Things to do

Green Gates is ideally situated for North Devon’s attractions & beaches.  We can offer advise on places to visit, local events, the best restaurants and point you in the direction of some very special walks.

Walking

The walks around North Devon are world class, we have mile upon mile of scenic coastal and inland paths for you to explore.  Whether you take the coastal path’s or head into Exmoor National Park, you can expect to see stunning scenery and wildlife.  Maybe take lunch at a pub or café in one of the quaint villages, on the many routes.
Explore the coast     Explore the countryside

Golf

Saunton Golf Club

A pair of championship links courses are just minutes down the road and offers the most awe inspiring views over Saunton beach, as the course is set in the dunes of Braunton Burrows.  Visitors are accepted daily from 9.30am by prior arrangement. 
Visit the website or call 01271 812436.

Portmore Golf Park, Barnstaple

Set in the heart of North Devon on the outskirts of Barnstaple just off the A361.  27 holes consisting of the Landkey Par 3 course and the Barum 18 hole course.   Visitors are welcome daily by prior arrangement. 
Visit the website or call 01271 378378.

Surfing

Whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned surfer, the surf in North Devon will cater for you all. 

Want to hire some boards or wetsuits, contact Vaughan at Native Surf Hire
Visit the website or call 07810 698929.

Want to take some lessons, contact Sarah at WOW
Visit the website or call 07786 034 403 / 07772 240 894.

Cycling

The Tarka Trail is just on the doorstep of Green Gates and is a perfect opportunity to see the Taw and Torridge estuary.  A short ride will take you into Barnstaple and if you are keen to push your self further why not cycle all the way round to Instow and Bideford, there are plenty of places to stop along the way for a tea or maybe even stop for a beer in one of Instow’s very fashionable pubs.

For the keen cyclists, the routes around North Devon will challenge even the fittest.  For a tough 100k why not head off from Green Gates, to Croyde, up through Georgham to Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, then head on over to the edge of Exmoor National Park before dropping back through Simonsbath to arrive back in Braunton.

Bikes can be hired on a half day or full day basis from Otter Cycle Hire, Station Road, Braunton from as little as £9.

Horse Riding

You cant get better than a horse ride around stunning scenery of North Devon.  Roylands Stables, Croyde is a family run riding stables open all year for hacking, tuition, livery and holidays. 
Visit the website or call 01271 890898.

Beaches

You are spoilt for choice in North Devon for glorious beaches. 

Saunton

Head to Saunton, a 5 miles stretch of golden sand, perfect for the whole family.  The dunes provide hours of fun and if you want to have a go a surfing, Saunton is perfect for learners.  There are many places to hire boards and wetsuits.  Saunton car park is open all year round and subject to seasonal car parking charges.  Once you have paid for the day though – you are free to come and go.

Croyde

Just a bit further round the headland you will get to Croyde, a popular beach for surfers and families alike.  The surf is more challenging at Croyde

There are many car park’s in Croyde some more expensive than others, but all subject to seasonal charges.  The national Trust car park over towards Baggy Point is usually quite reasonable throughout the year.

Puttsborough

Puttsborough beach is at the western end of Woolacombe beach, and it benefits from being sheltered.  Putsborough Sands is renowned as one of the most cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the land.  Its vast expanse of golden sand lapped by wonderfully clean bathing water and crisp waves, makes it a paradise for both swimmers and surfers alike. The surf here is perfect for beginners

Woolacombe

Woolacombe beach is a lovely family beach it has been voted one of Britain's best and lies between Morte Point and Baggy Point. This three mile stretch of golden sand has won awards for it's cleanliness, water quality and facilities. Life guards ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water.  Woolacombe itself is a lively village visitors of all ages will find plenty to do away from the beach.

Barricaine Beach

A tiny beach in comparison to its neighbour and this beach is made of shingle.  But it is a great spot as it is completely sheltered and during the summer months, the beach hut on the beach offers hot tea, coffee, hot chocolate, ice creams and snacks.  Best of all, on a Friday and Saturday evening you can also get an authentic Sri Lankan curry and sit on the beach.  

Combesgate

Combesgate is a lovely secluded beach, located at the far right-end side of Woolacombe with some attractive rock pools ideal for children. Beware the beach is only accessible between low and mid-tide.

Instow

Instow beach comes is popular for its golden sands as far as the eye can see and stunning views across the estuary to Appledore, Crowe Point and Braunton Burrows.  On a calm day, if the tide is coming in, the white waters of the Atlantic Ocean can be seen pounding over the famous Bideford Bar.

Westward Ho!

The Beach has over two miles of golden sand backed by a unique pebble ridge linking to Northam Burrows Country Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Built into the rocks is a swimming pool that at high tides disappears under the sea. This is ideal if you want to swim in the sea but without the walk at low tide, but it has yet to tempt me! Plus rock pools for the children to try their hand at catching crabs.