Top Things to do in Devon
The 10 Best Gift & Specialty Shops in Devon, England
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. Country Cheeses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By dazoyl - Runcorn, United Kingdom
On a recent visit to Cornwall close to Callington, we were recommended that if we wanted locally produced cheeses then a visit to the market place in Tavistock was the place to go. We were not disappointed we left with a bag full of local cheeses mostly Yarg and Kern. Fabulous shop and a great selection of cheeses all served by friendly knowledgable staff. If your into your cheese and are in the area then stop by, you won't be disappointed.
2. Brook Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
One of Devon’s best known art galleries, Brook Gallery came into existence in 1997 and since then has moved from strength to strength gaining an excellent reputation across the UK and beyond, selling limited edition, original prints. Our collections incorporate a broad spectrum of styles, through an enviable catalogue of some of the most influential artists in the UK today.
Reviewed By H1ghSpy
A good place to browse and enjoy the work of a broad spectrum of contemporary artists in a regularlly changign display. Particularly taken with the Norman Ackroyd prints....still trying to decide which one to chose!
3. Sidmouth Trawlers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By ASBO2017 - London, United Kingdom
Great selection of fresh fish. The fish baps are amazing - fresh fish served hot on a bap. What’s not to like?! They also vacuum pack, handy for travelling on.
4. Leather School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Leather School gives you the chance to be the maker! Make your own leather belt or satchel in a day, or choose from our time-tested leather patterns and make something in 2 hours! You can make them with our help here in our workshop on the beautiful Dartington Estate in Devon. Come on your own or with a group to create your own project under the expert supervision of our tutors.
5. AS Watersports
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
AS Watersports are pleased to offer Canoe, Sit on top kayak and Stand Up Paddle board hire on the Exeter ship canal and River Exe available to book online! The canal is a nice and easy paddle that is perfect for all paddlers including families and novices. Minimum age 8 years old,those between 8 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult.. We also offer kayak, canoe & paddleboard lessons. All activities are based from our waterside shop.
6. 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.
7. Proper Job CIO
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Launched in 1995, Proper Job is one of the UK’s first community reuse centres nestled on the northeast edge of Dartmoor in Devon. We are a Charity that aims to keep reusable items away from landfills, by putting them on sale in an Aladdin’s cave of pre-loved treasures. Everything from baths, crockery and clothes to garden furniture and building materials can be bought by you at a fraction of their original cost, meaning you not only save money but also go some way to leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. We are fiercely committed to principles of sustainability and educating to conserve resources. Our mission is to develop more UK initiatives around conservation, waste management and recycling of the earth’s resources. You are invited to join training sessions and skill sharing workshops. We offer those to promote the benefits of reusing, recycling and reducing in this modern age.
Reviewed By Y3365THjuliad
Just love this place - always pop in when I can. And it's a charity! Doing great things, well done Proper job!!
8. Make at 140
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Make at 140 is a Modern fabric shop selling fabrics, patterns, buttons and gifts for the modern-day dressmaker. Running a number of sewing and making workshops from their home in Ocean Studios, in Royal William Yard in Plymouth.
Reviewed By Asdkatef
Arm Knitting Workshop.... What a fab way to spend a couple of hours. I've learnt a new skill and come home with a lovely blanket. Lizzie was a great teacher and absolutely no pre skills are needed to be successful in this class. Really recommend
9. Country Cheeses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By TheToastGhost - Exeter, United Kingdom
This is a great little shop with a fantastic selection of local cheeses. The staff were lovely and going out of their way to please and be helpful. I was looking for some cheese for Christmas presents and they always had great suggestions for cheeses to recommend, despite me being really indecisive. They even wrapped them all up for me nicely in paper. Just a shame I didn't buy any for myself!
10. Kitemare Surf & Kite Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Surf school and surf hire in the centre of Westward Ho! village. Fully qualified surf instructors that will make your day special. Our shop over looks the beach, we have changing facilities and a friendly welcome. We also hire surf boards that surf incredibly well and supply warm wetsuits to make you comfortable.
Reviewed By thea641 - Hessle, United Kingdom
Kite and Surf were able to provide us with wetsuits, body boards and a surf board at short notice on our holiday. The rental prices were really reasonable and the location is convenient. Would definitely recommend
