Top Things to do in Devon
Top 10 Castles 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. Powderham Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Open from 24 March until 1 November 2019. Powderham Castle is the family home of the 19th Earl & Countess of Devon. It was originally built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391 and despite undergoing many transformations since surviving the ravages of the civil war in the 17th century, it has remained in the same family. Entertaining guided tours bring the fascinating history to life, you will find them engaging whatever your age. Discover secret doors, stunning architecture and even a haunted landing. We would advise you to allow at least 3 hours for your visit so you can take time to explore the many acres of gardens and grounds. The Walled Garden is home to our friendly Powderham pets, including Tessa the tortoise and Harry the donkey, and is a safe haven for our little visitors. Relax in the peaceful surroundings, from the beautiful Rose Garden, overlooking the deer park and Exe estuary to the Woodland Garden, with its stunning collection of trees.
Reviewed By keithkillingback - Dawlish, United Kingdom
Great place to visit, great restaurant good menu friendly staff, good farm shop and butlers, good walks dog friendly
2. Berry Pomeroy Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 411 reviews
Tucked away in a deep wooded valley, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the perfect romantic ruin with a colourful history of intrigue. Within the 15th-century defences of the Pomeroy family castle, looms the dramatic ruined shell of its successor, the great Elizabethan mansion of the Seymours. Begun in around 1560 and ambitiously enlarged from around 1600, their mansion was intended to become the most spectacular house in Devon, a match for Longleat and Audley End. Never completed, and abandoned by 1700, it became the focus of blood-curdling ghost stories, recounted in the audio tour. The location of the castle makes it ideal for walkers who can explore the nearby beautiful woodland or you can enjoy a light lunch, home made cake or restorative cup of tea in the cafe. Within a short drive are Totnes Castle and Dartmouth Castle, making it an ideal day out for families.
Reviewed By 236traceya - Havant, United Kingdom
A scenic & peaceful area with the stunning ruins of the famously haunted Berry Pomeroy Castle that is steeped in a turbulent & colourful history between the Pomeroy & Seymour families, that is lovingly maintained by the English Heritage Society, there is a small on-site cafe & a limited amount of parking in the carpark nearby that has some marked disabled bays, but be careful of the narrow bendy lanes to get there, as I found it quite dangerous with people driving far too fast in the opposite direction when the roads were muddy & the sun was glaring, nevertheless it was well worth the visit, just don't forget to book online before visiting.
3. Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By 274louiser - Bristol, United Kingdom
I was so excited to stay in a castle and it definitely exceeded my expectations. It’s so affordable you must come and stay. It had a gorgeous apartment with fully equipped kitchen and amazing views. Access to the rooftop was even better for the views.
4. Okehampton Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
The remains of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting on a wooded spur above the rushing River Okement. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, it was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon, much of whose work survives. After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin.
Reviewed By lozlolly87 - Dartford, United Kingdom
Amazing ruins, views and a lovely woodland walk. Visited with my son, not many people so we could walk round and view at our own pace, we loved looking round and working out what was what, the woodland walk was a lovely way to finish off, at the views of the castle at the end are stunning.
5. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Privately owned historic 50 acre gardens surround the spectacular family home set in the rolling hills of Devon. Come and enjoy a picnic in the grounds or visit the garden kiosk for a cream tea. Walks take you through the Millennium Garden, Walled Garden Woodland Gardens, past follies, statues and temples. Walk up to the Castle and enjoy spectacular views.
Reviewed By V5248PXbarryw - London, United Kingdom
Amazing place to visit greeted by a lovely lady on the paying kiosk who told us the best route to take to get to the castle. Its got paths that take you to different parts of the grounds to suit your abilities we went to the top for the castle and I must say its not the easiest of walk but really worth it for the views and there are seating places on route. This is a very peaceful place all you can really ear are the birds I can't recommend it enough if you want to get away from all the stress of every day life. We finished off with a lovely drink and freshly made sandwiches that were outstanding and very good value for money all in all a fantastic day out 5 stars will visit again in the near future.
6. Tiverton Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By G2692TGlees
In some ways, Tiverton Castle isn't a place you'd go out of your way to visit - and, as it's still privately occupied, there are only a couple of days a week when you can get in to the Grounds. More prohibitive seems to be the maximum of 3 hours that you can be there. So, it's naturally off-putting... ...but it's a little gem. The strength of the place is in the softly-spoken ex-lawyer who guides you round the 'open bits' for an incredible two hours dealing with the site in a historical order that places everything in its correct order - from pre-Norman occupations on and around the place through the civil wars and up to the present day. Ask him for some more information on a subject and he keeps coming up with more details. This was a real gem on our short holiday but be prepared to be standing or walking slowly around for somewhere approaching 2 hours. There are seats in some rooms and places to lean up against outside but others may need these but that would be the only down side. We had just 45 minutes after the tour to take in the Gardens which are colourful in themselves - the wife went there while I hunted down the present owner and chatted to him about the small war collection of Roundhead armour and weaponry that he has. He's very knowledgeable, too, and I got a lot from his responses and information. If you're in the area, this is not a place to miss.
7. Dartmouth Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 807 reviews
One of the most picturesquely sited fortresses in England. For over six hundred years, the castle has guarded the narrow entrance to the Dart Estuary and the busy port of Dartmouth. John Hawley, privateering mayor of Dartmouth and the prototype of the flambouyant "Shipman" in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, began this fascinating complex of defences in 1388. Explore the passageways and climb to the top of the Gun Tower for stunning views out to sea. Child friendly and dog friendly.
Reviewed By WeLovetheWestCountry
Visited over August bank holiday, lovely welcome from the English Heritage team. The castle is actually larger than it first appears, as you can't see it all from the entrance, it has bags of character, history in shovels, loads to explore and a great welcome from the team. 10/10 We spent time exploring the battlements, gun tower, cellars and stores. There's a fab new animation with sound effects on an inside wall in the gun tower showing how the castle was guarded and how the harbour chain was used ... which was brilliant. There was entertainment for children and pirates!! Okay so we didn't have children with us, but it looked great! There is a huge 3D interactive wooden model of the castle that can be wound to see how the castle evolved. Amazing views of the river and places to sit and watch the river 'traffic'. There's also access to the church. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a picnic on the mounds opposite the castle, and a lovely cafe/tearoom near the entrance that serves the best apple flapjack ever.
8. Exeter Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 92 reviews
Exeter's Premier Wedding & Conference Venue. One of Devon's most spectacular wedding venues situated in the heart of Exeter City Centre. Exeter Castle is licensed for both marriages & civil partnerships making your special day truly magical. With architecture dating back to 1068, Exeter Castle provides an outstanding setting for anyone's special day. This newly renovated historical gem is a venue that no guest will ever forget. Admire the views from The Terrace Rooms, dine in The Ballroom, or prepare in the Bridal Rooms. Exeter Castle is the most unique and luxurious event space that Exeter has to offer. Exeter Castle is also the ideal City Centre location providing convenient spacious rooms for your meeting or conference event. Our Events Manager will guide you through the options prior to your event and will explain how Exeter Castle can support you in providing a professional and enjoyable day. We work with many suppliers to ensure you receive the best facilities and equipment available so that your guests leave the venue with fond memories of their time at Exeter Castle.
Reviewed By ShirlyChesterfield - Exeter, United Kingdom
Had a nice walk around the castle we fed some seagulls and Pigeons and a Canadian goose Very nice place
9. Mount Batten Tower
10. Lydford Castle & Saxon Town
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Bobzgray - Exeter, United Kingdom
Lovely castle ruins to explore while wandering around Lydford. Open to explore during daylight hours. Information board out front.
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