Top Things to do in Devon
6 Shooting Ranges 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. North Devon Shooting Ground
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Family friendly, we welcome all levels and abilities, visit North Devon Shooting Ground for clay pigeon shooting near Ilfracombe and the south west UK. Clive and Jackie have been running the ground for the last thirteen years and are proud to offer the highest quality and service for all levels of shooting experience. Our staff are friendly and welcoming, come along and have a go !
Reviewed By SWH100 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
My girlfriend and I visited the North Devon Shooting Ground, as part of a birthday activity day. Neither of us having tried clay pigeon shooting before and it was on our list to try. We were both nervous, but so looked after by one of the staff members. He took us out and gave us one to one tuition. He was brilliant, very patient and encouraging. We were thrilled to hit lots of clays and can't wait to try it again soon. Would highly recommend.
2. Southwest Shooting School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Cpsa premier clay shooting ground located in a beautiful Devon valley, we are open all year every day except Xmas day, Boxing Day and new year day, great for experienced shots and beginners, we are the largest clay shooting ground in the South West and can accommodate your needs. monthly registered shoots carried out and we provide have a go stands for first time clay shooters to include gun hire and cartridges and safety equipment with our qualifies cpsa safety officers, we also have a cpsa instructor who can be booked to provide lessons as required, we also provide for stag and hen groups and for travelling groups/gun clubs with close relationships with local hotels with gun safes, we also cater for corporate days to include lunch and simulated game days, just give us a call to arrange, we look forward to supplying you with a memorable day out.
3. Devon Activity Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Open all year . Segways, quad biking, clay shooting, archery, axe throwing, air rifles, paintball, laser tag and more! On site cafe.
4. Crackshot
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Crackshot in Devon has three separate shooting ranges they are a 20 meter air rifle range a rapid fire BB pistol range and the Simway Hunt shooting Simulator. All of this is along side the gun shop and outdoor store and is open near Newton Abbot, with air rifle and pistol ranges and a fantastic store selling guns and outdoor pursuits equipment Shooting is an Olympic sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Soon you will be able to enjoy air rifle and air pistol shooting at Crackshots purpose built centre at Heathfield, Newton Abbot. This exciting new store, opened on the 7th Febuary 2015, will be specialising in retailing outdoor pursuits, bush craft and survival equipment. You will be able to buy all types of sporting guns and choose from one of the largest ranges of air rifles and air pistols in the region. You even get the chance to try an air rifle or pistol before you buy. And if you do buy, you'll get 2 hours complementary shooting on the full 20 meter range. There is a lifetime warranty on air rifles, and there is a huge range of accessories too, as well as a compressor to fill air rifle bottles and an Archery section. The centre has a superb 20 meter air rifle/air pistol range, as well as a Rapid fire BB pistol range. Another attraction is the Simway hunt shooting facility, an amazing shooting simulator. All these facilities are available to hire for all kinds of occasions from teenager birthday parties to corporate and team building events. Training is provided by fully qualified instructors.
Reviewed By zo_lo_ro - Berkshire, United Kingdom
It's been a while since either of us has been on a range and we really enjoyed ourselves here, we went for package 2 so got half an hour on each range and were even able to get pictures (safely taken of course). The staff were really friendly and had a great time. We definitely recommend coming here whether you are new to shooting or not.
5. Salcombe Shooting School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Ms-Louie
Chris was superb as an instructor. With 2 out of 3 of us never having held a gun before, he had his work cut out. It was a present for my husband’s birthday and he thoroughly enjoyed it. My daughter was so pleased with her experience that she did show and tell at school the following Monday! We would 100% recommended every aspect of the experience. - very professional - great fun/ charming instructor - all felt like we learned something with 1 on 1 attention - lovely setting - AMAZING
6. North Devon Archery Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
At North Devon Archery Academy we believe in delivering archery sessions which are safe, fun, instructive and inspirational. We believe that anyone who has the desire to try archery, can do archery, regardless of age or ability. Led by LV3 qualified coach. For all ages. Parties, team building days, holiday maker experiences.
Reviewed By sallyjh202 - Devon, United Kingdom
We have just had a brilliant archery session with Luke. It was an early Father's Day surprise for my husband and it was amazing! We paid just £36 for an hour session in which my husband, our 24 and 5 year old girls and I had a brilliant time. I would have paid at least double! Luke was brilliant with our 5 year old and made sure the session was great fun, shooting balloons, playing team challenges and much more. I would recommend North Devon Archery, and in particular, Luke to anyone looking for a fun, family orientated activity. Thanks so much Luke.
