Top Things to do in Devon
10 Shopping 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. 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.
2. Delamore House
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Salcombe Distilling Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 438 reviews
Home to our Victuallers shop, award winning Gin School, Distillery & Bar, Salcombe Distilling Co. is nestled amongst traditional boat builders on Island Street Salcombe. As one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat, SDCo continues Salcombe's legacy of producing outstanding handcrafted products made with an unrivalled passion, care and attention to detail.
Reviewed By GlamTourist - South West England, United Kingdom
An incredible ‘experience’ making our own Gin! Welcomed from the start with a Salcombe gin, very knowledgeable distillers helped with finding botanicals and more Salcombe Gin in the middle as well as at the end made the whole gin making experience brilliant! Plus we ended up with a bottle of our own made VERY drinkable gin. Can’t recommend highly enough!
7. Fleek Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Fleek Gallery is a new contemporary art gallery in Ilfracombe, North Devon, a town increasingly known for its progressive art scene. The gallery features regular exhibitions of new work by emerging and established contemporary artists, including Illuminati Neon, Onyx, Darren West, Emma Gibbons, Raffaella Bertolini, Suman Kaur, and many more. Visit https://fleekgallery.com/ for more information.
Reviewed By C6355HZgrahamm
Came across this gem of a gallery last week. They had just finished setting up there summer exhibition of contemporary art. The gallery owner Dan had compiled a great range of artists work from established artists and new comers from all over UK. He explained that the gallery provides space for modern work from artists in his view who was have incredible talent and therefore very collectible. A must place for collectors.
8. The Reuben Lenkiewicz Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
I manage The Reuben Lenkiewicz Art Gallery in Teignmouth Arts Quarter. The painter Robert Lenkiewicz was my father & I have a intimate experience of his life & work. I exhibit and promote my fathers work through exhibitions, talks and events. I also specialise in buying & selling my fathers paintings, drawings and prints.
Reviewed By -772030Happy
Have been to the gallery several times as it’s the best place in the country to see Robert Lenkiewicz’s brilliant paintings and high quality prints. Reuben Lenkiewicz, Roberts son, was responsible for setting up and now running the gallery. His knowledge of the history of Roberts unfolding genius makes a visit such a memorable and fascinating experience. Just by talking with Reuben himself is an enlightening experience worth going for. For anyone who is interested in Roberts work or figurative art can’t help to enjoy a visit. I know that I will visit again as the created atmosphere is such that it calls me back time and again. You’ll enjoy it too.
9. Buckfast Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,466 reviews
We are delighted to be partially re-opening from Monday, 26th April 2021 and fully re-opening from 17th May, (subject to Government guidelines.) Our Gift Shop will be open during our partial re-opening and our Grange Tea Rooms will be open for a takeaway service. Toilets will also be open. During this period, our opening times will be 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm Sundays. The Abbey Church, Bookshop and Monastic Shop will remain closed during the partial re-opening time. We look forward to welcoming you and assure you that Covid safety measures are in place.
Reviewed By stormbringer55 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
What a lovely place . The air of tranquillity is amazing ,as is the Devon cream tea. Great visitor centre and good shops and a nice little Methodist chapel ,free parking and entry all go to make this a great place to visit . Just down the road from the steam railway another great place to visit.
10. Devon Guild of Craftsmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
A free admission contemporary crafts gallery with large shop in a beautiful riverside setting on the fringe of Dartmoor.
Reviewed By N4135PGjulianh
Visited this innovative art/crafts centre tucked inside a picturesque former mill. First you walk into the courtyard where a very welcoming man was operating the mobile coffee shop. Then you walk through into the shop which displays many beautifully designed pieces and objects produced by local artists and craftspeople. Beyond this are the galleries which are laid out traditionally with exhibits placed on plinths and against whitewashed walls, with artists’ summaries of their work and inspiration. The building is an exciting place to exhibit work and provides a great showcase for local talent. If you buy something from the shop the staff are very helpful and share your excitement with your purchase. They can also provide further information on the artists who exhibit at the centre, if you ask at the desk.
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