Dotted with shops, restaurants, bars and more, the vibrant village of Braunton has all you need to keep your cupboards stocked and to enjoy nights away from the kitchen. Family-friendly cafes, places to sip cocktails, delicious fish and chip shops and welcoming pubs dot the streets so you can indulge in quality time together and raise a toast to your holiday. There are a handful of dog-friendly eateries too, so there’s no need to leave anyone behind. Things to do include a trip to the The Museum of British Surfing, Braunton museum, The Braunton Countryside Centre, Elliot gallery, and The Quay (a children’s indoor play centre).
Head out for beach days with all the family and visit the local surf spots, secluded coves and bustling sands along the North Devon coastline. A 5-minute drive will take to you the 3.5-mile-long beach at Saunton which welcomes dogs all year round. At Saunton you’ll find a beachside restaurant, a café and surf schools to keep you entertained. Continue onto Croyde, a charming village with some great watering holes and places to eat. There are summer restrictions on the beach for your dog but if you travel to Woolacombe, you can find paw-friendly sections of sand all year round at this surfers’ paradise.
From Braunton, hop on the Tarka Trail or the South West Coast Path for strolls and hikes with foodie pitstops and breathtaking views. If you fancy walking the Coast Path, some nearby scenic routes can be found at Baggy Point (20-minute drive), Valley of The Rocks (45-minute drive) and Westward Ho! (30-minute drive).
The maritime town of Ilfracombe (15 minutes) is also a great place to visit; here, you can set off on boat trips, enjoy local ice cream by the sea and explore the aquarium. The market town of Barnstaple is 15 minutes in the opposite direction and has a theatre, cinema and pannier market amid shops and eateries. There are plenty of local attractions for all, such as National Trust Arlington Court, Exmoor Zoo, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park to name a few.