Discover Northam: Coastal Landscape, Paths and Nature

Northam is a rewarding destination for anyone who wants to combine coastal landscapes, nature experiences and history. Particularly characteristic is Northam Burrows Country Park on the western edge of the Taw-Torridge Estuary. Those looking for holiday accommodation in Northam can regard the village as a starting point for a variety of holiday days: from walks through an exceptional landscape and paths by the sea to historical discoveries and seasonal family activities.

Northam Burrows: Coastal landscape with many facets

Northam Burrows Country Park is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and covers approximately 253 hectares of coastal plain, salt marsh, sand dunes and largely unimproved grassland. At the same time, the park is an important part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This combination makes Northam interesting for travellers who want to experience not just a beach during their holiday, but a variety of landscapes.

Northam Burrows also provides one of the access points to Westward Ho!'s two-mile-long beach. The beach can therefore be considered as a separate part of trip planning, while the landscape of the Burrows offers its own impressions. For families, the fully accessible birdwatching point is a practical way to incorporate nature observation into the day. During the summer season, the Northam Burrows Centre offers free family events, including rocky-coast explorations and nature walks.

Walking routes for short and longer days

Northam Burrows is part of the South West Coast Path and has three signposted routes. In addition, an audio trail can be used throughout the park via smartphone. This means that a visit can be planned not only around the landscape but also around different ways of exploring it. The local circular walk Westward Ho & Northam Burrows is 3.4 miles long. Those who prefer a longer route can take the Appledore & Northam Burrows walking route, which covers 6.8 miles. The two distance options help tailor the walking day to the desired length without presupposing a particular walking time or level of difficulty.

For seasonal planning, it is important to note that the Burrows Centre is open from 3 April to 1 November. The toilets at the Northam Burrows visitor centre, on the other hand, are open all year round. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether the trip should be shaped primarily by the nature trails, beach access or the Centre's activities. A holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Northam is particularly suitable when these different holiday ideas are to be compared with one another.

Church and radar station as historical additions

Northam also offers notable points of interest beyond its landscapes. St Margaret's Church dates from 1250 and is predominantly from the 15th century. The lower part of the tower is older; the church is also beautifully situated with views of the sea. Another point of interest is the Northam Chain Home Radar Station. It is designated as a Grade II listed building, remains largely intact and was in operation from 1941 to 1944. Northam's attractions therefore range from nature observation and coastal paths to ecclesiastical architecture and technological history.

More local pages for your trip planning

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Northam, you can also visit the local pages for Axminster, South Pool, Woodleigh, Clyst Saint Mary, Chittlehampton, Thorverton, Cornworthy and Westward Ho.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.