Top Things to do in Devon
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Britannia Royal Naval College
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 287 reviews
BRNC should be a key ingredient to any visit to the West Country. Tours of this iconic building will offer an informative narrative allowing you to appreciate the rich history, role and relevance of this building and the naval training conducted here today, providing you with a quality, value for money, informative visit. Public Tours start from a convenient pick-up point in Dartmouth town. In a manageable group size, you will be taken to the College by coach for a walking tour, which lasts approximately 2 1/4 hours.
Reviewed By capdellatraveller
We booked in advance for this guided tour, it costs £13 or £11.25 for seniors/students. It was a fascinating experience.. picked up by small coach, we had to present photographic ID as security is quite tight. You can take photos on the tour but asked to avoid identifying the cadets. We arrived on a special day, quite by chance, called HAVOC DAY. Groups of cadets running around the grounds on different routes, with full kit, hauling hefty telegraph poles. Some looked about to collapse, it was amazing to watch at close quarters. Our guide was an ex officer from the college & spent more than two hours with us, stopping at various points on the parade ground, in front of the captain's house, in the chapel & the museum, in the quarterdeck room & finally outside the college shop, where I bought a handsome navy umbrella as a momento of the day. This was one of our highlights while staying in Dartmouth. You only get to see a tiny part of the college but you will get a great impression of its architecture & history as well as a glimpse of the cadets & their training...
2. Coleton Fishacre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,786 reviews
Reviewed By JandAre
Third visit to this beautiful house. The grounds are magnificent and stretch down to the river. Unusual plants everywhere adding so much colour and interest. This is by far my favourite NT property - the warm feel of the house coupled with stunning views and beautifully designed and planted gardens surpass all the others.
3. Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 647 reviews
Opening 12th April Please check website for opening days. Booking from 9.00am on the day by phone. Following Government guidelines David and Kathy’s Tearoom will be providing outdoor undercover seating with cakes made from flour milled onsite, from 12th April 2021. The Mill interior will open later in the year when permitted.
Reviewed By HAL101
3 of us enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon tea at this pretty corn mill near Ilfracombe bay. One friend is diabetic and I am vegan. The staff were very knowledgeable about different dietary needs. My freshly baked vegan cheese scone was delicious, the nicest scone I have ever had. There was a choice of savoury or sweet (24 hours notice required for vegan). There was a choice of cheese or houmous with it. I chose cheese with onion marmalade for my scone and houmous and chutney for my sandwich. The bread was lovely. After, there was a choice of 2 vegan cakes( raspberry and coconut or cherry and chocolate), both delicious. It was served with a huge pot of tea. There was plenty to eat , the food was delicious ( much is baked with their own milled flour) and it was very reasonably priced.
4. 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.
5. Borough Farm Sheepdog and Falconry Displays
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
Borough Farm, home of Channel Five's 'Mist-sheepdog tales', has hosted Sheepdog Displays since 1998. Tues, 11am Farmyard Show (July and August) Wed 6pm Sheepdog and Falconry Displays (May-Sept) Thurs 6pm Shepherding Experience walks (May-Sept) For a full list of events please visit the Borough Farm website Shepherd David Kennard hosts Tuesdays Farmyard Show, with an hour of hilarious antics, as Alfie the sheepdog, tells the story of the duck in the castle, with the help of a host of farmyard friends. For Wednesday evenings show David is joined by Exmoor falconer George Pile, with his delightful collection of Kestrels, Owls and Falcons. Sheepdogs Fly, Zola, Alf and Sweep are put through their paces as they work far into the distance, or close at hand in the ring with more Sheepdog and Duck fun All set against the backdrop of the beautiful Borough Valley. With teas, coffees and the finest homemade cakes served at the Borough Farm Shepherd's hut (barbeque too during July and August)and under cover seating for the occasional damp evenings, we hope that your visit to Borough Farm will truly be "an unforgettable country evening" On Thursday evenings David takes small groups on a walk around the stunning Morte Point headland. David has farmed the land for nearly 20 years and this opportunity to watch his top sheepdog Fly working in natural environment is simply breathtaking.
Reviewed By Squeakybird - Newbury, United Kingdom
We spotted the sign on the roadside for the Falconry and Sheepdog display, so thought we would go along and watch. We were not disappointed! Their first show back because of Lockdown, and David apologised several times if the animals didn’t ‘perform’ The ducks wouldn’t do as planned, but it was hugely entertaining, with David determined to get a duck down the slide....so funny! The sheep herding was amazing to watch, it didn’t go completely as it should have done, but to watch the skill of David regrouping the two dogs and working them to bring hundreds of sheep close, was amazing. Our favourite bits were Merc keep jumping the fence to get fuss from audience, Sweep sitting in the water, Glen’s attention to David, and then Alfie ..... the ultimate duck herder. Falconry was great to watch, with excellent skill and clear love for his birds, it was enjoyable to watch the swooping birds. The Covid measures in place didn’t deflect from the show, and can completely recommend this to anyone. Excellent work! It does get a little chilly, so make sure you take a jumper or blanket.
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. 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.
8. Exeter Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Vanessa-Essex111 - Rayleigh, United Kingdom
Finally managed to have a look around this wonderful historic Building Absolutely stunning inside a birthday treat from my friend well worth a vist
9. Saltram (National Trust)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 959 reviews
Saltram House is a George II era mansion located in Plympton, Plymouth, England. The house that can be seen today is the work of Robert Adam, who altered the original Tudor house on two occasions. Wikipedia Saltram park offers a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and picnics. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Car park fees payable to non-National Trust members. Enjoy the Park Cafe, Shop and visit the House, Garden with Orangery, Castle Folly and Chapel Tea Room. There is a display of Arts and Crafts by local artists in the Gallery. Become a member and support the National Trust in the conservation work carried out to preserve our heritage for future generations and enjoy these facilities free all year. See our web pages for special events and opening time
Reviewed By woolywombat - Sedona, United States
Simply a magnificent property. The National Trust is lucky to have this estate which was turned over to the government with furnishings almost intact in lieu of death duties. There are numerous paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, a library of over 3,000 books, remarkable Chinese wallpaper, a spectacular collection of Wedgewood, and much, much more. Room docents were outstanding. The gardens are beautiful and there is both a tea room and a delightful cafe where we enjoyed a late lunch - the carrot and coriander soup was delicious. There is a gift shop as well as second hand bookshop. Don't miss this treasure!
10. Underground Passages
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
In light of the advice from the Government about COVID-19 the Underground Passages are closed to the public until further notice. Dating from 14th century, these medieval passages under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain. The Passages have long exercised a fascination over local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence! Their purpose was simple: to bring clean drinking water from natural springs in fields lying outside the walled city, through lead pipes into the heart of the city. The pipes sometimes sprang leaks and repairs to buried pipes could only be carried out by digging them up as we do today. To avoid this disruption the passages were vaulted and it is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.The Passages are dark and narrow with a fascinating history. Visitors can experience interactive and educational exhibits in the Underground Passages Heritage Centre and watch a short video presentation before their guided tour.
Reviewed By JakeCox
Top of our list of things to do (along with the brilliant Royal Albert Museum - see other review) were the famed underground passages of Exeter's interesting past. We booked out tickets for the next tour, beginning in about 45 minutes' time, browsed a few nearby shops and then made our way back and downstairs ready for the tour to begin. In the room downstairs there is plenty to keep you occupied and interested as you wait for everyone in the tour group to gather. Next you go through to a room where there are lockers for your belongings and are shown a short video explaining the history of the tunnels as well as a brief introduction from the tour guide. Kitted up with hard hats you begin the journey through the passages of varying height and width, occasionally pausing as the guide gives very informative pointers on the history surrounding the area you're currently in. As a man exceeding 6 foot in height I found myself ducking a lot and being thankful for the hard hat but this is to be expected and didn't infringe upon my enjoyment at all. The stops are always timed for areas where the ceiling is of comfortable height so don't worry about being stuck doubled over for any significant length of time. You're also able to leave the tour at any point (provided you notify the guide of course) if you become claustrophobic so if that's an initial concern then see how you go at least. Later on in the tour you're given the choice of two routes. One path leads you back through a comfortable height tunnel, the other through a very low tunnel. Needless to say I chose the former. If you're below 6 feet tall and have no back or knee issues then you'll be fine - it's only a short route. If in doubt though, take the comfortable route and wait for the others to emerge; some muddy-handed if they had to steady themselves through the low tunnel! Great fun and our tour guide Alex was excellent. Defninitely recommend this.
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