Top Things to do in Devon
The 5 Best Educational 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. Britannia Royal Naval College
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 287 reviews
BRNC should be a key ingredient to any visit to the West Country. Tours of this iconic building will offer an informative narrative allowing you to appreciate the rich history, role and relevance of this building and the naval training conducted here today, providing you with a quality, value for money, informative visit. Public Tours start from a convenient pick-up point in Dartmouth town. In a manageable group size, you will be taken to the College by coach for a walking tour, which lasts approximately 2 1/4 hours.
Reviewed By capdellatraveller
We booked in advance for this guided tour, it costs £13 or £11.25 for seniors/students. It was a fascinating experience.. picked up by small coach, we had to present photographic ID as security is quite tight. You can take photos on the tour but asked to avoid identifying the cadets. We arrived on a special day, quite by chance, called HAVOC DAY. Groups of cadets running around the grounds on different routes, with full kit, hauling hefty telegraph poles. Some looked about to collapse, it was amazing to watch at close quarters. Our guide was an ex officer from the college & spent more than two hours with us, stopping at various points on the parade ground, in front of the captain's house, in the chapel & the museum, in the quarterdeck room & finally outside the college shop, where I bought a handsome navy umbrella as a momento of the day. This was one of our highlights while staying in Dartmouth. You only get to see a tiny part of the college but you will get a great impression of its architecture & history as well as a glimpse of the cadets & their training...
2. Stone Lane Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Open year round every day from 10am till 6pm (dusk in winter), RHS Partner Garden, Stone Lane Gardens, is an enchanting woodland garden on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. The gardens are famous in all seasons for its lovely 'National Collection of Birch and Alder' and its delightful water garden. From mid-May to the end of October, an open air Sculpture Exhibition features local, national and international artists. The gardens also have a permanent collection of sculptures creating focal points around the grounds throughout the year. A Garden Visitors' Tea Room is open every day from 12 noon till 5pm, serving tea, coffee, cakes and cream teas. Tree nursery orders can be made on line or by phone. Summer parking access: Long Lane. Winter and disabled parking: farm yard. Dogs on leads: welcome. We are COVID 19 rules compliant.* "Stone Lane Gardens is a gem"- Joe Swift, BBC broadcaster and garden designer.
Reviewed By thomasrR9738EV
What a wonderful garden, so unusual, never know what is around the corner. Unusual sculpture, water features and quirky things dotted about.
3. Wembury Marine Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Wembury Marine Centre is part of Devon Wildlife Trust and aims to educate and promote wildlife issues. It is the ideal place to learn about the surrounding area and its wildlife through interactive displays, aquaria and regular rockpool rambles. The Centre also explains the part you can play in keeping Wembury special.The centre runs regular events throughout the season. Including its famous rockpool rambles, educational presentations, walks and art workshops. There is something for everyone!!!!
4. Quince Honey Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 714 reviews
Visit Quince Honey Farm, a working honey farm based in South Molton offering a full day out for the whole family to enjoy. Come along and browse our range of products in the Farm Shop and enjoy a delicious home cooked meal in the restaurant or just sit back and relax with a coffee, while taking in the views out to the gardens and woodland. Wander through the beautifully landscaped Nectar Gardens and enjoy a stroll along the meadow trail and apiary fields. Visit The Honey Factory and learn about the journey from hive to jar. Step into the Bee Shed to view our unique opening hives safely, and watch a Beekeeping Demo in the new Exhibition building. The Play Hive Adventure Park is where you’ll find the large indoor soft play area, outdoor play, picnic area and lake. There is a hive of activity for everyone, we hope to see you soon!
Reviewed By BertOneDave - Bedford, United Kingdom
We returned to quince honey farm this year as we enjoyed our visit last year. The new site is absolutely lovely. We had a really interesting talk about bees and honey followed by a honey tasting session. The tractor tour was great fun. Dan was brilliant! The food in the café was lush. I can't recommend this place enough. We love you Quince honey farm :)
5. Plymouth College of Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
As an independent specialist Art College since 1856, our purpose is to provide a distinctive, innovative and supportive learning community in contemporary arts practice; to add value to the cultural, social and economic life of Plymouth and the South West region; and to develop our distinctive profile of our work nationally and internationally. The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art features a high-quality contemporary programme of exhibitions and events, which seeks to enrich teaching and learning at the college, whilst also welcoming a wider public audience to enjoy and debate contemporary arts.
