Why visit Braunton?
Seaside stints
Off to north Devon anytime soon? We highly recommend bedding down at a Braunton campsite. With the main A361 road running through the town, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the area’s ample attractions. Set off for the Braunton Burrows sand dunes system, the largest of its kind in England, or meander up to Morte Point from Woolacombe, where you might just spot seals languishing on the cliffs below.
Beach times
Within spitting distance of Saunton Sands and Croyde – often considered the area’s two top beaches – this village is in a prime position for a coastal break. It’s also half an hour’s drive from Westward Ho! (nope, that exclamation mark isn’t a typo) for days out rockpooling, go-karting and gambling away small sums of money in the penny arcades.
Surf’s up
North Devon’s a paradise for wave riders. Croyde is particularly popular among expert surfers, but beginners might prefer the gentler swell at Woolacombe. You can rent equipment and organise lessons at the area’s watersports schools. But before taking on the waves, learn about the pastime at the Braunton’s Museum of British Surfing. The town also has a gear shop where you can stock up on everything from wax to wetsuits.
Top things to do in Braunton
When you’re on your Braunton camping trip, these are some experiences to tick off:
* Try Nepalese, Thai, seafood or fine-dining British eats in the local restaurants
* Seek out small, secret beaches like Barricane, Grunta and Rockham
* Stroll along the dog-friendly Crow Point spit at low tide
* Survey the ski-themed art at the Pete Caswell Paintings studio
Delve deeper into Braunton and north Devon
Local attractions
Head for Ilfracombe, eight miles away, for harbour swims in front of the divisive Damien Hirst statue or wander along the walking trails in Exmoor National Park. Appledore is an adorable village east of town, just over the River Taw, where you can amble past colourful fishing cottages with an artisanal ice cream in hand. Navigating north from our campsites in Braunton takes you to Keypitts Off Road Adventures for quad-biking expeditions.
The Tarka Trail
This 180-mile strolling and cycling path is the ideal way for hikers and bikers to really get to grips with north Devon. It runs through scenic spots like Crow Point and the Halsdon Nature Reserve, as well as the top towns of Bideford and Okehampton. Set off on a section of the path or tackle the whole thing – either way, you’ll be treated to stunning scenery.
Animal amusement
North Devon is fantastic for families. Eye up the animals at Exmoor Zoo – the black leopard and squirrel monkeys are favourites of kids – or watch wild goats prance through the Valley of the Rocks, a spectacular stretch of seaside near the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth. Combe Martin’s where to go for an animatronic dinosaur park, a space that’s also home to real-life lions, meerkats and penguins.
Here’s how
Holidays around yonder either get you close to the coast or put you right in the countryside. Decide whether you’d prefer to go camping near Saunton Sands and Croyde or glamping in Braunton’s back and beyond, whether in a yurt, shepherd’s hut or lodge.
Here are some more options to keep in mind:
* Braunton campsites with electric pitches
* Dog-friendly camping in Braunton
* Braunton camping sites with campfires allowed
* Campsites in Braunton with a bar and/or clubhouse
And – word to the wise – because north Devon is relatively rural it’s worth stocking up for your Braunton camping trip in Barnstaple, the area’s biggest town.
Done with Devon? There’s always Cornwall for a change of scenery that’s still near the beach – try St Ives in the county’s north or Sennen in the south west.
Before making your choice, read up on all things camping in our guides. We’ve got articles on everything from picking a park to setting up a tent.
