Explore river, coastal and estuarine environments on this epic geography adventure to the North Devon coast.
You know Devon for sun, sea and sand. And it’s got buckets (and spades) of all that.
But it’s also a county of mind-blowing landscapes and epic adventures, making it the perfect setting for your next school trip (especially if you’re a geography or environmental science group).
Devon’s North Coast boasts everything from dramatic, rugged cliffs to sandy dunes. Here, you’ll find several internationally important conservation sites, including the UK’s first ‘new style’ UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve.
Explore and compare the traditional fishing villages that cling to the cliffs and the resort towns that have been transformed by tourism. Discover the power of the sea in shaping the landscape (and the methods being used to reduce its impact).
We have two incredible residential centres to choose from. Both have been purpose-built for school groups, so the facilities are first-class and designed to make your job as party leader super easy. Both centres also boast some unbelievable on-site activities that will make your trip completely unforgettable.
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Why choose Halsbury?
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Tell us your learning objectives, curriculum and budget and we’ll do the rest.
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Laura Lucas
Tour Consultant
Paul Hudson
Tour Consultant
Laura Martin
Tours Sales & Product Manager
Emma Gray da Silva
Tour Consultant
Meet our education specialists and get to know more about the people committed to making your school trip the best it can be.
Why Visit Devon?
Epic landscapes
From the drama of the Hartland promontory to the wide sandy beaches of Westward Ho!, North Devon is home to some truly epic landscapes. That’s what makes it the perfect option for geography or environmental science.
Whether you want your students to discover the environment and processes of coasts, rivers or estuaries, it’s all here, ready to be explored. And it’s the perfect environment for conducting fieldwork (or even just for developing fieldwork skills).
An Unforgettable Adventure
Devon (and North Devon in particular) has long been a bit of a Mecca for adventure sports. Surfing is huge here, with some of the beaches considered world-class. There’s a variety of wave types, making it a suitable spot for beginners and more advanced surfers. And the coastline here enjoys regular swells from the Atlantic Ocean, so it’s good for surfing at any time of the year.
But it’s not all about surfing down in Devon. There are other water sports you can try here, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. And there are also a couple of really great outdoor activity centres offering a variety of activities, including orienteering, climbing and high ropes courses (if you visit North Devon, you’ll very likely stay at one of these centres).
The Ultimate Outdoor Classroom
If you’re here, you probably already believe in the power of taking learning outside the classroom. Replacing those four walls with the stunning landscapes of Devon promises to inspire your learners and bring your subject to life.
If you teach geography or environmental science, you’ll bring some tricky concepts into sharp focus as you see your subject in action. If your goal is to develop your students’ resilience, teamworking and communication skills, the education-focused activities on offer at North Devon’s activity centres will be perfect for you.
Activities in Devon that your school group will love
Explore North Devon Beaches
Explore the spectacular beaches of North Devon.
Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station
Take a guided tour of this new generation of nuclear power stations that aims to help Britain achieve net zero.
Clovelly Fishing Village
Explore the charismatic fishing village of Clovelly.
Quince Honey Farm
Discover the importance (and magnificence) of bees at this family-run, working honey farm.
Braunton Burrows (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)
Visit Europe’s largest sand dune system, home to rare species and dune ecosystems.
Westward Ho! and Pebble Ridge
Explore this lively seaside village and its natural feature, Pebble Ridge, formed by coastal processes.
Appledore Lookout Walk
A scenic introduction to the area, including key locations and an overview of Skern Lodge and its surroundings.
Hartland Quay
See dramatic coastal scenery and geological formations shaped over millions of years.
FAQs
How long should we spend in Devon?
It’s your trip, so you can decide how long you want to spend in Devon. However, we find that most groups manage to fit everything into four days.
Can I arrange a cross-curricular school trip to Devon?
Definitely, just let us know that you’re interested in doing this when you enquire, and we’ll be really happy to design an itinerary to suit the entire group.
When should we visit Devon?
North Devon is a spectacular destination at any time of year. Obviously, it’s at its best in the summer, when you can take full advantage of its breathtaking beaches. But this will also be when it’s at its busiest. If you can travel during the shoulder periods, then you should still enjoy pleasant weather (without having to deal with the crowds).
What's the best way to get around Devon?
North Devon is a spectacular destination at any time of year. Obviously, it’s at its best in the summer, when you can take full advantage of its breathtaking beaches. But this will also be when it’s at its busiest. If you can travel during the shoulder periods, then you should still enjoy pleasant weather (without having to deal with the crowds).
Which visits are a must in Devon?
Clovelly Fishing Village is a really charming, picturesque traditional fishing village. It’s a steep climb down to the harbour (not to mention the climb back up the hill), although there is a Land Rover service for anyone with mobility issues.
If you’re looking for drama, then you’ll definitely want to head to Hartland Quay, where the cliffs are simply breathtaking (and tell the fascinating story of the area’s geology).
If you’re staying at one of our accommodation centres in Devon, you won’t have to travel far for some exciting activities. Both offer a variety of water sports, high ropes and other options that your students will love.
Are there any free things to do in Devon?
There are loads of free things to do in Devon. The magnificent coastal and countryside landscapes here are begging to be explored, and a simple walk down to the local beach or nearest village can be a really fulfilling activity.
How much does a school trip to Devon cost?
We don’t provide one-size-fits-all trips here at Halsbury (because we don’t believe they do). So, the cost of trips to Devon will vary somewhat depending on what activities you want to include, whether you want expert guides to lead any fieldwork activities and things like that.
However, we’re currently finding that school trips to North Devon for four days are starting from about £435pp.
Is Devon a suitable destination for primary school groups?
Devon is definitely a great place for primary schools. It’s suitable for children of all ages, and our accommodation centres are very used to welcoming younger kids too. Just let us know the age range of your group when you enquire, and we’ll make sure we suggest appropriate options for them as we move through the planning process.
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