The sun is shining here in Ilfracombe. What better reason could we possibly have to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Atlantic Coast than with a delicious picnic filled with locally made delights? We might even be tempted to a little bottle of fizz to enjoy too!
Beautiful picnic spots in North Devon that you won’t want to miss on your visit.
With sunny summer days in mind, we’ve put together our list of our favourite picnic spots in North Devon. Each location has been tried, tested and enjoyed by at least one of the team here at The Carlton Hotel. This means that we can be absolutely sure we’re recommending only truly breathtaking destinations for you to enjoy at the height of summer.
The South West Coast Path
Here in Ilfracombe we are perfectly positioned on the South West Coast Path. Nestled between the Atlantic coast and Exmoor National Park we have dramatic sea views to one side and vast rolling countryside to the other.
Now, what better picnic spots in North Devon than the beautiful sunny stops along the South West Coast Path?
Leave The Carlton Hotel in the morning and walk in whichever direction takes your fancy. Be adventurous and get slightly off the beaten path and you are sure to find the perfect secret spot.
Bicclescombe Park
Beautiful Bicclescombe Park is but a mile away from Ilfracombe town centre. Well worth the stroll, it’s situated at the bottom of a valley with Wilderbrook stream trickling through.
For those who want to enjoy their picnic as part of a day out, Bicclescombe is an excellent choice. Within the grounds are beautiful planted boarders, boat lake, duck pond, mill leat and wheel, tennis courts, play area and sensory garden.
Relax with a picnic by the stream and enjoy the calming water running by.
Capstone Hill
Capstone Hill offers beautiful scenery perfect for any picnic. It is situated between Ilfracombe Harbour and the Landmark Theatre. We love it, even on the chilliest of day it’s worth getting out to enjoy.
For guests who love walking, Capstone Hill forms part of the South West Coast Path – yes we’ve already mentioned the coast path, but our list just wouldn’t be complete without Capstone Hill!
Local tip: enjoy Capstone Hill at sunset for the perfect picnic with a view!
Tunnels Beaches
Tunnels Beaches is a truly stunning picnic spot in North Devon.
With a unique walk through the tunnels, rugged coastal scenery, a beach to enjoy and the Atlantic Ocean to dip your feet in… Tunnels Beaches will mark itself in your memory.
Local tip: Tunnels Beaches is rich in wildlife, it’s worth bringing the binoculars.
A Warm Welcome Awaits You
Whether you’re visiting North Devon for a day out or treating yourself to a break away from the hustle and bustle, The Carlton Hotel is a must on your visit. We’d love you to stop by and say hello!
For day visitors, our bar and brasserie offer mouth watering treats. Book your table and end your trip to North Devon with a relaxing, lovingly prepared meal made of only the finest locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re here to stay for a well deserved getaway, then let us look after you in style. Request a newly refurbished room when you book and enjoy luxury throughout your stay.
From the rolling moors and forests, to beautiful lakes and rivers, and not forgetting our award-winning beaches, you won’t want for more breathtaking, varied scenery than North Devon has to offer. North Devon summers just beg for new visitors, and one of the best experiences you can have it to enjoy an outdoor picnic and soak in the wonderful, warm weather and lush scenery the land has to offer. Not sure where to lay down your checked blanket first? Here is an insider’s guide to the best picnic spots in all of North Devon.
Watermouth Bay – North Devon
Watermouth Cove offers a sheltered harbour perfect for an early afternoon picnic. Make sure you bring along your camera, as the Cove offers beautiful views of picturesque waters and a variety of boats, who come to moor at the harbour. Have a fisherman in your company? They’ll love this spot, as the waters offer many rare species of marine life.
Instow Beach – North Devon
In want of a more romantic adventure? Consider Instow Beach your go-to spot for a romantic picnic. Make sure to visit shortly before sunset and curl up with a loved one and watch one of the most glorious sunsets, as the colors play across the waterfront and boats off in the distance. Forget about packing dessert, and take a short walk to Hocking’s for ice cream that is out of this world!
Wistlandpound – North Devon
Wistlandpound Reservoir is perfect for all nature lovers and those wanting to take a break from the hustle and bustle of their normal day-to-day. This large peaceful lake will inspire you to appreciate the calm and quite, and we encourage you to wander through the conifers while you work up an appetite.
Eggesford Forest – North Devon
There is no better way to enjoy the woodlands than to lace up your sneakers and hit the trails and paths that Eggesford Forest has to offer. Hilltown Wood carpark offers a nice picnic area where you can rest your legs after your walking adventure.
Exmoor National Park – North Devon
Whether you’re looking to explore the ancient wooded valleys and moorlands or look out across the water, the Exmoor National Park offers it all. Pack enough food for the day and set out picnicking across the entire park. If you want a really stunning view, head for Foreland Point, which offers a panoramic view of both The Valley of Rocks and the Bristol Channel leading to Wales.
Croyde Bay – North Devon
Croyde Bay and surrounding areas support a huge variety of local accommodations for tourists. Caravan, campsites, hotels and more! Eat and enjoy your drinks in Croyde Bay or the surrounding villages. Don’t be shy to visit cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlours to get the best of your experience. Family themed parks, guided walks, glorious beaches, and famous landmarks all make this a great place to travel to. Just make sure to pack your beach towels!
Victoria Park, Bideford – North Devon
Victoria Park in Bideford, opened in 1912, celebrating Queen Victoria’s reign is ideal for those wanting to stroll through the lush gardens. Early summer and spring put on a display of flowering shrubs of every variety. The recreation facilities include a children’s play area, a skateboard park, and an open air paddling pool. This is an ideal place for families looking to have a fun time relaxing in the grass, while enjoying their picnic.
Braunton Burrows – North Devon
Braunton Burrows is a privately owned sand dune system on North Devon’s coast. It is the largest Sand Dune system in all of England. Housing dune plant communities, with over 400 vascular plant species, it is the country’s first newly-designated Man and the Biosphere Reserve. You’ll be taken aback by the breath-taking scale of the sand dunes. Dogs are welcomed, so you can take your beloved pet on your picnic here.
Barricane Beach, Woolacombe – North Devon
Barricane Beach is tucked in between rocks, famous for exotic sea shells. Seashells that have travelled off a shore of a Caribbean island thousands of miles, across the Atlantic, to be dropped off in almost perfect condition to this beach site. Rock pooling is popular for surfers here and walks along the coastline towards Morthehoe is worth the afternoon you’ll spend here. With shops and parking available, you can easily make an entire day out your picnic here.
Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe – North Devon
Opened in January of 1911, this decorative Ilfracombe park has flower displays, evergreen and flowering shrubs and also a wide variety of trees. With several tennis courts available, the sporty couple will find this a great place to picnic. With a sensory garden, an old mill house and tea rooms close, you’ll find that this park offers more than flowers and tennis!
Picnic in North Devon
You could easily find a new spot to picnic at for every day of the summer spent in North Devon. With beautiful shorelines, serene lakes and lush moorlands, you’ll be sure to enjoy every minute you spend outdoors. So, pack up your picnic basket, load up your favorite snacks and head out to explore North Devon.
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