Free & Cheap Things to Do in North Devon: Great Days Out Without Breaking the Bank

North Devon has so much to offer without having to spend a fortune. You can easily fill your days exploring coastal paths, hidden tidal pools, and stunning national park trails without touching your wallet. Or, if you want to save a few pennies, pack a lunch and head out to one of North Devon’s beautiful picnic spots.

We’ve updated our guide to focus on genuinely brilliant, low-cost and free activities across the region. If you’re looking for a comfortable base for your adventures, explore our handpicked range of North Devon holiday cottages or dedicated family holiday cottages.

Enjoy North Devon’s beaches & tidal pools

One of the best things about North Devon is that its best days out don’t cost a thing. With miles of golden sand and dramatic coastline, you can easily spend a whole day by the sea.

Pack a picnic, bring your buckets and spades, and settle in for the day. Croyde, Woolacombe, Saunton Sands, and Westward Ho! are all fantastic for a traditional beach day. For something a little different, head to Westward Ho! or Ilfracombe to take a dip in the free public tidal pools, or explore the rock pools at low tide with the kids.

If you’re bringing your four-legged friend along, check out our guide to the best dog friendly beaches in North Devon or stay in one of our dog friendly cottages in North Devon.

Cost: Free (parking charges may apply at beach car parks).

Go for a coastal walk

The South West Coast Path runs right along the coastline, offering incredible scenery completely for free. Whether you want a gentle stroll or a proper hike, there’s a route for every energy level.

For a shorter walk with huge rewards, take the trail out to Baggy Point from Croyde, or head around Morte Point near Woolacombe to look for seals just off the rocks. For more detailed walking routes, explore our recommendations for doorstep coastal walks in North Devon and our dedicated walking holiday cottages.

Just pop on some sturdy shoes, pack a flask of tea, and enjoy the scenery.

Cost: Free.

Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall, Hartland

Tucked away on the rugged Hartland coast, Speke’s Mill Mouth is one of North Devon’s hidden gems. The waterfall plunges down a 60-foot rock face straight onto the rocky shore below.

Park near Hartland Quay and take the coastal path south. The walk takes around 20–30 minutes each way along uneven terrain, so you’ll want good footwear, but the dramatic Atlantic views make it well worth the trip.

Location: Hartland Quay, Bideford EX39 6DY

Cost: Free to visit (parking at Hartland Quay is chargeable).

Valley of Rocks & Lynton

Located near Lynton, the Valley of Rocks is famous for its dramatic, ancient rock formations and the herd of feral goats that scale the crags.

It’s a fantastic spot for a walk, offering sweeping views across the Bristol Channel. You can walk the easy coastal path from Lynton directly into the valley, grab a bench, and watch the goats clamber up Castle Rock.

Location: Lynton EX35 6JH

Cost: Free.

Explore the Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile route, but the most popular traffic-free section runs along a former railway line from Braunton down through Barnstaple, Instow, and Torrington.

Because it’s flat and completely paved, it’s ideal for family bike rides, pram walks, or a gentle stroll along the Taw and Torridge estuaries. Pick a section, pack a picnic, and enjoy a quiet afternoon outdoors.

Cost: Free if walking or using your own bikes.

Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe

If you’re looking for a great spot to take the kids that isn’t the beach, Bicclescombe Park is ideal. It features a large play area with swings and slides, enclosed splash-friendly streams, a duck pond, and a historic working mill building.

There’s also a lovely circular path tucked behind the park that wanders through woods and sensory gardens. Ilfracombe has plenty of unique spots to explore—check out our unique holiday activities in Ilfracombe for more ideas.

Location: Bicclescombe Park Rd, Ilfracombe EX34 8EU

Cost: Free entry.

Explore Exmoor National Park

With Exmoor right on North Devon’s doorstep, you have access to vast open moorland, ancient woodlands, and quiet river valleys.

Head to Tarr Steps to cross the historic medieval clapper bridge, or visit Watersmeet for a walk along the sheltered river gorge. It’s also one of the best places to spot wild Exmoor ponies and red deer. Discover more ideas in our guide to Exploring Exmoor: 7 Unmissable Experiences.

Cost: Free.

Visit free local museums & galleries

For a rainy afternoon or a quick dose of local culture, North Devon has several excellent community-run museums and galleries that are free to enter:

• The Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon: Located in Barnstaple town centre, covering local history, pottery, and wildlife with interactive displays for kids.
• Bideford Railway Heritage Centre: Located at Instow or Bideford station, perfect for transport enthusiasts.
• Local Art Trails & Pop-ups: Towns like Appledore and Ilfracombe host regular free art trails, working studios, and independent galleries throughout the year.

Cost: Free (donations welcome).

Wander North Devon’s historic towns & harbours

Sometimes the simplest afternoon is just wandering around one of North Devon’s historic coastal villages or market towns.

You can watch the fishing boats come into Appledore Harbour, wander the steep cobbled streets of Clovelly (from the free coastal path viewpoints), or explore the historic Pannier Markets in Barnstaple and Bideford. If you want to grab a quick coffee while wandering, check out the best coffee spots in North Devon or grab a treat from the best bakeries in North Devon. Read our guide on which North Devon towns and villages suit your staycation to plan your route.

Cost: Free.

Cheap Days Out: Woolley Animals

If you’re happy to spend just a tiny bit, Woolley Animals near Winkleigh is a lovely, low-cost option, especially for families and animal lovers.

Located about 30 minutes from Barnstaple (where couples can check out our guide to Things To Do For Couples In Barnstaple), it’s a small, friendly farm setup where you can meet alpacas, goats, donkeys, and farm animals without paying big theme park prices.

Location: Venton Farm, Winkleigh EX19 8AN

Cost: Free entry by donation on select days, or around £5 per person. Check opening times before heading over.

Make a full day of it

You don’t need to limit yourself to just one spot. The best way to stretch your budget is to combine a few of these free activities into one day out.

Pair a morning walk along the South West Coast Path with a picnic lunch at the Valley of Rocks, or spend the morning exploring the Tarka Trail before heading to the beach for an evening swim.

North Devon is packed with great free experiences for all ages, so pack your bags, book your holiday cottage, and enjoy everything the area has to offer!