Top Things to do in Devon
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Antique Stores
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. Bits and Pieces of Crediton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Bits and Pieces of Crediton - we buy and sell most items, furniture, bric a brac, electrical goods, Antiques and Vintage. you are welcome to come along and just browse.
2. Cunningham White's
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
At Cunningham White's we source decorative antiques and furniture. We gladly welcome visitors but please let us know when you plan to visit as we're often out. Our workshop is based in the grounds of a working rescue farm in the characterful, vibrant and independently minded community of Totnes in beautiful South Devon. We are guided by great decorative value, recognising the emotion that can be gained from owning something that just looks and feels so good. We don't pin ourselves down to one particular style or period. We believe that antiques are the future. Timeless, quality pieces add so much character to any scheme and can make a house into a home. They are sustainable. They haven't been thrown away because they are made to last and they can be fixed. We do that bit for you (if it's needed). Antiques reflect our individuality and connect us to past generations. We will always try and find out the provenance of a piece and share that with our customers.
3. Willow Hilson Vintage Boutique
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Willow Hilson is a carefully curated vintage boutique located in Devon, UK. Originally opening its doors as ‘Relevant’ in 2011, the shop has bloomed into an elegant boutique, showcasing exquisite, hand selected garments from throughout the decades.
4. The Brixham Steam Packet Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
The Brixham Steam Packet Company Trades in Antique-Reproduction-Vintage Ocean Liner Marine Collectables and Memorabilia. Visit The Brixham Steam Packet Company and experience the opulence and splendour of turn of the century steam ship travel in this fabulous gem of a shop which also incorporates the very popular Chart Room First Class Coffee Lounge. We do not cater for children under 12 years of age.
Reviewed By V706OFsimonb
This cafe and marine collectables shop is just off the main shopping street near the harbour in Brixham, just up a back alley opposite the co-op. I suspect many people pass it by with no idea it is there. But if you are looking for lunch or coffee and cake then you definitely shouldn't pass by! It is very good. Full of marine collectables and memorabilia from liners, and our food and drink was spot on in every respect. The coffee lounge is kitted out in full-on nautical style, without being kitsch, and we found this environment very likeable. We had a couple of crab salads and hot drinks this lunchtime. They didn't bat an eyelid when we varied the order to exclude the usual granary bread. The food was really good, a likeable and varied salad, the crab was well presented in a little pot and absolutely fresh, piece of lemon, mayo and separate french dressing if you want it. Light lunch size, so set your expectations accordingly. Tea and coffee were well presented, and good quality, with separate little jugs for hot or cold milk as you choose. All for £20 for two, which for something of this quality would not be bettered anywhere I think. Find an excuse to visit the loo - as well as walls full of old marine communications kit, there is a wryly amusing looped speech from a liner captain. We didn't try the cakes, but the pieces going past us to other customers were very large. Service is very well handled, friendly and efficient. Dogs are welcome. Be aware of the opening hours - the cafe is just at lunchtime 10-2. Closed Sundays, and on Saturday they just do tea and cake. And although we went to the coffee lounge, there is an adjoining marine memorabilia section, that is a specialist shop in its own right. Serious pieces, at prices set at a level for those who are happy to spend a good bit on some characterful items.
5. Beer Devon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By KatiexSimms - Bristol, United Kingdom
We visited on a Sunday afternoon so the area had a lovely sleepy atmosphere, whilst still being fairly busy. Beach was clean and the views spectacular.
6. Armoury Antiques And Militaria
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Armoury Antiques and Militaria are premier antique arms and armour specialists dealing in only original items including: - Antique Japanese Swords and Armour - Antique British Swords, Medals and Militaria - Antique Flintlock and Percussion Pistols - All other original Militaria and Collectables We buy, sell, value and appraise.
Reviewed By rogerbY9291SG
Armoury Antiques polished a Japanese blade for me with the most remarkable and satisfactory results. A great job, great communication, would be very happy to recommend.
7. Old Bridge Antiques Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
We offer a good selection of antiques, oddities and collectables displayed over 2 shops. Come up and see us, opposite the Burton Art Gallery in Bideford
Reviewed By geoffsK7826DK - Petite-Ile, Reunion Island
A good selection of antiques and and curiosities at reasonable prices with delightfull honest staff, definitely worth a look.
8. The Vintage Shed
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By VivienS169 - Beer, United Kingdom
Visiting The Vintage Shed is like going down a rabbit hole, so many little shops, so much choice. Everything collectable can be found there such as like vintage clothes, vinyl records, furniture, glass, ceramics, silver and hand made gemstone jewellery. A must see if you are in East Devon.
9. Tom Wood Antiques and Coins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By markfox1939 - Heckmondwike, United Kingdom
...just like days of yore..brimful of treassure(s)...Always good 'stuff' and ever-changing stock...Unmissable on your Antique Trail trips..M
10. Ashburton Antiques Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Ashburton Antiques Trail is your complete guide to the various different antique shops in the town. Head to the main car park and pick up a map from the Information Centre or from one of the shops themselves. With over 10 antique shops to explore, ample parking and plenty of places to eat and drink, Ashburton is the perfect place to find a hidden gem! A must visit for any antique enthusiast!
Reviewed By markfox1939 - Heckmondwike, United Kingdom
We've been visiting The West Country for over 50 years and staying in Ashburton area for over 30..buying Antiques at every opportunity..More recently for a month & more twice a year..It has always been a wonderful source and more recently two more 'Emporia' have joined the dealers..'IN A NUTSHELL' and Denis Perry...both are valuable additions to the established outlets...now with an 'ANTIQUES TRAIL'..if you haven't visited Ashburton,you're missing a treat!
