Welcome to gorgeous North Devon: a picturesque haven nestled in the southwest of England! Known for its stunning landscapes, charming coastal towns, and abundance of things to see and do, including activity centres, breathtaking walks and lots of exciting activities within The Mole. Plus, from your comfortable location at The Mole Resort, you’re in the perfect location to explore the rest of the delightful North Devon!
Nature lovers will find themselves in paradise in North Devon with neighbouring Exmoor and Dartmoor nearby. In fact, Exmoor National Park is a designated Dark Sky Reserve with unspoiled landscapes. Hike through the ancient woodlands and spot the charming wild ponies roaming freely.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to explore nature's wonders, this charming and beautiful region we call our home has something to offer everybody.
Beaches
Visit the local rugged cliffs of Hartland Quay (1 hours drive) or pop down to the golden sandy beaches of Woolacombe (55 min drive) and Saunton Sands (45 min drive) to soak up the sun. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the South West Coast Path, offering awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean found nowhere else in the UK.
National Parks
Near us, we are lucky to have the outstanding Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. Dartmoor National Park offers a diverse landscape of rugged moorlands and ancient woodlands, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure surrounded by incredible scenery. Exmoor National Park, on the other hand, boasts picturesque valleys, dramatic cliffs, and open hills: a true haven for hikers. Both parks offer a unique blend of stunning scenery and rich wildlife. The Mole Resort in Devon is fortunate to be situated in close proximity to both parks, with easy access via car. Dartmoor National Park is approximately a 30-minute drive away and Exmoor National Park is approximately an hour's drive away!
Water Sports
There are several water sports activity centres within North Devon, catering to different interests and skill levels. Whether you're into surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just having some silly fun with the kids, these centres provide the perfect opportunity to indulge in the great weather and charming coastline! From The Mole, you can reach several of Devon’s water sports activity centres in just under an hour, including Skern Lodge and Ultimate Adventure North Devon.
Amusement Parks
Just an hour from us you’ll find Crealy Theme Park & Resort, located near Exeter. Crealy boasts a range of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, water slides, and adventure playgrounds, creating the perfect day out for all ages! Slightly closer (40-minute drive) is The Big Sheep, a unique amusement park in Bideford that combines farmyard fun with exciting rides and entertainment such as rollercoasters and laser-quest style games.
Attractions and days out
In North Devon
Hartland Abbey - 30 miles / 1 hour 6 mins drive.
Hartland Abbey is a historic gem nestled in the picturesque countryside of North Devon. This stately home and gardens offer visitors a glimpse into centuries of rich history and architectural splendour, as well as exquisite art collections, and beautifully maintained interiors to marvel at. The surrounding gardens and woodland trails provide a serene escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature for a day out in a truly breathtaking location. Hartland Abbey is located in the heart of Hartland Peninsula, just 30 miles from The Mole, making for a convenient and relaxing day out in North Devon.
Crealy Theme Park - 40 miles / 1 hour 2 mins drive.
As mentioned above, Crealy Theme Park is a fantastic spot to take the kids when visiting The Mole. Just 40 miles away, Crealy Theme Park offers a thrilling and vibrant day out. The park is filled with a wide range of exhilarating rides, including roller coasters, water slides, and so much more! You’ll absolutely find something to get your heart racing. In addition to the rides, Crealy also features live entertainment, interactive shows, and a variety of themed areas to explore with the kids in tow.
The perfect exciting day out, especially when the weather is fantastic, you’ll enjoy everything at Crealy. And after an exciting day out, head back to your home away from home for a relaxing evening in your private hot tub.
Ultimate Adventure Centre - 18 miles / 44 min drive.
Ultimate Adventure Centre can be found in Bideford, just 18 miles from The Mole. The centre is an exhilarating destination, perfect for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers looking to enjoy the action and adventure available across Devon. From high ropes courses and zip lines to kayaking, mountain biking, and coasteering, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Ultimate Adventure! The centre is known for its professional instructors who ensure an exciting but knowledgeable experience for every member of the family to enjoy.
Take on the high ropes, strap on your safety harness and get properly stuck into a day of excitement and adventure when you visit!
Hartland Quay - 32 miles / 1 hour 7 min drive.
A captivating and rugged coastal destination nestled along the dramatic Hartland Peninsula, Hartland Quay offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding stunning cliffs. Just over an hour's drive from our location at The Mole, visitors to Hartland Quay can enjoy the rugged coastline, discover hidden coves, and take in the raw natural beauty of the area. The quay itself holds historical significance, with remnants of its maritime past still visible. The nearby Hartland Point Lighthouse adds to the characterful coastal charm and provides a great vantage point for observing the crashing waves!
The beach is made of rocks and pebbles, perfect for some rock collecting and exploration within little crevices. Finish your day of fun with some lunch or dinner nearby and then head back home to us at The Mole for a relaxing evening inside your private hot tub.
Instow (dog-friendly) Beach - 19 miles / 39 minutes
Instow Beach is a picturesque coastal gem, situated at the confluence of the rivers Taw and Torridge. This charming beach offers stunning panoramic views of the estuary and the surrounding countryside. Instow Beach is known for its vast stretch of golden sand, perfect for leisurely walks, enjoying ocean-side ice cream and building sandcastles in the sun! The beach is also dog friendly, meaning every member of the family can enjoy the wonders of Instow. The calm waters and gentle tides also make it an ideal spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and some splashing about.
The beach is also flanked by quaint cafes, restaurants, and charming shops, offering a delightful seaside experience in sunny Devon. Just a 40-minute drive away from us at The Mole, you’ll find Instow to be the perfect day out catching some Devonshire sunshine.
Exmoor Zoo - 19 miles / 37 minutes.
Found in beautiful Exmoor, Exmoor Zoo offers everything from big cats and primates to reptiles and birds. Bring the whole family along to Exmoor Zoo and learn about a fascinating array of creatures. You’ll be able to learn about conservation efforts, attend interactive animal talks, and even participate in animal encounters, getting a chance to get up close and personal with some of the zoo's residents.
The zoo is just a short 37-minute drive from us at The Mole and will provide you with a fabulous day out for big and little ones. The zoo offers a truly exciting day out everyone will be pleased with.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway - 25 miles / 54 min drive.
Another charming attraction of North Devon: the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a quirky and historic attraction just under an hour's drive from us at The Mole. This unique water-powered funicular railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, offering a scenic and memorable journey between the two. The railway dates back to 1890 and is an engineering marvel, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal cliffs and the picturesque Lynmouth Bay. The railway provides a convenient and enjoyable way to explore both towns, with their shops, cafes, and respective gorgeous walks in close proximity providing an abundant day out in the towns.
This truly is an unmissable activity to do in Devon as it provides gorgeous views, a unique trip on a water-powered railway, and of course, you get to see more of Devon.
Ilfracombe Aquarium - 26 miles / 57 min drive.
Devon is home to so many incredible things and you’ll find something to do all year round. Ilfracombe Aquarium is a great little spot to visit when visiting Ilfracombe. The aquarium showcases a diverse array of marine life, from colourful tropical fish to mesmerizing jellyfish and even some sharks. It offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of the ocean up close within touching distance. With informative exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging feeding sessions, the aquarium will treat you to a myriad of information about marine conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans.
Wider Ilfracombe also boasts lots of charming and characterful little cafes, restaurants and shops, perfect for spending the day mooching around and exploring at your own pace. The coastal charm of Devon is truly abundant in beautiful Ilfracombe.
Visit Us in North Devon
As you can see, North Devon truly offers a little bit of everything for every member of the family (including the dog), and our private slice of heaven at The Mole provides you with the perfect base location to enjoy the rest of Devon and its abundance of activities.
Join us at The Mole for a charming stay, active days and relaxing evenings spent in your own private eco-conscious lodge, before retiring to your personal hot tub for a countryside break you won’t forget.