Northam brings together the coastal scenery of Northam Burrows Country Park and a range of historical highlights: St Margaret’s Church and the Northam Chain Home Radar Station represent different chapters in the town’s history. Travellers choosing a destination for its nature, trails or architectural history can weigh these highlights according to their own interests.
Coastal scenery on the Taw-Torridge Estuary
Northam Burrows Country Park lies on the western edge of the Taw-Torridge Estuary. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it covers around 253 hectares of coastal plain, salt marsh, sand dunes and largely unimproved grassland. This variety makes the park appealing to travellers looking for coastal and open-land landscapes.
The park is also within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is an important part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its designation as part of these landscape and biosphere areas places its specific habitats in a wider regional context.
Trails, coast and route choices
Northam Burrows forms part of the South West Coast Path and has three signposted trails. There is also an audio trail that can be used throughout the park via smartphone. The signposted trails and audio trail offer different ways to explore the park; the audio trail accompanies visitors using their smartphone throughout the park.
The named routes also vary in length: the Westward Ho & Northam Burrows circular route is 3.4 miles long, while the Appledore & Northam Burrows walking route is 6.8 miles long. If you are choosing a route by its stated length, you can compare a shorter circular route with a walking route twice as long.
Northam Burrows also provides one of the access points to Westward Ho!’s two-mile-long beach. The beach access is another specific connection to the coast, alongside the park’s trails and landscapes.
Church and technological history
St Margaret’s Church in Northam dates from 1250. It is mostly from the 15th century; the lower part of the tower is older. The church occupies a scenic position overlooking the sea. Its date, different phases of construction and seaside location give architecture enthusiasts several specific features to look out for.
The Northam Chain Home Radar Station is listed as a Grade II building and remains largely intact. It was in operation from 1941 to 1944. In contrast to the church’s medieval architectural history, the radar station points to a much later era and to Northam’s history during the Second World War.
Seasonal nature activities
During the summer season, Northam Burrows Centre offers free family activities, including rocky-shore explorations and nature walks. If these activities are important to your plans, consider travelling in the summer season.
Northam Burrows also has a fully accessible birdwatching point.
Discover more destinations: Westleigh, Berrynarbor, Washfield, Ipplepen, Chapelton, Molland, Broadhempston, Dartmouth
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
