Devon Coast - Places, Hotel?
 

In late July, we will have the chance to visit the Devon Coast. Which areas (not too far from Bristol) are particularly attractive, where should we stay overnight (Ilfracombe?), do you have a hotel recommendation (we usually are in the 4-star-range)?

We would like scenic drives, light hikes and a swim in the sea.

Thank you for your advice.

After some research, I would like to specify my questions:

- Would Weston-super-mare or Burnham-on-Sea make a good base for visiting both Exmoor and Bath? Are these nice towns? Is Uphill Manor in Weston recommendable? Or Woodlands Hotel in Burnham?

- Is Lynton a good place to stay? What about Hewitts/Villa Spaldi?

- Or should we better go to Cornwall? What about the Bay Hotel in Newquay?

Any other recommended places/hotels?

I can't help you with the Devon bit, but I would advise you that Newquay in the summer months is pretty much overrun with binge-drinking teenagers on a post-exam jolly.

But don't disregard the north Cornwall coast - it is stunning. I usally rent a house in Boscastle, but I believe the Bodruthan Steps Hotel is very good...

http://www.hotels-world.com/tp.hotel...teps_Hotel.htm

And Padstow would be worth considering too...

http://www.padstowlive.com/padstow/default.asp

Try posting again using Cornwall in the title and hopefully annhig will see it as she lives in Cornwall and will have much more advice for you.

And this place in Port Isaac is super!

http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/old-school-hotel/

I would definitely reccommend going further to Devon or Cornwall over Weston or Burnham.

I think the most beautiful beach in Cornwall is Watergate Bay, near Newquay. The hotel there is supposed to be very nice, though I've never stayed there http://www.watergatebay.co.uk/ I spend a lot of time at the beach here when I visit Cornwall (which I do most years).
You can walk the coastal path, swim, and drive the scenic coast. Its probably around 3 hours from Bristol.

I agree with julia_t - I wouldn't reccommend staying IN Newquay, as its a real party town (lots of stag/hen parties) but the area around it is lovely.

However if you don't want to travel so far there are many beautiful areas in Devon to consider. Lynmouth/Lynton is one as you picked out. Another one is Croyde - thatched cottage village on the coast (don't know of any 4 star hotels here though).

Just note that all of Devon and Cornwall will be very busy in late July as its the school hols.

>>>I would advise you that Newquay in the summer months is pretty much overrun with binge-drinking teenagers on a post-exam jolly<<<

It is exactly this type of information that makes this forum so invaluable.

Thank you.

I am still researching for accomodation in Exmoor. Lynmouth is appealing to me, also Combe Martin.

Croyde looks nice indeed, but I am not sure if we are able to find a decent hotel there.

Any tips for nice hotels/B&Bs are appreciated.