North Devon is a land of striking contrasts, as breathtakingly beautiful as a sunrise yet "prone to the odd shower".
Navigating this stunning corner of the world is all about embracing the journey. When Google Maps cheerfully estimates your destination is "just 10 miles away," consider it an invitation to slow down and work on your breathing exercises; 10 miles is a long way in Devon. So soak in the scenery, and enjoy the ride, and ensure you have an extended playlist at the ready.
Reaching North Devon is an adventure in itself, often beginning with the M5. As you near the Tiverton junction, you might notice a shift, not just in the landscape but in the atmosphere, as mist rolls in like a welcoming embrace. Turn right, and the route across Exmoor unfolds, with the A361 offering sweeping moorland views and a sense of vast, untamed beauty. The wind turbines stand like sentinels on the horizon, and as you meander along, the biggest challenge isn't the road and its numerous speed cameras, it’s resisting the urge to pull over and take it all in.
Yet, once you arrive, North Devon is nothing short of idyllic—a postcard-perfect escape with world-class scenery, even if summer crowds occasionally give it the feel of a Disney like theme park complete with queues for the major attractions.
While Newquay may be the household name for UK surf, North Devon proudly holds the title of the UK’s only certified "World Surfing Reserve," sitting alongside global icons like Santa Cruz and Australia’s Gold Coast. Admittedly, we offer an extra dose of British weather, but the waves more than make up for it.
Then there’s Lynton and Lynmouth, names that may initially evoke a polite "Oh, that sounds nice" reaction. Yet, one visit is all it takes to be utterly captivated. The dramatic cliffs and deep valleys wouldn’t look out of place in an Ansel Adams photography collection. Throw in an abundance of pasty shops, and you have a quintessentially British coastal gem.
A decade ago, I explored the US West Coast—San Francisco, Napa Valley, Carmel. The latter, with its rugged cliffs and cinematic waves, left an impression so lasting I assumed this level of scenery was exclusive to long-haul flights. Then I discovered North Devon, and suddenly, a drive up the A361 felt like a shortcut to paradise.
Lynton and Lynmouth coastal views
And then there’s the unexpected rise of North Devon’s wine industry. While our "cool maritime" climate might not immediately suggest vineyard potential, a determined group of viticulturists (including us here at Broomhill Farm) is proving otherwise. From modest family-run vineyards to more elaborate estates with tasting rooms and restaurants, the region’s winemakers are crafting something special. Could North Devon be the UK's Napa Valley? It’s an appealing notion. Realistically, though, Sussex and the East Coast, with its drier conditions, might beat us to that title. Still, we’ll let them dream of becoming the new Champagne while we focus on producing something uniquely Devonian.
The Broomhill farm mini vineyard year 1
In the end, North Devon isn’t about comparisons. It stands proudly on its own—wild, beautiful, unpredictable, and always rewarding to those who make the journey.