Top Things to do in Devon
Top 10 Walking Tours 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. Guided walking tour of the Barbican and Hoe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Whether you are a local looking to find out more about the past of your home town, or visiting from afar; Plymouth is steeped in key events, stories and discoveries, and has been home to some of England’s most important and influential explorers, artists and significant folk. Join us for a guided tour as we visit a bygone age and step back into the past of this maritime city. Small group sizes keep a personable feel. If you have a particular interest, please tell us, as we are happy to tailor tours to suit this.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By rpjmLeeds
My wife and I met Elaine Shaw who was not only precisely on time but immediately made a terrific impression on both of us. We usually book a guide in most cities we visit and found Pilgrim on the web. We were extremely pleased with our choice. Elaine was friendly, informative and able to answer virtually every question we asked (and we did ask many !). The 3 to 4 hours passed all too quickly which served to reinforce our opinions and our only disappointment was when we had to say goodbye. Highly Recommended !
2. Culture, Cobblestones and Clotted Cream
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 7 reviews
Join me on your very own micro adventure for two (or three!) where wonder leads to wandering and life is a little more delicious with some local Devon food! Inspired by the abundance of quirky facts and hidden gems dotted all around the city, be prepared for a micro-adventure of culture, creativity & deliciousness, wrapped up in a blanket of fun. History oozes from the cobblestones in Plymouth but you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy what this amazing city has to offer. We’ll wander off the beaten track, sails the seas on a cute little ferry, and have plenty of opportunities for photographs! We will be out in fresh air for the whole of this experience... social distancing and keeping safe. Allow 3-4hrs for this experience, to include food and make it your own!
Inclusions: Ferry Transportation, A cold drink and yummy sweet or savoury treat!
Exclusions: All food and drink is purchased as required by the individual guest, Tips and Gratuities
Reviewed By CarolumK
Jayne and Adrian are a brilliant double act - the dressing up and enactment of a Mayflower character is inspired and impressive both from the perspective of being on the tour and for getting the attention of other potential punters who we passed along the way. It also shows a great level of commitment and makes it easier to bring the stories to life. Both of them are very knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and it is also great to have 2 running the show as one can pick up the reactions of guests and their particular interests while the other is delivering a section of the tour, while also filling in gaps in knowledge or simply a temporary loss of memory. Likewise, their delivery styles are very different so if the group has more chemistry with one than the other, they can be flexible and accommodate it. They reinforced my recently acquired belief that Plymouth is hugely underestimated as a city and has played a truly extraordinary role in the maritime, trading, naval, political and scientific fields of British/UK history. Go on their tour and tell me otherwise... Admin-wise they were very understanding of my request to switch my session on the same day and then accommodating my lateness due to terrible traffic. Awesome.
3. Devon, Dorset and Cornwall : Private Driver Guided 5 Day Tour from London
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
Your experienced Private Driver Guide takes you to arguably the most beautiful counties of England and Britain. Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have some of the most picturesque and quaint English villages with thatched cottages, historic churches and welcoming country pubs serving excellent food and drink. There is also the opportunity to visit the dramatic Jurassic Coast with its steep cliffs, and breathtaking rocky outcrops. We also visit the wild and rugged terrain of Dartmoor and hear many stories that have originated from this spectacular landscape. The following day is spent on the northern coast exploring the beautiful villages of Clovelly and Port Isaac, where the TV series, Doc Martin is filmed and there are more opportunities to taste the local cuisine and try the local beers from this part of Britain. There are a range of things to to on the final two days - exploring St Ives and Mount St Michael or the Eden Project to name just a couple. The tour is tailor-made to your needs.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: All accommodation, meals, drinks and refreshments are not included in the price of the tour.
Reviewed By Zenzaro
We had met Nigel Homer earlier in December when he guided us on the Rabbies Oxford & Traditional Cotwold Villages 1 Day Tour. We had such a wonderful day that we booked Nigel again. Nigel has such a delightful manner, is extremely knowledgeable & has a very inviting sense of humour all of which enables him to deliver the most relaxed, comfortable, fun & enjoyable tour. Thank you so much & best wishes, Nigel. ????
4. South West Coast Path Walking South Cornwall Coastline (12 days, 11 nights)
The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s National Trail footpaths, running 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, round the South West tip of England to Bournemouth in Dorset. This itinerary focusses on the South Cornwall Coastline, running from Penzance to Plymouth. This includes the popular landmark of Lizard Point. What's included? Breakfast included, other meals excluded Luggage Transfers between accommodation providers Fully comprehensive tour pack with maps, available in English, German, French and Italian as standard. (Other languages available on request) Access to a smartphone digital app which offers GPS tracking for the routes (downloaded prior to save on data costs) Access to a 24/7 helpline in case of any emergencies Exclusions Entry or admission fee Landing & facility fees Individual travel to the UK Lunch & Dinner Travel Taxes Entry fees to attractions Please note Passport required Passport needed if travelling to UK from other countries
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast
Exclusions:
Reviewed By WildWalkers2
Absolutely beautiful walk. Great luggage service collect and drop your bags at the next overnight stop.
5. South West Coast Path Walking - Somerset & Devon (11 days, 10 nights)
The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s National Trail footpaths, running 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, round the South West tip of England to Bournemouth in Dorset. This itinerary focusses on the Somerset & North Devon Coastline. From the start in Minehead, the path drifts inland across Exmoor and the gorgeous moorland landscape. What's included? Breakfast included, other meals excluded Luggage Transfers between accommodation providers Fully comprehensive tour pack with maps, available in English, German, French and Italian as standard. (Other languages available on request) Access to a smartphone digital app which offers GPS tracking for the routes (downloaded prior to save on data costs) Access to a 24/7 helpline in case of any emergencies Exclusions Entry or admission fee Landing & facility fees Individual travel to the UK Lunch & Dinner Travel Taxes Entry fees to attractions Please note Passport required Passport needed if travelling to UK from other countries
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast
Exclusions:
Reviewed By WildWalkers2
Absolutely beautiful walk. Great luggage service collect and drop your bags at the next overnight stop.
6. South West Coast Path Walking South Devon Coastline (9 days, 8 nights)
The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s National Trail footpaths, running 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, round the South West tip of England to Bournemouth in Dorset. This itinerary focusses on the South Devon Coastline, running along The English Channel from Plymouth to Exmouth. What's included? Breakfast included, other meals excluded Luggage Transfers between accommodation providers Fully comprehensive tour pack with maps, available in English, German, French and Italian as standard. (Other languages available on request) Access to a smartphone digital app which offers GPS tracking for the routes (downloaded prior to save on data costs) Access to a 24/7 helpline in case of any emergencies Exclusions Entry or admission fee Landing & facility fees Individual travel to the UK Lunch & Dinner Travel Taxes Entry fees to attractions Please note Passport required Passport needed if travelling to UK from other countries
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast
Exclusions:
Reviewed By WildWalkers2
Absolutely beautiful walk. Great luggage service collect and drop your bags at the next overnight stop.
7. South West Coast Path Walking - The Jurassic Coast (9 days, 8 nights)
The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s National Trail footpaths, running 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, round the South West tip of England to Bournemouth in Dorset. his itinerary focusses on the Jurassic Coast, running from Budleigh Salterton to Poole. What's included? Breakfast included, other meals excluded Luggage Transfers between accommodation providers Fully comprehensive tour pack with maps, available in English, German, French and Italian as standard. (Other languages available on request) Access to a smartphone digital app which offers GPS tracking for the routes (downloaded prior to save on data costs) Access to a 24/7 helpline in case of any emergencies Exclusions Entry or admission fee Landing & facility fees Individual travel to the UK Lunch & Dinner Travel Taxes Entry fees to attractions Please note Passport required Passport needed if travelling to UK from other countries
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast
Exclusions:
Reviewed By WildWalkers2
Absolutely beautiful walk. Great luggage service collect and drop your bags at the next overnight stop.
8. Private Full Day Tour – Skip the line Tickets to Tower of London & British Lunch
Discover all the magic of London in this unique Private Full Day Tour. Walk with your local host through the most emblematic places of the city, starting with the incredible St. Paul's Cathedral. Cross the beautiful River Thames. Admire the famous theatre where Shakespeare performed his plays. Go up to the terrace of the Tate Modern Museum to get the best views of London. Visit two of the most beautiful markets in the city. Relax at the table of one of the most traditional pubs in London, and enjoy an English lunch. Discover the fascinating St. Dunstan in the East Church, in ruins, very close to a better preserved Roman archaeological site, the London Wall. After admiring Tower Bridge your last stop is a jewel of medieval architecture, the Tower of London, a World Heritage Site. Skip the line and enjoy the time you want in this incredible museum. Book now this amazing Full Day Tour tour with a private guide, just for you, and let us make your visit to London a unique experience!!
Inclusions: 4 hs. Private Tour with a local guide + Tower of London, Skip the line tickets to the Tower of London + Audio-guide, A bus ride to the old part of London, Lunch in a traditional pub
Exclusions: Gratuities to the guide, Terrace of the Tate Modern closed from Monday to Friday, Terrace of The Garden at 120 Saturdays and Sundays closed
9. Surf and Yoga in Devon
Missed travel? Missed Mother Nature? You don't need to leave the UK to get your fix of natural beauty and adventure. This Trip is all about those wellness vibes you've been missing: we're talking waves, vegan food, yoga, swimming and hiking! Enjoy the unique North Devon Coast, as you surf, swim, gaze at sunsets, sleep and repeat on this active adventure that'll make you fall in love with the United Kingdom's unique underrated beauty.
Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Wet suit and surf board, Guided Hike along the coastline
Exclusions: Gratuities, Transport to and from your start and end destination, Travel Insurance and Visas
10. Geohunt Challenge - Devon (7 Day Pass)
App led Travel Scavenger Hunt Experience - 7 Day Access (permitted on 1 device) - More than 100 Destinations & Challenges - More than 100 Points available - No tour guides or reservations needed (start anytime you want) - Free cancellation (until activation) A travel themed scavenger hunt with hundreds of destinations & challenges set across this stunning part of the world. A truly immersive way to explore When you arrive in the region, simply log in to begin. With hundreds of map pins displayed on your screen, attempt to visit them all (earning points & prizes) or simply enjoy the journey at your own pace. You travel independently (self-drive/walk) with our GPS technology guiding you every step of the way. A perfect 'contact free' way to travel Friends & family can enjoy together with just one ticket (ticket per device). And with the huge variety of destinations & challenges, it's perfect for all ages This is a brand-new way to travel & perfect addition to any holiday
Inclusions: Scavenger Hunt App - 7 Day Pass (permitted on 1 device)
Exclusions:
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