If you’re looking for a couples’ break that actually feels like a reset, North Devon is hard to beat. With its blend of dramatic coastlines, award-winning eateries, and “Dark Sky” reserves, it offers the perfect balance of adventure and stillness.
Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend, a reset after a busy few months, or simply some time that’s just yours again, North Devon gives you the space to slow down or fill your days in so many ways.
Coastal Walks and Secluded Coves
The coastline is the heart of any romantic trip here. While the famous spots are popular for a reason, seeking out the quieter corners can make your break feel even more personal.
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Woolacombe Beach: Stretching for three miles, it’s ideal for a long, hand-in-hand walk. For a romantic twist, head to Barricane Beach (at the far end) in the summer for their famous sunset Sri Lankan curries.
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Croyde Bay: Rugged and atmospheric. If you want a break from walking, grab a coffee at a village café and watch the surfers tackle the Atlantic swells.
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Lee Bay: This lesser-known, sheltered cove near Ilfracombe is perfect for couples seeking a quieter, more “secret” feel during low tide.
Romantic Days out on Exmoor
Just a short drive from the resort, Exmoor National Park offers a wild, untamed contrast to the coast. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s also one of the best places in the UK for stargazing.
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Tarr Steps: Known for its ancient stone bridge set across the River Barle – this is a great selfie spot! The surrounding area has circular walking routes, shaded woodland, and plenty of scenic places to stop for a picnic. There’s a 2 mile circular route that works well if you want a shorter, slower walk that feels worlds away from everyday stresses and strains.
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Valley of Rocks: For views that will take your breath away, this dramatic U-shaped valley near Lynton offers towering cliffs and wild goats.
Charming Villages and Harbour Towns
North Devon’s character is tucked away in its winding streets and historic quays.
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Clovelly: Famous for its steep, cobbled streets and is a car-free zone. It’s a place where time stands still. Pro tip: If the walk back up is a worry then take the Land Rover service.
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Ilfracombe Harbour: Home to Damien Hirst’s Verity statue. Wander the quay, browse the independent galleries, or enjoy a glass of wine while watching the boats and breathing in the salty sea air.
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Lynton & Lynmouth: Take the Victorian water-powered Cliff Railway between the two towns for a unique perspective of the Bristol Channel.
- Instow is flatter and more relaxed, set along the estuary. It’s a good option if you want an easier walk, somewhere to sit by the water, or a slower lunch stop.
Appledore has a slightly busier feel, with narrow streets, galleries, and independent shops. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours just wandering and seeing what you come across.
Adventure on the Water
Seeing the North Devon “Heritage Coast” from the sea is a must, it gives you a completely different perspective.
Boat trips from Ilfracombe Harbour range from short coastal cruises, fishing and wildlife-watching tours, to longer trips out.
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Sea Safaris: Book a trip with Ilfracombe Sea Safari to see grey seals, porpoises, and the dramatic “Hangman” cliffs (the highest in mainland Britain).
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Lundy Island: If you have a full day, take a boat trip to Lundy. It’s a rugged, car-free paradise where you can see seals, puffins and explore a lighthouse together.
Most trips run regularly throughout the season, so they’re easy to fit into your stay without needing too much planning.
Quiet Moments: Gardens and Estates
If the weather is “typically British,” or you just want a slower afternoon, these spots offer romance in every season:
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RHS Garden Rosemoor: Stunning year-round, particularly the Rose Gardens in summer or the Winter Garden’s structural beauty. With a mix of formal planting, seasonal displays, and woodland walks. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours there without rushing.
Arlington Court, a National Trust property, combines a stately home with gardens and a carriage museum, making an interesting day out.
Hartland Abbey offers a different setting again, with gardens that stretch down towards the coast and views across the cliffs and a stunning, historic house.
Plan Your Couple’s Break – Stay at North Devon Resort
The base for your romantic break is just as important as the destination. At North Devon Resort, we provide a sanctuary where you can truly disconnect.
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Just For Two: Choose from our modern 1-bed rooms, apartments or studios, designed for comfort and offering a best value stay – many with sea views.
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Private Hot Tubs: Upgrade your stay with a luxury hot tub residence – the ultimate way to connect and unwind
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On-Site Relaxation: No need to travel for a “couple time.” Enjoy our heated indoor pool, sauna, and treatment room.
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Dining & Drinks: Start or end your day with a relaxed meal, snack or treat in our cafe or restaurant. Chill out together with a cocktail at our bar.
Our onsite facilities mean you can head out during the day, then come back and switch off without needing to go anywhere else.
Ready to escape?
Plan your couples break
North Devon is an easy choice for a short couples break that feels like a proper reset.
Whether it’s a last-minute weekend or something planned in advance, there’s plenty here to fill your time – or give you space to switch off completely.
Find out about our Sea View One Bedroom Residence with a Hot Tub
Our new, luxury, contemporary Sea View One Bedroom Residences with a Hot Tub offer the perfect couples escape – a real slice of heaven in Devon.
With a kingsize bedroom (that can fit in a travel cot if baby comes too) and a modern, ensuite shower room this is the perfect setting to rest and unwind.
The residence has a kitchenette with basic amenities and a beautifully decorated living space with bi-fold doors that open out on to your private, sea view hot tub deck. This has all-weather covers to ensure the full hot-tub experience, whatever the weather.
Nothing beats a hot tub holiday for couples.
Book yours today!
Find out more about North Devon Resort: northdevonresort.com 01271 623130
