Located at the northern tip of Devon, North Devon stretches from heathland to a rugged coastline, with part of Exmoor and wide sandy beaches such as Woolacombe and Croyde. Offshore Lundy gives the area a striking maritime character, and the dune system of Braunton Burrows is part of a recognised biosphere reserve.
History is visible in the ports and market towns - Barnstaple remains the commercial heart while Bideford and Ilfracombe show a seafaring and Victorian-resort past. The landscape and wildlife inspired the novel Tarka the Otter, and a network of trails attracts walkers and birdwatchers as much as surfers and beachgoers.
Tourism and agriculture dominate the economy, with small fishing fleets, dairy farms and a busy hospitality sector; that seasonal mix brings vibrancy but also pressures on housing and services. Strong local community groups, a lively arts scene and growing creative enterprises help diversify the economy, while Barnstaple remains the main transport and retail hub.
North Devon postcode districts
EX31, EX32, EX33, EX34, EX35, EX36, EX37
Most populated places in North Devon
Places in North Devon
- Arlington Parish
- Ashford Built-up area
- Atherington Parish
- Barnstaple Built-up area
- Barnstaple Central Ward
- Barnstaple with Pilton Ward
- Barnstaple with Westacott Ward
- Berrynarbor Built-up area
- Bickington Built-up area
- Bishop's Nympton Parish
- Bishop's Tawton Built-up area
- Bittadon Parish
- Bratton Fleming Built-up area
- Braunton Built-up area
- Braunton East Ward
- Chittlehampton Parish
- Chulmleigh Built-up area
- Combe Martin Built-up area
- Croyde Built-up area
- Fremington Built-up area
- Georgeham Built-up area
- Goodleigh Built-up area
- Ilfracombe Built-up area
- Instow Built-up area
- Lynton Built-up area
- Lynton and Lynmouth Parish
- North Molton Built-up area
- South Molton Built-up area
- Swimbridge Built-up area
- Witheridge Built-up area
- Woolacombe Built-up area
- … See all