With the number of outdoor activities on offer in North Devon and Exmoor, you will be spoilt for choice. For an all-round experience on Your Devon Escape, be sure to try out an adrenaline-fuelled day out. Check out our recommendations below to find out more. There are so many adventure ideas around Barnstaple, you will never be bored!
Exmoor is one of the UK’s smallest National Parks but, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty and variety. Located on the coast, with expansive moorland, steep wooded valleys and rolling farmland, there is so much to explore. And then you have the night skies. Exmoor National Park is internationally renowned for its night skies and is part of the International Dark Sky Reserve. Be sure to catch a sunset within the national park to enjoy the out of this world starry roof that is visible when the sun goes down. With so much to see and do in this park, you will want to visit more than once. Enjoy farm tours, explore the park by foot or bike inland or on the coast, taste the locally produced wine, or head to the distillery. No matter your age, or what you enjoy, there is something for everyone in this pocket of Devon.
Keypitts Offroad Adventure is an activity centre in Ilfracombe. It is a family run farm, bringing you activities for groups of friends or families to enjoy. They offer quad biking, battlezone archery and a 4×4 Land Rover driving experience. For the Land Rover experience, a driving license is required, whereas the archery and quad biking is more accessible for most ages. Quad biking can cater for everyone from five years and up. The archery is a team event. For up to twenty-four people, split into teams of two and try and win against the other team by trying to hit each other and other objects/obstacles. To try one of the more unique adventure ideas around Barnstaple, head to their website and book today.
This is truly a unique leisure experience and one to try if looking for adventure ideas around Barnstaple. With indoor and outdoor throwing ranges, it is the perfect activity for ages nine and above. You will compete in scoring rounds and team games to see who’s worthy of raiding with Ragner and celebrate your wins with a Viking trophy. If you’ve never tried axe-throwing before, be sure to on Your Devon Escape.
Located on the edge of Exmoor, OSKC water sports is a premier kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire company. Whether you want to simply hire the equipment, or enjoy one of their guided tours or safaris, they have you covered. For those trying these sports for the first time, it is one of the safest places in the UK to do it! Take a lesson from a qualified instructor and leave a pro. They also offer coasteering for those interested in trying some adrenaline-fuelled jumps around the North Devon coast.
Skern Lodge offers a range of activity options throughout the year. You can arrange a family activity day, ideal for families or small groups. Choose the adventure you want to whether that be high ropes, abseiling, surfing, powerboating, or something different. They have a range of activities available during the school holidays. Or if you are looking for a half or full day adventure for the kids, Skern Lodge runs an Appledore Adventure Club for children aged between eight and sixteen.
Barnstaple is a good base for exploring Tarka Country and the one-hundred-and-eighty-mile Tarka Trail. It is a relatively flat, traffic-free route through woodland and along the estuary. Explore by foot or bike along the trail or take a trip by rail along the scenic Tarka Line. You can cycle or walk from Barnstaple to Instow Beach (around ten kilometres), and then travel up the Torridge Estuary towards Bideford, and even down the other side to Appledore if you desire! You’ll experience beautiful riverside views and unique fauna. It is a weather permitting activity, but it’s an enjoyable day out and a great way to see more of North Devon without needing a car. Be sure to check it out on Your Devon Escape.
Ultimate Adventure offer a range of outdoor activities to keep your whole group entertained. From an ultimate assault course to aerial adventure, coasteering, mountain boarding and more, there is something for everyone. The ultimate assault course is essentially a ‘Total Wipeout’ course with a range of action-packed water and land-based obstacles to challenge and test all ages and abilities. Take the plunge and ride the water slides, scale the scramble nets, and take on the big balls! If you are looking for adventure ideas around Barnstaple, this is your place. With so many activities to choose from, you will find the perfect one for you.
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on Your Devon Escape by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.