Top Things to do in Devon
Top 10 Paint & Pottery Studios 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. Tarka Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
TARKA POTTERY North Devon An exciting and inspiring clay experience studio where there is always something creative happening. Just a 5 minute drive from RHS Rosemoor Gardens and Dartington Crystal in Great Torrington. Try a Potter's Wheel Experience, book a potter' wheel lesson, join a workshop or sign up for weekly pottery classes. You can also paint pottery, a relaxing activity at any time. Our approach is relaxed and informal, with an emphasis on having fun and being creative with clay in a friendly, enjoyable way. Activities suitable for families, adults, children, clients with carers and equally a great day out for individuals, groups and good for couples too. Birthday and hen parties offered all year round. We’re surrounded by beautiful countryside and animals, with stunning views, Get in touch to book or to find out more. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Reviewed By 301ks - Dore, United Kingdom
Booked as an activity for two teenagers. Great family experience all had great Fun and laughs at the varying degrees of success creating pots. Brilliant tuition from Lynn who explained what we were doing extremely well. Spent another hour decorating and glazing the pots. All very Covid safe with distancing in place. Highly recommend
2. Poppins Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Relax and Create at Poppins Pottery. A small but fully functional studio where you can paint pottery, create with clay and throw on the potters wheel. Make your own holiday souvenir - receive in the post a few weeks later. Opening Hours vary, please see our website or Facebook page for details.
3. Paper Bird Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Paper Bird Island is a creative paradise situated in the beautiful South Devon coastal town of Salcombe. A space to inspire and encourage the inner child in everyone!
Reviewed By Popsywop
Paper Bird Island is a delight. I feel like my children have grown up coming here as we have come every time we have stayed in Salcombe and that’s for a good few years! We popped in yesterday and Alice recognised us straight away which was lovely. The atmosphere and calm in such a beautifully decorated place is not something that could ever be replicated by a national chain and it’s people like Alice that make Salcombe so special. The price for the items you make is spot on. When you come here you are not only making a beautiful handmade piece but your little ( or big) people are making lovely memories. Alice is on hand to advise and having a cup of tea or coffee and being able to bring your dog too is wonderful. Thankyou Alice - we ll be back next time we are in Salcombe . :)))
4. North Devon Ceramics Academy & Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Pottery studio in the heart of North Devon Regular weekly classes, one off workshops, masterclasses and much more on offer.
5. The Paint Hub
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Come to The Paint Hub in Dawlish Warren for pottery painting fun! ***PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR UP TO DATE OPENING TIMES***. With more than 50 pieces available including cars, dogs, dinosaurs and fairies you’re spoilt for choice. Prices start from just £7, there’s FREE parking and the coffee is great as well! Take the hassle (and the mess!) out of kids parties! If it’s a chilled and creative party you’re after, why not bring them to the Paint Hub, phone us for details. If you're not able to collect your fired pottery why not try painting acrylics or try our new activity, "Create a Bear"? Choose your cuddly toy, there are loads to choose from, stuff it, give your cuddly a heart or even an outfit - the possibilities are endless. Please note that we do not take cards and outside the main season, opening hours are restricted. Please see our website for details.
6. Megan Players Art Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
One day life drawing, painting, print making and sculpture workshops in my rural loft studio. Art Weekends- Bed and breakfast, art workshop and Shiatsu massage. A weekend to fully relax, refresh and recharge on all levels. Beautifully peaceful rural position with views over the Exe Valley. Healthy organic vegetarian breakfast. Every May I run a one week expressive art residential in Bosa, Sardinia working from the life model in mixed media. The week includes day trips to local sites. Contact me for details
Reviewed By G9398JOalia - Tiverton, United Kingdom
Megan facilitated the most wonderful mosaic making workshop in her Devon studio, with glorious views and relaxed atmosphere. The day was informative, fun and very enjoyable, meeting new people and sharing the most delicious vegetarian lunch in Megan's quirky kitchen! Megan encourages your creativity to flow and I was thrilled to go home with a new skill and piece of my own artwork. I would highly recommend booking one of Megan's workshops, you won't be disappointed.
7. Paint N Spin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By T6448LBrichardm
Kids loved this Simple idea. You choose a piece of paper, canvass or clock and put it on a turnable then drop paint on it and spin it so the paint spreads outwards. They have every colour you can think of and the results were impressive. My kids are 6 and 10 and both were kept entertained for over half hour while they made their masterpiece. Because of the ingenious design of the turntables their is no splatter on clothes hands or anything else you can think of so don't worry about getting in a mess. The man and lady who run the shop work great as hosts and are extremely engaging with the kids and speak to them on their level. Well worth a visit and great value.
8. Steve Robinson Glass Workshops
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Fused glass studio, offering classes and workshops to suit all abilities. Run by award-winning glass artist Steve Robinson, the workshops specialise in teaching techniques for glass fusing with enamels. Choose from a 2 hour taster class, a full day workshop or a two day course. All tools and equipment provided, and you'll make your own unique glass art piece to take home.
Reviewed By NickB5140 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
The taster session was bought for me as a present. I had an excellent time, Steve was brilliant, fully explaining the way things worked, the process and the options. Helped out as needed and made suggestions when I was stuck. Thoroughly enjoyed my Taster Session and would recommend it to anyone. Plus the bonus of having an interesting piece of glass wear I made myself.
9. Pottery Box
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Want to try your hand at throwing a pot on a wheel or sculpting in clay? Or maybe you fancy making a set of tiles for your bathroom or getting involved in firing your own Raku pot? We now offer welding sculpture workshops too Come and relax and have fun . From groups to one to ones, parties, anniversaries and hen do’s there is a session to suit you. Set in beautiful surroundings, with Angelique a highly qualified potter of over twenty years on hand to help you on your journey into the wonderful world of clay. Come and meet the animals from Bertie the pig to George the duck and his friends, you may even see the ponies, geese and friendly farm cat on your visit. Camping also available over July and August. Please contact us for more info or to arrange a booking.
Reviewed By SavvyG666 - London, United Kingdom
Booked a one hour session last minute and we all absolutely loved it! Angelique was so helpful and friendly, she made sure we all left with beautiful pieces that we can be proud of, despite being complete beginners! The workshop is on a beautiful plot of land with ducks, geese, a pig and a pony and is well stocked with all the tools you could possibly need. It provides a calm environment to help you get creative and is filled with examples of peoples work to help inspire you. It would be a shame to visit Bude and miss out on visiting pottery box!
10. CrossTree Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
I'm Kevan and I'm passionate about all things fused glass and especially with teaching people how to create their own. CrossTree Glass, our shop, offers 2-3 hour classes to make your own pieces; we can provide our own templates or help you to realise your own design. Everything is made and fused here in our kiln. We also take commissions from small pieces to approx. 80x100cm.
