The nearby town of Barnstaple, which straddles the River Taw, is one of England's oldest boroughs and was for centuries a major port and shipyard. Vestiges of its prosperous past can be seen in the quiet backstreets. A few miles beyond the estuary are Tapeley Gardens which are rich in rare plants and offer spectacular views of rivers and hills. Also within easy reach of Westcott Barton is the small town of Braunton; here one can visit the 13th century church which has many unusual roof bosses and carved benchends. For sunny days, Woolacombe Sands and Croyde Bay offer flat yellow beaches which have Blue Flag status.
Birdwatchers, cyclists and ramblers will find many places of interest. For birdwatchers, Chapel Wood RSPB reserve is only a few miles from Westcott. Another perfect spot for ornithologists is Braunton Burrows; this designated UNESCO biosphere stretches for four miles along the north side of the Taw and Torridge estuaries. Here one can see the largest sand dune system in the UK which has a very diverse plant community. Many sea and marsh birds can be observed; this is a stopping place for migrating waders in spring and autumn, and, in winter, merlins, harriers and short-eared owls are among the birds of prey which hunt here. Along the coast to the North, one can stop off at Baggy Point, a jagged slate headland good for viewing seabirds. More...