20 Attractions to Explore Near Heddon's Mouth

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.

This fascinating valley is a U-shaped dry valley that is parallel to the sea. It lies about ½ mile to the west of Lynton. It is a popular tourist destination, noted for its herd of feral goats, and for its landscape and geology.

It is the highest and the steepest totally water-powered railway in the world which was opened in 1890. The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth providing stunning coastal views that will be the highlight of any visit. This working heritage railway is grade II listed, the UK's only fully water-powered railway and one of just three examples left in the World!

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.

Watersmeet House is a former fishing lodge located near Lynmouth and used today as an information center, tea room, and shop by the National Trust, who have owned it since 1996. It stands at the bottom of a deep gorge at the confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water. The house itself lies on the east bank of the river in the civil parish of Brendon and Countisbury, although the other bank is in Lynton and Lynmouth parish.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

A beautiful little church dedicated to the 7th century Welsh saint, Beuno. The church can only seat about 30 people at any one time, and even that’s a tight squeeze! The original name was Kitnor – meaning ‘hillslope frequented by kites’. The church boasts a Saxon font and carved head that is part-cat, part-man on the north window.

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.

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.

Exmoor is an amazing place, with a different world-class view around every footpath corner Whether your idea of fun is an ultra marathon on the highest cliffs in England or a cream tea by the side of a babbling brook, then Exmoor is the place to be. Exmoor has 34 mi of dramatic coastline, including the highest sea cliffs in England. The South West Coast Path passes along these cliffs and was voted Britain's favourite trail in 2006.

Quince Honey Farm in South Molton is a family run business which was first established in 1949. Now in its third generation and with over 1500 hives, they are always refining new beekeeping techniques and growing in knowledge.

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.

Bossington Beach is an interesting place to explore. Behind the beach is a unique marshland ecosystem which attracts numerous rare species of bird and insect. The beach and the surrounding landscape is a very interesting place, where the shingle acts as a barrier to the adjacent marshland and a number of rare bird and insect species live behind this natural wall.

Dunkery Beacon is a really tough climb from the village of Porlock towards the top of Exmoor. It has a chain of summits capped with Bronze Age barrows and is Exmoor's highest point at 1,705ft. An ideal site for school groups with amazing views overlooking Devon and Somerset and across to Wales.