Top Things to do in Devon
The 10 Best Sacred & Religious Sites 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. Plymouth Synagogue
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By laurengN126SP
I visited the synagogue while on holiday in Cornwall and can honestly say it was the highlight of the trip. Tucked away off of St Catherine Street, you'd be forgiven for missing it altogether but it's certainly not hiding away, as explained by the wonderful Jerry who showed a group of 6 of us around. Named as the caretaker, he is far more than that. He gave us 2.5 hours of history of Plymouth, Judaism and the Jewish community in Plymouth. The hours felt like minutes and we could have gone on much longer. The building itself is stunning and you can feel the sacred presence and history there, if you are of any faith or none at all, it is well worth a visit. From the stained glass windows to the opulent artefacts, you will be mesmerised by the beauty and peace to be found inside the shul. The building is a jewel, Jerry deserves a medal for all his hard work keeping this beautiful building going and if you do visit you may well meet the gorgeous Synagogue cat Dexter. You will not be disappointed.
2. St Olaves Church
3. St Peters church
4. St James Church
5. St. Saviour's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By E4085XSamandaw
Wonderful painted and carved wooden screen and pulpit, painted ceiling and balcony. Candles to light. Wish there had been a booklet/notices explaining everything. Well worth dropping in whilst walking round the town.
6. Mutley Baptist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
7. Buckfast Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,466 reviews
We are delighted to be partially re-opening from Monday, 26th April 2021 and fully re-opening from 17th May, (subject to Government guidelines.) Our Gift Shop will be open during our partial re-opening and our Grange Tea Rooms will be open for a takeaway service. Toilets will also be open. During this period, our opening times will be 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm Sundays. The Abbey Church, Bookshop and Monastic Shop will remain closed during the partial re-opening time. We look forward to welcoming you and assure you that Covid safety measures are in place.
Reviewed By stormbringer55 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
What a lovely place . The air of tranquillity is amazing ,as is the Devon cream tea. Great visitor centre and good shops and a nice little Methodist chapel ,free parking and entry all go to make this a great place to visit . Just down the road from the steam railway another great place to visit.
8. St. Andrew's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By 846JBY - Plymouth, United Kingdom
A lovely church with some beautiful stained glass windows a helpful shop and staff were on hand well worth a visit .
9. Loughwood Meeting House
10. St Stephen's
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