What Makes a Perfect Summer’s Day Out for Older Adults in North Devon?
Relaxing days out for older adults in North Devon—walks, painting, picnics and gentle outings.
Whether you’re caring for a loved one at home, planning a break with extended family, or supporting someone receiving professional home care, finding activities that are engaging, inclusive and restful can make all the difference. So what does the perfect day out look like for an older adult in North Devon?
From picnic spots with a view to scenic coastal painting sessions, North Devon offers an array of senior-friendly outdoor activities. At Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor, we understand the importance of meaningful time spent outdoors, especially when shared with those we care about. In this blog, we’ve put together thoughtful, accessible ideas for outdoor experiences suitable for older people, whether mobile or supported by a caregiver.
North Devon in Bloom: Outdoor Moments Shared by Home Instead Clients
We’re proud to share some of the favourite local outings recommended by our clients and their families, like sketching the peaceful views near Saunton Sands, or enjoying a thermos of tea and a homemade scone at Arlington Court’s garden. As we look ahead to July, we’d love to feature more client suggestions for relaxing places to dine outdoors, try a bit of painting, or simply enjoy a gentle walk. If you have a local gem to recommend, please get in touch. These personal insights help others discover the most welcoming and enjoyable parts of our community.
Outdoor Dining, Picnics and BBQs With a View
There’s something timeless about enjoying food outdoors, especially in a setting as beautiful as North Devon. From clifftop benches to sheltered gardens, options for senior-friendly picnics or barbecues are easy to find.
Valley of Rocks near Lynton is an excellent choice—flat walking routes, wide open spaces, and shaded picnic areas make it manageable for people with reduced mobility. With panoramic views of the sea and occasional sightings of the local goats, it’s an atmospheric spot for sandwiches, tea, and a good chat.
Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe offers picnic tables, easy access paths, public toilets, and a duck pond. Caregivers can relax while older visitors enjoy the calm surroundings and the chance to watch families and wildlife pass by.
Many care recipients appreciate a simple garden BBQ. If mobility is limited, setting up a shaded corner in the garden with comfortable seating, finger foods and soft drinks is a lovely way to share lunch outdoors.
Landscape Painting and Nature Sketching
North Devon’s scenery provides the perfect backdrop for open-air creativity. Landscape painting doesn’t require technical skills—just a sketchpad, a bit of encouragement, and somewhere to sit.
Accessible spots for outdoor painting include:
- Instow Beach, with wide walkways and benches overlooking the estuary. A peaceful place to paint the shoreline or watch the boats.
- Tarr Steps, a gentle riverside location on Exmoor, known for its ancient clapper bridge. Ideal for quick watercolour sketches or nature spotting.
- Saunton Sands Viewing Area, where visitors can stay in the car or sit nearby while capturing long rolling waves and dunes.
Painting outdoors provides both relaxation and a focus that many older adults enjoy, especially when supported by a caregiver to help set up and pack away materials.
North Devon Arts are running a painting workshop and social on 4th July at St Anne’s in Barnstaple, with guest artist Nigel Mason.
Easy Walks and Places to Sit
Not all walks need to be long or hilly. North Devon has a range of level paths, benches, and public gardens suited for slower strolling and frequent rests.
The Tarka Trail offers excellent wheelchair and mobility scooter access, particularly the stretch between Bideford and Instow. With clear views across the Torridge Estuary and café stops along the way, it’s ideal for low-energy, high-enjoyment outings.
Rosemoor Gardens, run by the RHS, is a popular choice for flower lovers. Paved paths wind through themed gardens, and mobility scooters are available to hire. There’s a peaceful café onsite for tea and cake afterwards.
Westward Ho! promenade is flat and lined with seating. On warm days, the sound of the waves and the smell of fish and chips create a comforting seaside atmosphere—nostalgic and calming in equal measure.
Wildlife, Farming and Rural Relaxation
For older adults who enjoy animals and rural life, several farms and nature centres offer accessible, senior-friendly experiences.
Quince Honey Farm in South Molton has level walkways, exhibits, beekeeping demonstrations and opportunities to sample local honey. Educational and sensory in equal measure, it’s a gentle day out for those supported by a caregiver.
North Devon Bird of Prey Centre, located near The Milky Way Adventure Park, provides up-close encounters with owls, hawks and falcons. While exciting for children, the slow-paced demonstrations and accessible paths make it equally enjoyable for older visitors.
Local petting farms often welcome visitors with mobility challenges. Many now provide calm visiting hours or quiet viewing zones, ideal for guests who prefer less sensory stimulation.
Garden Events, Community Activities and Summer Fairs
July is a popular month for local fairs, garden events and outdoor craft markets—many of which are accessible and enjoyable for older adults.
Look out for:
- Summer garden open days in villages across North Devon. These often include tea, homemade cakes, and gentle walking routes through landscaped plots.
- Craft fairs and produce markets, like those at Barnstaple Pannier Market, which are mostly indoors but spill out into the streets in summer. Perfect for light activity and local conversation.
- Music in the Park events, which sometimes include brass bands or folk singers. These seated gatherings are ideal for enjoying the sunshine without moving too far.
We are hosting our own Summer Party on 12th July at Barnstaple Rugby Club, with afternoon tea, a glass of fizz, and a bouncy castle for the adventurous, or mainly the children of our care professionals!
Coastal Journeys Without the Strain
Getting out to see the coastline doesn’t need to mean a long walk. A few gentle transport options allow older visitors to enjoy the sea air without strain.
- Lynton & Barnstaple Railway offers a comfortable steam train ride with countryside views—ideal for those who’d prefer to sit back and take it all in.
- Coastal boat trips from Ilfracombe or Torquay provide fresh air, views, and commentary. Choose from relaxed cruises with seating or shorter trips closer to shore.
- Access For All Beacheshas provided beach-suitable wheelchairs at Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolacombe, Putsborough and Combe Martin beaches, allowing those with limited mobility to still access the beach and feel the sand beneath their toes.
Final Thoughts: Quality Time, Local Support
When planning senior-friendly outings, comfort, support and accessibility are key. At Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor, we’re here to help families and individuals find joyful, manageable ways to spend time outdoors.
From sharing a flask of tea on a bench by the sea to quietly painting in a garden or enjoying a gentle walk through a nature reserve, it’s often the simplest moments that stay with us.
If you’d like help planning outdoor activities, need support with mobility on trips, or want a companion for regular summer outings, we’re here to support you.
Get in Touch
📞 Call Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor on 01769 302003
🌐 Visit us athomeinstead.co.uk/North-Devon-Exmoor
Let’s make this summer one to remember—together.
Areas We Serve
South Molton, Barnstaple, & the surrounding North Devon areas
EX31 1, EX31 2, EX31 3, EX31 4, EX32 0, EX32 7, EX32 8, EX32 9, EX33 1, EX33 2, EX34 0, EX34 7, EX34 8, EX34 9, EX35 6, EX36 3, EX36 4, EX37 9, EX39 1, EX39 2, EX39 3, EX39 4, TA22 9, TA24 7, TA24 8
Unit 1c, Lime Field, South Molton EX36 3BS, UK