Top Things to do in Devon
What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Fun Activities & Games
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. Buckfastleigh Open Air Pool
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
2. Simmons Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By kevyp14
Lots of open space; with plenty of play equipment. Lovely river walk past the water fountain and pools.
3. Prime Skatepark
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Prime Skatepark is Plymouth's only indoor skatepark that is entirely designed, built and maintained by industry professional riders.
4. Ashburton Swimming Pool
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Ashburton Swimming Pool is a beautiful outdoor heated pool that is open from May until September. It is 21 x 9m is heated to about 27C. The pool appeals to children and adults alike with various sessions and membership options available. It is found in the heart of the historic South Devon town of Ashburton, nestled on the southern side of the vast Dartmoor National Park. There is a lovely field for picnics and games next to the pool and a small cafe run by volunteers for drinks and snacks. There are also a wide selection of cafes, pubs and deli's in the town itself. The nearest parking is the public car park in the centre of Ashburton, which is about 5 minutes walk away. The pool is run by volunteers from the community and is a charity.
5. Moretonhampstead Community Swimming Pool
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool is open from May through to September. Our fabulous 25m outdoor pool is solar heated so you can swim comfortably even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds. The pool offers a grassed social area, and a timetable that offers a daily general swim for all, lane swimming, aqua fit sessions, swimming lessons, technique coaching, and water polo.
6. The Lodge Indoor Skatepark
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
A hidden Gem...Fantastic, friendly Indoor Skatepark and cafe centrally located in Newton Abbot, Devon. Non-profit Charity organisation run by enthusiastic volunteers for the love of wheeled sports! Car parking, cosy cafe and seating are area awaits parents who wish to spectate as their young ones hit the ramps testing their skills and abilities in this safe indoor facility. Party and group hire available. Coaching sessions for all disciplines on certain evenings for all abilities. Hot food and snacks available at Cafe Lodge or just a great cup of Coffee! Equipment and helmet hire also available for those who just want to give it a go..
7. The Quay Climbing Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
There is climbing for everyone at the South West's largest dedicated indoor climbing wall. We have walls ranging from 7 to 15 metres in height and over 200 climbs to challenge everyone from novices to the most experienced climbers. Come along and have a go - join a taster session or one of our holiday clubs! Experience the thrill of climbing whatever the weather in the heart of Exeter.
Reviewed By Louiisej44 - The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom
We did the Clip & Climb section which is great fun for both kids and adults. It has 25 different climbing routes to try out which offer a great challenge. It costs £12.95 (per adult) for the hour which is really good value for money. The facilities were extremely clean and hygiene measures had been put in place for Covid19. The staff are also really friendly and helpful.
8. Paignton Geopark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
Reviewed By TinBoxTraveller - South Devon, United Kingdom
We regularly visit the Geopark when we are in Paignton. It's just off the beach and there's activities for all ages. In the summer the water and sand pit are great fun - make sure you bring a change of clothes or something you don't mind the kids getting wet. There's swings, a mini trampoline and small climbing frame for little kids, and for older kids there are some huge structures for them to climb over.
9. Shoalstone Pool
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Shoalstone Sea Water Pool is an iconic feature of the South Devon Coast, being one of only a few remaining sea water pools in the country. Open May to September each year, with lifeguards on duty from 10am to 6pm every day, the 50m outdoor seawater pool is the perfect place to relax, take a dip and enjoy the fantastic views of Torbay. Facilities include a car park, changing rooms, outdoor shower, lockers and sunloungers or deckchairs to hire. Nearby there’s a kiosk and also Shoals Cafe for drinks and food to eat in or take away. (These are independent of the pool.) The pool is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and supported by the local community. There is no entry charge, but we ask for a voluntary donation of £2 per swim or £5 per family to help cover our running costs. Occasionally the pool will be closed for cleaning or for special events – please check our social media channels for up-to-date information. We do not have a contact phone number. We look forward to seeing you!
Reviewed By rodaholiday - Quadra Island, Canada
nice big pool, chilly and refreshing. limited facilities but its about the location. There is a big car park
