Attractions and Places To See around Parracombe - Top 20

Parracombe is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. You can visit the dramatic Valley of Rocks, known for its unique geology, steep cliffs, and resident feral goats. The Heddon Valley, much of which is managed by the National Trust, offers a unique habitat for rare wildlife like the High Brown Fritillary butterfly. Additionally, Combe Martin Beach provides a picturesque coastal experience with high sea cliffs and sheltered waters for swimming.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore St. Petrock's Church in Parracombe, notable for its largely unaltered Georgian interior. Other historical points include the remains of Holwell Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, and a Roman Beacon Fortlet near Martinhoe. The area also features ancient Bronze Age barrows and Iron Age hill forts.

Families can enjoy several attractions. The Valley of Rocks is a great place for children to explore the unique rock formations and spot feral goats. A ride on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway offers a fun experience with stunning views. Combe Martin Beach is also suitable for families, offering a safe spot for swimming in its sheltered bay.

The region offers numerous walking opportunities. The North Walk (South West Coast Path) provides spectacular views across to Wales and along the Exmoor coast. You can also explore the Heddon Valley with trails like the 'Heddon's Mouth accessible loop' or the 'Heddon Valley Butterfly walk loop'. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Parracombe.

Parracombe offers a unique insight into local history and culture through its '100 Objects' Village Walk. This self-guided tour highlights various objects within the landscape and village, providing a glimpse into daily life from early times to the present day.

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy mountain biking and road cycling. There are various routes, such as the 'Coastal loop to the Valley of the Rocks & Exmoor National Park' for mountain biking, or the 'Valley of Rocks – Glen Lyn Gorge loop' for road cycling. You can find detailed routes in the MTB Trails around Parracombe guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Parracombe guide.

Lynmouth, along with its twin village Lynton, is known for its high sea cliffs, natural beauty, and as a base for exploring the moor and coastal paths. You can travel between the two villages on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, which is the highest and steepest fully water-powered railway in the UK.

Yes, just outside Parracombe, you can visit Woody Bay Station and experience a ride on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. This narrow-gauge railway currently operates on over a mile of track, with plans for future expansion, offering a nostalgic journey through the landscape.

The Heddon Valley is a unique natural area, largely owned and managed by the National Trust. It's a crucial habitat supporting rare wildlife, including the High Brown Fritillary butterfly. The 'Heddon for Nature' initiative actively works on habitat restoration and biodiversity, making it an excellent spot for observing local flora and fauna.

Yes, the area around Parracombe is rich in ancient history. You can find Bronze Age barrows and Iron Age hill forts such as Beacon Castle and Voley Castle. An earthen ring in Parracombe is also believed to be a Neolithic henge, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times.

For breathtaking views, the Valley of Rocks offers expansive sea views and dramatic cliffs. The North Walk (South West Coast Path) provides stunning coastal vistas across to Wales and along the Exmoor coastline. Additionally, the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway offers panoramic views of Exmoor and the North Devon Coastline as you ascend or descend.