A Guide to the Towns and Villages on North Devon (part I)

Appledore
The fishing village of Appledore was first settled in the 14th century by Cistercian monks and has been a thriving port ever since. In 1588 the village was granted ‘Free Port' in recognition of the vital role in played in the defeat of the Armarda, supplying ships and men to fight the Spanish. Today the sleepy village of narrow streets and fisherman's cottages plays host to a number of different festivals throughout the year and offer beautiful views of the river taw and the Bideford Estuary

Barnstaple
The ancient borough of Barnstaple (the oldest in the country) was first settled over 1,000 years ago by the Saxons. Today the town is the commercial centre of North Devon with a number of leading national stores as well as local and independent stores. The architecture of the town boasts a mixture of Medieval, Victorian and Georgian buildings and its floral displays are second to non after winning Britain in Bloom and World in Bloom.

Bideford
Bideford or the Little White Town as it is also known lies on the banks of the River Torridge. The town was the third largest port in Britain in the 16th century and still to this day has boats coming in and out including the MS Oldenburg which take people to the nearby island of Lundy. One of the landmarks of the town is the statue of writer Charles Kingsley one of the Bideford's most famous residents.

Braunton
Braunton is the largest village in all of Britain. The village is on the site of archaeological and natural importance with examples of medieval strip farming and the UK's largest expanse of sand dunes at Braunton Burrows with stretches an amazing 6km along the shore and 2km inland. Braunton is a popular stop with surfers with a number of surf shops selling everything a novice or expert could need.

Clovelly
Clovelly is perhaps one of the most famous villages in the country. The village is famous for its steep cobble stoned streets where donkeys once transport people and goods up from the quay to the cliff top. Today the village remains largely unspoilt and still retains its original old world charms.

Combe Martin
Combe Martin was once a prosperous harbour thanks to exporting of local strawberries and hemp. Today Combe Martin is a popular destination for tourists where its main street is said to be the longest in all of Britain at over 2 miles long. One of the town's most famous landmarks is the Pack of Cards Inn which was built in the 17th century by a landowner who used his winnings from a game of cards to build the inn. The inn has 4 floors, 13 rooms and 52 windows to represent a pack of cards.

Croyde
Croyde is an ancient village which dates back to pre Saxon times. The village is often regarded as one of the prettiest in Devon which it's many thatched chocolate boxed cottages. Coryde is a hugely popular destination for surfers and is regarded as one of the best surfing locations in the country.

This article was written on behalf of The Royal Woolacombe Hotel who are Hotel in North Devon providing accommodation for a Short Break in North Devon.