Local Area
When it comes to holidays in Devon, it’s all about the beach—and Ruda Holiday Park puts you right in the heart of it. On your doorstep lies the breathtaking Croyde Bay, an iconic surf spot, with the award winning Woolacombe Bay and Saunton Sands beaches just a short drive away. It’s a true seaside paradise for beach lovers of all ages.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the shoreline. North Devon is dotted with charming seaside towns and villages just waiting to be explored. With Ruda set right on the South West Coast Path, it’s the perfect starting point for scenic walks and day trips. Take a ride on the historic Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, or head out to some of Devon’s top attractions, including Exmoor Zoo, Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, Diggerland Devon, and the family-favourite Big Sheep.
North Devon Wake Park
This has a variety of outdoor activities for all ages including wakeboarding, knee boarding (for those who want to work up to being on their feet!) and an Aqua Park assault course on the lake.
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Lynton and Lynmouth
Lynton stands some 450ft above its sister village of Lynmouth and in the 18th and 19th Centuries inspired Romantic poets and authors and became a popular tourist resort owing much of it development to the wealthy publisher, Sir George Newnes.
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Lundy Island
Lundy lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Atlantic ocean meets the Bristol Channel with nothing between it and America, a granite outcrop, three miles long and half a mile wide. In the hubbub of the modern world it is a place apart, peaceful and unspoiled.
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Baggy Point Circular Walk
Difficulty: Easy. This short circular walk along the western flank of Baggy Point will reward you with far-reaching coastal, sea and farmland views. It's also an excellent place to see wild flowers and for a spot of bird-watching. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geological features.
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Hangman Hill
Difficulty: Challenging. An inspiring walk with far-reaching views over coast and hills. Listen out for warblers, as well as nesting seabirds on the cliffs and ravens on the hillside. Please note this walk includes steep, muddy paths that can be very slippery, with substantial ascent and descent.
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Barnstaple Pannier Market
Largely unchanged in over 150 years, Barnstaple's historic Pannier Market has a wide range of stalls. Open all year round Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm, there is something for everyone. Watch out for monthly Sunday food markets with street food stalls.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
The cliff railway is the most exciting way to travel between these two historic towns and will be one of the highlights of the day - for Mums, Dads and all the family. Enjoy stunning views of Exmoor as you glide up and down the 862 foot length of track; from Lynmouth nestling at the foot of the cliffs to Lynton perched 500 feet above.
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Ilfracombe Tunnels
A network of hand carved tunnels leading to unique sheltered beaches and tidal victorian bathing pool.
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Woolacombe Beach
This three-mile long stretch of golden sand has won both the blue flag and Premier Seaside Beach awards for it's cleanliness, water quality and facilities. Life guards ensure safe family swimming during the summer and surfers come from all over the country to enjoy the great waves and clean water.
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Watermouth Castle
One of the West Country's premier Family Tourist Attractions where you can enjoy, a Victorian Castle full of eclectic treasures, nostalgic displays and curios, a theme park including rides and play areas, and beautiful landscaped gardens.
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Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoological Park is home to 170 species of wildlife. The park is set in 12 acres of land with roaming peacocks and wildfowl.
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Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
Over 28 acres of spectacular gardens within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you can experience at close hand many amazing animals, life sized dinosaurs and much much more!
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Ilfracombe Aquarium
Ilfracombe Aquarium is an award-winning, all-weather, educational attraction located in the Old Lifeboat House alongside Ilfracombe's picturesque and historic harbour.
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Mullacott Equestrian Centre
Enjoy a fast gallop across the beach or a hack around the farm. Discounts available.
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Saunton Sands Beach
A three-mile stretch of golden sands, high tidal range and surrounded by sandy burrows, Saunton is a popular beach with surfers and beach-lovers alike. Saunton is dog-friendly with zero restrictions throughout the year, including summer.
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Tarka trail
From coast to countryside, the Tark Trail is perfect for seeing the hidden corners of North Devon. Whether you prefer to walk or cycle, you can pick up the trail at numerous points, taking in woodland, beach and river.
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Braunton Burrows
A fantastic walk for nature-lovers and hikers, Braunton Burrows is backed by the UNESCO Biosphere and offers a six-mile walk through an extensive dune system. Backing onto Saunton Sands Beach, it's the perfect place to explore the North Devon coast.
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Ilfracombe Museum
A treasure trove of eclectic trinkets awaits! From vast insect collections to nostalgic memorabilia, Ilfracombe Museum delves deeply into local and global history.
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RHS Rosemoor
Tucked away in the scenic Torridge Valley between Exmoor and Dartmoor, RHS Rosemoor is a captivating garden where nature, play, and tranquility come together. With vibrant plant displays, playful areas for children, a serene lake, and winding paths, it offers something for all ages. During school holidays, family-friendly events bring extra magic, while year-round, it remains a haven for peaceful strolls and plant lovers alike.
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Arlington Court
Arlington Court is a family estate with over 2,700 acres to explore. There's a grand Victorian mansion plus working stable yard and Carriage Museum, full of horse drawn vehicles and impressive carriages, and a Bat Cam Room, where you can see footage of the colony of horseshoe bats that live at Arlington!
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Quince Honey Farm
Step into the fascinating world of bees with interactive exhibits, lush gardens teeming with plant life, and cutting-edge magnifying technology that offers a unique window into hive life. Little ones will love the fantastic indoor soft play area—perfect for your "little bees"—while grown-ups can relax at the café. Don't forget to visit the restaurant and shop, packed with bee-inspired gifts and delicious honey harvested from the farm's own hives.
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Barricane Beach
You'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled into the Caribbean here! Nestled away in a cove at the northern-end of the infamous Woolacombe Beach, Barricane is truly a hidden gem. Rising in fame thanks to its delicious Sri Lankan curries during the season, Barricane is the perfect place to relax and enjoy everything North Devon has to offer.
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Croyde Bay
Croyde Bay is a magical place with a superb sandy beach. Croyde is now deemed to be amongst the top surfing venues in the UK and there are surf schools and shops in the village. The village itself is steeped in old-world charm and has a couple of great pubs where you van enjoy a drink and something to eat.
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Surf South West
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this award-winning surf school will get you honing your skills in the water in no time. Situated directly on Croyde Beach, it's in prime position to catch those waves.
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The Big Sheep
All weather family fun attraction. Features indoor play barn, fairground rides, animal barn, gin distillery and on site brewery. Be sure not to miss the famous sheep racing!
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Diggerland Devon
Get to grips with real JCBs and Komatsu excavators! Take a head-reeling turn or two on Spindizzy… Rise to lofty heights and enjoy the views on the Skyshuttle. Enjoy an off-road ride on the Groundshuttle or have a go on the Dodgems and Go-Karts! There are indoor and outdoor play areas, coin operated rides and much more! So the younger visitors can let off steam while their parents can just sit back, relax and watch the fun… or join in!
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