing Pool

Tunnels Beaches lies within a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Ilfracombe and is network of hand carved tunnels leading to unique sheltered beaches and tidal Victorian bathing pool. Established in 1823 the beach is the safest in North Devon (according to official figures). The tidal sea water swimming pool is ideal for dinghies and inflatables - the kids will love it! The pool is visible for 3 hrs before and after every low tide so you may want to plan your visit accordingly (and check the tide times!) As well as the beautiful beaches and pool the Tunnels also has a modern café and shop selling everything you need for a fun filled or relaxing day by the sea. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

www.tunnelsbeaches.co.uk (opens in a new window).

Bideford Pannier Market

Take a trip to Bideford for a spot if shopping in the delightful Pannier market. With its own Butchers Row selling the produce of local farmers the market and surrounding shops offer that little something different. From books and jewellery to gifts and hairdressers there’s something for most tastes. The surrounding market place is also home to some wonderful inns, cafes and bars (please note the Pannier Market is only open Tuesday and Saturdays while Butchers Row and Market Place shops are open Monday - Saturday)

How to get there: Those travelling from Barnstaple, Fremington or Instow should take services 1/2 which operate a 10 minute frequency from Monday to Saturday during the day a half hourly service in the evenings and a half hourly service on Sundays and Public Holidays.

www.bideford-tc.gov.uk (opens in a new window)

Golden Bay, Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! Has two miles of sandy beach known as the Golden Bay which has good facilities including a café, toilets, deck chair hire and lifeguards (during peak season) Golden Bay is famous for its Pebble Ridge, which lies between the beach and Northam Burrows Country Park. The bay also has some large areas of sand dunes and those who like to explore will find a rich variety of birds, insects and wild flowers. For those who like a stroll the South Western Coastal Path also runs through Westward Ho!

How to get there: Those travelling from Barnstaple, Bideford, Fremington or Northam should take service 1 which operates up to every 30 minutes during the day from Monday to Saturday and every hour on Sundays and Public Holidays.

www.devon-online.com/towns/westwardho/Welcome.html (opens in a new window)