Top Things to do in Devon
What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
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. The Ultimate Adventure Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 548 reviews
The Ultimate Adventure Centre offers the most comprehensive range of outdoor activities available throughout North Devon. Inspired by Tv's Total Wipeout our Ultimate Assault Course adds to the list of exhilarating experiences made possible through the Ultimate Adventure Centre. The Ultimate Adventure Centre has grown the activities provided, which include the Ultimate Assault, Surf School, Coasteering, Mountain Boarding, High Ropes, Climbing Walls, Kayaking, Archery,SUP & Log Cabin/Barn Accommodation & Adventure Camping. We are able to offer Adventure Packages to give you the chance to experience more than one activity at discounted rates. Our packages are available to you whether you are coming on your own or as a part of group. They can be enjoyed as part of an adventure day out or a longer activity weekend.
2. Adelong Outdoor Education
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Join us for coasteering, rock climbing and gorge walking to name but a few of our adventure activities... add caving or canoeing to your adventure to ensure that you take away the memory of a lifetime. Exciting group adventure days, outdoor adventure activities, family adventures and stag and hen activity days in South Devon.
3. Active Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
North Devon's Adventure Activity Provider For: Coasteering, Stand Up Paddle Board, Rafting, Splatgun paintball, Amphibious Assault And More
4. Xtreme Coasteering
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
Xtreme coasteering Ltd provide coasteering activities across the South West. All we do is Coasteering sessions, this means our instructors have the knowledge and understanding to tailor the session so that everybody young & old can join in. We can cater for individuals, families, hen and stag groups.
5. Rock Solid Coasteering
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 502 reviews
Rock Solid Coasteering will kit you up and give you the confidence to do things you thought would be impossible. The places you go will blow your mind - dramatic cliffs, spooky sea caves, prehistoric woods. Check out the online gallery. Coasteering this location is not to be missed!
6. Point Breaks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Point Breaks are the go-to Ocean water sports specialists in North Devon providing Coasteering, Surf Lessons & SUP Lessons. We have years of experience and love what we do and that's why you will have an unforgettable, adrenaline filled experience with Point Breaks. Membership includes NCC, Surfing GB, BSUPA, Sports Coach UK and we have been assessed and licensed by AALA.
7. Devon Activity Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Open all year . Segways, quad biking, clay shooting, archery, axe throwing, air rifles, paintball, laser tag and more! On site cafe.
8. Wilderfox
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Tap into the primal roots of your ancestors and learn new skills. Have a go at archery, axe throwing, fire lighting, survival skills and loads more! Wilderfox specialises in Outdoor Activities, Team Building sessions and Groups bookings.
9. Jetsim Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 0 reviews
Jetsim Centre based in Exeter, offers flight simulator experiences in a 737NG airline sim full scale cockpit. 220 degree visual projection makes your flight fully immersive. Try your skills landing an 80 tonne plane in a thunderstorm, or the snow capped mountains of Innsbruck. The sessions are designed for you to be the Pilot(s) and two people can enjoy flying the sim together at the same time.
10. Livit Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Adventure weekends and Glamping holidays in North Devon. We offer unique accommodation in a beautiful setting overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Home cooked food. Adventure bus tours and activities including Surfing, Yoga, Wakeboarding, Stand up Paddleboarding and Walking tours. Our bell tent village and adventure bus are truly unique! If you want to join a group trip and have everything taken care of, or you just want to do your own thing then we have something for you. Live it! Love it!'
