Top Things to do in Devon
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Beaches
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. Woolacombe Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,630 reviews
Woolacombe beach is family owned & family run with families in mind. We provide car parks, a lifeguard service, toilets, first aid and food and beach goods outlets.
Reviewed By amandataylor0205 - London, United Kingdom
Breathtaking view of Lundy Island this beautiful beach was outstandingly clean even though it was absolutely packed with families enjoying the sunshine. Great waves for surfing and lovely little natural pools for the younger children to play in safely. One of the best English beaches we have visited.
2. Barricane Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By 13Stretton
As children we used to sit with our mom and dad on this cracking beach and sift through the sand to find the most exquisite tiny shells - still do it to this day. Love it.
3. Slapton Sands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Naturist beach which is located on Slapton Sands, near Strete, south of Dartmouth. In 1944, it was the site of the World War II military exercise, Exercise Tiger.
Reviewed By BryanG256 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom
This has been on the Bucket List since I first read about it a few years back. As you travel towards the village you see the inland nature reserve & then a car park with the Sherman Tank that was extracted from the sea by Ken and placed here as a memorial to all the lives lost on that fateful day in Apr 1944 that should have been a practice for D-Day. Very moving indeed because as you venture across the road you see the wide open sandy beach which was so peaceful on our visit & it’s hard to imagine why lives were lost . I understand there is a 2nd tank on the other end of the beach.
4. Saunton Sands Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 936 reviews
Reviewed By CSZB - Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
Backed by massive sand dunes, this is a cracking beach! It sandy shoreline runs for miles, making it uncrowded even in summer. There is a nice selection of small businesses at the seafront - beach shop, surf school, cafe, ice cream, surf shop, showers and toilets. Its lovely to see responsible dog owners and their dogs enjoying this dog friendly beach, unlike the neighbouring beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe. There is adequate parking and a bus stop nearby. We didn't see any lifeguards on duty, but we never felt there was any undue hazards in the surf. Loved it!
5. Hope Cove Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Reviewed By 375christopherl - Benfleet, United Kingdom
We visited on a cold, wet and windy day. The waves crashing on the breakwater, throwing spume 30 feet in the air was spectacular. I can imagine that in the summer this would be an ideal beach for families with young children. On a sunny day it must look beautiful.
6. Exmouth Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,645 reviews
Reviewed By SarahJH51 - Coventry, United Kingdom
This beach was amazing, up and coming new buildings for the children and young people to play while adults relax The ice cream stand cannot be missed, amazing flavours and delicious, Clean and tidy all people respected Covid Life guards could be seen walking along the beaches Great place to be.
7. Tunnels Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,675 reviews
Reviewed By Bearessa - Khao Lak, Thailand
This afternoon we have been to Tunnels Beaches, first carved out in 1823 by Welsh miners, it took 2 years for the tunnels to be carved out, and they also built 3 tidal bathing pools 2 for the ladies and 1 for the men, sadly due to the strong tides only one pool remains,great place to spend a couple of hours
8. Putsborough Sands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By Sasha713 - York, United Kingdom
We love this beach! It is one of our favourites in this area. It is great for families, a relaxed atmosphere, ample parking, amazing standard of toilets for a beach facility (very clean!!) and a great cafe / coffee bar.
9. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By DJRDevon - Plymouth, United Kingdom
A great beach for families, dogs & surfers. Beautiful spot overlooking burgh island. If visiting a tip would be to check the tide times as at full time there isn’t much beach.
10. Dawlish Warren Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,412 reviews
Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Ever since I can remember taking holidays at Dawlish Warren and the surrounding area the beach is Sandy very clean and in some cases weather wind dependant sheltered by the sea wall or the rock outcrop at Langstone. Popular beach and sea wall walk to Dawlish around 20 minutes stroll. Warren end shops cafe bar pub toilets and gaming arcade plus speedway all very popular as well. Car parking here can I’d say be a bit of a Devon council cash cow the price of parking that is .... but if your fortune is in luck there may be the odd free space to the left of the fish shop up the station approach room for around six cars.
