North Devon

North Devon is a local government district in Devon, encompassing the towns of Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Braunton, and Lynton and Lynmouth, along with numerous villages within the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Exmoor National Park fringe. This scenically spectacular district features dramatic coastline, rugged moorland, and beautiful river valleys. The climate is mild and maritime with moderate rainfall, exposed to Atlantic weather systems, with the coast experiencing fresh sea breezes and Exmoor cooler, wetter conditions. Culturally, North Devon maintains strong identity with Barnstaple's historic market town character (its long bridge, Pannier Market, and role as the regional centre), Ilfracombe's Victorian seaside resort (with its harbour, tunnels beaches, and Damien Hirst's Verity sculpture), Braunton's surfing heritage (renowned as a centre for surfing with its famous beach and the Braunton Burrows sand dune system), and the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth connected by the famous cliff railway. The area preserves important heritage including Arlington Court (National Trust house with carriage museum), Watermouth Castle (19th-century folly now visitor attraction), and the Exmoor National Park with its dramatic coastline and moorland. The North Devon Coast AONB offers spectacular coastal walking including the South West Coast Path, with rugged cliffs and hidden coves. Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay, and Woolacombe are world-famous for surfing while the Tarka Trail provides cycling and walking through beautiful countryside. Exmoor's valleys and moorland offer walking, red deer watching, and spectacular scenery including the Valley of Rocks. The villages feature traditional Devon character with whitewashed cottages and thatched roofs. Boundary GIS data for North Devon District Council is available for download in GeoJSON and KML formats, essential for managing this spectacular coastal district, protecting the North Devon Coast AONB and Exmoor National Park, supporting the surfing industry and tourism, and preserving the character of historic towns and villages.