We hadn't been away for nearly a year apart from a few pub stops, craft shops, and overnight park-ups. This was due to my health problems but we don’t need to talk about that. So getting out in the campervan was very exciting. Now this trip is a little different, we are driving in the campervan but not staying overnight in it. I couldn’t manage it at this time. My Brother and Sister-in-Law own a cottage near High Bickington Devon so a few days of relaxation is what the doctor ordered. Plus fresh fish and chips are on the menu.
Traveling down the M5 we hit all the Glastonbury traffic, I wasn’t driving because I wasn’t allowed so Lisa was in the hot seat, and she is a great driver. She just doesn’t like driving the campervan or driving on the motorways. But she did a great job.
We didn’t plan to do much just to ensure I got plenty of rest. But we just wanted to tell you about some of the lovely villages you can visit in this area in your campervan, motorhome, or caravan. Just be very careful of the narrow roads.
Instow
Instow, a charming village nestled in North Devon, it’s where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet, forming a picturesque estuary. Instow offers a peaceful escape from the bigger towns and villages of Devon.
Instow boasts a beautiful sandy beach, Instow Sands, which is a haven for families and water enthusiasts, and dog walkers. During the summer months, the calm waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
Instow offers a delightful culinary scene. With several pubs and restaurants lining the waterfront, you can savor delicious meals with breathtaking views across the estuary towards Appledore. Foodies will also enjoy the delis and farm shops brimming with locally produced goodies, perfect for picnics or a tasty snack. An Ice hut just on the beach serves a great choice of different ice creams.
Whether you seek a relaxing getaway on a beautiful beach, adventures exploring the coast, or a taste of the local cuisine, Instow, Devon, is our favorite place and is very dog-friendly.
South Moulton
South Molton is a charming market town in North Devon. Steeped in history, it's known as the "gateway to Exmoor" due to its location on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. South Molton's heart lies in its bustling markets. The main market operates throughout the week, with an additional pannier market on weekends. We visited the food festival there with lots of local sellers, with some lovely fresh produce for sale, from homemade cakes, fruit, and veg, to street food vendors.
The village has a variety of independent shops selling everything from handcrafted chocolates to homeware, perfect for finding unique souvenirs. There are many local Cafes to refuel after exploring with a delicious meal at a local cafe.
Bideford
Bideford, a charming historic port town, sits on the estuary of the River Torridge in North Devon, England. It boasts a rich history, a lively atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings. The quay is the heart of Bideford, lined with pubs, cafes, and restaurants. The river Torridge falls through Bideford and you can take a stroll along the waterfront. Bideford caters to shopaholics with a delightful mix of independent shops, the historic Pannier Market showcasing local produce, and the Atlantic Village outlet center which we didn’t get to this time around.
Westward Ho
Westward Ho! continues to draw visitors with its stunning coastline with beach lovers. The village boasts a long stretch of clean sand, backed by a pebble ridge and grassy expanse. This beach is perfect for families looking to build sandcastles, surfers catching waves, and swimmers enjoying the refreshing waters. And you can see from the photos, that the waves were good that day. Beyond the beach, the front also has a good supply of stores selling fish and chips, doughnuts, pancakes, and drinks. Westward Ho! offers a glimpse into English village life. Explore the quaint shops lining the streets selling surfboards, wetsuits, kitesurfing equipment, surf hire, and even surf lessons that run from here. And a variety of gift shops.
This is just a small slice of Devon in the south of England. There is more to offer than just these places we visited. If you intend to go in your motorhome, campervan, or caravan, there are many really good campsites available to stay at. From the two main club sites and private sites. Check UK Campsites on our home page for many campsites to choose from.
Make sure you have a good sat nav that knows the size of your vehicle so that it doesn't take you along narrow country roads, farm tracks, or roads that aren't suitable for HGV vehicles. If you enter a road with grass in the middle, try & turn around and go a different way.
There are many good sat navs available to download for your phone from your app store. Some are even free.
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