Top Things to do in Devon
Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas 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. Devon Badger Watch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
A unique opportunity to see wild badgers who come very close to you on their own terms. Walk through beautiful scenery and woodland to a purpose-built hide overlooking the natural sett where you can sit comfortably to observe these fascinating wild creatures. A magical experience.
2. South Hams
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By JaneP855 - Northampton, United Kingdom
This could be my favourite corner of the world. Where could be more perfect for rock pooling than Hope Cove? And Salcombe... messing about in boats, people watching and eating the best ice cream...
3. Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
we are a small family run bird of prey centre . we offer courses and experiences on a pre-booked private 1-1 basis we are not a public visitor centre. we are open by appointment only we offer hawkwalks and 1/2 day experiences where the participant will receive personal hands on experience of flying a selection of birds of prey. we also offer a hawk management course which can be assessed and certificated so the candidate can receive a certificate of achievement through Raptor Awards. all our experiences are available as a gift voucher making them the perfect present for birthdays , Christmas, and anniversaries
Reviewed By M7280LLemmad
I got the birds of prey experience for my husband for his Christmas gift and we went today.. Omg amazing day. My husband loved every minute of the 4 hours.. it was nonstop with holding the birds flying them and the information we learnt was fantastic.. the care and knowledge of the team and friendliness was 100%, couldn't fault a thing. Definitely be going back Thank you all for a great day x
4. Yarak Bird of Prey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 943 reviews
Please note: Yarak is NOT open as a walk in Public Visitor Centre. Yarak birds of prey is a stand alone privately owned specialist Bird of Prey Centre which concentrates on hands on experiences for people wishing to handle and fly birds of prey and learn about them all in a totally private environment.The centre is run by experienced professional falconers that really care about their birds and customers. All the birds here are classed as "family" and are treated with a huge amount of respect and want for nothing. All experiences are strictly by appointment only.
Reviewed By lucyp908 - Salisbury, United Kingdom
This is the second time we have visited Yarek for the full day flying experience and both times have been outstanding! The groups are kept small (around 6-10 people) which gives you the opportunity to handle, feed and fly nearly every bird they bring you on the day. We have been introduced to different birds on both visits plus bonus surprises that were not officially part of the day - the first time we saw owl babies, the second we were introduced to 2 very young Harris hawks in the process of having a bond formed with John. The sheer passion and love they have for the birds shines through the entire day! There is the opportunity to sponsor one of your favourite birds if you like and you can walk round some of the aviaries to see the birds in their home. Yarek also offer hot meals and drink onsite, there is a small dining room, clean and tidy bathroom facilities, and multiple picnic benches if you choose to bring your own food. Please note, the centre is not open to the public to just turn up on the day, you need to prebook an experience with them which in my opinion makes it all the more special! I cannot recommend them highly enough! We will be back!
5. North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
The North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of England's most special places with breath-taking coastal scenery, beautiful beaches and coves, stunning coastal cliffs and woodlands. Steeped in heritage with an abundance of wildlife, the North Devon Coast AONB stretches from the edge of Exmoor to the Cornish Border. There is no shortage of things to see, do or explore. We hope you love North Devon as much as we do and enjoy your time here - all feedback and recommendations hugely welcome.
Reviewed By guymW4008XK
I have lived in North Devon for 8 years and have seen pretty much all of the beautiful beaches that this coastline has to offer, but Crow Point for me stands out from the crowd. It is a vast expanse of sand, sea, dunes and incredible views which is absolutely worth a visit with only a £2.00 fee payable at a toll for as long as you want to stay. For those who want to avoid the crowd, let their children (and dogs) roam free, this is the place to go.
6. RSPB Chapel Wood Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
A broadleaved woodland in a beautiful and historic setting: on a steep hillside, crowned by an Iron Age hill fort, with a stream running down either side. The wood takes its name from the remains of Spreacombe Chapel and well, dating from 1270. A variety of birds nest here: tawny owls, nuthatches, great spotted and green woodpeckers and pied flycatchers.Red deer, brown hares and badgers visit too
7. RSPB Darts Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
On the outskirts of Exeter, Darts Farm is home to a large variety of birds, insects and other wildlife. Our shop here is part of a large shopping complex in beautiful farmland, with ponds and wetland areas.
8. Stafford Moor Fishery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
We are a mature sixty seven acre estate surrounded by huge pine trees which hides thirty five acres of heavily stocked lakes. We/overnight tickets for our specimen lakes. We have luxurious Canadian lodges available plus caravan pitches.
Reviewed By Corinnaandgary
We are currently staying at the lakes in our tourer caravan the place is immaculate. A lovely little shop to buy supplies and fishing tackle. The lakes are so beautiful Gary has caught 6 carp between 16 and 23 pound. The boys are loving the freedom to ride their bikes. The owners are wonderful really look after you here. Toilet and shower facilities are spotless. To sum it up a lovely peaceful place to enjoy the outdoors. We will be returning soon.
9. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,145 reviews
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a conservation and education charity located in South Devon. With around 2,500 animals across 80 acres, we have more species than anyone else in the South West. These include: lions, tigers, giraffes, crocodiles, rhinos, lemurs, flamingos, meerkats, orang-utans, Komodo dragon... the list is endless! We also have indoor and outdoor play areas, the Jungle Express train, a seasonal bird show and numerous food and drink outlets. With something for guests of any age to enjoy, you'll need all day to experience what we have to offer! Paignton Zoo is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Reviewed By A3559FQsaraha
Great zoo clean and well kept animals seem happy visit lots Brilliant for children good picnic areas good takeaway food available free parking Lovely shop
10. Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
We are a small, friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off. Our keeper is on hand to explain all about the otters to visitors, some are here for breeding, some for retirement, some just for fun and some because they are unsuitable to be returned to the wild.Make sure to bring your camera.
Reviewed By DaveWebbSouthMolton - South Molton, United Kingdom
A cheap, value for money attraction. We have been several times and always found all the staff there informative and very helpful. We particularly like the fact that it is left to be natural which is very important for otters as it replicates their natural environment. well stocked shop with a good selection of goods on sale including some gorgeous canvas photographs of the otters there. The keepers passion for the animals there excels during the otter feeding times and its obviously a love and passion rathe than a job - well done to all of them there for providing what can only be described as a great visit attraction for less than a tenner each!
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