Top Things to do in Devon
What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Ferries
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. Appledore Instow Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Jgraves12 - Boston, United Kingdom
We used the ferry to go from appledore to instow. Friendly volunteers and only took 5 minutes to cross. Gives you a chance to see the estuary from a different perspective and to explore the other side without needing to take car out. They allowed our two dogs on but due to nature of getting on/off a small boat take care if you or your dogs are less mobile. Would definitely recommend.
2. WeFerry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Proper boat trips, from a professional, accredited, family run pleasure boat company. No one does it like WeFerry - just you wait and sea!
Reviewed By Susiej25
We did the Teignmouth round robin trip from Brixham. Great value trip. John our skipper was very knowledgeable and pointed out wildlife & rock formations as we sailed along the coast. After a few hours in Teignmouth we caught the train to Paignton where we got back on board to sail back to Brixham. John and Alvin were great & we wouldnt hesitate to book with them again. They are a small family business and deserve support in these difficult times.
3. We Ferry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Better boat trips like no other from an accredited, passionate family run business. Your key to the sea. Hop on!
Reviewed By Vcanney - Ruishton, United Kingdom
Wow what a trip We did the wildlife ferry from brixham today Family of 6 adults and 6 children age between 3-11 - I have to say it was amazing The guide was brilliant and trip was super organised With the added bonus of seeing the seals and dolphins I would definitely recommend - thank you for a super hour we all loved it :-)
4. Greenway Ferry & River Boat Cruises
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 687 reviews
With ferry services, sightseeing cruises and excursions departing from Dartmouth, Dittisham and Greenway – Taking to the water is a must when visiting South Devon’s beautiful River Dart home to the late Dame Agatha Christie. Whether taking the ferry between the picturesque port of Dartmouth and the quaint village of Dittisham or of course visiting the home of the late Dame Agatha Christie at Greenway on a hill towering over the beautiful and serene River Dart – services to Greenway House are available from Dittisham and Dartmouth as frequent as every hour. If that is not enough then why not jump aboard for our 1 Hour River Cruise and take in what the River Dart has to offer from Castles, wildlife, historical buildings, Greenway, Dittisham, Anchorstone, The Royal Naval College and local legends – to name but a few things to see on the River! We are a Visit England award winning Quality Visitor Attraction and a member of Devon and the English Riviera Top Attractions you can relax in the knowledge that you will have a truly memorable experience for all the right reasons. So sit back, relax and enjoy a trip! You can even hire one of our boats, just for you!
5. Cremyll Ferry to Kingsand & Cawsand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
A 3.4 mile moderate walk along a very unusual section of the South West Coast Path, passing mainly through parkland with stunning views across Plymouth Sound and a wealth of historical interest. Children will love to ramble through the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe, with its many fascinating features, and will enjoy the beach at Kingsand.
Reviewed By PennieB471 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
I just love the Cremyll ferry crossing from Stonehouse in Plymouth across to Cremyll, Cornwall. It's a lovely little boat with a happy team running it, and saves a long drive round and the parking costs especially during the Summer months. You can choose to sit inside or out, dogs are welcome, and the views on both trips out and back are wonderful. The Mount Edgcumbe Estate is on your doorstep, and is beautiful whatever time of year.
6. Teignmouth - Shaldon Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By Helham1967 - Usk, United Kingdom
After a bracing walk from Teignmouth, and after stopping at a few wonderful pubs in Shaldon, this was a fun way to get back across the river.
7. Greenway & Dittisham Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
With ferry services, sightseeing cruises and excursions departing from Dartmouth, Dittisham and Greenway - Taking to the water is a must when visiting South Devon's beautiful River Dart home to the late Dame Agatha Christie. Whether taking the ferry between the picturesque port of Dartmouth and the quaint village of Dittisham or of course visiting the home of the late Dame Agatha Christie at Greenway on a hill towering over the beautiful and serene River Dart - services to Greenway House are available from Dittisham and Dartmouth as frequent as every hour. If that is not enough then why not jump aboard for our 1 Hour River Cruise and take in what the River Dart has to offer from Castles, wildlife, historical buildings, Greenway, Dittisham, Anchorstone, The Royal Naval College and local legends - to name but a few things to see on the River! We are a Visit England award winning Quality Visitor Attraction and a member of Devon and the English Riviera Top Attractions you can relax in the knowledge that you will have a truly memorable experience for all the right reasons. So sit back, relax and enjoy a trip! You can even hire one of our boats, just for you!
Reviewed By yvonnemaryl - Plymouth, United Kingdom
There are several ferries available all day making the crossing On your journey they give you a running commentary of the places of interest . Very enjoyable .
8. Lower Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By Aussiewriter - England, United Kingdom
This quirky little vehicular and passenger ferry has been around since the 12th Century apparently when two men used to row passengers across the River Dart! It's grown somewhat over the centuries and now features a flat bed drive on platform for vehicles while foot passengers line up along the rails. With a jerk from the little tugboat that guides the platform, you're off! The views of the River, most especially towards Warfleet or across to Dartmouth are delightful. Five minutes later you're either in Dartmouth or Kingswear, having taken part in a piece of history and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. Bliss!
9. MS Oldenburg
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By peterjg200
You travel on MS Oldenburg to reach Lundy Island from either Bideford or Ilfracombe. Please see my review of Lundy Island on TripAdvisor for more information about the ship and visiting Lundy Island.
10. Higher Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By 557stevel
We use this ferry often both in the car and on foot. It is part of one of our favourite walks from Dartmouth, alongside the heritage railway track, to Kingswear. Always find the staff friendly.
