North & Mid Devon (Slow Travel)

Part of Bradt's award-winning Slow Travel series

Discover the most in-depth coverage available of North and Mid Devon—arguably the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in southwest Britain. From the rugged coastline around Clovelly and the Cornish border to the Exe Valley and Tarka railway line, this guide is packed with suggestions for where to go and what to do. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities like walking, cycling, horseriding and coasteering, or prefer to explore interesting places to stay and eat, you'll find detailed recommendations throughout. The guide also covers festivals, local customs, historical sites, gardens, National Trust properties, and even where to stargaze beneath the region's Dark Skies.

North Devon offers a unique blend of wild rugged coastline, deep river valleys, heather-covered moorland, family-friendly sandy beaches, and enchanting villages. The car-free village of Clovelly provides a glimpse of Devon as it was a century ago, while North Devon is also one of the country's leading centres for coasteering. Mid Devon, by contrast, is the least touristy part of the southwest—truly Slow Devon. Here, towns still hold weekly pannier markets and pubs are full of locals discussing farming life. Visitors are consistently struck by the region's remarkable diversity: wonderful views, abundant wildlife, and beautifully clear night skies.

Written by Hilary Bradt, a veteran traveller and Devon resident, alongside fellow long-term residents Gill and Alistair Campbell, this unique guide reveals what makes this beguiling region so special. From Lundy Island to the haunted village of Lapford, from the extraordinary Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre to the War Horse Museum, you'll find everything you need for a perfect trip.