Top Things to do in Devon
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The 10 Best Marinas 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. Darthaven Marina
2. Devonport Royal Dockyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By GrandadScotland - Huntly, United Kingdom
Well worth the effort on a pleasant day......very informative. Unfortunately they don`t do concessions for pensioners.
3. Mayflower Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Mayflower Marina is a 400 berth fully serviced marina located within the historic naval city of Plymouth and overlooking the picturesque Mt Edgcumbe Country Park. We are proud of our marina. Our berth holders often talk about being part of 'the Mayflower family' and we work hard to live up to our reputation as being a particularly friendly marina. The marina holds The Yacht Harbour Association's prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Award and in both 2014 & 2015 Mayflower Marina was voted British Coastal Marina of the Year. In recent years we have made significant investments in our facilities and we think you'll be impressed by what we have to offer! Please get in touch if you have any questions or, better still come and visit us - we'd be delighted to show you around!
4. Ilfracombe Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,164 reviews
Reviewed By lestertony_allatt - Nottingham, United Kingdom
A great little harbour,nice seating areas to watch fishing boats come and go,cafes near by,Damien Hirsts Verity stands proud on the edge of the harbour A must is the boat trips on hand great trips and very informative
5. Paignton Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By EmmJehy
When the tide is low, you can see it heaving with fish - such a great sight. Less busy than other harbours in Torbay, making a great location to watch the boats go by, or have a trip yourself!
6. MDL Torquay Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By nickmulholland
Spent 4 days here based in the marina as a base for sailing and cycling, very friendly and helpful staff, excellent clean facilities, would definitely use this marina again
7. Royal William Yard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 693 reviews
Royal William Yard is one of the best places to work, rest and play in the South West. The award winning Grade 1 listed ex-Naval victualling yard in Plymouth is home to a stunning range of leading restaurants, bars, galleries, shops and an eclectic range of high quality, local and national unique events - from monthly good food markets, theatre and outdoor cinemas through to live music and circus performances.
Reviewed By mickjones2412 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Royal William yard is a fantastic place to visit wonderful building and views across the sound and many fantastic well known restaurants all with very good choices of menus to enjoy a brilliant relaxing meal, this place is well worth a visit
8. The Marina at Sutton Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 20 reviews
Sutton Harbour Marina has once again been awarded the coveted 5 Gold Anchor rating in recognition of its first class facilities and superior customer service. The marina, which occupies a unique location in the historic heart of Britain's Ocean City offers an especially secure environment for boat owners, with 24 hour secure access monitored by CCTV and a highly sheltered array of flexible berths in a safe harbour protected by lock gates.A strong focus on exemplary customer service has helped to make the marina such a success, along with its unbeatable location in one of the finest harbours in the country, offering unparalleled access to world-class cruising waters.Flexible berths are available for motor and sailing vessels up to 25 metres, and many berth holders choose to keep their boats at Sutton Harbour Marina in Plymouth despite living many hundreds of miles away.Berth holders enjoy a lively annual events programme, and many often praise the exceptionally friendly staff who make up the marina customer care team.
Reviewed By 323nikt - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Excellent cost effective, safe and secure berthing for small boats and jetskis. No idea what the prices are like for larger craft, but they are reasonable for smaller craft. With it being sheltered, larger craft don't have to worry about damage during storms that can occur in other marinas. There is a choice of simple berthing with no car parking or facilities, or the full works with nice toilets, parking, laundry etc. A package to suit your budget. The location is stunning, right in the centre of Plymouth by the Barbican. I'm just starting my second year of berthing with them. The marina is lovely, the staff are great. I wouldn't go anywhere else!
9. Plymouth Yacht Haven
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
Plymouth Yacht Haven is a Five Gold Anchor Marina in Plymouth, Devon lies in the shelter of Clovelly Bay, offering comprehensive facilities and exceptional 24 hour service, just minutes from the open water of Plymouth Sound. The marina has 450 berths, all serviced with water, electricity and free WiFi. Accessible throughout the tide, the marina welcomes visitors and annual berth holders. The marina also has the most comprehensive range of boatyard services in Devon including a 75 ton hoist, indoor and outdoor storage and boat cleaning services. The Devon marina is the proud hosts of the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race. In 2015, the marina also opened their brand new, luxury facilities including hotel-quality washrooms and modern laundry facilities.
10. Queen Anne's Battery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
Queen Anne’s Battery (QAB) is in the centre of Plymouth, known as a City of the Sea and historic base to many famous seafaring voyages around the world. Offering outstanding facilities for yachtsmen and motor cruisers alike, it has 235 berths for boats up to 18 metres and a visitors' area with alongside pontoon berthing.
