20 Attractions to Explore Near Saunton Sands

Braunton Burrows, is one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. At the heart of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. it is a UNESCO designated Biosphere reserve. The core area comprises an active dune system with geomorphological and successional processes. Other habitats include a rocky foreshore, mud and sand flats, saltmarshes of various types. It is home to an abundance of flowers, plants and wildlife.

The Tapeley Park grounds are renowned for their beautiful gardens, particularly the Italian terraces, and include a lake, ponds, old woodland, and a number of fields where Hector’s herd of Highland cattle graze. It sits high on a hill overlooking the River Torridge and the North Devon coastline. Home to the Christie family for two centuries. They are open to the public on a regular basis and feature Italianate terraces, a working kitchen garden, and a permaculture garden.

This traditional Lakeland stone cottage perfectly combines the charm of a character property with the comfort of modern facilities. With spacious accommodation over three floors offering five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this delightful property really does tick all the right boxes for families and groups of friends looking for central accommodation.

Woolacombe is one of the finest beaches in the West Country, and it is easy to see why it has won numerous awards. Located on Devon’s north coast, between Croyde and Ilfracombe, the 3-mile sandy beach is popular with surfers and families looking for a traditional seaside experience. It is popular for kayaking, walking, swimming and kitesurfing as well as surfing.

The BIG Sheep is North Devon’s most popular family attraction, with some of the best rides, shows, and all-weather entertainment in the area. This multi-award-winning family attraction is guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday, with hilarious shows, including the world-famous Sheep Racing, great rides, including the South West’s largest family rollercoaster.

A great picturesque cove tucked in between the rocks, famous for cowries and other exotic seashells. It is a great spot for some good old-fashioned rock pooling and its sand is perfect for those who prefer a quiet snooze in the sun. Barricane is a great place for swimmers and surfers alike but high tides restrict its usage.

Chambercombe Manor is a Norman manor owned by the Champernon family from around 1162. In the early 16th century it became the property of Henry Duke of Suffolk father of the ill fated Lady Jane Grey. Elizabethan furniture shares the interior with later Victorian decor. Lady Jane Grey is known to have visited the house. It was one of the iconic attraction and a worth visit.

Ilfracombe is the largest harbour on the North Devon coast and has been in existence as a port for several centuries. Today the predominant use is for leisure and tourism but this is still a working harbor with fish and seafood landed daily.

Ilfracombe Aquarium is an award-winning, all-weather, educational, family attraction located in the Old Lifeboat House alongside Ilfracombe's picturesque and historic harbour. It has a collection of living exhibits displaying over 75 species. They provide a unique and fascinating zoned journey of discovery from the source of an Exmoor stream to sea and beyond.

A 66-foot stainless steel and bronze sculpture named Verity is an allegorical statue of a giant pregnant woman representing justice and truth.It was created by world-famous artist Damien Hirst, who stands on the pier at the entrance to the harbour looking out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales. The name of the piece refers to "truth" and Hirst describes his work as a "modern allegory of truth and justice".

With over 110,000 sq feet of indoor fun & acres of outdoor activities, this multi award winning attraction is the biggest all weather, family day out in North Devon. Named Devon's Large Attraction of the year by Visit Devon and #7 in the UK by TripAdvisor in 2016, it’s fun for parents as well as kids, and there are no hidden extras: all rides, shows and play areas are included in the entrance fee.

Watermouth Castle is a building in Watermouth, near Ilfracombe, North Devon, England, designed by George Wightwick as a residence for the Bassett family in the mid-19th century and is not a true castle but a country house built to resemble one. It has been designated as a Grade II* listed building. It houses a beautiful collection of Victorian antiques centered on domestic tools and amusement machines, a family theme park and holiday apartments.

Arlington Court is a neoclassical style country house built 1820-23, situated in the parish of Arlington, next to the parish church of St James, 5 1/4 miles NE of Barnstaple, North Devon, England. Today, the house, together with the Chichester family's collection of antique furniture and an eclectic collection of family memorabilia, is fully open to the public.

A beautiful and enchanting garden nestled in the beautiful Torridge Valley and home of Tarka the Otter and located within half an hour of Dartmoor National Park. Surrounded by woodland, the garden is rich in variety throughout every season and features inspiring planting displays enhanced by the natural beauty of Devon. One of the iconic attractions in this area which attracts a number of tourists.

A family-run park with a genuine passion for encouraging respect for animals and the natural world around them. Home to an abundance of exotic and indigenous wildlife and the very latest in Dinosaur animatronics. You can meet the wonderful Meerkats, Primates, Reptiles, Lions, Sea Lions and the largest pack of Hudson Bay Wolves in the UK.

Exmoor Zoo is different, neither a wildlife park or a city zoo, but a more friendly and contact orientated zoo that has grown into the North Devon countryside. Exmoor Zoo cares for 175 species of animals, birds and reptiles. Many extremely rare captive species are exhibited such as singing dogs, fanaloka, rusty-spotted cats, and yellow-throated martens.

Hartland Abbey is a comfortable Georgian manor house, built upon the foundations of a 12th-century monastery. It has been in the same family since 1547. visitors can experience the stunning interiors, collections, beautiful gardens and walks but the Abbey exudes the warmth and friendliness only found in a family home cherished for generations. Close family connections to Poltimore House and Clovelly Court nearby are evident.

One of the most popular waterfalls in North Devon, which was located in a stunningly beautiful area of hanging valleys and high cliffs, where seabirds swoop and wildflowers flourish on the clifftops. The waterfall plunges 157 feet (48 meters) in three steps, from the edge of the cliffs to the rocky beach below. From aside, at the top of the waterfall, you will have an amazing view of three major stages with a total drop of 48 meters. Very impressive to see.

The River Heddon is a river in Devon, in the south of England. Running along the western edges of Exmoor, the river reaches the North Devon coast at Heddon's Mouth. It was renowned for its natural environment, with bridges and stepping stones along the river, meadows, and walks that start from the National Trust shop.

Heddon's Mouth is the rocky cove Set on the rugged North Devon coast between Combe Martin and Lynton. The beach here is made up of medium-sized rounded rocks, like super-sized pebbles. The river runs down the middle of the beach and to either side cliffs rise up. In previous times it was a popular venue for smugglers but is now a popular destination for ramblers.