A luxury 4 Star apartment for discerning solo visitors & couples, with stunning countryside, coastal & harbour views

North Devon - the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the UK

UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation

North Devon has always been one of the finest unspoilt locations in the UK and is now home to Britain's first new style world class UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand. The UNESCO accolade has been awarded on the basis that this place can demonstrate a high quality environment where there is a community that is willing to develop in harmony with that environment. It not just about dunes! The area's designation was based not just on the fact we have the amazing dune system managed by Christie Estates for many generations; but the Biosphere Reserve covers the entire northern half of Devon where we have a whole mix of internationally important interlinked habitats and a caring community, supported by Devon County Council, North Devon District Council and Torridge District Council.

Biosphere Reserves, designated by UNESCO, are not nature reserves as we generally know them in Britain. They are 'special places for people and nature'.  Apart from being a huge accolade for the area, Biosphere Reserves, aim to discover how people can enjoy a high quality of life based upon a superb natural environment.  

Biosphere Reserves are 'living laboratories' for testing out and demonstrating sustainable development on a regional scale.
They have 3 functions:

  • Conservation
  • Learning and Research
  • Sustainable Development

Local Nature Reserves

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are all about connecting people and wildlife. Within the Biosphere Reserve there are four LNRs:-

Hillsborough LNR is owned by North Devon District Council and is situated on the edge of Ilfracombe. 

Fremington LNR is owned by North Devon District Council and Fremington Parish Council. It comprises of a damp grassland site adjacent to the estuary and some drier grasslands and woodlands beside Griggs Field in Fremington.

Kenwith Valley is on the edge of Bideford and is owned by Torridge District Council. Devon Birds manage the site which includes a lake, new woodlands and traditional grasslands.

Meddon Green is the most recently designated LNR and is owned by Hartland Parish Council. It is Devon's first culm grassland LNR. To look at the management plan for the site click below.

More information can be found about LNRs on the Natural England website http://www.english-nature.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_search.asp


Places to Visit in North Devon

LUNDY

Lundy is a favourite with birdwatchers and all who enjoy nature.  It is a unique and unspoilt island, undisturbed by cars, amidst dramatic scenery. There is a small village with an inn and Victorian church, and a13th-century Marisco Castle.   www.lundyisland.co.uk

The Ms Oldenburg carries daytrip and staying passengers to Lundy from March to November, and sails from the harbour at Ilfracombe.  From November to March you can fly by helicopter to Lundy for winter breaks.  Helicopter flights are from Hartland Point.


APPLEDORE & INSTOW

Appledore has a long tradition of boat building, and is a fascinating place to visit.  It is steeped in history and has many narrrow winding streets, leading up away from the waterfront.  It is very popular with artists, has several small galleries, as well as an artists cooperative, and a few private houses where paintings can also be viewed and purchased.  Several cafes also have arts & crafts displayed and are reasonably priced.  Some of the houses along the waterfront have tunnels allowing tantalizing sea views.  Much of the housing appear to be old fishermen's cottages, painted in both bright & muted colours.  Be sure to take your camera!

On the opposite shore is Instow, a much smaller community, again fronting the water.  Sandy beaches and dunes are plentiful, and the architecture is fascinating.  Wandering around you will see some beautiful & picturesque old housing, which again may have you reaching for your camera.  Nearby is Tapeley Park, a stately house with a lake & gardens.


HARTLAND

Famous for its Abbey, there is also a remote cottage within the grounds, that was used in a recent BBC reproduction drama.  The cottage is currently (2010) being used as a place of inspiration by various artists for a few months at a time with an 'Artist in Residence'.

Hartland itself is widespread, with almost distinct aspects, such as the abbey grounds, the village, the quay and the lighthouse.  Nearby is Docton Mill Gardens, with their award winning Cream Teas - well worth a visit.


BROOMHILL SCULPTURE GARDENS

Nearer to Barnstaple than Ilfracombe, these gardens offer so much more than you would imagine when driving past.  From the road it hardly looks worth a visit, but locals have repeatedly told us that we ought to go there.  So eventually we did, having phoned and made a lunchtime reservation.  When going there for a meal, you have free admission to the gardens, which is a good way to both indulge and explore!  We really enjoyed both the food and the whole experience, and will be visiting again...... They excel at slow food with a tapas / Med theme.


CLOVELLY

Clovelly was the childhood home of Charles Kingsley, the Victorian author of The Water Babies. It is an historic, preserved village, complete with tiny cottages on a steep hill down to the 14th Century harbour.  There are a few shops,  a pub in the harbour, and of course lots of opportunities to take photos.  Donkeys are also a part of the scene.  it is very much a tourist location.  Please note - there is an entrance fee to be paid before entering the village.


Gardens of North Devon

There are some superb gardens to visit in the area.  Some are open all year, whilst others are open from April - September.  Each of these listed has something special to offer, and several are Gold Medal winners.  Some of the gardens have restaurants or tea rooms, and offer plant sales.

  • Broomhill Sculpture Garden - Muddiford, Barnstaple - Tel. 01271 850262
  • Castle Hill Garden - Filleigh, Barnstaple - Tel. 01598 760336
  • Clovelly Court Garden - Clovelly - Tel. 01237 431781
  • Docton Mill Gardens - Lymebridge, Hartland - Tel. 01237 441369
  • Hartland Abbey - Hartland Abbey - Tel. 01237 441264
  • Heddon Hall - Parracombe - Tel. 01598 763541
  • Marwood Hill - Marwood, Barnstaple - Tel. 01271 342528
  • RHS Rosemoor - Great Torrington - 01805 624067
  • Winsford Walled Garden - Halwill - 01409 221477

In addition to these gardens, are the NGS (National Garden Scheme) gardens, often known as the Yellow Book gardens.  These are mainly privately owned gardens, usually cared for by the owners.  NGS gardens are sometimes open to the public, usually with a small admission fee.  Copies of the Yellow Book for the North Devon area are available free at most garden centres.  It is updated annually.