Boasting two National Parks, as well as miles and miles of stunning coastline, Devon is a stunning place to visit at any time of the year. Throw in some dramatic landscapes, picturesque seaside towns and mouthwatering cream teas (the Devon way obviously!) and you have the perfect recipe to relax and recharge on holiday. But where is the best place to visit? The rugged beauty and mighty swells in the north? Or the rolling green hills and sheltered bays in the south? Here is our guide to the best of what Devon has to offer.
Beautiful beaches
With over 450 miles of coastline you would be hard pushed to not visit the beach at least once! From sheltered coves to vast open stretches of sand Devon has it all. If you are looking to catch some waves head to the golden sand of the north. Woolacombe, Saunton Sands, Westward Ho! and Croyde are all popular surfing spots. If you don’t have your own kit there are plenty of places to hire a board and join a surf school.
Whilst you can also surf in South Devon the waves are generally smaller than in the north. Beaches such as Blackpool Sands, Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham are ideal for a family day out. The more sheltered waters are also perfect for watersports activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing.
Wonder walks
Devon is blessed with over 200 miles of coastal footpaths. If you are looking to blow the cobwebs away head to the high cliffs and rocky headlands in the north. The cliffs above Woody Bay is a great spot to enjoy some of the fantastic views of the coastline. Keep your eye out for the feral goats as well as the stunning views out to sea. Or head slightly inland and explore the wild open moorland of Exmoor National Park.
If you are looking for a more varied landscape (and something kinder on the legs!) the rolling hills and sheltered coves on the South Devon coastal path are easier to navigate. Pick a section of the South West Coastal Path or head from Dartmouth to Totnes on the Dart Valley Trail. With Dartmoor National Park also on the doorstep you will be spoilt for choice on where to plan your next adventure! Charming seaside towns such as Salcombe, Brixham and Torquay dotted along the coast also make the perfect watering holes and refreshment stops along the way.
Family Friendly
The huge sandy beaches and vast moorlands make North Devon a fantastic spot for active families, including any four legged friends. Popular beaches such as Putsborough Sands, Saunton Sands and Hele Bay are dog friendly all year round. Combe Martin is a great beach for smaller kids with sheltered swimming and rock pools. When you fancy a break from sandy toes and salty sea air you can visit Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park. Exmoor Zoo and The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park also offer fun family days out.
Families with smaller children may prefer the more sheltered beaches and coves that South Devon can offer. Broadsands Beach is a lovely sandy bay, perfect for paddling, making sandcastles and rock pooling. Alternatively, for a ‘traditional’ seaside town visit Teignmouth Town Beach on the English Riviera. Big and little kids alike will enjoy the amusements on the Victorian Grand Pier. Or visit the play park, play a round of crazy golf and enjoy an ice cream on the large sandy beach. Other popular family days out include Woodlands Family Theme Park, Paignton Zoo, and the River Dart Country Park.
Wherever you holiday in Devon you will be surrounded by stunning scenery and a wealth of activities and attractions to keep you entertained. Opt for the rugged charm of the north, or the captivating coastal towns of the south. Enjoy catching some waves, bucket and spade days on the beach and bracing coastal walks. Explore the natural beauty and vast moorlands in Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, or hunt for fossils along the Jurassic Coast. From cosy cottages for two, to luxurious living for twenty two, we have a great selection of holiday homes to chose from in Devon.