Northam Burrows Country Park Route Guide

Northern Burrows Country Park lies on the North Devon coast near the seaside village of Westward Ho! and forms part of the wider Braunton Burrows UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Covering a broad stretch of dunes, grassland and coastal habitat beside the Taw and Torridge Estuary, the park is one of the most important natural landscapes in the South West for wildlife and outdoor recreation. Visitors are drawn to the area for its open scenery, long sandy beach and network of walking routes that weave through dunes and coastal grassland with views across Bideford Bay. The park provides an excellent setting for relaxed walks, dog walking, birdwatching and family outings, while the nearby pebble ridge and salt marshes create a constantly changing coastal landscape shaped by tides and Atlantic weather systems. Seasonal wildflowers add colour to the dunes during spring and summer, while the estuary attracts a wide range of wading birds and migrating species throughout the year. The nearby beach at Westward Ho! is popular with surfers and holidaymakers, helping make Northern Burrows Country Park one of the best-known outdoor spaces along the North Devon coastline.

The country park also offers easy access to several well-known local attractions and scenic locations across North Devon. The South West Coast Path passes nearby, providing coastal walking opportunities towards Appledore, Clovelly and Hartland Point, while the expansive sands of Westward Ho! remain one of the area's most recognisable seaside landmarks. Visitors staying nearby can also explore the historic harbour town of Bideford, known for its independent shops, riverside quayside and links to the Tarka Trail cycling route. Inland, the rolling countryside of North Devon opens towards villages and market towns surrounded by farmland and wooded valleys, creating a strong contrast with the exposed coastal scenery around the dunes. Northern Burrows Country Park is particularly valued for the sense of space it provides, with wide open views, sea air and protected habitats combining to create a peaceful environment that remains accessible throughout the year. The park also sits within easy reach of coastal and riverside destinations including Appledore, Instow and Bideford, while larger centres such as Barnstaple and Ilfracombe provide additional places to stay, eat and explore across North Devon.