Looking for things to do in Braunton?

Whilst Braunton might not be as popular as some of it’s immediate coastal neighbours, it’s a village that has plenty to offer AND it’s still only a short distance from the beach. If you’re considering a holiday to North Devon then have a look at this blog and take a look at our holiday cottages in Braunton to find your perfect stay.

A bit about Braunton

Braunton is one of the largest villages in England and has a relaxed but vibrant community feel to it. The cool, coastal vibe comes from its close proximity to some of the best surf beaches in the UK. But Braunton has more to it than just being a popular tourist destination, it is believed to have been settled as early as the Iron Age. In the Middle Ages, Braunton was a thriving market town, and its prosperity continued into the Victorian era. During the 19^th and 20^th Centuries, it became a popular holiday destination for wealthy families, and many of the grand houses and buildings that remain today were built during this period. This popularity continues to this day, with the village hosting an abundance of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, all helping to provide a traditional North Devon village experience.

Where can I find out more?

The Museum of British Surfing

The Museum of British Surfing is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of surfing in the UK. Home to a collection of surf-related-artefacts including vintage surfboards, wetsuits and photographs, where better for it to be located than in North Devon – Britain’s first World Surfing Reserve. Throughout the year they also play host to a range of events, to keep an eye on their Facebook page to see if anything is happening during your stay.

Braunton Countryside Centre

Free to visit, the Braunton Countryside Centre should definitely be on your list of things to do whilst you’re on holiday in Braunton. Braunton sits right inside the North Devon Biosphere and is an important part of our ecosystem, being home to significant areas such as the Braunton Burrows and the Great Field. Our kids have spent many a morning here exploring what’s inside. There are lots of interactive displays and facts on offer to those with an inquisitive mind, it especially appeals to anyone with a love of nature. But we encourage you to take a look even if that is not especially your thing. They also run a variety of hosted events during the year, such as nature walks and talks. You can find the events calendar here.

Braunton & District Museum

The Braunton & District Museum is located inside a former bakehouse & is free to look around. It hosts an array of information relevant to the history of Braunton, including WW2 memorabilia, information on the Braunton railway and an actual model railway. Whilst it might be small there is a wealth of knowledge and treasures packed inside its walls!

Where to eat in Braunton

When visiting Braunton you will not be stuck for places to eat or to sit and relax with a coffee in hand and watch the world go by. If you enjoy a traditional fish and chips, then you can’t go wrong by heading to the award-winning, Squires Fish and Chips Restaurant. Alternatively, just across the road is SQ Bar and Restaurant, which provides a contemporary menu throughout the day. Braunton also has five pubs to choose from and a number of smaller eateries, such as New Coast Canteen, Hang Loose, Siam Bistro, Meraki Pizza and Bambu.

Braunton also has, what we would argue, a concentration of some of the best coffee houses in North Devon. Many of these use coffee beans sourced from South West companies. We’d suggest you have a look at our previous blog on the ‘Best Coffee in North Devon’.

As you can see, Braunton has a wealth of independent eateries, so much so, you may need to book another holiday cottage in Braunton to try them all!

Shopping in Braunton

Braunton has a number of independent retailers that will be able to cater for most of your shopping needs. With Braunton being ‘The gateway to the beaches’, it is unsurprising that the village has multiple surf shops; catering in the latest trendy surf fashions, surfboards and wetsuits. Away from the surf culture, there are plenty of shopping experiences for you and the family to enjoy.

We will let you explore all the shops that Braunton has to offer, but here are some of our personal favourites. Benny’s of Braunton is a sweet shop with a difference. It is home to a range of sweets that are away from the mainstream, guaranteed to bring back all your childhood memories. They also serve scooped ice cream for those hotter (or if you’re our kids…any weather…) days. Make sure you also visit Wanderlust, where you can take home an exquisite hand-crafted piece of jewellery, including one of their signature gemstone necklace collection. Or if sampling local Devon fare is your thing, then drop into Devon Fine Foods. This family-run delicatessen has a range of quality cheeses, preserves, chocolates, wines, beers and spirits from a range of South West suppliers.

Feeling active? The best places to explore around Braunton

The Tarka Trail

From the centre of Braunton, you can access the Tarka Trail, which is a walking and cycling route that stretches from 180 miles across North and Mid Devon. This is great family and couples activity to do on your stay in Braunton, and our personal favourite is the stretch from Braunton to Barnstaple, as it boasts some impressive views of the River Taw. We’ve written about it previously in another blog which you can find here.

Forgot to bring your bike? Don’t worry. Otter Cycle Hire and Waterside Bike Hire have a full range of bikes for hire, from standard to electric bikes.

Braunton Burrows

Right in the heart of the North Devon AONB (Area of outstanding natural beauty), the Braunton Burrows, is one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. The Burrows are a vast, complex dune system that sits between Saunton Sands Beach and farmland surrounding Braunton. The Burrows are a beautiful and fascinating place and home to a rich, diverse range of plant and animal life, with over 33 species of butterfly, many birds and 5 of the 6 reptile species found in the British Isles – including the Adder. We would recommend visiting in the summer months when the Braunton Burrows are carpeted with a sea of colour from 470 species of rare plants and flowers.

Please note: The burrows are split into zones and cattle are often grazing in various zones. Please follow instructions as & where to keep your dog on a lead. You can find out what zones the cattle are in on their public Facebook page here. Also of note is that the military often use the burrows for training – so don’t be alarmed if you hear them!

Crow Point

A visit to Braunton is not complete, without a trip to one of hidden gems – Crow Point. This sandy unspoilt beach has views across the River Taw to Instow and Appledore and is quieter than some of the other beaches in area, such as Saunton Sands and Croyde. Crow Point is also dog-friendly, so will be a great place to visit if you are staying in one of our dog friendly holiday cottages.

It is a beautiful, unspoilt location with amazing views and home to many types of sea and estuary birds. It is not as easily accessible as some of the main beaches. There are a couple of car routes you can take, but we would recommend accessing the Crow Point car park is via a toll road at Velator, near Braunton. The road winds it’s way through Braunton Marsh and Horsey Island before arriving at the car park. The road is ideal for cycling to Crow Point, but cycles must pay toll too. If you are walking, then alongside the road is a public footpath which starts at Velator Quay and follows the path of the River Caen until it exits into the estuary.

Things to do in Braunton when it rains

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, or perhaps something to do on a rainy day in Braunton, then there are a few options. For younger children (and adults) Paint-a-pot is located on the main street. You can paint your selection & either pick up later in your holiday or have it posted back to you at home. For older children and adults you could try a fused glass workshop at Cross Tree Glass or Art Mash.

We’d also recommend the Quay Soft play – though do book early online if it looks like it’s going to be wet! Best for younger children as it’s not huge, but it’s good fun & we really rate the food (and coffee most importantly!).

And of course – where to park in Braunton

There is plenty of parking in Braunton, with the main Caen car park in the centre of the village, located next to The British Surf Museum and Braunton Countryside Centre. There is also a smaller car park on Challoners Road, just past the Parish Hall. Both car parks provide good value parking in Braunton. You can pay with cash or via card on the app.

There is additional on-road parking a short walk away from the centre of the village. Luckily, Braunton is predominantly flat, so it is an easy walk to the village amenities wherever you park.

Please be mindful that if you choose to park in the car park opposite the George Pub, there are ANPR cameras. Even if you just pop in to drop someone off or pick up a takeaway – you will likely get a ticket in the post, so we advise you don’t chance it.

Remember if you’re staying in one of our North Devon holiday cottages, then check your welcome pack & you will find recommendations for days out, places to eat and special offers from local businesses.

We’re also always happy to help out with specific suggestions if you’re stuck for things to do!