Top Things to do in Devon
What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Things to do Adventurous
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. Plymouth Synagogue
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By laurengN126SP
I visited the synagogue while on holiday in Cornwall and can honestly say it was the highlight of the trip. Tucked away off of St Catherine Street, you'd be forgiven for missing it altogether but it's certainly not hiding away, as explained by the wonderful Jerry who showed a group of 6 of us around. Named as the caretaker, he is far more than that. He gave us 2.5 hours of history of Plymouth, Judaism and the Jewish community in Plymouth. The hours felt like minutes and we could have gone on much longer. The building itself is stunning and you can feel the sacred presence and history there, if you are of any faith or none at all, it is well worth a visit. From the stained glass windows to the opulent artefacts, you will be mesmerised by the beauty and peace to be found inside the shul. The building is a jewel, Jerry deserves a medal for all his hard work keeping this beautiful building going and if you do visit you may well meet the gorgeous Synagogue cat Dexter. You will not be disappointed.
2. Rock Solid Coasteering
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 502 reviews
Rock Solid Coasteering will kit you up and give you the confidence to do things you thought would be impossible. The places you go will blow your mind - dramatic cliffs, spooky sea caves, prehistoric woods. Check out the online gallery. Coasteering this location is not to be missed!
3. Raceworld Ltd
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 396 reviews
THE Southwest's premier karting venue. February 2011 Raceworld expanded bringing you.. Extended Track, Flyover bridge all new facilities 1000 sq ft Diner 800 sq ft Meeting room 2000 sq ft presentation area.
Reviewed By HaileyCourt
Great fun and the staff are really friendly and helpful, would highly recommend. Good challenging track, great day out.
4. Yarak Bird of Prey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 943 reviews
Please note: Yarak is NOT open as a walk in Public Visitor Centre. Yarak birds of prey is a stand alone privately owned specialist Bird of Prey Centre which concentrates on hands on experiences for people wishing to handle and fly birds of prey and learn about them all in a totally private environment.The centre is run by experienced professional falconers that really care about their birds and customers. All the birds here are classed as "family" and are treated with a huge amount of respect and want for nothing. All experiences are strictly by appointment only.
Reviewed By lucyp908 - Salisbury, United Kingdom
This is the second time we have visited Yarek for the full day flying experience and both times have been outstanding! The groups are kept small (around 6-10 people) which gives you the opportunity to handle, feed and fly nearly every bird they bring you on the day. We have been introduced to different birds on both visits plus bonus surprises that were not officially part of the day - the first time we saw owl babies, the second we were introduced to 2 very young Harris hawks in the process of having a bond formed with John. The sheer passion and love they have for the birds shines through the entire day! There is the opportunity to sponsor one of your favourite birds if you like and you can walk round some of the aviaries to see the birds in their home. Yarek also offer hot meals and drink onsite, there is a small dining room, clean and tidy bathroom facilities, and multiple picnic benches if you choose to bring your own food. Please note, the centre is not open to the public to just turn up on the day, you need to prebook an experience with them which in my opinion makes it all the more special! I cannot recommend them highly enough! We will be back!
5. Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
we are a small family run bird of prey centre . we offer courses and experiences on a pre-booked private 1-1 basis we are not a public visitor centre. we are open by appointment only we offer hawkwalks and 1/2 day experiences where the participant will receive personal hands on experience of flying a selection of birds of prey. we also offer a hawk management course which can be assessed and certificated so the candidate can receive a certificate of achievement through Raptor Awards. all our experiences are available as a gift voucher making them the perfect present for birthdays , Christmas, and anniversaries
Reviewed By M7280LLemmad
I got the birds of prey experience for my husband for his Christmas gift and we went today.. Omg amazing day. My husband loved every minute of the 4 hours.. it was nonstop with holding the birds flying them and the information we learnt was fantastic.. the care and knowledge of the team and friendliness was 100%, couldn't fault a thing. Definitely be going back Thank you all for a great day x
6. Peak Hill Llamas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Fun-filled activity sessions and guided walks with llamas on East Devon's spectacular Jurassic Coast
Reviewed By alihosk1971 - Fareham, United Kingdom
We spent about an hour and a half with these amazing animals and their ‘mum’ Maggie. What an amazing lady with amazing animals ! Had such a good time on what was a difficult day for Maggie. Thank you so much xx
7. Shilstone Rocks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Oklahoma8888
I hadn't ridden for eighteen months and was worried about being rusty and unfit! Had a lovely ride - just the right pace. Thanks Winston And very goo Covid management too
8. The Timehouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 481 reviews
The Timehouse is due to re-open 21 June 2021 subject to the Covid situation. Check here and elsewhere online for updates.
9. Salcombe Distilling Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 438 reviews
Home to our Victuallers shop, award winning Gin School, Distillery & Bar, Salcombe Distilling Co. is nestled amongst traditional boat builders on Island Street Salcombe. As one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat, SDCo continues Salcombe's legacy of producing outstanding handcrafted products made with an unrivalled passion, care and attention to detail.
Reviewed By GlamTourist - South West England, United Kingdom
An incredible ‘experience’ making our own Gin! Welcomed from the start with a Salcombe gin, very knowledgeable distillers helped with finding botanicals and more Salcombe Gin in the middle as well as at the end made the whole gin making experience brilliant! Plus we ended up with a bottle of our own made VERY drinkable gin. Can’t recommend highly enough!
10. Trail Unknown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
All inclusive mountain bike adventures showcasing the UK's most unpublicized and best riding locations in the finest areas of natural beauty.
Reviewed By 632pierrek
I've been on multiple trips lead by Tom and Hugo and have had an absolute blast every time. Genuinely couldn't recommend Trail Unknown enough to anyone, from those just looking to get into mountain biking all the way to highly experienced mountain bikers! 5* experience!
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