Top Things to do in Devon
What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Gardens
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. Coleton Fishacre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,786 reviews
Reviewed By JandAre
Third visit to this beautiful house. The grounds are magnificent and stretch down to the river. Unusual plants everywhere adding so much colour and interest. This is by far my favourite NT property - the warm feel of the house coupled with stunning views and beautifully designed and planted gardens surpass all the others.
2. Lukesland Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By FalmouthLucy - Devon, United Kingdom
Great experience.We have a 2 for 1 gardeners world card and used it here but would have paid £6 entry each anyway.We really liked the lay out of garden and want to come back at a different time of year.There were some lovely Autumn colours when we went.Cafe is gerat.Loved the soup cake and coffee all very resonably priced.Very covid aware and plenty of hand sanitiser about and feltit all felt very safe
3. Wildside
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
4. Dawlish Lawn and Dawlish Water
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Well maintained looked after lawn and water very popular place to chill out. Clean public toilets at the start of the town end shops and eateries both sides of the centre waterway. Famed for the black swans and mallard ducks here. Nice to wander up one side down the other on a warm sunny afternoon
5. Saltram Gardens (National Trust)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By 652k_r_aty - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Love Saltram and visit here regularly with family. The little tea room is lovely too to have tea and cake
6. RHS Garden Rosemoor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,357 reviews
If you are looking for inspiration and a relaxing day out, come to RHS Garden Rosemoor and stroll around our enchanting 65-acre garden. Rosemoor is a garden of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted, retaining the essence of rural North Devon within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides.Whatever the season, the exciting colours, scents and textures mean that all your senses will be stimulated, and with both formal and informal gardens - as well as woodland walks, water features and open spaces - there is something for children and adults alike to enjoy time and again.
Reviewed By 22007 - Auckland, New Zealand
We visited Rosemoor on 23rd August when the late summer perennial borders were at their astonishing best. We loved the borders, the rose garden, the interesting collection of trees and the incredible fruit & vegetable garden with it endless rows of lettuce and espaliered apples. Just excellent!
7. Overbecks Museum and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By sookeico1 - Etchingham, United Kingdom
Long winding road to get there, but well worth the trip. Immaculately kept gardens with some wonderful views from high up over the water. Lots of interesting plants and some great nooks and corners to explore. No cafe/drinks available at present, but still a good experience.
8. The Garden House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
The Garden House is a 10 acre series of garden rooms, each planted differently, for seasonal interest. Visitors love the planting styles, 16th century ruins, bright colours and far reaching views over wild flower meadows. Children can roam free and find hidden corners and explore trails and trees. It is a wonderful place for garden enthusiasts, walkers and family visits. The tea room in the main house is renowned for freshly made treats and light lunches. Plants sold onsite at our well stocked plant centre are often propagated from the garden so you will find interesting and unusual varieties that aren’t commonly available. Plus we have a delightful Old Potting Shed shop stocking crafts, books, locally made produce and gardening gifts.
Reviewed By RachelW788 - London, United Kingdom
A beautiful garden, surprisingly extensive with changing character as you move through the winding paths into walled garden, arboretum, woodland, wild meadow and more. Full of planting interest through the year. A wonderful place to go and get lost in.
9. The Gnome Reserve & Wild Flower Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
Temporarily closed - We are a seasonal business open 21st March - 31st October. We are open 10am - last admission 5pm
Reviewed By markwH2639SS - Barnstaple, United Kingdom
This was an unplanned visit - we saw the sign and just followed it. Brilliant couple of hours looking around the gnome exhibits and the wildflower garden. Recommended for all ages
10. Greenway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,002 reviews
Take this extraordinary glimpse into the beloved holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family.The relaxed and atmospheric house is set in the 1950s, and contains many of the family's collections, including archaeology, Tunbridgeware, silver, botanical china and books. Outside you can explore the large and romantic woodland garden, with a restored vinery, wild edges and rare plantings, which drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart estuary.
Reviewed By JaneP855 - Northampton, United Kingdom
Took the ferry from Dartmouth to Greenway and walked up the steep wooded walkway to the house. Wether you are an Agatha Christie fan or not this ‘loveliest spot in the world’ as she saw certainly comes close. The National Trust have beautifully presented this place with a tastefully underplayed cafe and shop surrounded by sublime gardens and in an amazing setting overlooking the stunning River Dart nestles this White House stacked full of Agatha Christie and her family who clearly loved this place and and had very happy times here, it oozes through every twist and delightful turn as you experience this gem.
