Top Things to do in Devon
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Performances
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. Appledore Band
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
There are records of a Town Band in Appledore a far back as the 1880s and records in the band possession show that from the turn of the century this was a Brass Band. It existed until the 1920s when lack of support and players caused it to be disbanded. The current band is the continuation of a Silver Band formed by Appledore Boys Brigade in 1942. The Band had humble beginnings starting with just four boys from the Boys Brigade who were inspired after they attended a display given by the 88th London Company who were camping in the area.Today the band is stronger than ever with over 40 members, a healthy training band and large group of loyal supporters. It supports local events as well as raises money through-out the year for charities and to continue the work it does helping children to read and play brass instruments.During summer the band can be found on Appledore Quay every Monday evening entertaining the tourists and the highlight of the year is always The Last Night of the Proms Concert over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The band has an active following and you can find out more about the band, see its upcoming engagements on its website and Facebook pages.
Reviewed By stuiemay49 - England, United Kingdom
They are the best. Fun, quality musicians, fabulous location and not to be missed. Summer seasons are wonderful and the final bash is the last night at the proms, amazing!!!Get there soon!
2. Comedy Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Regular stand-up comedy club in Tiverton, Devon, hosting great comedians and national tours. We run events at TCAT - Tiverton Community Arts Theatre and The Venue in Uffculme.
3. Moon Jazz & Blues Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Moon Jazz takes place on the third Thursday of the month (except August), now in it's seventh year. We have a regular following and a good attendance ranging in age from 16 upwards. The Moon Jazz House Band (MJHB) usually hosts 8 of the eleven nights each year and the remaining nights are offered to jazz combos to do the hosting. We positively encourage young musicians (and older) to join in and help create a spontanous evening in our jammer sessions that top and tail the main set. Younger jammers call tunes with the house or host band to start the evening, followed by a set from the main band, ending in a older jammers session. The evening ends with the house/guest band and jammers may join in if they wish. This all takes place in the old cinema which feels and looks every bit like a jazz club. This is music of a social kind. The audience and musicians get a great evening out that's lively and sociable.
4. The Soapbox Children's Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 171 reviews
The Soapbox Children's Theatre is one of the only theatre in the South West of England specialising in producing professional theatre for children age from 6 months to 15 years. Set in the ground of beautiful Victorian parkland, with it's well equipped play park and cafe, it makes for a perfect day out with the kids.
Reviewed By staceymT1947PV
We have been to see several shows at this lovely little theatre and they never disappoint! Iain and Jacqueline are such friendly and welcoming people that make everyone feel comfortable; we have been bringing our little boy since he was 5 months old and he is now 2. They are very talented performers and artists, I highly recommend going to see one of their wonderful shows, they are great fun for all the family! We can't wait to visit again soon!
5. Deep Blue Sound (dBs)
6. The Flavel Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By happyholsforever
The Flavel Arts Centre is situated right in the centre of Dartmouth offering a choice of interesting activities such as art exhibitions, concerts and a cinema showing newly released films as well as the live ballet performances favoured by many city cinemas. Definitely worth visiting!
7. The Bowling Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Screamingsilver - Exeter, United Kingdom
We love this pub. The atmosphere is always welcoming and the ciders/ales and beers are always on point (we have never had a bad pint) We love the outdoor area and cannot wait u till summer to sit outside and have a few beers! The staff are always friendly and owners are ace! We love the fact that the pub is so dog friendly!
8. Artizan Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Fine art gallery promoting Devon artists, running 3-4 week mixed exhibitions. Music and poetry nights, art classes, and cafe. Torbay's premier art hub.
9. The House - Performing Arts Centre
10. Exeter Corn Exchange
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 88 reviews
Theatre and multi-purpose venue in the centre of Exeter 500 capacity main hall with proscenium stage, more than 400 sq metres of totally flexible space Conference facilities for up to 500 delegates Two meeting rooms for mini conferences with capacity for up to 40 delegates Large comfortable licensed bar Catering service tailor-made to your requirements Event planning service Regular programme of entertainment including concerts, dances and comedy
Reviewed By JeffTheChairman - Exeter, United Kingdom
Took grand children to see Snow White at EXETER Corn Exchange A terrific venue in the centre of EXETER Friendly and helpful staff Great seats at the front of the tiered seating SNOW WHITE was definitely one of the top pantos we have been to Massive thank you to the team behind this PANTO it was 5 star plus
