Have fun in North Devon this summer

Join us for an action packed programme of events along the North Devon coast this summer to encourage families to explore and enjoy this beautiful coastline. We’ve got lots of activities lined up to help kids find their wild side and get closer to nature, inspired by the successful National Trust ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ programme.

37. Check out the crazy creatures in a rockpool

Our Beach Rangers are now in place for the whole summer at Woolacombe. Join them throughout July and August for Rockpool Rambles and see what you can spot in the rockpools of Combesgate beach - a great chance to explore the coast at low tide, searching for crabs and other marine beasts with knowledgeable experts.

July: Friday 7 11am, Sat 8 12 noon, Sun 9 1pm, Wed 12 2pm, Thur 13 3pm, Fri 21 10am, Sun 23 1pm, Wed 26 2pm August: Fri 4 10am, Sat 5 11am, Mon 7 12 noon, Thur 10 2pm, Sat 19 10am, Mon 21 1pm, Wed 23 1pm, Sat 26 3pm

Booking advisable. Call the Beach Rangers on 07557 938399. £1 per person. 3 and under free. Rambles last about an hour and a half. Meet by red banner flag on Combesgate beach.

44. Go birdwatching

At a more sedate pace are the planned Tractor and Trailer rides every Tuesday and Wednesday from Mortehoe out to Morte Point and Bull Point to see the seals. This is a beautiful drive. We usually see grey seals in the small coves below, also there’s a chance to see peregrine falcons and kestrels as well as fantastic displays of wildflowers. It is a great place to see some amazing wildlife but also learn about the dark past of wrecking on Morte Point.

To Bull Point – every Tuesday from 18 July - 29 August, to Morte Point – every Wednesday 19 July - 30 August, 10.30am-2.45pm (several departures throughout the day)

Booking advisable (book through Mortehoe Museum 01271 870028). Adult £5 Child £2.50. Meet outside the museum.

31. Hunt for bugs

August sees the start of the Wednesday weekly fun days at Heddon Valley and Watersmeet (alternating location each week). Children can join the rangers for family fun activities such as making dens and campfires, bug hunting and raft racing. There will be different activities every week.

Heddon Valley Wed 2 & 16 August, Watersmeet Wed 9 & 23 August, 11am-3pm

Booking not needed. Donations welcomed.  

Pick up and go family trails and actvities

There will also be self-led nature trails available at Heddon Valley and Brownsham throughout the summer, with butterfly and animal clues hidden around the woods and along the coast.

Brownsham Nature Trail 27 July – 3 September, any time between 10.30am and 4pm

Can you find the animal clues? This scenic trail starts from the car park at Brownsham, near Hartland Point and winds through beautiful woodland. Pick up your trail map from the car park. Free.

Butterfly family trail, Heddon Valley 5 August-20 August, any time between 10.30am-3.30pm

The Heddon Valley attracts hundreds of beautiful butterflies. To celebrate them we have created a fun family trail through the valley. Trail maps £1 from the National Trust shop.