Top Things to do in Devon
10 Monuments & Statues 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. Naval Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 338 reviews
The Plymouth Naval Memorial commemorates 7,251 sailors of the First World War and 15,933 of the Second World War. The Memorial is situated centrally on The Hoe which looks directly towards Plymouth Sound. It is accessible at all times. Copies of the Memorial Register are kept at the Tourist Information Office at Island House, 9 The Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2LS, and also in the Naval Historical Section at Plymouth Library.
Reviewed By Johnny_vegan - Glastonbury, United Kingdom
Well, it Christmas, so I had to make that joke, and this impressive naval monument is the centrepiece above Plymouth Sound and Drake's Island and honours those who have lost their lives in military action, specifically the First and Second World Wars, and over 22 thousand names are inscribed on the monument, making it a very poignant place to spend a few minutes quietly contemplating. Rumour has it that Francis Drake played bowls on the Hoe before sailing ship to have a bust-up with the Spanish Armada. There is also a monument to him nearby.
2. Blitz Fountain and the Phoenix Blitz Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Passp0rtAlwaysReady - Exeter, United Kingdom
I was in town today and thought I would stop off at the Exeter Blitz Memorial, hidden away at the back of Princesshay shopping centre, it’s always peaceful and quiet and just perfect for one to collect thoughts and remember those that had fallen.
3. Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By L7768EQdavidd - Devon, United Kingdom
Thursday 25th June and we visited Plymouth Hoe, where this statue is situated. It stands in front of the Naval Memorial Moument with the Drake Statue on one side and the Armada Statue on the other. It depicts a seaman proudly standing on a plinth, with a pair of binoculars hanging around his neck. The statue appears to be looking outwards over Plymouth Sound. The entire monument, consists of a bronze statue standing on a granite plinth. including the plinth, and stands 6 metres (approx. 20 feet tall). On the front of the plinth is plaque, below the Merchant Navy crest, and the inscription on the plaque reads, as follows:- "This monument is dedicated to those men and women, who serve in, or who have served in, the British Merchant Navy or Fishing Fleets in times of both war and peace." On the right hand side of the plinth, is another plaque, providing historical information. The Statue was officially unveiled by HRH Princess Royal on Tuesday 3rd of September 2019, which was Merchant Navy Day.
4. Exeter Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,879 reviews
Lift your gaze to the world’s longest uninterrupted Gothic stone vaulted cathedral ceiling. Discover Scott’s sledging flag from the legendary British Antarctic Expedition. Marvel at the medieval astronomical clock. With a thousand years of history, stunning architecture, unique treasures, musical and spiritual heritage, you’ll feel inspired from the moment you step inside Exeter Cathedral.
5. Theatre Royal Plymouth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,042 reviews
The Theatre Royal Plymouth is the largest and best attended regional producing theatre in the UK and the leading promoter of theatre in the South West. There are two distinctive performance spaces; The Lyric and The Drum, and a new workshop and performance space, The Lab, will open in October 2013.The range of work presented and produced is incredibly extensive, including regular collaborations with leading theatre companies in the UK and beyond. The programme includes major touring drama, musical productions, leading opera and dance. The Theatre Royal Plymouth also produces and presents new plays and has built a national reputation for the quality of its programme and innovative work in The Drum, winning the prestigious Peter Brook award. New musicals and larger scale drama are co-produced for The Lyric, often with commercial or subsidised partners and many productions tour nationally or transfer to the West End. The Theatre Royal Plymouth provides an exceptional Creative Learning programme with a focus on engaging young and disadvantaged communities. The award-winning theatre production and learning centre, TR2, contains unrivalled set, costume, prop-making and rehearsal facilities.
Reviewed By Archsavy
Whole show was superb. The eloquent timely delivered wit courtesty of Brian Conley was professional theatre at it's all time best. His interaction with young and old could not have been better. His colleagues were also at the top of their game. The eye for detail with the costumes /props and scenery was second to none especially the innovation of the flying horse and carriage. This was the best Pantomine has seen since Jo Pasquale in 2011 and Nigel Havers/Bobby Davro and Lee Mead in 2014. Such a contrast to the poor pantomine productions of the previous two years. Absolutely Amazing.
6. Statue of John Dinham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
7. Merrivale Monuments
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Jannerbloke - Devon, United Kingdom
Spend a couple of minutes online making sure that you know which car park beside the road and in which direction you need to walk to the brow from which you can then immediately see the impressive arrangement of stones. It might be better still if there were some thoughtful detail and graphics back by the car park helping to put the whole monument into context. It’s really worth the time and a bit of thought. There are several easily accessible books about the high moor, key lines etc and even without the research Merrivale is stands alone as an experience just pause in the middle and look along the lines. Lean on the stones themselves and gaze miles into the middle distance. An easy drive out from Plymouth.
8. The Deer Stalker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Passp0rtAlwaysReady - Exeter, United Kingdom
100th day of lockdown and I’m in Northernhay Gardens checking out the Deer Stalker statue by E.B. Stephens. Looks like it needs a brass polish and some elbow grease. Impressive and I noted today how scared the hunting dogs facial expression is lol !!
9. Exeter Riddle Sculpture
10. Miles' Clocktower - Queen Street
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