Must See Sights and Landmarks in Saunton Sands Area

"Nestled away from the coastline itself, Chambercombe Manor is a Norman manor house that dates all the way back to the 11th century. Here, you’ll learn many interesting tales and information about the history of the manor and eerie rooms. In fact, it’s considered to be one of the most haunted buildings in the country."

"Set in a secluded valley, nestling snugly near the Heritage Coast of Ilfracombe, North Devon, the Manor House is thought to date from the 11th century and was mentioned in the Domesday Book.Read More"

"A most unique and intriguing property, steeped in mystery and unrivalled history from the Saxon era to the modern day."

"The regal Watermouth Castle is a Gothic Revival stately home, built for the Bassett family in 1825. The Bassetts departed in 1945 and the castle has become an acclaimed and wide-ranging family attraction. You can visit the interior for a splendid array of antiques like furniture, old-time amusement machines, workshop tools and suits of armour."

"The Watermouth Family Theme Park was built to resemble a castle. The gardens are well maintained and it’s a great place for families!. The Castle’s Great Hall has a collection of magnificent suits of armour, classic handcarts, and sporting trophies."

"Atop the grassy Lantern Hill on the north side of the harbour is what is believed to be the UK’s oldest working lighthouse. This seafarer’s chapel dates from 1321 and sometime in the 15th century it was equipped with a beacon to guide boats in the harbour. During Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries the chapel lost its religious role and became home to lighthouse keepers, including a Mr John Davey who raised 14 children in this small space."

"Serving as a chapel and a lighthouse, it is said to be the oldest lighthouse in the country. It maintained a light from the middle ages to guide ships into the harbour. To visit, you will need to wear comfortable shoes for there is a steep hill to climb."

"At the harbour entrance is one of a couple of Ilfracombe landmarks that everybody has an opinion about. Verity, by the world-famous sculptor and installation artist Damien Hirst, was erected in October 2012 and is typically uncompromising. This 20-metre stainless steel and bronze statue is an allegory of truth and justice, showing a pregnant woman standing on a pile of law books, holding the Sword of Justice aloft in her left hand and carrying the Scales in her left."

"Overlooking the historic harbour of Ilfracombe, Verity is a 20.25-meter tall sculpture (by Damien Hirst) made of stainless steel and bronze which is pretty hard to miss. Now, Verity herself is a sculpture of a pregnant woman standing on a heap of books, holding the Sword of Justice with one arm. The other side of Verity shows the exposed muscles and the fetus in her womb and it’s pretty impressive to see."

"The Verity statue was designed by resident Damien Hirst in 2012; it towers 66ft (20m) over Ilfracombe Harbour. The statue depicts a pregnant woman raising a sword in one hand and carrying the scales of justice in the other. It’s not an image you’re likely to forget in a hurry, and visitors often travel to Ilfracombe just to see this magnificent statue."

"A little way back from Hele Bay in the Hillsborough Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there’s a working 16th century corn mill, grinding and selling wholemeal flour. You can take a tour of this picturesque whitewashed building to see the National Diesel Engine in action and have a go at grinding your own flour with a quern-stone. Hele Corn Mill also has an award-winning tearoom preparing tempting homemade cakes and scones for cream teas using the mill’s own flour."

"Not too far from Hele Bay Beach sits Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room, a water mill which had been milling flour since the 16th century. They have a wide array of cakes to choose from and the outstanding Devonshire cream tea. It is recommended to check opening dates online before going down."

"We have been trading in Bideford for more than 20 years and are now in the main hall of Bideford Pannier Market, having moved from the shop in Allhalland Street."

"Small number of tables overlooking the harbour, with some quite random but intriguing pictures to decorate the walls. Very friendly service and a small, yet perfectly formed choice of wines. 01/06/2021: We LOVE this little gem.You can get a great glass (or 2 or 3) of wine and sit and watch the world go by."

"The Thatch is a welcoming British pub and inn set on the North Devon Coastline amidst the beautiful surroundings of Croyde Bay. The Thatch serves a range of ..."

"Billys was the first and best sandwich shop in Bideford when it first opened, and it still is!. Come in and enjoy a delicious filled sandwich or roll made exactly how you like it right in front of you."

"Seasonal menu which includes: Baguettes Paninis Salads Jacket Potatoes Homemade stew and soup Tea, Coffee and a selection of soft drinks Crisps"

"Enjoy a fun day out at this scenic park, 1 mile from Ilfracombe, which boasts a children’s play area and a sensory garden which are both open all the time, as well as a Boat Lake, Duck Pond and Mill Leat which powers the on-site mill wheel. Let the kids burn off steam on the play equipment and feed the ducks before popping into the Old Mill House and Tea Rooms for cake and a coffee."

"Opened in 1912 to celebrate Queen Victoria's reign, Victoria Park is one of the jewels in Bideford's crown; any Bidefordian will tell you how lucky we are to have a park of this calibre in the heart of the town."