Northam: Coast, Nature and History

Northam offers two distinct points of interest: coastal scenery and nature at Northam Burrows Country Park, and a church and military heritage at several historic buildings. If you’re looking for hotels in Northam, these themes can help you choose a place that suits your travel interests.

Coastal scenery on the Taw-Torridge Estuary

Northam Burrows Country Park lies on the western edge of the Taw-Torridge Estuary. It covers about 253 hectares of coastal plain, salt marsh, sand dunes and largely unimproved grassland. This landscape extends beyond a single stretch of beach and includes a range of coastal habitats.

The park is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is an essential part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These designations add context to the landscape description, identifying the protected natural area to which Northam Burrows belongs.

Paths and beach access

Northam Burrows is part of the South West Coast Path. Within the park, there are also three marked trails and an audio trail that you can use on your smartphone throughout the park. The waymarked trails and audio offer different ways to explore the park; all you need for the audio trail is your own smartphone.

For a comparison by distance, there are two walking routes to choose from: the local Westward Ho & Northam Burrows circular walk is 3.4 miles long, while the Appledore & Northam Burrows route is 6.8 miles long. The second route is therefore twice as long as the circular walk. Northam Burrows also provides one of the access points to Westward Ho!’s two-mile-long beach. Alongside the walking routes, the coast and the beach’s length offer distinct points of reference.

Church and Second World War history

St Margaret’s Church in Northam dates back to 1250. The building is mainly from the 15th century, while the lower part of the tower is older. The church is set in a beautiful location overlooking the sea. Its date and different building phases offer a glimpse into the town’s long history, while its setting draws your attention back to the coast.

The Northam Chain Home Radar Station offers a very different historical perspective. It was operational from 1941 to 1944, is listed as a Grade II building and remains largely intact. Together with the medieval church, it creates a clear contrast: Northam’s history is represented by a religious building with both older and newer elements, and a Second World War radar station.

Summer activities and birdwatching

During the summer season, Northam Burrows Centre offers free family events, including rocky-shore explorations and nature walks. A fully accessible birdwatching point provides another option. The seasonal events and the individual viewing point offer different ways to enjoy a visit: you can take part in the nature activities on offer or make birdwatching the focus of your visit.

Discover more destinations: Honiton, Halberton, Kings Nympton, Westward Ho, Upton Pyne, Bottreaux Mill, Woody Bay, Liverton.

For the wider travel overview: Devon.