Activities
As well as the extensive leisure facilities at the hotel itself, there are plenty of things to do in Saunton and the surrounding area. Here are some things you can enjoy during your stay with us.
Adventures in the great outdoors
Explore the North Devon Biosphere
We're fortunate to be situated in the middle of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and one of the world's UNESCO biosphere reserves. This means excellent walking, with miles of unspoilt and protected areas to explore along the coastline, through the unique Braunton Burrows, and around the estuary. We'll even provide a packed lunch to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful nature reserve.
Find out more about the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere website here
Visit the following website here to find out more about what there is to explore in Braunton and the surrounding areas. www.explorebraunton.org
Surfing and bodyboarding
North Devon is famous for its surfing beaches. With its usually slow, predictable waves, Saunton is ideal for beginners and longboarders, while the low tide barrels at nearby Croyde present a challenge for more experienced surfers. Families get surfing tuition as part of family packages, making it a great way to get kids involved in a new sport.
If you'd like to try your hand at this thrilling activity, we'll happily arrange board and wetsuit hire, as well as tuition with Sarah Whitely, our resident surfing expert. We also run occasional Saunton Sands Surf Breaks - themed holidays that will have you out on the water in no time. Contact us for more information.
Coasteering in North Devon
Swim, traverse and cliff jump your way along the North Devon coast in this adrenaline fuelled activity. Breathingspace run courses locally - our Events Manager can organise this for you.
Horse riding in North Devon
There are many local riding stables where you can join a trek along the sandy beaches of the North Devon coast, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider. Royland's riding stables in nearby Croyde run beach rides for all abilities - telephone 01271 890898.
Quad biking in North Devon
Take a trip to Ilfracombe and visit Keypitts, North Devon's only all terrain quad adventure centre. Quads available for all ages and abilities. Telephone 01271 862247.
Fishing in North Devon
Excellent salt water fishing can be enjoyed along the North Devon coast, with sea fishing trips leaving from a number of seaside towns, such as Clovelly, Ilfracombe and Lynmouth. Salmon and sea trout also run along the Taw and Torridge rivers, with licenses available from local tackle shops, including Kingfisher in Barnstaple.
Take a trip to Lundy Island
Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel - there's nothing between Lundy and America. It's a beautiful granite outcrop, three and a half miles long and half a mile wide, which is home to some of the most peaceful and unspoilt walking in the UK, with much rare flora and fauna. The HMS Oldenburg departs from Bideford Quay, and the journey is almost as much fun as the destination. Visit the website here.
Fun for foodies
North Devon Food Fest
This fabulous food festival takes place on a Sunday October 16, 2011, when Barnstaple's historic pannier market is turned into one of the best food festivals in the country. With chef demos, a huge number of stalls of very local produce, live music, hot food and local ales, it's an excellent day out and worth building a mini-break around.
Michelin-starred dining
North Devon's Michelin-starred restaurant the Masons Arms at Knowstone is a 40 minute drive from the hotel and worth a visit.
Strawberry picking at Ashford Inn Fruit Farm
Enjoy the taste of Devon in summer during the warm months with a strawberry picking trip to Ashford Inn Fruit Farm near Braunton.
Sri Lankan curries on the beach
Barracane Beach Café, just around the coast at Woolacombe runs a popular curry on the beach restaurant on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings in summer. Take a blanket and your own bottle, and enjoy the sunset with the sand between your toes while feasting on Sri Lankan dishes.
Summer Entertainments Programme
Please download our Summer Entertainments Programme 2011. Please note this is only a sample.