Why Autumn is a Wonderful Time to Visit North Devon

Autumn is the perfect time to visit North Devon, the crowds have dispersed a little, the temperatures are still warm and the colours around the coast and countryside are just gorgeous.

Less Crowds, Airport Free Travel and Less Traffic 

There’ll be plenty of space on the beach and in the area so you can feel like you’ve properly escaped everything and relax. 

With less crowds, it’ll mean you’re more likely to be able to get dinner reservations and not have to worry about planning too far ahead.

Take the stress out of travelling by coming in your own car and in your own time. You won’t have to worry about making a scheduled departure time or being in big groups. There’ll also be less traffic on the roads when you visit North Devon at this time. You could even take the scenic route if you like!

Leaves Turning and Gorgeous Colours Everywhere

The lush green fields and hills slowly turn to beautiful pastels of orange, yellow, red and brown. The gentle sea breeze nudging leaves gradually off their branches. The earthy scent of the foliage combing with that sea breeze and filling the air.

There’ll be plenty of beautiful colours and scenery for you to enjoy at every turn. Whether it’s the rolling countryside looking from the resort towards the village or the Atlantic ocean crashing into the rocks.

Warm Temperatures – Air and Sea 

With mild temperatures and highs of 15’C in October, you can enjoy days in the Autumn sunshine. Take a jacket or jumper for when the temperature drops in the evening. It’s always worth packing a rain mac just in case too!

Ocean water temperatures in October and November are similar or higher than those in May and June. Hire or bring along your wetsuit, bodyboard or surfboard and catch those waves uninterrupted by the usual busyness of summer.

After you’ve spent some time in the sea or taken a trip out during the day to explore, sit by the fire in one of the local pubs. Or, cosy up on the sofa in one of our cottages or lodges. Play a board game or enjoy a movie together.

Dog Walking 

Croyde Beach allows dogs from the end of September. So you and your pup can enjoy days at the beach, throwing tennis balls into the shallow waves for them to chase. Make sure to move when they inevitably try and shake off that seawater and sand right next to you! The sand dunes of Croyde Beach also make for a great area to walk your dogs and tire them out so they’re nice and relaxed for the evening. 

The pubs in Croyde Village are dog friendly, so you can take them with you when you venture out. Our WaggyTails cottages and lodges come with their own pet pack with blankets, treats and more. Making sure your best friend feels like they’re on holiday too.

For other walks in the area, you’ll find it hard to beat one that starts just off the back of the resort where the South West Coast path stretches along Croyde Bay and over to Saunton. Plus there’s the Four Beaches Walk, which we can give you written directions to at reception and the trails along Baggy Point too. 

Country Pubs and Local Food

Menu’s will change with the seasons as we stroll into Autumn, the pub menu’s will become more hearty and warming, complimented by the local produce.

During this time of year, The Thatch is your perfect pub for a relaxed evening. The old wooden beams, low ceilings and burning fireplace go along with the local ales to round off the day in the right way.

Sunday lunch always tastes a little better during Autumn and Winter. Stop in for yours at The Manor or head up to the Kings Arms in Georgeham, who also do a high-quality pub menu featuring local ingredients. 

For a more high-end dining experience, you could venture over to Ilfracombe and try Antidote or The Olive Room.