Top Things to do in Devon
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Transportation
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. Dartmoor Safaris Travel Services
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
For all your travel needs for groups up to eight persons.Be it an airport or cruise liner transfer ,business or a special event Dartmoor Safaris are there for you. Your drivers are uniformed , knowledgable and friendly. The vehicles are always clean and well maintained.Safety the companies number one priority. Private day tours are our speciality. Tour Dartmoor, Devon or Cornwall with our unique service . Tours designed just for you.We are pleased to take most debit and credit cards for payment including American Express. To plan your holiday please give dartmoor Safaris a call.
2. Kingsbridge & District Light Railway Co
3. Shockwave Land Cruisers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Limousine & luxury Bus Tours and Transfers. Plymouth Area. Seats up to 16 people.
4. Navigo Taxis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Navigo Taxis Exeter is a highly rated local taxi service in Exeter. We offer a reliable and professional local taxi service and cover popular destinations in Exeter including: Exeter St. David's Station University of Exeter Exeter College Sandy Park Stadium Exeter Racecourse Exeter City Centre Exeter Museum Exeter Cathedral Exeter Quayside We also offer a great value Exeter Airport taxi transfer service and taxi transfers to all the major U.K. airports including: Exeter Airport Bristol Airport Heathrow Airport Gatwick Airport Stanstead Airport Birmingham Airport Manchester Airport Check out our Airport Transfer page for more information. In addition to providing local taxis in Exeter, we also provide a long distance taxi service at a fixed fare. We cover most of the UK and can provide a vehicle suitable for you requirements.
5. Appledore Instow Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Jgraves12 - Boston, United Kingdom
We used the ferry to go from appledore to instow. Friendly volunteers and only took 5 minutes to cross. Gives you a chance to see the estuary from a different perspective and to explore the other side without needing to take car out. They allowed our two dogs on but due to nature of getting on/off a small boat take care if you or your dogs are less mobile. Would definitely recommend.
6. WeFerry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Proper boat trips, from a professional, accredited, family run pleasure boat company. No one does it like WeFerry - just you wait and sea!
Reviewed By Susiej25
We did the Teignmouth round robin trip from Brixham. Great value trip. John our skipper was very knowledgeable and pointed out wildlife & rock formations as we sailed along the coast. After a few hours in Teignmouth we caught the train to Paignton where we got back on board to sail back to Brixham. John and Alvin were great & we wouldnt hesitate to book with them again. They are a small family business and deserve support in these difficult times.
7. Exe Cars Taxis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Anya6 - Exeter, United Kingdom
This taxi company is first class, always on time, totally reliable. Very competitive prices. We have been using this taxi service regularly over many years, whether it's a journey to the airport for an early morning flight or just a short ride within the city they are always on time.
8. We Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Better boat trips like no other from an accredited, passionate family run business. Your key to the sea. Hop on!
Reviewed By Vcanney - Ruishton, United Kingdom
Wow what a trip We did the wildlife ferry from brixham today Family of 6 adults and 6 children age between 3-11 - I have to say it was amazing The guide was brilliant and trip was super organised With the added bonus of seeing the seals and dolphins I would definitely recommend - thank you for a super hour we all loved it :-)
9. Kingsbridge Salcombe Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The Lady Mary passenger vessel operates the Kingsbridge Salcombe Ferry Service as well as various cruises in and around the sheltered scenic waters between Kingsbridge and Salcombe. We operate across the spring, summer and autumn months as well as during the Christmas holidays in the beautiful South Devon harbour of Salcombe.
10. South Hams SUP WALK Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
South Hams SUP WALK Adventures is a registered British Stand Up Paddleboarding Association (BSUPA) school and a member of the British Mountaineering Council. Our highly experienced guides will help you explore the glorious South Devon estuaries and countryside on foot, SUP or both. We offer bespoke paddle board tours, guided walks and custom adventures for active people who want to get out there. All boards, paddles and safety gear provided along with transport between tour locations.
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