Top Things to do in Devon
The 8 Best Hiking & Camping Tours 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. Dartmoor's Daughter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Walks & events on Dartmoor for adults, families & children.Activities include walking, navigation, dowsing, archaeology & history, nature trails, letterboxing,, etc. Private group guide available. Eric Hemery was 'the' 1950s Dartmoor guide & acknowledged as 'Dartmoor's leading writer'.His books have been described as 'the bible for anyone who has the spirit of Dartmoor'.I am his granddaughter.
2. Livit Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Adventure weekends and Glamping holidays in North Devon. We offer unique accommodation in a beautiful setting overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Home cooked food. Adventure bus tours and activities including Surfing, Yoga, Wakeboarding, Stand up Paddleboarding and Walking tours. Our bell tent village and adventure bus are truly unique! If you want to join a group trip and have everything taken care of, or you just want to do your own thing then we have something for you. Live it! Love it!'
3. Devon Outdoor Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We offer a range of land based and water based outdoor activities in the surrounding area of Devon. We can tailor make a course to suit you, from taster sessions, zero to hero courses, women only courses, family days out through to corporate events. We work closely with local Colleges and Schools and can also deliver Ten Tors Training, as well as assessing for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
4. Inward Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
An opportunity to experience and learn about yourself in beautiful outdoor and Adventurous environments.
5. Heart of Dartmoor Guided Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Our Guided Walks or Navigation Training can be tailored to suit your needs. If you have an area you wish to see, a particular feature that interests you, or just want to learn some local folklore, our guides can show you. Or why not just let our team take you somewhere new? We can utilise tracks, trails, open moorland and woodland to suit your abilities and requirements.
6. Tessa Adventure
Tessa Adventure offers outdoor activities in the South-West of England. We offer thrilling activities such as archery, climbing, bushcraft and hiking. We provide sessions with a personal touch tailored for your needs. We meet you at different location depending on the activity you book and your location. Pre-booking is required
7. Pi Society
Pi Society is a boutique and discreet matchmaking agency to rekindle loving, warm, heartfelt relationships & friendships through our special Pi events.
8. Heart of Dartmoor Guided Walks
Our Guided Walks or Navigation Training can be tailored to suit your needs. If you have an area you wish to see, a particular feature that interests you, or just want to learn some local folklore, our guides can show you. Or why not just let our team take you somewhere new? We can utilise tracks, trails, open moorland and woodland to suit your abilities and requirements.
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