Top Things to do in Devon
Top 10 Bodies of Water in Devon, England
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. Dart River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By DAVIDV747 - Bangkok, Thailand
This trip is a train ride Paignton to/from Dartmouth and a river trip Dartmouth to/from Totnes. We did the river trip from Totnes first which worked well for us as it gave us a few hours in delightful and very sunny (on our trip) Dartmouth before the train trip to Paignton and also allowed us to mooch around Totnes for a few hours - which is another delightful town - before the river trip. The river trip was excellent, very informative and really beautiful. The boat was spacious and comfortable with a café on board. The train ride back up to Paignton along the river and then the coast was also very nice. Then there was a bus waiting to take us back to Totnes, but, don't dawdle around the train station on arrival as the bus departs promptly and there is not another one for one hour. The whole trip was well priced and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
2. Tottiford Resevoir
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By BINGBONG101 - Torquay, United Kingdom
We decided to visit Tottiford reservoir for the day as a family as we had never been there before and I had passed it accidently one day whilst working. Tottiford reservoir is located between Trenchford and Kennick reservoirs just North of Bovey Tracey and we ere so glad we went. The scenery is stunning and you could well imagine yourself somewhere remote in the Canadian Rockies. Great for walking and taking your dog with plenty of areas to sit and relax around the reservoir, we also took a bbq as the sun was out and we intended spending a full day there. There were a few other people walking around the area but to be honest it was surprisingly quiet which was nice. The kids were able to have a little paddle in the water (not sure if they are meant to or not...but they did anyway) which kept them all entertained. If you enjoy the outdoors and a bit of family time then I highly recommend visiting here. A stunning little gem of a place to get away from it all for the day.
3. Lee Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By DLT49 - Madison, United States
We visited the bay at low tide with children. They had a great time searching for sea creatures in the tide pools and taking the path cut in the rocks to the neighboring beach.
4. Dawlish Lawn and Dawlish Water
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Well maintained looked after lawn and water very popular place to chill out. Clean public toilets at the start of the town end shops and eateries both sides of the centre waterway. Famed for the black swans and mallard ducks here. Nice to wander up one side down the other on a warm sunny afternoon
5. River Axe Estuary
6. Borrow Pit
7. Dartmeet River Junction
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By 786carolb - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Wednesday 19th August 2020, My husband and I drove down to Dartmeet. Dartmeet is a popular tourist spot; it lies about 4.5 miles east of Two Bridges. As the name suggests, Dartmeet is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart. The road bridge, built in 1792, spans the East Dart; just above it, at the side of the large car park is an earlier, possibly medieval, Clapper Bridge, now partially collapsed. The actual confluence of the two rivers is just downstream of the bridge. Due to the heavy rain which has swelled the rivers, the water was white water rapids, white and boiling and the sound of the water was a deafening roar, which was really amazing and I took some really wonderful photographs of the bridge, cascading water and my husband and I sitting on the rocks by the river. Dartmeet is at the centre of an important archaeological landscape mainly due to its prehistoric field systems, delineated by reaves, many of which can be found on Yartor Downs and are the best preserved examples in North West Europe.
8. The Dart on Dartmoor
9. Fernworthy Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By CherylD1563 - Worthing, United Kingdom
Stumbled upon this by accident while driving around Dartmoor. Luckily had walking boots and drinks with us. We did the whole walk and took us just under 2 hours with a rest 3/4 of the way round. £2 for 2 hours in the car park (cash only). Would definitely go again when we are in Devon it was a beautiful walk.
10. Burrator Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 775 reviews
Undisturbed Burrator is surrounded by mixed woodland which sharply contrasts with the open moor and rugged Dartmoor tors. The reservoir is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders due to its wealth of footpaths and bridleways. Many of the trails lead on to Dartmoor so it makes an ideal starting point for longer trips.The circular walk which follows the lanes around the water is ideal for families as it is easy going and flat. It will take between 1.5 - 2 hours to complete and is approximately 3.5 miles. Parking is possible at various locations including the Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the Dam.Low cost bank fishing for both rainbow and brown trout is available at this scenic water; permits are sold at the garage in Yelverton.Being within Dartmoor National Park we kindly request that you drive and park with consideration to other users and animals.The National Cycle Route 27 runs near to Burrator further information is available on the sustrans websiteIce cream vans visit the dam, Norsworthy Bridge and Sharpitor car park.
Reviewed By TheTimidTater - Plympton, United Kingdom
It's been very wet weather recently, so we didn't dare try to walk on the path closer to the reservoir as it was thick with wet mud. We walked on the road instead and it was a very pleasant walk, the road has very little traffic and a lot of other friendly people doing the same journey. Expect lots of 'hellos' and 'good mornings' as you go. It's a lovely location with great views, if you're walking on the road it's a nice flat walk although it's rather long to do the whole thing. If you're not up to it you can always just do part and turn back around. We parked at the side of the road near the bridge, where most everyone else seemed to be parking too. It wasn't a very busy day so it was easy to find a spot, but I imagine on weekends or holidays it could get very very crowded. There is an actual carpark further down by the old quarry, though if you have mobility issues that might be a bit far to walk. If you continue down the road past the bridge you'll find the information center, there's a car park there (and a toilet, with a small fee to use) and it's also a place you can go walking from that's a bit less busy. The center is also very informative and friendly, I'd advise going down there if you're looking for an easier location to start from. There is also a waterfall down that road on the left that you really must see, with some space to park right beside it.
