Tucked away between the more well-known Devon cities and towns, in the rolling hills of the countryside, you will find a number of stunning Devon villages that deserve some recognition.

During your stay at Kentisbury Grange, in the heart of North Devon, many of these places are a short drive away or travel further through the county to experience them all...

1.Lynton & Lynmouth

Picturesque Lynmouth provides a romantic escape from modern living with its rows of charming fishing cottages and shops that cluster around the pretty harbour of gently bobbing boats. Lynton perched high above is a vibrant Victorian village retaining a quaint mix of times past and present.

Lynton & Lynmouth are elegantly connected by the Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the world!

2.Clovelly

The picturesque, ancient, fishing village of Clovelly is uniquely special and was once owned by the Queen of England.  From Elizabethan days until today, Clovelly has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere.

Clinging to a 400 foot cliff, it has no vehicular traffic, just donkeys and sledges. Its steep, cobbled street tumbles its way down to the ancient fishing harbour and 14th Century quay. It is a descent through flower-strewn cottages broken only by little passageways and winding lanes that lead off to offer the prospect of further picturesque. In 2020 it was Britain’s most Instagramable village and is easy to see why.

3.Woolacombe

With its’ 3 mile stretch of golden sands, great waves and stunning coastal footpath, Woolacombe really does have something for everyone! Families enjoy splashing about in the sea with bodyboards, building sandcastles, playing beach games, exploring the rockpools for marine life, and indulging in ice creams, whilst others stroll along the dramatic coast path, bird watching and seal spotting or surfing the great waves that roll in from the Atlantic. The award-winning beach has many accolades including being voted the Best British Beach by the Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Times Beach of the Year in 2021.

4.Croyde

Croyde Bay in North Devon has a rich heritage as one of the UK’s finest surfing beaches. With easy access to a pristine coastal environment, endless outdoor adventures, and all the amenities you need, in Croyde you feel truly immersed in a spectacular natural environment.

The beach, which is an impressive feature, forms the middle section of a trio of beautiful sandy beaches and is flanked by those at Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Sands, both of which are popular with surfers and families and regularly top polls of Britain’s best beaches.

One of the most popular walking trails in the village is the National Trust’s Baggy Point, which makes for some excellent coastal walking and has breath taking views as well as being generally accessible for walkers of all ages and abilities. The village itself remains largely unspoiled from time gone by and has an old world feel to it which is well respected by the surfing community and holiday makers as well as residents. The centre is a hub of lovely places to stay and eat with many of the eateries offering locally sourced, seasonal produce on their menus.

5.Lee

Lee is a tiny village tucked away on the North Devon coastline, roughly two miles west of Ilfracombe. Bordered on three sides by rolling Devon countryside it opens up to the Bristol channel. There are around 100 properties which make up Lee, surrounding the narrow inland roads and country walkways. They're situated in a deep valley which is heavily wooded in places, making the village a perfect place to walk and explore.

Lee Bay is a little rocky cove is a refreshing change from other beaches as it remains untouched by the hand of time. At low tide in the height of the summer it remains a tranquil spot with many rock pools and a small sandy beach.

Looking for a short break in Devon? Kentisbury Grange Estate could be just the location for you. Set on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, the estate offers a variety of accommodation – contemporary hotel rooms in the main house, cottage and garden suites in the beautifully manicured lawns or your own two bedroomed lodge overlooking the lake.