Top Things to do in Devon
What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Historic Sites
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. Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 647 reviews
Opening 12th April Please check website for opening days. Booking from 9.00am on the day by phone. Following Government guidelines David and Kathy’s Tearoom will be providing outdoor undercover seating with cakes made from flour milled onsite, from 12th April 2021. The Mill interior will open later in the year when permitted.
Reviewed By HAL101
3 of us enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon tea at this pretty corn mill near Ilfracombe bay. One friend is diabetic and I am vegan. The staff were very knowledgeable about different dietary needs. My freshly baked vegan cheese scone was delicious, the nicest scone I have ever had. There was a choice of savoury or sweet (24 hours notice required for vegan). There was a choice of cheese or houmous with it. I chose cheese with onion marmalade for my scone and houmous and chutney for my sandwich. The bread was lovely. After, there was a choice of 2 vegan cakes( raspberry and coconut or cherry and chocolate), both delicious. It was served with a huge pot of tea. There was plenty to eat , the food was delicious ( much is baked with their own milled flour) and it was very reasonably priced.
3. Royal Citadel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Built following the English Civil War, this was England's principal fortress featuring outstanding examples of 17th-century baroque architecture. Open for guided tours on Tuesdays at 2:30pm (May to September).
Reviewed By BevBristol
Knowing that we were travelling to Plymouth, I searched some things to do. This came up. You are able to book the tour of the property via English Heritage ( Yapsody website). The tour is advertised as 2 hours long, and we managed it in about 2 hrs 20 mins. The English Heritage tour guide was very knowledgeable on the local history of Plymouth as well as the Citadel and provided much more information than we were expecting. The need to book should be self explanatory to most. The Citadel is a current military base, so they need to know who is coming in and that they are escorted on site during the length of the tour - I think the maximum tour group size is 30. There are information boards outside of the property which indicate the days the tour runs and how to book. The tour commences at 14.30 hrs and you should be there 15 mins in advance. the views over Plymouth are wonderful and we were lucky to be there on a warm dry day. Please note that all but the visit to the onsite church is outside, the church also being the only place that you can sit down.
4. Torre Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 801 reviews
Welcoming visitors for over 800 years . . . Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, a scheduled ancient monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Meanwhile, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. This Torbay Council-owned museum and gardens is also a centre for creativity and culture, offering events and workshops as well as hosting world-class exhibitions alongside creative work from the cream of local talent. We also pride ourselves on being family friendly with a range of activities available for youngsters, both inside the historic buildings and outside in our gardens. Visit our website for the latest information about our COVID19 safety measures.
Reviewed By ystrdy - Torquay, United Kingdom
Look out for the lesser spotted head gardener and her sidekick who will be more than happy to help you with info regarding the huge range of rare and beautiful plants in the walled garden. Definitely worth a visit- especially the fantastic Palm house with its 400 varieties of weird and wonderful plants!! Enjoy!!
5. Powderham Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Open from 24 March until 1 November 2019. Powderham Castle is the family home of the 19th Earl & Countess of Devon. It was originally built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391 and despite undergoing many transformations since surviving the ravages of the civil war in the 17th century, it has remained in the same family. Entertaining guided tours bring the fascinating history to life, you will find them engaging whatever your age. Discover secret doors, stunning architecture and even a haunted landing. We would advise you to allow at least 3 hours for your visit so you can take time to explore the many acres of gardens and grounds. The Walled Garden is home to our friendly Powderham pets, including Tessa the tortoise and Harry the donkey, and is a safe haven for our little visitors. Relax in the peaceful surroundings, from the beautiful Rose Garden, overlooking the deer park and Exe estuary to the Woodland Garden, with its stunning collection of trees.
Reviewed By keithkillingback - Dawlish, United Kingdom
Great place to visit, great restaurant good menu friendly staff, good farm shop and butlers, good walks dog friendly
6. Saltram (National Trust)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 959 reviews
Saltram House is a George II era mansion located in Plympton, Plymouth, England. The house that can be seen today is the work of Robert Adam, who altered the original Tudor house on two occasions. Wikipedia Saltram park offers a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and picnics. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Car park fees payable to non-National Trust members. Enjoy the Park Cafe, Shop and visit the House, Garden with Orangery, Castle Folly and Chapel Tea Room. There is a display of Arts and Crafts by local artists in the Gallery. Become a member and support the National Trust in the conservation work carried out to preserve our heritage for future generations and enjoy these facilities free all year. See our web pages for special events and opening time
Reviewed By woolywombat - Sedona, United States
Simply a magnificent property. The National Trust is lucky to have this estate which was turned over to the government with furnishings almost intact in lieu of death duties. There are numerous paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, a library of over 3,000 books, remarkable Chinese wallpaper, a spectacular collection of Wedgewood, and much, much more. Room docents were outstanding. The gardens are beautiful and there is both a tea room and a delightful cafe where we enjoyed a late lunch - the carrot and coriander soup was delicious. There is a gift shop as well as second hand bookshop. Don't miss this treasure!
7. Totnes Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By 695lynnp - Cincinnati, United States
Stumbled across this place behind St. Mary's church. A gentlemen who appeared to be "on duty" was eager to share with us the history of the town guild hall, which contains a listing of all the mayors, including the current mayor dressed in formal mayoral garb. Also a mantrap (!) and cell in which criminals were held. The hall itself is small. Worth a quick stop to see and hear a bit of English history before returning to walking the steep HIgh Street of Totnes with its charming shops.
8. Kingsbridge Quay
9. Buckfast Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,466 reviews
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.
10. Buckland Abbey, National Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 738 reviews
Enjoying a profound sense of calm and quiet, buried deep in a Devon valley, Buckland Abbey has been a home for hundreds of years. The Cistercian monks who founded this abbey in the later 13th Century led a life of religious contemplation and fruitful toil, working the land and tending their animals. Passed into private hands after Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, Buckland Abbey underwent a major conversion to become the grand home of rich and famous seafarers, including Sir Francis Drake. For all that has changed over 750 years, Buckland is a place that has kept its air of peace and tranquility for modern day pilgrims to enjoy.
Reviewed By suej391
Very informative and interesting, full of history and certainly learnt more about Sir Francis Drake, the tithe barn well worth visiting, and most beautiful gardens, with good cafe it makes a very enjoyable day. Found the staff very helpful.
