What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Churches & Cathedrals

September 23, 2021 Jeremy Dunfee

Devon Cottages - The Ultimate in Relaxing Breaks

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.

Devon's Cottages, All Mod Cons

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.

Town Mouse or Country Mouse

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. St Sabinus Church

Beach Road, Woolacombe EX34 7BT England
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

St Sabinus Church

2. Ottery St Mary Parish Church

The College, Ottery St. Mary EX11 1DQ England +44 1404 812012 http://www.otterystmary.org.uk/
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Ottery St Mary Parish Church

3. Crediton Parish Church

Church Street, Crediton EX17 2AQ England +44 1363 773226 http://www.creditonparishchurch.org.uk/
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Crediton Parish Church

4. St Olaves Church

Fore Street, Exeter England http://www.parishofcentralexeter.co.uk/saint_olaves.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

St Olaves Church

5. Church of St Michael

Old Town Hill, Ilsington, Newton Abbot TQ13 England http://www.ilsingtonparish.co.uk/churches.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Church of St Michael

6. The Church of St. Andrew

Kenn, Exeter EX6 7UW England https://www.facebook.com/StAndrews-Kenn-1486933994945251/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

The Church of St. Andrew

7. St. Petroc's Church

12 Wellington Square, South Brent, Dartmoor National Park TQ10 9AG England
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

St. Petroc's Church

8. St James Church

Bitton Park Road, Teignmouth England +44 1626 770115 http://www.joinmychurch.com/churches/St-James-Teignmouth-Devon-United-Kingdom/137222
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

St James Church

9. Exeter Cathedral

Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,879 reviews

Exeter Cathedral

Lift your gaze to the world’s longest uninterrupted Gothic stone vaulted cathedral ceiling. Discover Scott’s sledging flag from the legendary British Antarctic Expedition. Marvel at the medieval astronomical clock. With a thousand years of history, stunning architecture, unique treasures, musical and spiritual heritage, you’ll feel inspired from the moment you step inside Exeter Cathedral.

10. Buckfast Abbey

Buckfastleigh, Dartmoor National Park TQ11 0EE England +44 1364 645500 [email protected] http://www.buckfast.org.uk/
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,466 reviews

Buckfast Abbey

We are delighted to be partially re-opening from Monday, 26th April 2021 and fully re-opening from 17th May, (subject to Government guidelines.) Our Gift Shop will be open during our partial re-opening and our Grange Tea Rooms will be open for a takeaway service. Toilets will also be open. During this period, our opening times will be 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm Sundays. The Abbey Church, Bookshop and Monastic Shop will remain closed during the partial re-opening time. We look forward to welcoming you and assure you that Covid safety measures are in place.

Reviewed By stormbringer55 - St. Albans, United Kingdom

What a lovely place . The air of tranquillity is amazing ,as is the Devon cream tea. Great visitor centre and good shops and a nice little Methodist chapel ,free parking and entry all go to make this a great place to visit . Just down the road from the steam railway another great place to visit.

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