The heavenly realms of Lee Bay reside on the rugged north coast of Devon. Nestled between Ilfracombe in the north and Woolacombe in the south, it’s home to a picturesque village and an array of charming coves. Hugged by a wooded combe known as Fuschia Valley (beloved for its bright flowers that bloom each spring), it makes for a bewitching place to escape the everyday. From slow summer spells to the cosiest winter retreats, each season promises its own reason to fall in love with Lee Bay.
Plot an otherworldly escape and flee to this magical pocket of North Devon. Whether you’re basking on sun-kissed shores or uncovering local gems, all manner of things to do await for oceanside enchantment…
Relax on the Shores of Lee Bay
“The jewel in the crown of the Lee”, Lee Bay resides at the foot of the village and promises hours of oceanside escapades. Framed by wooded slopes and the white-washed faces of its winsome cottages, the beach’s salt-kissed swathes offer heavenly places to savour moments beside the water. At high tide, push kayaks and paddleboards onto the glittering surface of the sea and glide atop the crystalline waters. At low tide, explore the striking rock formations that decorate the beach and its neighbouring coves, keeping an eye on the water’s ebb and flow.
Marvel at the North Coast’s Dark Skies
The North Coast of Devon and nearby Exmoor National Park enjoy some of the darkest skies in the UK. For those seeking starlit discovery, the area’s array of Dark Sky Sites promises spellbinding nights beneath cosmic wonder. Pursue stargazing experiences close to Lee Bay or uncover the enchantment of Exmoor Dark Sky Discovery Trail, ready to see the light of up to 3,000 stars, the fiery trails of comets and meteors, and the silky sweep of the Milky Way on clear nights.
Explore Lee Village
Framed by sun-dappled woodland, the picturesque homes and thatched cottages of Lee village paint a timeless picture. Stroll through the village to reach the sea, taking time to explore the village and its charming tapestry, such as the Neo-Gothic church, Old School Room gallery, and dog-friendly pub. With a history dating back to the 14th century, The Grampus in Lee has long been at the heart of the village. Once a working farm, it now invites diners to savour home-crafted dishes, complemented by ales and gins brewed and distilled onsite. For a unique experience, you can also take part in bespoke jewellery and blacksmithing courses in the village at Arashi Forge.
Walk the South West Coast Path
Plot a daydream adventure from Lee Bay with an exhilarating walk on the South West Coast Path. In one direction, the villages of Mortohoe and Woolacombe await to tempt walkers with rolling vistas, golden sands, and a collection of ocean-view cafés. In the other direction, the town of Ilfracombe promises seaside charm with a picturesque harbour overlooked by multi-coloured cottages, the striking Landmark theatre, and iconic Damien Hirst sculpture. Adorn your walking attire and follow the flow of the coast path for utter serenity.
Wander the Golden Sands of Woolacombe
Head a few miles along the coast from Lee Bay to find the caramel hues of Woolacombe. Set between Morte Point and Baggy Point, this award-winning beach encompasses 3 miles of sand, hemmed by undulated dunes and kissed with dancing reams of marram grass. Walk along the shoreline and bask in the breathtaking setting, before meandering to one of the village’s welcoming cafés and restaurants for delectable refreshment. For something a little different, you can also book a surfing lesson with one of the local surf schools for unforgettable hours on the waves.
Cycle Along the Tarka Trail
For bewitching days of nostalgic wonder, there are few experiences more enjoyable than cycling in soul-stirring settings. Inspired by the tale of Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson, the 180-mile Tarka Trail provides one of the most magnetic destinations for two-wheeled adventures. Starting and concluding in Barnstaple, it follows a figure of eight shape through some of the county’s most beautiful countryside and coastalscapes, including the UK’s longest traffic-free cycle path between Braunton and Meeth.
Immerse in the Wilds of Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park covers an area of 267 square miles in North Devon and Somerset, encompassing coast, heather moorland, and woodlands. One of the best places to go to simply step off the beaten track for a while, it offers a wealth of opportunities to embrace a wilder pace. Slip into a steady rhythm along one of its spectacular walks, take a tour of some of its scenic highlights such as the Valley of the Rocks, and seek wildlife watching experiences from moor to coast. At night, the park transforms into one of the best places to stargaze in the UK, perfect for reclining with blankets and a flask of something warming as countless stars illuminate the sky.
Take a Day Trip to Ilfracombe
Only 3 miles from Lee Bay, the vibrant town of Ilfracombe resides by the ocean in a kaleidoscope of multi-coloured seafront houses and a turquoise harbour. Full of charm, it beckons for leisurely hours exploring its art galleries, museums, and attractions. Particularly renowned is the unmissable statue, Verity, by Damien Hirst, which stands at 66 feet high and overlooks the entrance of the harbour. For outdoor adventures, the MS Oldenburg departs from Ilfracombe in season and takes visitors to Lundy Island, a wildlife haven home to endangered puffin colonies. Meanwhile, indoor revelry can be found at Ilfracombe’s Landmark Theatre, complemented by a flavoursome repast in one of the town’s many places to eat and drink, such as the Michelin-recommended The Antidote.
Watch the Sunset at the Beach
With a stunning aspect on Devon’s north coast, Lee Bay’s beach and surrounding clifftops make for wonderful places to watch the sunset. As mesmeric in summer when long daylight hours give way to golden hours as in winter when early evenings provide spectacular shows, sunset watching is a year-round delight. Cosy into your softest layers and head out for an unforgettable evening, watching as the sky transforms into a palette of blue, purple, orange and gold – made all the more dreamy with an artisan picnic to complement the occasion.
Feeling inspired for an ocean sojourn? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in North Devon.
