Top Things to do in Devon
10 Art Galleries in Devon That You Shouldn't Miss
From the wilds of Dartmoor to the wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley, Devon is undoubtedly one of England's most beautiful counties. Its overwhelmingly rural landscape means that catered accommodation is restricted to over-subscribed Bed and Breakfasts and hotels which are mostly concentrated in towns like Exeter and Barnstaple.
Devon is a great location for a family holiday in the great outdoors, with everything from beach resorts at Ilfracombe to rambling in the hills of Exmoor and tors of Dartmoor. It is a large county, but whether you want to follow the Tarka Trail, or walk down the Doone Valley, you can be sure there will be cottages open for holiday rentals nearby.
Most of Devon's holiday rental cottages started as farm buildings of some sort, and planning restrictions mean that many of them retain their rural charm on the outside. However, the cottages are generally renovated to 21st Century standards inside, with double glazing, TV, washing machines and fully-equipped kitchens. Families are well catered for in the higher end properties with games rooms, sometimes including full-size pool tables and large gardens for children to explore.
Despite the unpredictability of Devon's weather even during the summer months, the comfort of these properties gives great peace of mind. Moreover, a week's holiday rental of a cottage in Devon can cost as little as £300 - £400. During the peak season you can spend as much as £900 a month for one of the larger or more luxurious cottages, which still works out to be cheaper than a lot of hotels, especially if you have to book several rooms to accommodate a family of four or five.
To get the best of Devon's startling countryside and its friendly communities, renting a holiday cottage near Lynton and Lynmouth can be a good start. It is a useful base from which to explore North Devon, and is within walking distance of several beauty spots, such as Watersmeet (complete with a small but impressive waterfall) and the Valley of the Rocks. Separated by a steep cliff, you can travel up a funicular railway from coastal Lynmouth to clifftop Lynton, with plenty of stunning walks, shopping opportunities and several beaches and boat trips to nearby coastal attractions.
The twin villages also boast a concentration of well-equipped holiday cottages, from modest fisherman's cottages on the path to Watersmeet to grander hillside houses on the way to the Valley of the Rocks. Whatever your budget, Lynton and Lynmouth can provide some tempting accommodation options for your first Devon holiday.
Restaurants in Devon
1. No.39 The Art House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. D'art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
3. Thelma Hulbert Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Thelma Hulbert Gallery is an award-winning public art gallery, hosting contemporary art and craft exhibitions as well as a permanent collection of artist Thelma Hulbert's paintings. Perfect for rainy days, THG has a stunning ground floor gallery space (formerly Thelma's studio), a dedicated Learning Room with art & craft materials for kids, a Project Space, shop and refreshments area. Disabled access and lift, disabled parking. For your safety, the gallery is open for private guided tours. Please book your place via our website thelmahulbert.com Fun activities and workshops during term-time and holidays to entertain the family. See our website for dates and times. Awarded GOLD for 'Accessibility & Inclusivity' by Visit Devon and designated 'Hidden Gem' by national Visit England Awards.
4. Red Propeller Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Red Propeller Gallery was founded by Sarah & David Anslow in 2006 and is renowned for showing a more outré strand of contemporary work. The Gallery has played a major role in seamlessly merging Urban Fine Art with Contemporary Fine Art. It was one of the first Urban Art Galleries to hit the street - just as the phenomena was gathering speed. Red Propeller continues to identify and showcase challenging and thought-provoking pieces by the best emerging Artists working today - all successfully working towards sealing their place in Contemporary Art history.
5. Delamore House
6. Sea Dog Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Sea Dog Art is only at home for visits now and then. I’m also now at Powderham Castle ... I’ve a studio there come and visit me and at Infusion Art Cafe in Exmouth . Come and see me there too!
7. The Timehouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 481 reviews
The Timehouse is due to re-open 21 June 2021 subject to the Covid situation. Check here and elsewhere online for updates.
8. Seaway Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Angie Seaway is an expressive landscape artist. Her gallery is open by appointment for visitors to view her paintings. In addition, Angie's visitors can use her bespoke artistic guide to discover and explore the beautiful surrounding landscape of Exmouth. Visiting the sites that inspired the paintings and gaining a unique insight into the artistic process. Co-ordinates will be provided.
9. Words and pictures gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 597mairj
Really nice independent gallery with a great collection of art and craft. Very nice owner who has a real passion for promoting local artists. Well worth a visit.
10. River Dart Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Offering photo services, custom framing, printing, design services and gifts. Showcasing Kirsty & Jason Browning's fine art prints.
Reviewed By BristolAlbertus
An excellent shop with many unusual items for sale at sensible prices.The lady owner is great & loves to chat or help with matters about Stoke Gabriel
