Backpacking the North Devon coast – activity and attraction ideas

There’s much to see and do in North Devon, especially along the coastal areas, and backpacking has been a popular way to travel this area for decades. Here we’ve compiled a list of attractions and activities that backpackers might want to include in their travel itinerary on their next trip along North Devon’s beautiful coastline.

Tunnels Beaches - Ilfracombe

One of the most stunning areas of the North Devon coast, the Tunnels Beaches at Ilfracombe are a must-see. These hand carved tunnels lead to a collection of beautiful sheltered beaches and a tidal Victorian bathing pool. Children will love the bathing pool and rock pools, there are kayaks for hire, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink too. The Tunnels Beaches are open all year round from 10am until 6pm, although dogs are not allowed during May to November.

Lundy Island and Marine Nature Reserve

This three and a half mile long island lies just off the coast of North Devon and is the perfect place to unwind. Unspoilt and blissfully peaceful, the island is home to one small village with its own inn, Victorian church and the 13th century Marisco castle. You can reach the island of Lundy courtesy of the island’s own boat, the MS Oldenburg, which can carry 267 passengers. Lundy Island’s dramatic landscape is home to a fascinating mixture of wildlife, and is a bird-spotter’s paradise – Lundy is Norse for ‘puffin island’ and there are plenty to be seen around the island’s cliffs. The seas around Lundy are the first English Marine Nature Reserve and you can spend the day diving and exploring an exciting mix of marine wildlife – from grey seals to dolphins too. Diving is available from April through to October and there are plenty of warm water areas where you’ll find some very rare sealife.

Ilfracombe Wildlife Coastal Cruises

All the family can explore the wildlife unique to this part of the country on a fun wildlife coastal cruise. There are a couple of cruises to choose from, both lasting around an hour and a half. You can head east to explore Exmoor and the coast’s nesting birds, or head west to explore the coastal lighthouses and enjoy some grey seal spotting. Cruises run from Ilfracombe from April through to November.

GoldCoast Oceanfest 2010 – Croyde

This annual festival held in the surfer’s paradise of Croyde has been running for the past 11 years on the midsummer weekend. Enjoy performances from over 25 bands, an Oceanside arena, food and drink from around the globe as well as surfing and skating events and workshops designed to encourage people to try new sports. A fun weekend out for all the family, this year GoldCoast runs from 18th to 20th June.

For your North Devon backpacking holiday, we recommend pre-booking your accommodation, especially during the summer months as the North Devon coast can become a busy place during the summer holidays and hostels can become especially busy.

Remember to take a backpack that gives you good back support, as well as any travel documents you might have, and medication that you might need. Carrying cash around with you is not a good idea, and a credit or debit card will be safer – there are plenty of ATMs around the North Devon coast where you can withdraw money when you need it. It can help to set up an online bank account or telephone banking before your trip to make it easier to keep tabs on your spending without having to find a local bank. Most major banks, including the Alliance & Leicester now have a range of savings and current accounts that you can manage online or via telephone.