Top Things to do in Devon
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers 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. 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.
2. Ilfracombe Sea Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 717 reviews
Ilfracombe Sea Safari is a fantastic way to see the wildlife and vast expanse of beautiful coastline that North Devon has to offer. Come along on and enjoy one of our 4 tailor made rib experiences. From a stunning 1 hour coastal cruise to a 4 hour voyage to the unique Island of Lundy where you get to encounter the 200 resident grey seals.
3. Unique Devon Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 286 reviews
Award winning Unique Devon Tours provides high quality and tailor made guided tours for small groups of discerning travellers, ensuring that great memories are made for life.
4. Dragon Archery Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 258 reviews
Dragon Archery is North Devon's premier archery activity. We are advanced booking only, so call today to book your adventure.
Reviewed By beardpuller - Wallingford, United Kingdom
We can't praise Andy and his boys enough. They have a fantastic set up in a beautiful location. They provide quality equipment and have obviously put a lot of thought into how to make the experience fun and entertaining. The tuition is excellent and we both improved our skills considerably. Dragon Archery is fantastic value for money and we would love to go back one day.
5. Crag 2 Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
Welcome to Crag 2 Mountain, we are a family owned Adventure Activities Company based in South Devon on the edge of The Dartmoor National Park. We run a number of courses and taster days from Family Rock Climbing days, Mountain Expeditions to Kids Climbing Birthday Parties. We are also providers of the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) and the Mountain Training Hill & Mountain Skills Scheme
6. Raceworld Ltd
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 396 reviews
THE Southwest's premier karting venue. February 2011 Raceworld expanded bringing you.. Extended Track, Flyover bridge all new facilities 1000 sq ft Diner 800 sq ft Meeting room 2000 sq ft presentation area.
Reviewed By HaileyCourt
Great fun and the staff are really friendly and helpful, would highly recommend. Good challenging track, great day out.
7. North Devon Hawk Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Providing a hands-on, practical introduction to falconry. Four people, for an hour, costs £65 in total.So whether there are one, two, three or four of you, it just costs £65. Compare this with the prices others charge and you will see what great value it is. We have access to several different flying sites, some of them deep in the heart of Exmoor. These last for 90 minutes and cost £95, look at the website or Facebook page for details. We go out all year round, any day, by appointment.Gift vouchers, valid for a year, are available.
8. Shilstone Rocks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Oklahoma8888
I hadn't ridden for eighteen months and was worried about being rusty and unfit! Had a lovely ride - just the right pace. Thanks Winston And very goo Covid management too
9. 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.
10. Fly Like a Bird
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
Fly Like a Bird provides Tandem Hang Gliding flights in North Devon. We use the latest technology to give you a complete experience of the countryside from the air. Nature's wind produces the thermals and lift that allows us to fly in a zero-carbon emission manner(free-flight)-soaring the sky in exactly the same way as the birds do. Come and experience stunning views of the North Devon Coastline!
Reviewed By CurlyKirkham - Bideford, United Kingdom
Sam made the afternoon's hang gliding experience relaxing, super-safe and great fun. From setup to take-off to landing, it was a really good way to enjoy a bird's eye view of the North Devon coastline, and one I would highly recommend. Once you've got over the fact that you're essentially 'jumping off a cliff' the rest seems easy. Thanks for a great experience Sam.
