Top Things to do in Devon
The 10 Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding 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. SeaSports Southwest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
SeaSports Southwest is a family run business based in Teignmouth, Devon. We offer friendly, safe and professional tuition in, and equipment hire for a wide range of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, powerboating, personal watercraft (Jet Ski) and ocean rowing. As an RYA and BSUPA accredited watersports centre with an AALA license we provide taster sessions and courses for beginners through to instructor level, for kids and adults, groups and private tuition. Whether you simply want some family or group fun time, taster sessions in something new or to improve your current skills we can offer something to suit all. All of our instructors are NGB qualified and DBS checked and we keep instructor to customer ratios low to ensure safety and quality of service at all times. Above all we aim to give you a warm welcome and a great experience, all in an easily accessible beautiful location.
2. Reach Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 589 reviews
Coasteering, Kayaking, Caving and Stand Up Paddle Board guided tours. No previous experience is necessary as our highly experienced and qualified instructors will safely manage your session ensuring you learn skills and most importantly have great fun along the way! Award winning company that provides exceptional experiences with enthusiastic instructors and top of the range equipment - all for great value. Advanced booking is essential, suitable for all the family ages 8+. Reach Outdoors is a must-do on your visit to South Devon and the English Riviera.
3. Croyde Surf Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 633 reviews
OPEN ALL YEAR Providing comprehensive Surf & S.U.P. Lessons & Hire from ages 5-85. Coasteering sessions from age 8 upwards. Based from the Academy's Big Blue Bus in Down End Car Park, Croyde overlooking the beach. WE GUARANTEE TO HAVE YOU UP & RIDING IN YOUR FIRST SURF LESSON OR YOUR SECOND LESSON FREE ! We have changing facilities on the bus and there are also on-site toilets and showers.Hot and cold refreshments can be purchased from the Cafe in the car park.
4. Saddles & Paddles Exeter Ltd
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Bike and paddlesports hire centre, plus bike sales & repairs, on Exeter quay. Pedal from the city to the seaside or paddle to the pub! Easy, relaxing, outdoor fun for all ages, with bike, canoe, kayak and SUP hire. We're on Exeter's historic quayside - popular for it's fascinating history, interesting architecture and independent shops - an easy 10 min walk from the city centre. Open 9am to 6pm everyday except Wednesdays (bike hire 10.00am to 5.30pm, boat hire 10.30am -5pm)
5. Waterborn
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
Waterborn is one of the largest Stand Up Paddle Boarding schools in the UK based in Kingsbridge, South Devon in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It’s a BSUPA dedicated school that’s recognised for its reputation and high quality equipment and tuition. Waterborn offers lessons and tours from fully qualified instructors, hire, SUP Yoga and a SUP club.
6. Active Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
North Devon's Adventure Activity Provider For: Coasteering, Stand Up Paddle Board, Rafting, Splatgun paintball, Amphibious Assault And More
7. Seaton Bay Watersports
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Stand Up Paddle board and kayak activities on the Jurassic Coast. Hire, lessons and adventure trips available April to October weather conditions permitting.
8. Exe Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
The Mobile Outdoor Adventure Centre offers the whole package, Outdoor Adventure activities with minibus pick up and return for Groups! where I instruct and/or guide groups kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding! Welcome to hire boats and boards locally and go it alone too! All special occasions can be catered for including Birthdays, Stags, Hens Corporate Team Building and recruitment. All First Aid, Fire Safety and Pool Lifeguard courses available too.
9. Woolacombe Surf Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 732 reviews
Woolacombe Surf Centre is Woolacombe's highest rated & qualified surf school / water sports provider! Professionally run & based in the heart of Woolacombe, North Devon. WSC is accredited as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by Surfing England, the highest attainable level. All our coaches are fully qualified instructors & beach lifeguards with many years coaching experience with a true passion for surfing and watersports. We operate our surf lessons on the beautiful Woolacombe Beach, awarded the best beach in the UK 2015 & 2016. With 3 miles of golden sand facing the Atlantic we have a great learning environment for surfing. Our kayaking and coasteering trips are hosted on the breathtaking coastline of North Devon. We also offer top quality surf hire equipment, from surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits right through to stand up paddle boards (SUP'S) and kayaks. All sessions are 2.5 hours long which include all equipment required and coaching throughout, we also take photos (FREE) with our in water camera to immortalise you finest surfing moments!
10. Torquay Stand Up Paddle Surfing and Kitebuggying School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
BSUPA recognised, all year round school offering SUP intro sessions, half day cruises and surfin trips further afield. Powerkiting and Kitebuggying courses
