Top Things to do in Devon
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Spas & Wellness
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. Purity Skincare & Beauty
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 106 reviews
As a result of these changing times, and to keep business moving forward, Purity Skincare & Beauty is delighted to announce we are getting back to grassroots! We are escaping the hustle and bustle of the city with a move to a unique haven nestled in a natural environment, offering a personal and bespoke service to our valued clients. Indulge and relax in the peaceful tranquillity of our new purpose-built ‘Garden Studio’ located in the grounds of my home where you can unwind, revitalise, and feel rejuvenated while knowing you are in safe hands. You’ll feel very much at home in our beautifully designed studio adorned with shabby chic furniture and floral pastels as you enjoy the treatments you deserve, unique skin-care services or select from a range of high-quality beauty products.I feel it is important to constantly strive to maintain the highest standards that I believe in, providing you with the best care to ensure your experience is second to none. Keep safe and well.
Reviewed By francescapP6631WJ
I've just come back from an absolutely amazing massage at Purity Skincare and Beauty. Mariam made me feel so at home the minute I got there and very safe with all of the Covid precautions in place. The treatment room is absolutely stunning and I was so warm, comfortable and relaxed. Mariam was so friendly and kind and completely put me at ease. She also gave me lots of really useful advice about skincare, too. I honestly can't recommend Purity enough and I'm so glad that I got to experience it for myself. If you're thinking about a pampering session, this is THE place to go.
2. Bear's Massage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
3. Sunnyfields Health Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
4. Bay Fitness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
All inclusive reboot and team building retreats in the South of France and in Croyde Bay, North Devon. Reboot retreats include sunrise yoga, Cycling, Hiking, Personal training, Tandem massage, Surf or Surf lesson options, Fantastic nutrient dense food. Personal training, Fitness and Yoga classes in Croyde, Braunton and Georgeham. Personal training. Surf specific fitness training. Sport specific strength and conditioning and coaching. Stand Up paddle board PT and Yoga.
Reviewed By Gem18001 - Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom
I went on this last year (In May) after my friend invited me and so glad I did. It was a great week of yoga, exercise, eating, sunbathing and meeting some new people. Andy and Bex are great hosts and knew the area well (in Biarritz, France) and you don’t need to go with someone, you’d be made to feel more than welcome on your own. The activities are all really well planned and the chef they hired for the week was amazing. I still dream about the tarte aux chocolat! The morning yoga and smoothies were such a brill way to start the day and I came back from the week feeling like a new person. I’d 100% recommend booking their Reboot Retreat as a way to have a hol and come back feeling rested and relaxed whilst also enjoying yourself too.
5. Bombshells
6. The Lorrens Ladies Spa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 286 reviews
The Lorrens Ladies Spa is a luxury ladies-only Day Spa and Residential Health Spa offering high quality but affordable Day Spa packages and all-inclusive Health Spa Breaks. Perfect for individuals and for groups, we offer quality treatments, care and personal attention. Relaxation and Pampering Spa Breaks Spa Days and Treatments Slimming and Weight-loss Stays Special Occasions Groups, Hen Parties and exclusive Private Hire
Reviewed By donnahM576CM - West Byfleet, United Kingdom
This is my 20th year of visiting the Lorrens! This is testament to how fabulous the place is. Even with these trying times of Coronavirus I knew I would be in no safer place than the Lorrens and if anyone could make it as safe as possible it would be Suzanne and Steve. Suzanne and Steve are great hosts, nothing is too much trouble for them and they strive to make your stay the best. There is plenty of great food and you rarely are hungry. Steve always does a great bespoke workout with you in the gym, taking care to know if you have any injuries etc. The therapists are super young ladies, some who have been there for years and it’s so nice going back catching up with them. If you like walking then there are some great coastal walks with great views. I could extol the virtues of the Lorrens all day and if I could I would go for a week at least every three months! It is paradise for me and I know so many ladies who visit, like me every year, feel the same. But don’t take my word for it, make a booking and go for yourself and hopefully you will see and feel what I do. As I said earlier, even in these times of Coronavirus you couldn’t wish for a safer environment to relax and have time for you. See you next time Suzanne and Steve!
7. Nirvana Hair & Beauty
8. Yoga Loveliness
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
All classes are now live-streamed online! Kundalini Yoga and Mindfulness are no less than miraculous practices that continue to expand my life in ways I never thought possible. Whilst strengthening and toning your body, you are taken on an inner journey of discovery and growth, which helps you to reconnect with yourself and create a life that is aligned with what makes you truly happy. The exercises, which are fun and dynamic, are suitable for everybody, regardless of their sex, age or level of fitness.
Reviewed By BrendaFinney - Paignton, United Kingdom
I have been attending Julia's classes for a few years now and was a little unsure how the online classes would compare. However, once I got my sound sorted out, I found that the Zoom classes are just as enjoyable and rewarding! I would even like to continue a weekly Zoom class after lock-down is lifted as it is so convenient. I thoroughly recommend Julia as a Yoga teacher. She is always warm and welcoming and very professional. I really value the information she gives as to the purpose of each exercise, which gives real meaning to our efforts. Thank you Julia and Ruby for keeping us sane in these difficult times! :)
9. Hands On Flotation and Treatment Clinic
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Hands On is proud to offer you North Devon’s only floatation room, here in the heart of Braunton We are also proud to offer the services of some of the finest therapists working in the region. We can offer you a full range of therapies, including: our renowned healing massage, sports injury treatments, Bowen Technique, osteopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy and much more.
Reviewed By Inspire649715
I've just had the most amazing massage by Sara..she identified misalignments & my posture already feels improved..highly recommended!
10. Raphael Treatment and Therapy Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
