The miles and miles of stunning coastline, rugged moors and vibrant towns make Devon a popular destination for a holiday at any time of the year. Whilst perhaps better known for lazy days on the beach, beautiful picnic spots and picturesque seaside villages with surf shops and ice cream kiosks, it is also a fantastic place for a winter break. Whether you are looking to blow away the cobwebs on a blustery walk, brave the waves or you simply want to recharge your batteries, there is plenty to keep you busy during the winter months in this beautiful corner of the country.
Beautiful beaches
Boasting around 120 sandy beaches and pretty coves any beach babes will be spoilt for choice on a holiday in Devon. During the winter months you can visit popular spots such as Woolacombe and Ilfracombe in the north and Torquay, Hope Cove and Dartmouth in the south without having to share your corner of the beach with someone else. Go fossil collecting on the Jurassic Coast, build a gigantic sandcastle or even pack your wetsuit and brave the waves.
There is nothing more revitalising that some blustery salty sea air followed by a cream tea (jam, or cream first?!) and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Dog owners will also find that a lot of the beaches allow dogs during the winter months making it a great place to bring your four-legged friends for a winter holiday.
Wonderful walks
Pack your walking boots, waterproofs and woolly hats and get out and embrace the stunning Devonshire scenery. Walk a stretch of the South West Coastal Path or enjoy miles of traffic free trails on the Tarka Trail. The wilderness of Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks are especially magical after a touch of frost.
Enjoy a heritage trail on Dartmoor. You will learn plenty of fascinating facts about the history and wildlife of this beautiful National Park. Or if you are looking for a mixture of dramatic sea cliffs and craggy peaks the three-and-a-half-mile Valley of the Rocks walk in Exmoor will tick the box. Keep your eyes peeled for wild goats, ponies and Red Deer.
The 30 metre high waterfall at the National Trust’s Lynford Gorge near Tavistock is particularly impressive after some rainfall during the winter months. Or the ancient woodland at Buckland Abbey is perfect for little legs (and pushchairs). There is even a natural play area for kids and dogs are welcome too. If you would rather run, cycle or horse ride there are plenty of opportunities to swap your walking boots and enjoy the scenery from a different angle.
Family-friendly attractions
If you are wanting to treat the kids to a fun day out there are plenty of year-round attractions in Devon. During the winter not only will you escape the crowds, but you might find that there are some great winter ticket deals on offer.
Woodlands Family Theme Park near Dartmouth is the largest theme park in Devon. With water rides, roller coasters, a zoo park and a huge indoor play area the kids will be entertained from dawn to dusk whatever the weather. Or head to The Milky Way near Bideford where there is also a huge range of family-friendly fun from Ninja Stars, Cyber Scooters and the Cosmic Typhoon roller coaster.
If you are looking to step out of the fast lane there are a number of zoos including Paignton Zoo, Dartmoor Zoo or Wildwood Devon Wildlife Park. Torquay Dinosaur World is bound to be a hit with any T Rex fans or visit Torquay’s miniature world at Babbacombe Model Village. The Barn climbing wall in Tavistock and Air Extreme in Barnstaple are perfect for slightly bigger kids looking to burn some energy on a rainy day.
Marvellous medieval towns
Whilst the bustling towns and quaint villages might be quieter during the winter months, they still offer a variety of things to do. If you are staying in the English Riviera head to Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton or Brixham. Enjoy a spot of shopping on the high street or browse the independent shops before finding a cosy pub or café to re-fuel. If you are looking for something a little different, try the antique shops at Bovey Tracey or Honiton.
The estuary town of Topsham is a delight at any time of the year. Follow the narrow lanes towards the harbour where you will find a selection of restaurants, pubs and an antiques market. Or head to Tavistock Pannier Market, housed in a beautiful Victorian building.
Cosy Cottages
Whatever you decide to do on holiday we have a huge selection of cosy cottages for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for a romantic valentine weekend away for two, or you want to bring the whole family for a half term getaway, we have a holiday home for every occasion.
Indulge in a bit of luxury and rent a cottage with a hot tub so you can admire the starry-skies with a glass of bubbly, or cuddle up in front of a roaring fire with a game of scrabble and a mug of hot chocolate. We have a number of dog friendly properties so your four-legged friends can come too, and we even have cottages with stables if you want to ensure no one gets left behind!
If you are ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy in a perfect winter break in beautiful Devon you can browse our range of cottages here.