Where Is North Devon? Boundaries, Towns & Visitor Highlights

Geographic Boundaries

• South limit: Approximate line from **Barnstaple → Tiverton** (A361/A377 corridor).
• North: Bristol Channel coast (Bideford Bay → Morte Point → Woolacombe → Combe Martin).
• West: Cornwall border (near Kilkhampton / Bude).
• East: Exmoor National Park boundary (Somerset).

Main Towns & Villages

Visitor Draws

• Exmoor National Park (shared with Somerset) – dark skies, red deer, Tarka Trail cycling.
• North Devon Coast AONB – 60 miles of cliffs, coves, dunes, SW Coast Path.
• Surfing: Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe, Putsborough – consistent Atlantic swell.
• Clovelly (Torridge) – private, car-free cobbled village, 14th-century harbor.
• RHS Garden Rosemoor (Torrington) – 65 acres, year-round interest.

Access

• Rail: Tarka Line (Exeter → Barnstaple, hourly).
• Road: M5 → A361 (North Devon Link) → Barnstaple (2h 45m from Bristol).
• Air: Exeter (EXT) 45 min; Newquay (NQY) 1h 15m.

North Devon = **wild coast, rolling moor, market towns, surf culture**—distinct from the "English Riviera" south coast.