Autumn walks and bike rides, hot chocolate, teas and coffees, an Autumn trip to a quiet dog friendly beach, Fireworks displays and food festivals and farmers markets are five things we love about Autumn in North Devon. Wrap up warm or enjoy some autumn sunshine which this list of things to do.
The Tarka Trail
Established in 1987 using the disused railway between Barnstaple and Bideford. The section was opened in 1991 and made into a combined footpath and cycle path. Along the trail there are many valuable habitats including hedges, marshland, streams, rivers and ponds. The trail is a very popular place for walks, dog walkers and cyclists. All year round it is used for marathons, night walks and nature trails.
Halsdon Wood
Located near the village of the Dolton this woodland walk has many sights to see. The paths explore the reserves riverside meadows and woodland. Most of paths are unlevel and some steep but there is a 1km level walk that leads to the river. Well behaved dogs welcome but must be kept on a lead. If you are especially lucky you may see some grazing animals.
Meeth Quarry
Located in Hatherleigh, this woodland walk has a series of colour-coded trails which allow access on foot, by bicycle, horseback or mobility scooter. The red marked trail is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Along this trail you will find the lovely Exmoor ponies grazing. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Roadford Lake
Located in Lifton this sits within the stunning surroundings of the Wolf Valley, near the Cornwall border. One of the biggest and busiest inland waters in the South West, the lake is surrounded by a variety of natural habitats, including Culm Grasslands, woodlands, old pastures and orchards. An abundance of flora and fauna, and a lovely scattering of nature trails and footpaths to different areas of the lake, offer visitors the opportunity to appreciate the peaceful lake and woodland on a walk or bicycle. Refuel at the Roadford Lake café.
Cookworthy Forest
Located in Beaworthy, Cookworthy Forest has a variety of paths and trails to explore. A great location for interesting walks and to enjoy the great outdoors, explore the network of tracks and rights of way by foot, horse, or bike. Dogs are welcome. From adventure play areas, natural play, safe off-road family cycling and lots of space to create dens, the woods and forests are the perfect place for a family day out that everyone will enjoy. Wrap up warm and enjoy lunch in the picnic area.
Great Torrington Cavaliers
Formed in 1970, The Great Torrington Cavaliers have been around brining enjoyment for many years. Their annual bonfire and fireworks are being held at Torrington Rugby Club on Saturday the 4th November; gates open at 6pm for an event start of 7pm. With a bar and food available it has everything you need for an enjoyable evening. Pay on the gates, cash only. Under 3’s are free but no dogs allowed.
The Big Sheep
Located in Bideford, The Big Sheep are having a Fireworks and Bonfire spectacular! The site opens at 4.30pm for an in-house disco at 5pm and fireworks display specifically for younger children at 6pm followed by the bonfire and main fireworks starting at 6.45pm. Hot and cold food and drink available. Tickets must be pre-booked and can be found here:
https://tickets.thebigsheep.co.uk/event-tickets/43618?catID=43621
Barnstaple Round Table
The Barnstaple Round Table are once again back with their bonfire and fireworks display at the Barnstaple Rugby Ground. The event is being held on Sunday 5th November and this year they are supporting Children’s Hospice South West and Families in Grief. Hot and cold refreshments provided by the rugby club. Tickets can be bought on the gate or online via the link below.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT
South Molton
On Friday the 3rd November, South Molton town council are holding a free to all fireworks display, with any donations going towards the North Devon Hospice. Street food and a full market are open from 3.30pm and the display begins at 7pm. Head over to the central car park to catch this magnificent display.
Appledore
On Sunday the 19th November from 4.30pm the Appledore Pirates are holding their annual bonfire and fireworks display over the stunning backdrop of Appledore. The event is free but donations welcome towards next year’s display. There will be a BBQ, snacks and drinks available, cash only.
Kingsley School
On Friday the 3rd November, Kingsley School are hosting a bonfire and fireworks display at Winkleigh Sports Centre. Gates open at 6pm for a start time of 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased on the gate at £4 each, under 3’s free. There will be a BBQ, bar and disco to enjoy also.
Appledore
Held on the first Saturday of every month on Appledore Quay take in the beautiful sights of Appledore and go along and enjoy the locally grown fruit and veg, homemade baked goods, locally caught fish and local butchers.
Bideford
Held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month on Bideford Quay. Featuring producers and marketers who live and trade in North Devon. From 9.00am until 2.00pm they sell local Fish, Sausages, Burgers, Cheese, Bread, Nuts and Honey. Make sure to pay a visit.
Beaford
Held on the second Saturday of the month 10am-12pm at Beaford Village Hall. Grab yourself a coffee and see what the market has to offer. The stalls vary but regularly they include Usborne Books, handmade cars, local honey and glass. Free Parking.
Langtree
Held every Thursday 10am-2pm at Langtree Parish Hall. Stalls vary every week but include homemade jams & chutneys, handmade wood items, sweets, cards and jewellery. Why not head over and take a look, maybe even find some Christmas presents!
Torrington
Rosemoor Gardens is holding a craft and food fair between the 16th-18th, 23rd-25th November and then again on the 2nd and 3rd December. Enjoy the magic of Christmas filled to the brim with tasty temptations and crafty delights. With carefully selected artisan traders from around the Westcountry, this is the perfect time to buy those unique and wonderful gifts for family and friends
St Michael And All Angels Church are holding a Christmas food, drinks and craft fair on Saturday 18th November at 10am-3pm. Find the perfect handmade gift, enter the raffle and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and piece of cake.
Exeter
From the17th November – 17th December outside the beautiful Exeter Cathedral you will find the Christmas market. With over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, bars, seasonal entertainment and free entry into the awesome Exeter Cathedral. With global street food from places such as, Nepal, Greece, Morocco, Germany and France; there’s bound to be something for everyone at this wonderful fest.
Bideford
Affinity Outlet are holding a ‘craft and scoff’ market on Sunday the 10th December 10am-4pm. You can expect an array of local food, drinks and crafts with something for all tastes and budgets. Often there is music and sometimes you can meet a character from a tv show such as Chase from Paw Patrol.
The Bideford Pannier Market is holding a Bide Food Fest on the 26th November 10am-4pm. Here you will find an array of cuisines including Korean, Mexican, Indian and Italian as well as good old English. With foods suitable for vegetarians and vegans also.
Westward Ho!
Out for a lovely walk but cold? Head over to Nice, located on the seafront. You can enjoy takeaway hot drinks and even some warm donuts to take that chill away. If you fancy a cold drink or even an ice cream, they can do that too.
If you prefer to have a seat and a hot drink then why not try the Rockpool Café, located, you guessed it, next to the Rockpool. You can also enjoy a menu of breakfasts, burgers, pastas and desserts. The café also does takeaway.
Another great place to enjoy a hot drink is Tea on The Green, this beautifully decorated café sits in the heart of Westward Ho! To go with your hot drink, they have a selection of sandwiches, cakes, bakes and a cream tea.
Portmore Golf Club
If you’re looking for something fun to do, head on over to Portmore and have a go on their Toptracer range, with it being outside it can be cold but luckily, they have hot drinks, their deluxe hot chocolates are fantastic. They also have a wide range of food and other beverages.
Rosemoor Gardens
Rosemoor has many things to see and do, picturesque nature walks featuring their own grown flowers and sculptures by local artists. A lovely gift shop and a couple places to eat and drink, sit in the warmth of the Garden Restaurant whilst looking out at the gardens or enjoy a takeaway from the Otter Café to sit and sip in a beautiful spot in the Gardens.
Puffing Billy Café
Located in Torrington and along the Tarka Trail this café is housed inside the old train station. The café offers a varied menu of delicious food and drinks. Enjoy a hot drink sat inside the station or sit outside on one of the old station benches.
Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! is a stunning sandy beach which is backed by a pebble ridge, and also hugely popular with surfers! Dogs are allowed on the North end of the beach between sandy mere bridge and the estuary, and at low tide the beach is enormous, which gives your dogs the opportunity for a good run.
Instow
Instow is a pretty and sandy beach that tends to get very busy during the summer. Calm waters, protected from swell by sandbanks at the mouth of the Taw estuary, make this a good choice for families. There are also shops and cafes in the village which is directly behind the beach. Dogs are allowed on some of the beach all year although restrictions apply near the town end from May 1 and September 30.
Saunton Sands
This beach is a dog's paradise and we have direct access to it, with miles of golden sand to run and play on. Dogs are welcome year-round, but just be mindful of seasonal restrictions on certain areas of the beach during peak summer months.
Clovelly
Clovelly has a small pebble beach just below the historic village. Because the village is car-free, visitors have to park at the top of the village and walk down the steep, cobbled streets to access the beach. However, there is a Land Rover service that takes people who don’t fancy the steep walk through the village down from the car park to the Red Lion Pub at the bottom of the hill. Best of all dogs are allowed on the beach.
Northam Burrows
Northam Burrows is really an extension of Westward Ho! beach and sits at the mouth of the Taw and Torridge estuary. To the back of the beach is a pebble ridge which has been created by the natural process of longshore drift. Dogs are allowed on the section of the Burrows to the east of the lifeguard hut at Sandymere. There is also a Dogs on Lead by Direction Order enforced.
Discover Autumn in and around Devon while on holiday, Book your stay with us!
