Welcome to North Devon and to EX33 (our beautiful postcode)
You have chosen a truly amazing place to visit. EX33 contains the Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve, the Tarka Trail, The South West Coast Path, 3 beaches, 3 headlands, an estuary and 15 miles of diverse coastline. We are part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as you spend time here you will see why. There is also a wealth of talent in this beautiful part of the country and you will see superb artists at work, wonderful musicians playing in local pubs and venues as well as view the incredible landscape through some stunning photographs. All in all it is safe to say that EX33 is a very special place indeed! It’s not all surfing and sandcastles...
We play host to a significant part of the North Devon World Biosphere Reserve. There are only 400 World Biosphere Reserves in the world, and this is the only one of its type in the UK! Our coast and sea are of enormous importance attracting wide, diverse and sometimes unique creatures and habitat. Whilst walking around EX33 and North Devon as a whole it’s always worth keeping your eyes peeled for a porpoise, dolphin, basking shark or even a whale! At the heart of EX33 and at the heart of the Biosphere reserve is Braunton Burrows (also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, SSSI), one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain. The burrows are home to a myriad of rare and beautiful species of plants and wildlife. That’s not all it has been home for, if you look carefully you can see evidence of use of the burrows by American troops during World War 2, who practised here for the Normandy landings.
Just around the corner is Braunton Marshes. Braunton marsh was reclaimed from the sea in the 19th Century and plays host to a staggering array of wildlife and plants. You can also see a beautifully restored shelter with a perfectly thatched roof!
The famous Tarka Trail (which begins in Braunton), and sections of the South West Coast Path weave their way through EX33 and allow visitors to see it’s beauty and enjoy it close up by bike or on foot. The Tarka Trail shares some of it’s route with the South West Coast path which where possible hugs the North Devon Coastline. Just finding and following a Coast Path walk will reward you with a glimpse of what a stunning part of the world you have visited.
Braunton is arguably Britain's largest village and can provide you with all that you need whilst you visit us. Find information in the Countryside Centre and the Braunton Museum (both in the main car park), stock up on holiday clothes, buy daily provisions, get a take away or eat in - we really do have all you will need right here in EX33.
as well as private steps leading directly to Combesgate beach, we are the perfect coastal retreat.
We are open daily to non-residents, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as morning coffee, afternoon tea or just drinks. If you are looking to indulge in some coastal relaxation then our spa experiences are just for you.
For more information please contact us on 01271870333 or visit our website www.watersmeethotel.co.uk
Our hotel APP is also available by scanning the QR code.
Please mention The EX33 Visitor Guide when responding to adverts
Please mention The EX33 Visitor Guide when responding to adverts
We are lucky enough to have the Tarka Trail on our doorstep in Braunton. The trail is named after Henry Williamson who wrote ‘Tarka the Otter’ from his home in Georgeham. Many of the locations along the trail are featured in his book.
From the Braunton Town Centre car park you will see signs for the Tarka Trail and these will guide you on your way to a gentle level cycle, punctuated by beautiful scenery and very welcome eateries along its route. It is worth remembering that pedestrians have right of way so please be respectful of those walking on the Tarka Trail and use your bell to alert them to your presence. You can head out towards Barnstaple and beyond sticking to the Tarka Trail for miles of traffic free, safe cycling. You may choose to head towards the Braunton Marshes and onto the Burrows where the Tarka Trail blends with quiet local roads and the South West Coast Path. If you have brought your own bike be sure that it is well serviced and carry any repair kits that you may need. Even though cycling around the Tarka Trail and Coast Path is considered safe and generally traffic free, it is advisable to wear protective headgear and essential for any children who are cycling with you.
Here are a few ideas on cycle routes…
Riverside Route…
This interesting and scenic route follows the left hand bank of the Taw Estuary from Braunton to Barnstaple (6.5miles):
* Join the Tarka Trail at its source near the main Braunton Car Park
* Have a cooling drink or a meal at Heanton Court - (2.5miles).
* Watch the Herons and other wildlife on the riverbank from the “hide” at Ashford(3 miles).
* Spend an hour or two in the regions main shopping centre of Barnstaple. Countryside route to Crow Point and the Burrows…
Ideal for a picnic or just to admire the scenery and wildlife - or a trip to the beach. A must for the kids. (3.5 miles).
* Picnic on the raised riverbank.
* Watch the boats and barges.
* Watch swans with their signets, moorhens and a wide variety of other birds.
* Enjoy the nature conservation area of the Braunton Burrows and Great Field.
* Tickle the Tadpoles.
Day trip for the more adventurous… (not for the very young or faint at heart)
Follow the Riverside route from Braunton to Barnstaple (6.5 miles). Cross the new bridge and join the second part of the Tarka Trail down the opposite bank of the Taw estuary as far as Instow and then along the Torridge estuary to the old market town of Bideford.
* Stop and rest, enjoy the view at the Fremington Quay and creek, explore the lime kilns, skim stones off Penhill point (9.5 miles).
* Have a picnic lunch on the foreshore of Yelland, numerous river and sea birds to watch (10.5 miles).
* Have a drink at Instow or just paddle in the sea. How about an ice cream? (12.5 miles).
* Visit the old market town of Bideford. Cross the old bridge or take a photo of the new one, or just sit on the Quay and daydream (15.5 miles).
* Explore the upper reaches of the river Torridge as far as the old Torrington Railway Station - now the Puffing Billy restaurant - true Tarka country (21 miles).
Road and Race Cycling for the more experienced
The area has hundreds of miles of scenic road networks that take in coast, moor, hill and flat.
EX33 contains the Braunton Burrows Biosphere Reserve, the Tarka Trail, The South West Coast Path, 3 beaches, 3 headlands, an estuary and 15 miles of diverse coastline. Walking in the area is interesting and varied and these pages will help you get the most from the area. Please be advised that these are suggestions only and should not be relied upon. Specialist walking publications are available locally with precise information in them. Don’t stray from the main paths on the Burrows. If the sea mist comes in or you lose the light you could be lost for days! If a walk takes you onto the shore be aware of the direction of the tides to avoid getting cut off.
How to Prepare for your walk…
It is very wise to be aware of the weather if you are going to be walking in any capacity. Be especially aware of taking hats and loose clothing to cover up in the sun, a protective sun cream is also a good idea. Take plenty of fluids and if possible let someone know where you are going.
Walking for any distance requires supportive shoes or boots that are comfortable. If you are going on an especially scenic walk or cycle consider taking binoculars and of course have your camera on hand. If taking children consider their limitations and plan accordingly - it’s you who has to pick them up if they can’t walk another step!! If you have a dog with you check the signs (if there are any) at the start of your walk and on route to see if they are allowed. Always keep them on a lead or under close control. Please be responsible for your dogs mess, pick it up and dispose of it appropriately (don’t leave it in a plastic bag by the side of the path - find a bin and use it or take the mess home).
Here are a few ideas of strolls and walks you might like to try…
Walk on Baggy Point and beyond… (between 1 and 5 miles)
Croyde village is snugly located between two headland points, Down End and Baggy Point. Baggy Point is by far the most dramatic and is owned and managed by the National Trust. There is a National Trust car park situated right at the beginning of this walk with a fantastic café adjacent, offering some of the most spectacular views of the sea in Croyde. Simply walk out towards Baggy Point on the footpath provided and you will be treated to a breathtaking taste of North Devon’s scenery, looking out to Saunton Beach and Croyde Bay and to Lundy Island. You can turn around at the end and come back over the ridge of Baggy Point or you can continue around the headland (via the look out pole) and see the coast line open up before you. After about half a mile cross the farmland following the signs back to the National Trust Car Park. If you are feeling a little more energetic you can continue to Putsborough where there is also a car park and shop / café from which you can enjoy a snack and something to eat at the beach shop before you head back to the car.
Get a taxi to Woolacombe and walk back! (between 5 and 9 miles)
The first 2 miles of this walk are on the award winning Woolacombe and Putsborough beach. On arrival at Putsborough you can either walk around Baggy point or take the inland path back to Croyde. From Croyde you can then opt for the coast or hilltop route to Saunton, or simply relax in Croyde for the rest of the day. Those staying in Braunton can continue back but it’s not advisable for children as the last few miles are on a windy road bereft of pavements!
Walk around Chapel Wood… (less than a mile)
Chapel Wood is owned and managed by the RSPB after the land was bequeathed to them. This is a lovely ¾ mile circular walk and is brilliant for children as it is fairly short and depending on your pace, quick. Please remember though that respect must be shown for the nesting birds and the ancient ruined chapel. There are a couple of steep inclines and declines so beware if you have dodgy knees!
It is called Chapel Wood owing to it being the site of an ancient chapel once built to serve the near by manor house. The walk is through the woodland and would be of interest to bird lovers. Head for the village of Spreacombe and once in the village keep a look out for a wooden five bar gate with an RSPB Nature Reserve sign displayed. Parking is on the road near the gate. Go through the first and second gate and head left across the field to the wood.
Saunton To Crow Point and Back (between 7 and 11 miles)
This is the longest of our suggested walks but is well worth the effort. Park at Saunton Beach and walk back up the drive towards the main road. Pick up the coast path and walk out towards Braunton Burrows through our Championship Golf Course. Mind your heads! Continue winding your way across the Burrows passing the big dune on the right. From here you can take the sand track to the right of the big dune and head to the beach. For a longer walk carry on towards Crow Point. On arrival at the estuary side of Crow Point you can either take the boardwalk to the beach, walk a little way around the estuary and cross the dune level with the old boat or carry on around the point itself. Either option you chose will bring you back to the main beach. Turn right at the beach and walk back to Saunton.
Walk from Braunton (or Crow Point Car Park) to Crow Point (between 4 and 10 miles)
From the centre of Braunton follow Tarka Trail signs to Velator Quay. Walk along the Quay towards the Braunton Marshes and the Toll road leading to Crow Point. Walk along the Toll road and out over the boardwalk to the beach. You can simply turn back here or you can go left around Crow Point (past the most photographed boat in the country) back to the toll road or right and walk any length along Saunton Beach. This can turn into a hefty walk so be aware of turning back before you get too tired! You can of course drive down the Toll road (only a small charge) and park at the end. Simply walk from the car and this would still be a marvellous walk with lovely views. This is also a good picnic spot.
Georgeham is a village and civil parish near Croyde. Georgeham is an historic village lying close to some of the most dramatic beaches of the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which are flanked by the rocky headlands of Baggy Point and Saunton Down, although there are no views of the sea or coastline from the village itself.
The character of the village is typically rural. The majority of the historic development in the village is east and south-west of the church. The village is also characterized by thatched cottages arranged in an irregular fashion along narrow lanes. There is a Victorian village school, a medieval church and two 17th Century public houses, one in the middle of the village, The King's Arms, and another one up a small lane, The Rock.
The hamlets of Cross and Forda lie between Georgeham and Croyde. Pickwell is part of the parish and lies between Georgeham and Putsborough
Georgeham was first documented in the Domesday Book, where it appears under the name Hama. The village's current name, which first appeared in 1535, followed the dedication of St George's church, the parish church, to Saint George. Prior to 1535, the village was also referred to as Ham St. George and George Ham.
The artist Margaret Kemp-Welch lived in the village during the 1920s and 1930s and painted a mural in the parish church.
After serving in the First World War, Henry Williamson lived in the village from 1921; in Skirr Cottage he wrote his first published work, The Beautiful Years, as well as his most celebrated work, Tarka the Otter His grave lies in the village churchyard.
Barnstaple is the main town of North Devon. From the 14th century, it was licensed to export wool, since the merchants claimed that the town had been declared a free borough in Saxon times. This brought great wealth to Barnstaple, whose town centre still preserves a medieval layout and character. Later the town became an importer of Irish wool, but its harbour silted up, and it developed other industries, such as shipbuilding, foundries and sawmills. Its Victorian market survives, with its high glass and timber roof on iron columns. Barnstaple railway station is the terminus of a branch line from Exeter, known as the Tarka Line
North Devon is some distance from the UK's traditional areas of industrial activity and population. In the late 1970s Barnstaple gained a number of industrial companies due to the availability of central government grants for the construction of factories and their operation on low or zero levels of local taxation. This was only partially successful, with few of these lasting more than the few years that grants were available. The most lasting consequence for the town was the development and expansion of the industrial estates at Seven Brethren, Whiddon Valley and Pottington.
Whilst the 1989 opening of the improved A361 connection to the motorway network helped in some ways to promote trade, notably weekend tourism, it had a detrimental effect on a number of distribution businesses. The latter had previously viewed the town as a base for local distribution networks, a need that was removed with an approximate halving of travelling time to the M5 motorway
Because Barnstaple is the main shopping area for North Devon, retail work is a contributor to the economy. There are many generic chain stores in the town centre and in the Roundswell Business Park, on the western fringe of the town. However, by far the largest employer in the region is local and central Government. The two main government employers in the area are the Royal Marines Base Chivenor, 3 miles west of the town, and North Devon District Hospital, 1 mile to the north.
Barnstaple has been the major market for North Devon since Saxon times. Demands for health regulation of its food market in Victorian times saw the construction in 1855 to 1856 of the town's Pannier Market, originally known as the Vegetable Market and designed by local architect R. D. Gould. The building has a high glass and timber roof on iron columns. At 107 yards (98 m) long, it runs the length of Butchers' Row. Market days are Monday – Crafts and General (April to December), Tuesday – General and Produce (all year), Wednesday – Arts Collectables and Books (all year), Thursday – Crafts and General (all year), Friday – General and Produce (all year), and Saturday –General and Produce (all year).
Built on the other side of the street at the same time as the Pannier Market, Butchers' Row consists of ten shops with pilasters of Bath Stone, and wrought iron supports to an overhanging roof.
The village is reputed to be the largest in the country and around 10,000 people live here. The village has grown and spread in recent years and now has three primary schools and one secondary school – Braunton Academy. It hasn’t always been as large as this though; in living memory there were just seven streets in Braunton, each of which had farms. Farming and shipping were the two industries that sustained Braunton from medieval times right through to the second World War. Since then however, life in Braunton has begun to change. Since Braunton’s very earliest days, the village has relied heavily on farming.
The Great Field
Braunton’s Great Field is one of its finest assets and, although it has always been prized as an almost miraculously fertile area that ‘teemed with incessant crops surviving medieval open strip field systems in England. Such fields were the norm for our ancestors but virtually all were sacrificed in the name of development. The surviving Great Field is special indeed and it is said that to walk on land that has seen such little change for so many years is to walk into the medieval past. The Great Field today is smaller than it used to be but even so covers an area of more than 200 football pitches.
It is farmed by a small number of farmers now but began life very differently, with a vast number of landworkers toiling there every day to grow enough food to support their families.
Shipping
Braunton’s early success also relied heavily on shipping. Braunton’s links with the sea were as strong as those at the better across the Estuary. In January 1853, Braunton Pill (where the River Caen and Knowle Water meet, before flowing out to sea) was straightened, to allow larger ships up the river than had hitherto been possible. The next twenty years saw the new Velator Quay boom and a phenomenal variety of cargoes passed through Velator, including coal, iron ore from the local mines, gravel, scrap iron, railway sleepers, pit props, salt and other minerals, manure, vegetables and cereals from the Great Field – to name just some.
The railway
Shipping was then the only method of transporting large cargoes but the coming of the railway effectively caused Velator Quay to decline. Many goods left Braunton by rail, bound for markets all over the country and one major export was flowers 1969 – which were sent to Covent Garden market in London. Nowadays, Brauntonians enjoy a fast pace of life with all the comforts and luxuries that modern times afford.
Good surf
The quality of local surf means that surf shops abound and help to maintain a balance of ages and interests within the local population.
Innovative businesses
In addition, there are many innovative, emerging businesses based in the village, as well as an impressive selection of traditional shops such as butchers, bakers, greengrocers, florists, hardware shops and stationers.
History began for Saunton Sands Hotel - a gorgeous art deco hotel when it was opened in 1933 by Sir John Christie, who also built the Glyndebourne opera house. The arrival of the railways had boosted tourism in Devon and the hotel was served by the Ilfracombe line, which ran through Braunton. Since then, Saunton Sands has operated continuously as a hotel, apart from a brief interlude during the Second World War, when it was requisitioned to house the Duke of York Military School.
The founder of Brend Hotels, Percy Brend, spent many wonderful days at Saunton Sands with his future wife Florence when they were courting in the 1920s, and they both loved the place with a passion. They watched the hotel being built and Percy promised Florence he would buy the hotel for her one day. Many years later in 1977, Percy Brend fulfilled that dream when he purchased the Saunton Sands Hotel. By this time, the hotel had fallen into disrepair so Percy and the Brend family set about refurbishing it to return it to its original glory. Today, the hotel has a reputation as the leading luxury hotel on the North Devon coast.
Saunton Sands Hotel overlooks the beach at the northern end. This is cordoned off a few times a year and the beach used as an air strip for military transport planes, to practice offs. Saunton Sands was used as a location for the 1946 and Death (sometimes called Stairway to Heaven), and can be seen where David Niven's character is washed up on the beach after he jumps from his plane without a parachute
It was a major location for the 1978 horror film The Shout, along with the adjacent Braunton Burrows
The beach was used as a location for the Second World War Anzio landings scenes in the 1982 Pink Floyd film The Wall and as the backdrop for over 700 wrought iron hospital beds on the cover of the band's 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason
Saunton Sands also doubled for the Normandy beaches in 2014's movie Edge of Tomorrow.
In the late 1990s the beach was used for the video for the Robbie Williams song "Angels". In 2013 it was used again for the video for the Olly Murs song "Hand on Heart".
The BBC One series A Very English Scandal filmed scenes as Saunton Sands to depict a California beach, complete with digitally-rendered palm trees, where the character of Peter Bessell (Alex Jennings) lives.
Croyde is a village on the west-facing coastline. The village lies on the South West Coast Path near to Baggy Point, which is owned by the National Trust. It lies within the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Croyde village and its beach faces the Atlantic Ocean near the western limit of the Bristol Channel.
Croyde Stream runs through the village, eventually leading to the beach. The centre of the village is roughly at the intersection of Hobbes' Hill, Jones' Hill and St. Mary's Road. At this spot, Croyde Bridge carries the road over the stream.
The village has several small campsites, a small retail area and two large holiday parks.
The past 30 years has seen large increases in younger-age visitors develop around surfing. The impact of tourism on the village has been varied. Some local landowners have benefited from the increased property prices. Tourism has helped to create jobs that were lost in agriculture. Local farming has declined, with former farmland converted into caravan sites and fields for seasonal camping. Like many seaside villages, the phenomenon of second homes has pushed house prices beyond the reach of most local people. There is little year-round employment, because tourism is seasonal, and most businesses are closed out of season.
The sandy 800m beach lies at the back of the sheltered Croyde Bay. A large dune system has formed past the high-tide mark. Sand underlies the land surface between the beach and the centre of Croyde village, 600 yards to the east. The beach forms the middle section of a trio of sandy beaches north of the Taw Estuary. Three-and-three-quarter-mile-long Saunton Sands is 2⁄3 mile to the south, and 1.8mile-long Woolacombe Sands, divided into Putsborough and Woolacombe beaches, is 0.93 miles to the north.
Croyde is used for surfing; the rides are generally short as the waves tend to pitch up and break quickly. The beach is also steeper than either Woolacombe, Putsborough or Saunton Sands. Due to this, rip currents are extremely strong especially near the rocks at either end of the beach and at low tide, even when there is only a small swell. These currents present danger to the strongest of swimmers. Any bathing should be done within the lifeguard-patrolled area.
Croyde hosts an annual surfing and music festival (GoldCoast Oceanfest) on the weekend closest to the summer solstice
ALWAYS READ BEACH NOTICES ON ARRIVAL AS AMENDMENTS ARE MADE FROM TIME TO TIME
Be Safe on the beach…
- Adults should supervise children at all times especially near water.
- Keep an eye on tides and don’t get trapped by rising water.
- Don’t climb on cliffs or high rocky areas.
- Know where your group is and look out for each other.
- Beware of sharp objects in the sand.
Be safe in the sun…
Be safe in the water…
- Never swim alone always go with someone.
- Leave swimming until an hour after food.
- Swim in the red/yellow flag zone.
- Swim in line with the shore and stay close to the beach.
- When surfing keep your board attached to your wrist/ankle and be considerate to others in the sea.
- Keep inflatables on the beach. They are not suitable in the sea and can be extremely dangerous.
- Cover up, put on a long sleeved top, wear a broad brimmed hat, use sun cream and reapply frequently, especially after being in the water.
- Be responsible for children’s skin - protect them in the sun.
- Drink plenty of water.
NORTH DEVON ANNOUNCED AS 12TH WORLD SURFING RESERVE
North Devon has become the 12th location from around the globe to be selected as a World Surfing Reserve, an international designation that recognises and celebrates the area’s outstanding quality surfing beaches and brings together the local community and experts in actions to protect them. The area has been recognized not only for its high quality and diversity of surf breaks, but also for the unique natural beauty of its surroundings, its deep-rooted and historic surf culture, and its importance to the wider community. North Devon joins an exclusive list of World Surfing Reserves that includes Malibu and Santa Cruz in California, Ericeira in Portugal, the Gold Coast, Manly and Noosa in Australia, Punta de Lobos in Chile, Huanchaco in Peru, Guarda do Embaú in Brazil, and Bahía de Todos Santos in Mexico.
Croyde is the surf capital of Devon and hosts the most high performance surfing in the country. The waves are particularly powerful around the low tide. Due to its popularity and high level of surfing standards, Croyde can be intimidating for the inexperienced surfer. The advantage of Croyde Bay however, is its ability to produce waves when all other beaches are flat.
Saunton Sands is the long stretch of sandy beach running from the headland south to the mouth of the river Taw. Its gentle sloping beach provides great beginner conditions with long rides. Like Croyde, it becomes very busy in the summer months but a short walk down the beach will offer a great escape from the crowds.
Putsborough is located at the southern end of Woolacombe beach and is protected by the imposing Baggy Point. This beach is a particularly good option when the other beaches are effected by winds. Try to avoid the lower tides as lack of water in the bay has a negative effect on the size of surf.
Putsborough is another great option for surfers with beginner or intermediate levels of ability.
Woolacombe is a two mile stretch of beach situated at the far end of Putsborough. This can be a good place to escape the crowds during the summer months. Tends to be smaller than Croyde and lacks the protection from the wind that other beaches offer. A great place to sit and watch the surfing action.
