Top Things to do in Devon
The 10 Best Museums 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. Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life is a treasure trove of fascinating objects and quirky artefacts that weave incredible stories about the people who lived here. The museum has extensive permanent displays, and a lively events and exhibition programme. The museum is proud to be family friendly. It is located in the heart of Tiverton, right next to the Beck's Square short stay car park, the bus station and only a few minutes from the long stay car park. We recommend that you pre-book and ask that you adhere to 2m social distancing and wear a face covering when visiting the museum.
Reviewed By ccmanMidlands_UK - Lichfield, United Kingdom
We visited Tiverton Museum recently - for the first time in about 30 yrs... What a marvellous place it is now - after its huge extension & refurb. What transformation! Fantastic displays of everything from ancient farm equipment to a giant net-making loom, from the Heathcoat factory. And, of course standing on the footplate of the Tivvy Bumper steam engine is a wonderful treat! (You can even press a button to hear steam noises - and pull the chain to hear that iconic whistle!) If you are visiting the area - or haven't visited the museum for a while - I am sure you will find the £5.50 entrance fee very good value - enjoy!!
2. 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.
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. 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.
5. Torre Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 801 reviews
Welcoming visitors for over 800 years . . . Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, a scheduled ancient monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Meanwhile, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. This Torbay Council-owned museum and gardens is also a centre for creativity and culture, offering events and workshops as well as hosting world-class exhibitions alongside creative work from the cream of local talent. We also pride ourselves on being family friendly with a range of activities available for youngsters, both inside the historic buildings and outside in our gardens. Visit our website for the latest information about our COVID19 safety measures.
Reviewed By ystrdy - Torquay, United Kingdom
Look out for the lesser spotted head gardener and her sidekick who will be more than happy to help you with info regarding the huge range of rare and beautiful plants in the walled garden. Definitely worth a visit- especially the fantastic Palm house with its 400 varieties of weird and wonderful plants!! Enjoy!!
6. Dartmouth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By sandiea721
Dartmouth manages to retain many of its historic buidings and the museum is housed in one of the oldest at the start of the Butterwalk. Packed full of pictures and information on the development of the town and, of course, its maritime history it is a must see treasure trove of information.
7. Ilfracombe Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
A local independently-run museum with an eclectic flavour, Ilfracombe museum has eight rooms filled with treasures. We have natural history specimens from around the world and plenty to see about Ilfracombe's past. Come and experience a museum that is unique and family-friendly. Children can explore our insect, bat and spider specimens, have a go at a dinosaur quiz, or send Morse code messages. Try your hand at brass rubbing, or browse our great value gift shop. We also have extensive photographic and family history resources for Ilfracombe. Our museum is a perfect all-weather attraction and can be easily accessed by wheelchair. Pay parking in car park outside the museum. Children under 16 FREE, £5 for adults, £4.00 concessions. Annual season ticket £7.50
Reviewed By Golfbabes - Trowbridge, United Kingdom
I Was very sceptical about visiting as it’s tucked away and looks small. But once inside it’s like a tardis. Excellent museum lots of local exhibits and very interesting. Staff friendly and helpful. Well worth the small fee. Perfect on a wet day.
8. Royal Albert Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,430 reviews
Exeter's world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. The displays reveal Devon and Exeter's rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the world cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world. The shop offers hand-picked gifts, unique craft items, books and affordable souvenirs for children. The cafe serves delicious homemade food. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Closed Mondays and bank holidays. Free Admission. From time to time galleries may be closed for special events; please check before travelling.
Reviewed By andylucky905 - Newquay, United Kingdom
Lots to see of interest ranging from Egyptian tomb to large stuffed animals and excellent value for just price of donation.
9. Museum of Dartmoor Life
10. Cobbaton Combat Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By UsOnOurTravels
This collection of wartime equipment, paraphernalia, vehicles, artillery, weapons, clothing etc is staggering. Well presented and so much to see you’ll need two trips around. We enjoyed it and our two 11yo boys did too. As with many venues, it’s the people that make it, The Cobbaton Combat Collection is well staffed with knowledgeable informative and friendly staff who are clearly all enthusiasts. There’s a HUGE selection of military based items and clothing for sale in the shop, which doesn’t feel like a shop. The Nafi Van was well stocked and the service was excellent - the pasties were delicious.
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