Top Things to do in Devon
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Hiking Trails
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. The South West Coast Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By charliedog56
Set off from minehead up to Portsmouth now Can be very challenging near minehead but Can recommend it to anyone. Takes the cares of the world off your back just so much to see We fly down to betray airport and do around 120 mile stretch every year .fantastic views and many nice people on the way. You won't regret doing it we book through a company called contours who arrange everything for you hotel luggage transport every thing. Just chase your bags every day. WALK OF A LIFETIME.
2. Salcombe to Bolt Head Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 289 reviews
A 3 mile moderate walk along part of the South West Coast Path National Trail passing through an enchanted landscape of rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles to the mouth of the Salcombe estuary, with inspiring views in all directions, this is a coastal walk guaranteed to lift the spirits.
Reviewed By richardm19622019 - Bedford, United Kingdom
This is a great walk, tough and uphill to start, then stunning views as you get to the top and walk around bolt head, down to the valley to finish before heading back to Salcombe South sands. Brilliant. May have to wait for the ferry if catching it to Salcombe after as only 12 allowed on at a time. Enjoy
3. Sidmouth - Valley, Ridge and Jurassic Coast walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
A moderate 5.5 mile walk around Sidmouth, an attractive seaside town on the coast of East Devon. Situated where the River Sid meets the sea, it is flanked on both sides by high ridges which contain the town and give it its scenic backdrop. No stiles; the route climbs on the South West Coast Path from sea level to 200m/650ft at the ridge top, a long steady rather than steep climb.
Reviewed By johnpZ4299KQ - Sidmouth, United Kingdom
A varied walk following the Jurassic coast ..Each way out of Sid mouth is a steep start ..You will need to reach the donkey sanctuary or Otterton before you are able to catch a bus back to the start
4. Baggy Point Easy Access Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 501 reviews
A short and easy 2.7 mile walk on the South West Coast Path out to the tip of Baggy Point and back again, taking in spectacular views of the coastline towards Bideford Bay and Hartland. Children will love the whale bones and the old wreck post, as well as the rocks and cliffs. A gently sloping walk out to Baggy Point and back. An alternative route back includes a short steep climb.
Reviewed By Vijay_from_Surrey - London, United Kingdom
Great walk; not too busy (went in peak of August); as usual a friendly NT assistant at the car park; relatively easy with our two kids of nine and twelve. Two options to get to from Croyde NT parking; one over a couple of hills, the other a coast path by the cliff, we looped round over the hills and back through the coastal path. Personally I would not have done the walk by the cliff on wet or windy weather, but on a fine day it's worth doing. We spent almost two hours, but can probably be done in half that time, we took out time exploring down some rocks and taking pictures of kestrels.
5. South West Coast Path - Hooken Cliffs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
A 4 mile moderate ramble along the South West Coast Path through the Hooken Undercliff, where a dramatic landslip in 1790 provides a haven for wildlife. Returning along the clifftops above, where there are spectacular views in either direction of red cliffs soaring beyond the white, the walk links the villages of Beer and Branscombe.
Reviewed By Basil745
One of our favourite walks. For younger children, best to leave a car in the car park at Branscombe for return to Beer if you can.
6. The Wildlife & Forts of Berry Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Jannerbloke - Devon, United Kingdom
Came up here for a few hours with the dog. Easy parking, well maintained footpaths and information boards. Panoramic views, dramatic cliffs and on our day bright blue sea, clear to an horizon, many miles away. Many well preserved battlements, a few cannon. Well defined moats and some appropriate modern foot bridges across them. Lots of protective fencing to keep dogs and children from falling from the near sheer cliff edges. At worst, very gentle inclines on a few paths.
7. Walk - Morte Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By Suemountain - Huntingdon, United Kingdom
Stunning views great stop for lunch overlooking the sea, sea lions spotted along the coast path. Not a taxing walk and really suitable for all abilities.
8. East Portlemouth & Gara Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
An open stroll on the South West Coast Path above the western shoreline of Salcombe Harbour, passing the romantic ruins of Fort Charles, which withstood a 5 month siege during the English Civil War. Throughout the centuries the estuary has been a lively place for trade as well as shipbuilding, and the shipwrecks in its waters include one from the Bronze Age, 4000 years ago.
Reviewed By georginas611 - Winchester, United Kingdom
A stunning coastal walk to Gara Rock, wonderful in the winter sunshine even with stormy seas. Gara Rock is a great place to rest, have a drink or some food and soak in the amazing wild, coastal views.
9. Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Fire Beacon Hill is an area of lowland heath, which offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding countryside and coast. On a clear day you can almost see from Berry Head to Portland, the entire length of Lyme Bay, and on a windy day you are on an eye level with soaring buzzards and ravens.
10. Salcombe to Gara Rock Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
After an easy crossing on the ferry it is an open stroll on the South West Coast Path above the western shoreline of Salcombe. Only 45 mins to Gara Rock Hotel for a 'pit stop' this is a great walk for families as well. There is also a lovely forest walk back to the ferry which is only 20 min. With access to lovely hidden beaches this makes for a great day out.
Reviewed By Peter084 - Marlborough, United Kingdom
The walk from Gara Rock to Salcombe (we did it that way round) offers an upper and lower option for most of the way. The lower path takes you closer to the cliff edge on the early part of the walk and closer to the estuary as you near Salcombe. Either upper or lower option offer stunning views of the rocky coastline and of Salcombe as you turn the corner towards the town. A fabulous walk whichever route you take and around 90 minutes each way. Take in the trees shaped by the wind and the millionaires mansions on either side of the river.
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