Best Things to Do in Devon - Devon Holiday Guide

Discovery Days

Dartmoor

From beautiful beaches and peaceful countryside to wild moorlands and a rich history and heritage, there is something different to discover each day whilst on holiday in Devon.

The Tarka Trail

Barnstaple

Discover the beautiful Devon countryside whilst exploring a section of the 180 mile Tarka Trail, a route travelled by Tarka the Otter in the famous novel by Henry Williamson. The walking and cycling route traverses through wild moorland, picturesque coastlines, wooded river valleys and tranquil countryside weaving through towns and villages such as Barnstable, Okehampton, Bideford and Lynton. The southern loop includes a 30 mile traffic free path along a disused railway line, making it perfect for family cycling and easy walking. The northern loop heads inland and rises up through pretty villages and valley paths until it reaches the high plateaus of Exmoor. At Lynmouth the trail follows the South West Coast Path along cliff tops and beaches before heading back along the Taw estuary. Bike hire is available at Tarka Trail Cycle Hire, next to Barnstaple train station, or a little further down the track at Torrington Cycle Hire.

Dartmouth

Sitting on the banks of the River Dart, there is plenty of maritime heritage and coastal charm to enjoy in the harbour town of Dartmouth. Dartmouth Castle, a 14th Century fortress sitting at the entrance to the River Dart, features a Gun Tower, St Petrox Church and interactive displays bringing the castle’s history to life. There is a passenger ferry service that runs between the town centre and the castle, or if you would prefer to travel by foot enjoy a leisurely stroll along the South West Coastal Path. Also sitting on the banks of the river is Agatha Christie’s Greenway House, the former home of Agatha Christie which is now managed by the National Trust. If you would prefer to get in the water, there are plenty of watersports opportunities to choose from. Paddle The Dart offers paddleboard and kayaks for hire. If you would rather explore the area by train the Dartmouth Steam Railway is a great way to enjoy the fantastic views of the South Devon Countryside.

The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for being one of the richest heritage sites for prehistoric remains. From dramatic cliffs to large beaches, it’s a great place to enjoy a day our whilst walking in the steps dinosaurs! Enjoy discovering fossils dating back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods whilst also admiring the stunning sea views and pretty coastal villages. The red sandstone cliffs at Sidmouth and the beaches at Seaton and Beer are both rich in fossils. Or head to the cliffs at Branscombe which sit in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Arguably one of the best ways to see the Jurassic Coast is from the water. There are plenty of boat trips and rib rides along this stretch of coast, or if you are feeling adventurous you can hire your own kayaks from Jurassic Paddle Sports in Sidmouth.

Dartmoor

The wild open moorlands, deep river valleys, wild ponies and ancient archaeology of Dartmoor National Park make it a fantastic place to visit whilst on holiday. Hikers have 450 miles of paths to tackle. Challenge yourself to climb one of the rugged peaks such as Hound or Hameldown Tor or choose one of the easier paths through Bellever Forest or along the Wray Valley Trail. If you would prefer to explore Dartmoor on two wheels there are plenty of quiet lanes as well as off road tracks, or you can even explore the moors from horseback. If you fancy a dip, Spitchwick Common is a popular spot for wild swimming or learn more about the local folklore at the Whitelady Waterfall at the National Trust’s Lydford Gorge.

Rainy Days

$Ilfracombe$

Ilfracombe

There is still plenty to do in Devon when the rain clouds roll in. Visit a theme park, explore Devon’s cultural and historical attractions, or simply enjoy life at a slower pace.

Visit a museum or gallery

With several award-winning museums and contemporary art galleries to choose from, there is plenty to do if you fancy spending a day or two out of the weather in Devon. The Box, sitting in the heart of Plymouth, houses impressive natural and maritime historical collections, as well as hosting contemporary visiting exhibitions. Or at The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter, you will find a number of collections ranging from Eqyptian mummies and Roman mosaics to Devon history and art as well as family friendly exhibitions. With free entrance to the RAMM it is easy to pop in for a short visit in between a spot of shopping or a mug of hot chocolate. There are also a number of smaller contemporary galleries in coastal towns such as Salcombe, Dartmouth and Ilfracombe. Browse the artwork at the Dart Gallery followed by a traditional cream tea, or enjoy the vibrant Magenta Fine Art Gallery in Ilfracombe followed by locally caught fish and chips down by the harbour.

Visit a Theme Park

Let the kids burn off some energy on a rainy day at some of Devon’s fantastic theme parks. The Milky Way Adventure Park, located between Bideford and Bude, is a fantastic all weather family attraction, whilst Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth has several indoor play areas and rides. You can also visit The Farm, which is largely undercover, where you will find a variety of different animals. Other popular theme parks include Crealy Theme Park and Resort, The Big Sheep and the World of Country Life. With so many theme parks on offer both big and little kids alike will be waiting for the rain clouds to come rolling in!

Learn more about the sea life

To escape the outdoors completely the Ilfracombe Aquarium, located in the historic Old Lifeboat House on Ilfracombe Pier, is a great place to learn more about the local sea life or maritime enthusiasts will love the National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth. You can also book experiences such as feeding the turtles and sleeping with the sharks!

Let the train take the strain

If the weather isn’t playing ball there is no reason why you can’t still get out and enjoy the Devon countryside. Enjoy a sheltered 7 mile scenic journey between Paignton and Kingswear on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. If the weather clears up there is also an option to take a trip on a river boat cruise to Totnes. In North Devon you can enjoy a nostalgic steam train ride across Exmoor on the Lynton and Barnstable Railway. Enjoy the views across the wild moorland as well as out to sea along the rugged coastline as you travel through the rolling countryside. Well behaved dogs are also welcome free of charge making this the perfect rainy day activity for the whole family.

Adventure Days

Surfing

With two stunning coastlines and two National Parks, Devon is a haven for adventure seekers. Here are our top tips for adventure days in Devon.

Mountain biking

From purpose-built forest trails and technical gravity parks to rugged moorland loops, Devon is a fantastic location for mountain biking. Halden Forest Park, located in between Dartmoor National Park and Exeter, has a skills area and pump loop as well as plenty of graded trails ranging from gentle blues to technical blacks. There is also cycle hire here including tag-a-longs and child seats for the younger family members. If you are an experienced rider looking for a challenge head to Gawton Gravity Hub near Tavistock. With over 500 foot of descent over multiple technical trails even the most hardiest of mountain bikers will be put to the test here. There is also an uplift service if you are only interested in the trip down! If you are looking for a remote ‘wilder’ experience head to the rugged moorland in Exmoor. There are multiple routes from Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, where you will find steep climbs and rocky descents as well as easier routes running through ancient oak woodlands.

Surfing

Whether you are a seasoned surfer, or you are trying to catch your first wave, Devon is a fantastic destination for surfing. Top spots include Croyde Bay and Woolacombe, but there are multiple beaches dotted along the coast where you will find surfing enthusiasts riding the waves. Saunton Sands is well known for slow breaking waves making it a great beach for longboarders and beginners and the gentle waves at Westward Ho! are also popular with those still building their confidence. Lynmouth is ideal for experienced surfers whilst the sheltered bay at Putsborough Sands makes it a popular spot when it is too windy elsewhere. Surfing Croyde Bay and Woolacombe Surf Centre both offer excellent tuition if you need a little guidance or Discovery Surf School based in Bantham and Bigbury on Sea offers tuition and equipment hire in South Devon.

Hiking

With over 200 miles of coastal paths there are endless opportunities for hiking in Devon. On the north coast, the South West Coast Path passes through vast sandy beaches and dramatic Atlantic cliffs. The Valley of Rocks, sitting on the northern edge of Exmoor National Park near the village of Lynton, is not to be missed. Renowned for its striking prehistoric landscape and ancient geology the U-shaped dry valley offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in England. A relatively easy three mile loop starts at Lynton Cliff Railway. Keep your eye out for the feral goats on the way! In South Devon the coastal path takes you along the English Riviera and though pretty fishing villages. The 13 mile stretch between Salcombe and Bantham is particularly stunning, passing hidden coves, rugged clifftops and dramatic rock formations such as Castle Rock, Devil’s Cheesewring and Rugged Jack. For a change of scenery head into either Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks. The deep wooded valleys and sea cliffs in Exmoor offers a unique blend of scenery whilst the open moorland and rugged granite tors in Dartmoor offers a wilder and more remote experience.

Coasteering

For the ultimate thrill, adventure seekers should take advantage of Devon’s fantastic coastline and try their hand at coasteering. The combination of wild swimming, climbing and cliff jumping is not for the faint hearted, but it will certainly be an experience to remember. In North Devon, Baggy Point in Croyde offers a mix of extreme routes such as Baggy Bash, as well as easier routes that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Coasteering Croyde offers guided routes and you can even warm up afterwards in their wood-fired sauna. The narrow gullies, sea caves and secret beaches near Hele Bay, Ilfracombe makes this another popular spot for coasteering in Devon. In South Devon, the ten metre high cliff jumps and wild swimming through hidden sea caves makes Gara Rock near Salcombe one of Devon's most challenging and dramatic coasteering locations. If you aren’t quite ready for the large swells and technical terrain of Gara Rock, the coasteering routes at North Sands offers more relaxed and family friendly experiences. Adventure South offers coasteering experiences at both locations.

Beach Days

Croyde

With so many fantastic beaches to choose from it’s hard to go wrong when selecting which stretch of sand to visit when you are on holiday in Devon. If you have an active family looking for new adventures and high octane activities the impressive waves and large sandy beaches in North Devon are hard to beat. Or if you are after something a little more sheltered the beaches and secluded coves in South Devon are popular for paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing, as well as family days building sandcastles and fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast.

Woolacombe

The large stretch of sand and consistent Atlantic swell at Woolacombe beach is what makes it such a firm favourite with families and surfers alike. With three miles of golden sand and lifeguards present during the summer months it is a great place to enjoy a family day at the beach. Bring your bucket and spade and flip flops and you are set for the day. With surf schools and board hire available there is no excuse not to have a go at catching some waves, or if you prefer just relax in a deckchair and enjoy the laid back atmosphere with the sand between your toes. Dogs are welcome on the beach but there are some restrictions during the summer months. The large sandy beaches at Croyde Bay and Westward Ho! on the north coast are other popular spots for surfers.

Saunton Sands

The three and a half mile stretch of sand backed by rolling sand dunes at Saunton Sands near Saunton is a big hit for two and four legged friends alike. Often named as one of the most dog friendly beaches in the UK, dogs are welcome to run, paddle and play catch on this huge playground all year round. The unspoilt setting makes it a popular choice for dog owners looking for year round access to a dog friendly beach as well as having miles and miles of local footpaths to explore. The wide shallow beach produces gentle waves also making it a great spot to learn to learn to surf and there are multiple surf schools offering tuition and board hire.

Blackpool Sands

Located in South Devon, near Dartmouth, the Blue Flag beach at Blackpool Sands is renowned for its crystal clear sea and calm sheltered waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming as well as watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. If you fancy a dip in the cooler months you can even hire a beach sauna to warm up afterwards! It’s worth noting that despite its name Blackpool Sands is not a sandy beach. It is a mixture of shingle and pebbles but during the summer months there is a sandpit for kids to play in. There is a fabulous café right on the beach – perfect for ice creams or treat yourselves to a hearty portion of fish and chips. Build up an appetite with a stroll either way along the South West Coastal Path where you will be rewarded with stunning sea views of the beach framed by pine trees.

Salcombe

The chic seaside town on Salcombe has two beaches to choose from. North Sands is a sheltered, dog-friendly beach just a 15 minute walk from town. The shallow water makes it a great spot for swimming and paddleboarding and kids will love exploring the rockpools at low tide. The infamous Winking Prawn, a popular beach side restaurant with a buzzing atmosphere is a great spot to enjoy a seafood platter or popcorn shrimp. South Sands is reached by a regular ‘sea tractor’ ferry service from the centre of Salcombe from April to October. Home to Salcombe Watersports, offering lessons and equipment hire for paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing it is a great beach for families and watersports enthusiasts.

Things To Do In Devon

Stunning coastlines, wild moorlands and picturesque villages