Top Things to do in Devon
Top 10 Kayaking & Canoeing 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. Dynamic Adventures CIC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Dynamic Adventures CIC is a small, family-run not-for-profit outdoor adventure company based by the River Dart, on the Dartington Estate between the stunning South Hams beaches and wilds of Dartmoor. We offer excellent value, high-adrenaline, fun activities for all ages and abilities at our centre: kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, ziplining, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, high ropes, assault course, bushcraft and orienteering. And off-site: coasteering, surfing, caving, wild swimming, sea-kayaking, rock climbing on Dartmoor and leading expeditions all over the planet! For over 20 years, exploring and adventuring has shaped our mission to create opportunities for outdoor activities that can challenge and develop, no matter who you are or where you come from. Our core team is made up of a fantastic group of like-minded, highly qualified, experienced adventurers who are joined each year by our select outdoor trainee instructors who come for intensive 1 year training with us.
2. SeaSports Southwest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
SeaSports Southwest is a family run business based in Teignmouth, Devon. We offer friendly, safe and professional tuition in, and equipment hire for a wide range of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, powerboating, personal watercraft (Jet Ski) and ocean rowing. As an RYA and BSUPA accredited watersports centre with an AALA license we provide taster sessions and courses for beginners through to instructor level, for kids and adults, groups and private tuition. Whether you simply want some family or group fun time, taster sessions in something new or to improve your current skills we can offer something to suit all. All of our instructors are NGB qualified and DBS checked and we keep instructor to customer ratios low to ensure safety and quality of service at all times. Above all we aim to give you a warm welcome and a great experience, all in an easily accessible beautiful location.
3. Sea Kayak Devon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 528 reviews
Guided sea kayak trips… the ultimate way to explore the coast! Individuals, groups and families all welcome - no experience required-Day-trips-Fun taster sessions-Skills courses-Wilderness expeditions-Group and family discounts… A variety of great locations including:-Dartmouth-Brixham-Torquay -Salcombe Highly qualified guides give you expert tuition throughout the day – all equipment provided.
4. Canoe Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
Guided river adventures on the River Dart Estuary, one of England's most beautiful rivers. Hire your own 8 or 12-seat 'Longbow' canoe, or join a 'by-the-seat' specials trip. Adventures normally begin at the Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay, and Stoke Gabriel, between the historic towns of Dartmouth and Totnes - with pubs, secret places, campfires, shipwrecks, wildlife and stories along the way. Ideal for groups of all ages and abilities - private parties; club trips; team-building; hen, stag and birthdays; youth development and study trips; pub-to-pub; wine tasting, and evening paddles. Trips are scheduled round the tide so times change daily and booking is essential. Beautiful River. Big Canoes. Great Fun.
5. Reach Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 589 reviews
Coasteering, Kayaking, Caving and Stand Up Paddle Board guided tours. No previous experience is necessary as our highly experienced and qualified instructors will safely manage your session ensuring you learn skills and most importantly have great fun along the way! Award winning company that provides exceptional experiences with enthusiastic instructors and top of the range equipment - all for great value. Advanced booking is essential, suitable for all the family ages 8+. Reach Outdoors is a must-do on your visit to South Devon and the English Riviera.
6. Totnes Kayaks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
We provide sit on top kayak rental during the summer months from April to the end of August. You do not need to know how to kayak to hire a boat and go out on the beautiful river dart in south devon. We cater for families, couples and groups and have parking, cafe, loos, and all boats/paddles and buoyancy aids.
7. Kayakhub Exeter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
We offer canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board hire, guided trips and tuition. We love you to bring your family and the dog for a relaxed paddle to the Double Locks Pub or the Turf Locks and beyond. We can deliver canoes and kayaks all around Exeter and the Devon.
8. H2Outdoor
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 53 reviews
The adventure starts with H2Outdoor. Your gateway to an exciting range of outdoor activities and water sports all in North Devon. Coasteering, Kayaking, Surfing, High Ropes, Mountain Biking and much more. Specialising in providing unforgettable experiences with high quality activities, perfect for families, individuals groups, corporate events and anyone with a sense of adventure.
9. Dartmouth Yacht Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Just £25pp for 2-3 hours. We are the local kayaking club (part of the Dartmouth Yacht Club) and we offer a very special service to visitors. One of our club instructors will take you out on a paddle around the estuary and beaches nearby. We make our sessions fun and informative. You will go away thinking this is a sporting activity you want to do again - we design our taster sessions to encourage people to join this sport. You will also be helping a local club - the monies raised from your trip go towards our club equipment fund. Give us a ring and see if we have availability during your stay. Or send us an email.
10. Saddles & Paddles Exeter Ltd
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Bike and paddlesports hire centre, plus bike sales & repairs, on Exeter quay. Pedal from the city to the seaside or paddle to the pub! Easy, relaxing, outdoor fun for all ages, with bike, canoe, kayak and SUP hire. We're on Exeter's historic quayside - popular for it's fascinating history, interesting architecture and independent shops - an easy 10 min walk from the city centre. Open 9am to 6pm everyday except Wednesdays (bike hire 10.00am to 5.30pm, boat hire 10.30am -5pm)
