Top Things to do in Devon
The 10 Best Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing 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. Surfing Croyde Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 293 reviews
Amplify your 'learn to surf' experience with the best 'Instructor to Student' ratio of any Surfing England surf school. Smaller group sizes means our coaches can give you more attention in a safer environment to speed up the learning process. We run daily surf lessons suitable for everyone aged 5 to 80, from complete beginner to competitive professionals, school groups to group parties using in water teaching, classroom theory lessons, video analysis and surf skate sessions. We want you to enjoy surfing as much as we do, so whether you've never stood on a board before or have been doing it for years, we want to help you progress to your full potential. We also pride ourselves on being Coasteering specialists and run daily excursions. All equipment provided with onsite changing facilities, toilets, and hot showers. Enjoy a warm drink, cold beer, hot pasty or tasty ice cream from our cafe after your surf. Find us @Baggys, overlooking the beach.
2. 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.
3. Nick Thorn Surf School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
The Nick Thorn Surf School is located in Putsborough (Woolacombe Bay) and runs surf, coasteering, and stand up paddle board lessons. We operate off Putsborough Beach, Hele Bay, and Ilfracombe.
4. Surf South West
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 879 reviews
Surf South West run surfing lessons and Coasteering at Croyde Bay in North Devon. We are Croyde's longest running surf school and the only one located directly on Croyde Beach.
5. H2Outdoor
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
The adventure starts with H2Outdoor. Your gateway to an exciting range of outdoor activities and water sports all in North Devon. Coasteering, Kayaking, Surfing, High Ropes, Mountain Biking and much more. Specialising in providing unforgettable experiences with high quality activities, perfect for families, individuals groups, corporate events and anyone with a sense of adventure.
6. Hunter Surf School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
Welcome to the hunter surf school! Our team of fully qualified and experienced surf coaches are on hand to ensure you experience the thrill of surfing coasteering and SUP in a supportive and safe environment. Our lifeguard and Surfing GB qualified coaches will take you through the fundamentals of surfing while showing you how to stay safe in the water.
7. Barefoot Surf School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Barefoot Surf School, established in 1995, specialises in teaching beginners to surf. A family business famed for their patience and enthusiasm most sessions are run by Nigel, with 48 years surfing experience. A commitment to safety whilst having fun is central to Barefoot teaching. The sch have been innovators in surf coaching good practice, including techniques to meet the needs of all learners.
8. The Ultimate Adventure Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 548 reviews
The Ultimate Adventure Centre offers the most comprehensive range of outdoor activities available throughout North Devon. Inspired by Tv's Total Wipeout our Ultimate Assault Course adds to the list of exhilarating experiences made possible through the Ultimate Adventure Centre. The Ultimate Adventure Centre has grown the activities provided, which include the Ultimate Assault, Surf School, Coasteering, Mountain Boarding, High Ropes, Climbing Walls, Kayaking, Archery,SUP & Log Cabin/Barn Accommodation & Adventure Camping. We are able to offer Adventure Packages to give you the chance to experience more than one activity at discounted rates. Our packages are available to you whether you are coming on your own or as a part of group. They can be enjoyed as part of an adventure day out or a longer activity weekend.
9. 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.
10. Coasteering Croyde Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 153 reviews
Coasteering experiences along Baggy Point in Croyde Bay, North Devon. Scramble, jump and swim along the beautiful rocky Baggy Point coastline that is literally on our doorstep. See Croyde, North Devon like never before. Half Day and Full Day experiences available - all equipment included - National Coasteering Charter and AALA accredited Coasteering centre. The only Coasteering provider based on Baggy point, with hot showers, changing rooms and on site Cafe.
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