Not all activity holidays need to be high-adrenaline.
At Spreacombe we believe that the best holidays aren't measured by how much you squeeze into a day but by how deeply you experienced it.
Our self catering college cottages provide the perfect base for activity holidays in North Devon combining easy access to rugged coastline, sandy beaches, walking trails and outdoor adventures with the comfort of returning to your own peaceful countryside retreat where we have easy parking, space to unwind and nature all around.
Spreacombe offers the best of both worlds adventure when you want it to tranquility when you need it. Whether you're paddling beneath dramatic cliffs, spotting seals from the water, discovering woodland trails with the dog, or watching your children build dens and splash through streams, North Devon invites you to reconnect with nature and the people who matter most.
Choose Your Own Blend of Active and Calm
Spreacombe sits at the crossroads of coast, countryside and woodland. That means you can plan each day depending on your energy, mood and the weather. Popular activities include:
- Walking & Wildlife – quiet strolls through Chapel Wood, or along the rugged cliff paths, deer spotting at dusk, and seasonal birdwatching
- Sea Kayaking, experience our stunning coast from the water
- Cycling – gentle Tarka Trail nearby
- Golf – nearby access to Saunton, Ilfracombe and other courses
- Beach Adventures – swimming,surf lessons, bodyboarding or coastal walks at Woolacombe and Putsborough
- Nature Photography or Sketching – with light, wildlife and scenery all around
Every activity can be made as low-key or energising as you like.
Sea kayaking and Paddleboarding in Combe Martin .
For those seeking a different perspective, the north Devon coastline reveals its tribute from the water.
Nearby Combe Martin offers some of the best opportunities for sea kayaking and paddleboarding in North Devon, with guided experiences suitable for beginners, families and experienced paddlers alike. OSKC Watersports' expert instructors provide all the equipment and guidance needed to help you explore safely and confidently.
Glide beneath towering cliffs and into hidden coves as fulmars wheel overhead and seals bask on the rocks. Keep watch for coastal birds, oystercatchers, peregrine falcons, porpoises and, if you're lucky, dolphins surfacing offshore. With around three kilometres of sheltered coastline to explore, it's an unforgettable way to experience one of the South West's most spectacular landscapes.
If you want more excitement try "kayak-steering" , the OSKC version mixture of kayaking and coast steering.
Families and groups often love the giant "Super Tanker" paddleboard, which seats up to ten people and transforms a day on the water into a shared adventure full of teamwork, encouragement and inevitable laughter.
For more experienced paddlers, there are opportunities to venture further and discover even more of this remarkable coastline. Link to the OSKC site
Explore North Devon on foot.
Some of the most memorable adventures begin with a simple walk.
Walkers are spoilt for choice at Spreacombe as we can offer the full range of experiences from exhilarating stretches of the North Devon rugged cliff path to gentle strolls around our woodland. There are walking routes to suit every age and pace. Couples can enjoy quiet mornings immersed in birdsong and wildflowers, families can seek out trails little legs can conquer, while dog owners will discover miles of scenic paths where four-legged companions are just as welcome as their humans.
As someone born in the Midlands, I would recommend heading out to the coast, try the walk around Morte Point, or Baggy Point (both part of the National Trust portfolio) or give your dog a gallop on the beach. We are 10 minutes from the sea, all part of the South West Cliff Path
Take time to pause. Listen for woodpeckers in the trees, scan the hedgerows for butterflies and breathe in the fresh coastal air. It's often in these quieter moments that the strongest holiday memories are made.
Cycling in North Devon and The Tarka Trail
The off road Tarka Trail is a lovely easy cycle for the family.
We usually start at Braunton and take the trail alongside the estuary either to Barnstaple, Fremington Quay, or further round to Instow . All of these "stops" have cafés which is why they have often been our destination points.
It is deceptively easy to cover a reasonable mileage as that section of the trail is flat and smooth; the trick is to make sure that the small legs in your Party have the cycle power to get back to the car, in our case the car park in Braunton.
Surfing and Body Boarding
North Devon is home to some of the UK's best surfing beaches, making it the perfect destination for anyone keen to experience the thrill of riding the waves.
Whether you are taking your very first surf lesson, introducing the children to bodyboarding, or refining your technique after years on the water, nearby beaches such as Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton offer conditions to suit every ability.
Surf schools provide expert tuition and equipment hire, helping beginners build confidence while more experienced surfers seek out the perfect break.
Unless you've tried it, it's difficult to understand, but there is something exceptionally joyful about find finding the perfect wave to race you back to shore, it can be addictive and works at all levels of ability, just hire or buy a wetsuit and board and you are off.
Even if you never quite master standing on a board, there's something undeniably uplifting about immersing yourself in the energy of the sea before perhaps having a hot chocolate and returning to your Spreacombe holiday home.
Return to Comfort and Stillness
After a day of exploring, there's something deeply reassuring about returning to your own countryside retreat.
Kick off muddy boots, pour a glass of wine, curl up with a book or sit beneath the stars listening to the sounds of the surrounding countryside. Cook your meal in our well equipped kitchen or bring a fish and chips back from Squires. Sit outside and enjoy teh peace or in the school holidays let your children enjoy our large grassy lawn.
There’s no need to rush, and no pressure to do it all.
Whether you're planning a family adventure, a dog-friendly escape or a restorative break for two, Spreacombe offers the perfect balance of activity and tranquillity.
Because the best holidays aren't about doing more.
They're about noticing more.
“Loved the mix of beach, woodland and local trails, perfect balance.”
