Avast! Pirates, nurdles and bears on the North Devon coast for the school holidays

Northam Burrows rangers will be presenting pirates, a teddy bears’ picnic and a nurdle hunt among a host of free family activities for the school summer holidays.

The team has free events running every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer break.

Things kick-off on Thursday, July 24 with a Poisonous Plants Guided Walk and free crafts at the visitor centre.

A free fun self-guided trail will also be available to collect from the visitor centre any day between 10am and 5pm. The magical creatures of Northam Burrows are spending their summer holidays in the sand dunes – can you spot where they are staying?!

All events are 2-4pm unless otherwise stated.

Above: Checking the bucket for finds after a shoreline scramble at Northam Burrows. Credit: TDC

Among the various events, on Tuesday, July 29 families can meet at the Westward Ho! slipway at 2pm to join in with the Big Seaweed Search.

On Tuesday, August 5, take your teddy along for the Teddy Bears’ Picnic with stories and crafts by Northam Burrows Visitor Centre.

Pirate Day with a trail and crafts will be taking place on Tuesday, August 19.

There is a sandcastle competition on Thursday, August 14 and a paper kite or glider making session on August 21 at the Visitor Centre.

Plus don’t miss the great nurdle search on August 26 and it rounds off on August 28 with art on the beach – meet by the Sandymere lifeguard hut.

READ MORE: Free guided nature and history walks at Northam Burrows

Councillor Lyndon Piper, lead member for leisure at Torridge District Council, said: “The events organised by our rangers are an excellent way for all the family to discover more about the area surrounding the Burrows and the fascinating creatures that inhabit it.

“Best of all, all the family friendly activities are free. We are so lucky to have an award-winning ‘Blue Flag’ beach like Westward Ho! on our doorstep, so why not get outdoors this summer and join in the fun.”

All activities run from 2pm to 4pm, unless otherwise stated, with no booking required.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

For further details about each event, visit our website www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrowsevents and social media pages or ask at the Visitor Centre and toll booths.