The Skern - Image 1
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The Skern Appledore

4.7
·59 reviews·Appledore, United Kingdom

An adventure hub on the North Devon coast offering thrilling activities, coastal art, and wildlife encounters.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best for surfing & water sports

CrowdMedium
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The Skern - Image 1

The Skern Appledore

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best for surfing & water sports

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An adventure hub on the North Devon coast offering thrilling activities, coastal art, and wildlife encounters.

4.7
(59 reviews)

"Fantastic outdoor adventures with great instructors and a beautiful location near Appledore!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book activities in advance

Popular sessions like surfing and high ropes fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:

Pack for all weather

Devon weather can change quickly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes for outdoor adventures. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 59 reviews

Type

Hostel

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

High Ropes & Adventure Course

High Ropes & Adventure Course

On-site

Challenge yourself on thrilling high ropes and an extensive assault course. Perfect for adrenaline seekers!

Surfing & River Activities

Surfing & River Activities

River Taw/Torridge & Coast

Learn to surf or kayak with expert instructors. Experience the thrill of the water in a safe and fun environment.

Coastal Art & Wildlife

Coastal Art & Wildlife

Northam Burrows Country Park

Discover ephemeral beach art and spot wildlife like red squirrels and ponies. A serene escape for nature lovers.

Heated Outdoor Pool

Heated Outdoor Pool

On-site

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the heated outdoor pool, a great option regardless of the sea conditions.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

The Skern Appledore is an outdoor adventure hub. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes for activities like high ropes, surfing, and assault courses. Check the weather forecast and book popular sessions in advance, especially during peak season.

Accommodation & Access

Options range from comfortable pods to rooms, often used for school trips and tours. While many areas are accessible, confirm specific needs when booking. The location near Appledore offers coastal charm and easy access to amenities.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best for surfing & water sports
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays outside school holidays
Why
Fewer crowds, more availability
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Ideal for coastal walks & art
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Hidden Mountain Resort Deep in the Poconos. #TravelUSA #SkytopLodge #Poconos #TiktokGoStay #USA #HiddenAmerica #LearnOnTikTok
@thejetzy
17.5K likes • 889.8K views

Book activities in advance

Popular sessions like surfing and high ropes fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:

Pack for all weather

Devon weather can change quickly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes for outdoor adventures. :athletic_shoe:

🇬🇧 UK staycation era 🌿✨ [Share & Save for later] I have a serious obsession with UK staycations, so here are some of my favourites: 🦌 Wildwood Spa, North Devon 🏡 ÖÖD House, Oxfordshire 🌳The Lodge on the Lake, Essex I’m all about unique stays, so drop your recommendations in the comments below! ☺️ ❗️I DO NOT GRANT PERMISSION FOR ANY IN FEED REPOSTS❗️ UK staycation, staycation, unique stays, treehou...
@toniahope
2.7K likes • 50.9K views
The Red Squirrel 🐿 Made at Skern, Appledore beach on May 14, 2024 #beachart #landart #environmentalart #ephemeralart #squirrel #redsquirrel #artistoninstagram #naturalmaterials #skern #appledore #stayclosetonature #inspiredbynature #may2024 #wellbeing #arttherapy
beach4art
4.1K likes • 33.8K views

Explore the local art

Discover beautiful ephemeral art made from natural materials on the beach. Great for a peaceful stroll. :camerawithflash:

Consider group tours

Ideal for school residential trips and sports tours, with dedicated accommodation and activities. :bustsinsilhouette:

My second EVER oil painting! Last weekend we went for a family walk on the Skern, near Appledore, Devon. We sat in the car while it was raining, and when it passed over towards Appledore, the sun came out and created a stunning contrast with the threatening clouds. Back home, I was compelled to paint it, and what better time to crack out my new oil paints and give myself a challenge! This pai...
chocolate.clare
124 likes • 4.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book activities in advance

Popular sessions like surfing and high ropes fill up fast. Book online to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:

Pack for all weather

Devon weather can change quickly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes for outdoor adventures. :athletic_shoe:

Explore the local art

Discover beautiful ephemeral art made from natural materials on the beach. Great for a peaceful stroll. :camerawithflash:

Consider group tours

Ideal for school residential trips and sports tours, with dedicated accommodation and activities. :bustsinsilhouette:

Check accessibility

Much of the site is accessible, but confirm specific needs when booking accommodation or activities. ♿

What Travellers Say

4.7
(59 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Skern for its extensive range of outdoor adventure activities, from thrilling high ropes and surfing to a fun assault course and pool. The friendly and helpful staff, along with comfortable accommodation and good catering for groups, are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some note it can be expensive, the overall experience is highly recommended for its adventurous spirit and beautiful coastal location.

"I had a fantastic time. The only thing bad was the hill behind the zip line but you can't change that. The food was amazing though. Thanks instructors!"

Dan Western

"It was great. Staff were so kind, great outdoor adventures. 5 out of 5 hygiene rating, it should have a 5 out of 5 taste rating! Fun assault course, clean pool, extreme high ropes, great adventures down to the river and REALLY fun surfing: the instructors were keeping you safe at all times and were helpful (there are also more activities to try!) Most of the site has easy access for the handicapped. School residential trips also available! 100% 5 stars!"

William Errington

"My daughter has just been on the week long summer holiday club and she an awesome time. She really liked having lots of adventures and challenges herself. They did so much, her favourites were zip lining, tunnelling, kayaking and assault course. The instructors were all really nice and helped everyone push themselves beyond their comfort zone. I would have no hesitation in recommending them, either for a week club or the day activities they run. It was fabulous to see her so confident and having such a great time."

Lucy Connell

What People Like

Exciting adventure activities
Friendly and helpful staff
Great for group bookings

What People Dislike

Can be expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Skern is located near Appledore in North Devon. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. It's also a short walk from Appledore town, making it convenient for those arriving by public transport to the local area. Reddit

While The Skern itself doesn't have a dedicated bus stop, Appledore is served by local bus routes. From Appledore, it's a pleasant walk to the Skern. Check local bus timetables for services to Appledore. Reddit

For school residential trips or sports tours, arriving by coach is common. The Skern has accommodation blocks suitable for large groups, and the location is ideal for various team activities. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option, especially if you're staying locally. The coastal paths and surrounding areas offer scenic routes. Secure bike storage might be available, so inquire when booking. Instagram

Follow signs for Appledore and then look for signs directing you to The Skern or Northam Burrows Country Park. It's a well-known outdoor activity centre in the area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking is essential for most activities, especially surfing, high ropes, and kayaking. You can book directly through their website or by contacting them. Reddit

Activity hours vary depending on the season and specific activity. It's best to check the official Skern website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on session times. Instagram

While specific day passes might not be advertised, you can often book individual activities for a day visit. Check their offerings for 'drop-in' sessions or single activity bookings. Reddit

The beach art is located within Northam Burrows Country Park, which is generally accessible for walks. However, access to specific activity areas may require booking. Instagram+1

Pricing varies significantly based on the activity and duration. Some reviews mention it can be expensive, so it's advisable to check their current price list on their website. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Skern offers a wide range of outdoor adventures including high ropes, assault courses, surfing, kayaking, climbing walls, and a heated outdoor pool. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Families can enjoy various activities together, from the assault course to kayaking. The beach art and coastal walks also offer a more relaxed experience. InstagramReddit

Accommodation includes comfortable pods and rooms, often used for group bookings like school trips and tours. They are generally clean and well-maintained. Reddit

The Skern aims for accessibility, with much of the site being easy to navigate for handicapped visitors. It's recommended to contact them directly to discuss specific needs. Reddit

Skern Pool Week refers to swimming and coaching sessions held at the on-site heated outdoor pool, offering a structured way to improve swimming skills. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Skern provides food options, especially for group bookings. They cater for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and can accommodate dietary requirements. Reddit

The Skern is a short walk from Appledore, which has a selection of pubs and restaurants offering local cuisine. Reddit

If you are staying in self-catered accommodation or visiting for the day, bringing your own snacks and picnic is usually permitted. Check their policy when booking. Instagram

Yes, there is an on-site bar that also functions as a shop, often open for guests, particularly during group stays. Reddit

For day visitors, options might be limited to snacks or packed lunches. It's advisable to check if any on-site catering is available for non-residents or plan to eat in Appledore. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The coastal areas around Northam Burrows offer stunning landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset. Look for ephemeral beach art and wildlife. Instagram+2

Yes, you might spot red squirrels and ponies in the Northam Burrows area. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance. Instagram+1

Definitely. The estuary views, the coastline, and the changing skies provide excellent opportunities for landscape photographers. Instagram

Artists create ephemeral land art using natural materials found on the beach, often featuring animals or symbolic shapes. Instagram+2

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

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