Top Things to do in Devon
Top 10 Visitor Centers 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. Dartmouth Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Dartmouth Visitor Centre is open all year round and is the first port of call for advice on attractions, accommodation and information. It is also home to the Newcomen Memorial Engine, the oldest working atmospheric steam engine in the world designed by Dartmouth inventor Thomas Newcomen in 1712. The centre is self funding and admission to engine house museum is free.
2. Devon Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
*The Devon Heritage Centre is temporarily closed – we look forward to welcoming you when we reopen* Devon Heritage Centre holds all types of historical archives relating to the county of Devon and the City of Exeter (excluding Plymouth.) They include records of churches and chapels, of county, district and parish councils and of many families, estates, schools and other organisations. The popular West Country Studies Library is also located here. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm The 3rd Saturday of each month 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
3. Otterton Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 441 reviews
Set beside the River Otter in one of East Devon's loveliest coastal valleys, Otterton Mill is the place in Devon to experience the ancient traditions of flour milling, bread baking and much more! The idyllic setting of our historic working watermill and the stunning surrounding countryside attracts visitors year round from all over the world. They come to enjoy our mill, bakery, cafe-restaurant, local food shop, gift and craft shop, art gallery, wildlife shop, live music, and other events.
Reviewed By emilyl0uisew
I've had a wonderful time on my day out at Otterton Mill, the restaurant staff were very welcoming and helpful, the food was all made fresh at the mill. The scones which had plenty of jam and clotted cream, and the savory ones, cheese and chutney. The food was brought out to us in the lovely courtyard area where dogs are allowed on leads. There is also a well stocked farm food shop selling all goods made with the flour from the mill, they offer a hamper making service which is perfect for an artisan family treat or a great gift idea. The Mill itself can be seen in working order, which is fascinating, especially if you have children with you. There is also a large collection of local artist work for sale in the craft shop, lovely items made from glass and some lovely smelling candles. They also sell some amazing wire structures which make perfect unique gifts and decorations for your home. They have recently re tarmacked the parking area which means it is easily accessible for disabled and the less able customers. All around the Mill are beautiful walks which are all varying in lengths and terrain, all of which the staff were kindly able to point out to us. The mill also have planed events such as live music and at Christmas time a lovely Carol service. The music events are intimate which leads to everyone having a good view of the acts. I have bread from the mill on plenty of occasions, the bread has great longevity and tastes amazing. I have used the bread on several occasions to make a garlic bread which I have had great compliments on.
4. Salcombe Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Our small, dedicated team of permanent staff have all lived and worked in Salcombe and the South Hams for many years so have a great depth of knowledge about the town and making the most of your South Hams and South Devon holiday! We have over 100 local business members providing services and holiday experiences that will ensure you have the most unforgettable time here in Salcombe. Please just visit our comprehensive Salcombe tourist information website for ideas, attractions and things to do guides for all ages including families. Or simply call us on to speak to our team of locals who know all of Salcombe's best nooks and crannies! We look forward to seeing you in Salcombe in the very near future!
5. National Park Visitor Centre - Princetown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
The National Park Visitor Centre - Princetown is an ideal place to start your visit to Dartmoor. Newly refurbished it features new and exciting exhibitions, displays and a children's discovery zones as well as a stunning photography exhibition, 'Ancient Dartmoor'.
Reviewed By kittyginger - Salisbury, United Kingdom
Although we have driven across Dartmoor many times, we had never stopped at Princetown. We found a parking space and while wandering around, we discovered the visitor centre. What a wonderful find and a wonderful building. There was a shop selling books, locally made things and other goods and a number of exhibition rooms, one featuring Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles. We particularly liked the photographic exhibition of Dartmoor life, the birdsong quiz and the film about the flora and fauna of Dartmoor. Everything is well laid out and described and there is plenty of room to walk around. There is something to educate children as well as grown-ups. The toilets were spotless, always a good sign of a well-kept visitor centre.
6. Tuckers Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
The hall has been home to the historic guild of Exeter's ancient cloth trade since the 15th century. The Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearman has been in continuous occupation of the hall since 1471 and has now opened the hall to the public to share the story of the ancient cloth industry that built Exeter.
7. National Park Visitor Centre - Postbridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
The Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre at Postbridge is staffed by knowledgeable local people, who will be happy to help with advice and ideas on your visit to the Dartmoor area. The Life, Death and Landscape exhibition, telling the story of prehistoric Dartmoor, is on show at the Visitor Centre with Bronze Age Dartmoor finds from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum's collection - and, for the first time on Dartmoor, there is a display showcasing replicas of items found in the internationally important Whitehorse Hill prehistoric burial. Some of these were part of the recent major exhibition at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, whilst some have not been on public display before We stock an extensive range of maps, guide books and publications about Dartmoor, as well as a range of useful items for the outdoor enthusiast and a variety of gifts and stationery. There are public toilets with disabled access. Postbridge is our most centrally situated Visitor Centre in the heart of the moor. It is easily accessible and the drive from either Exeter or Plymouth takes you through some of the most stunning moorland landscapes. Postbridge provides an excellent gateway to the north moor for enthusiastic hill walkers and our Centre staff will be pleased to help you to plan a suitable route. The weather can be very changeable on the high moor and walkers should be adequately equipped for anything more than a short stroll.
Reviewed By ladytravellerf - Swindon, United Kingdom
The 2 members of staff were very helpful when we asked about walls in the local area. We were able to buy a map for £2 and set off on the circular waterfall walk. We were advised to keep high and that the terrain would be rough underfoot. Distance was 5.6 miles and with lots of stops on the way for photos and negotiating river crossings took us around 3.5-4 hours. A very enjoyable hike
8. South Molton Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
South Molton Tourist Information Centre provides comprehensive details and booking facilities for local accommodation providers, visitor attractions, places to eat and local businesses.
9. National Park Visitor Centre - Haytor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
National Park Visitor Centre, Haytor is staffed by knowledgeable local people who will be pleased to help you with your visit to the area. There is an extensive range of maps, guide books and publications about Dartmoor available at the Information Centre. There is also a range of useful items for the outdoor enthusiast and a variety of gifts, stationery and local products that are available to purchase. Haytor is easily accessed from the A38. The road winds steeply up from Bovey Tracey but once on the moor the spectacular view of Haytor is not to be missed. There are good car parks in this area and toilet facilities are available next to the Visitor Centre. There are a variety of both short and longer walks with lots of local interest and the centre staff will be pleased to help you plan a suitable route. The popular village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor is also only a short drive away.
Reviewed By SteveS783 - Boscastle, United Kingdom
Inspiring Tor, with stunning views, mysterious stone pools and strange carved symbols. Once an iron age fort, with ruined hut circles and pounds close by.
10. Berry Head Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
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