Spreading the love in North Devon this valentines

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the North Devon Gazette is celebrating love by sharing stories from couples across the region about how they met and what makes their relationship special.

Ruby and Ben
Ben is from Westleigh, and Ruby is from Bideford. The couple met online through mutual friends, discovering they both owned the same t-shirt. That was in 2021, and they still wear those t-shirts to this day. Their shared love for the pub brought them together, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

ABOVE: Ruby and Ben

Harry and Erin
Harry and Erin live in Braunton. They met at school in Bideford, part of the same friendship group despite being in different years. During the lockdown, they kept in touch by playing online games. After finishing their exams, Harry asked Erin out to see the new Minions movie. However, Erin got the date wrong and showed up a week early! Thankfully, she returned on the right day, and they’ve been together ever since.

ABOVE: Harry and Erin

Stuart and Annachristina Lane
The couple lives in Barnstaple and met at a foam party. Stuart recalls wiping foam from Annachristina’s eyes and knowing she was the one. Ten years of marriage and two beautiful boys later, their love is stronger than ever.

ABOVE: Stuart and Annachristina Lane

Peter and Sheila Easterbrook
Peter and Sheila, from Bideford, will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary on June 6. Peter says, “It’s extra special to mention because, even though we’ve been married for so long, it still feels like yesterday.”

ABOVE: Peter and Sheila Easterbrook

Lucy and Neil Wright
Lucy and Neil, from Bideford, have been together for 22 years. Neil first showed up at Lucy’s house when she was just 15, dressed in a suit and bow tie, to ask her mum for permission to take her out on a date. The rest, as they say, is history. Now with three children, they’re still very much in love.

ABOVE: Lucy and Neil Wright

Emily Pickles and Luke Williamson
Emily and Luke, a fairly new couple from Braunton and Combe Martin, met at Barnstaple Carnival and describe it as “love at first sight.” Emily recalls how Luke looked after her during the fair, calming her when the music got too loud. He took her to a quieter spot outside, where they sat and cuddled the night away. They officially became a couple on November 8, 2024, as the sun set over Westward Ho! beach, a moment they describe as the most magical of their lives.

ABOVE: Emily Pickles and Luke Williamson

The Gazette has rounded up some of the most breathtaking locations in North Devon for a romantic escape this Valentine's. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a cosy coastal retreat, a scenic beach walk, or a charming village setting, these destinations are perfect for celebrating love.

• Clovelly - This historic fishing village, with its steep cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and scenic harbour, provides a timeless setting for a romantic day out.
• Saunton Sands - A vast expanse of golden beach, ideal for a peaceful stroll along the shoreline or watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
• Heddon’s Mouth - A secluded riverside walk leading to a quiet cove, offering a tranquil escape for couples who enjoy nature.
• Hartland Quay - Known for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping sea views, this rugged stretch of coastline is a striking location for a Valentine’s Day walk.
• Valley of Rocks - One of North Devon’s most unique landscapes, featuring towering rock formations and breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.
• Woolacombe Beach - A popular yet peaceful setting for a romantic coastal walk, with miles of soft sand and uninterrupted ocean views.
• Instow - This charming estuary village offers a scenic beachfront, stunning sunsets, and a selection of waterside restaurants for a special meal.
• Watersmeet - A picturesque woodland valley where two rivers meet, featuring waterfalls, scenic walking trails, and a traditional National Trust tearoom.
• Lynton & Lynmouth - A combination of coastal and countryside charm, with a historic cliff railway, scenic views, and cosy cafés.
• Great Hangman & Little Hangman - A quieter spot for couples who enjoy hiking, with panoramic views across the coastline and rolling countryside.