Devon Travel Guide

Devon is the kind of destination that rewards exploration. With coastlines on two separate sides of England you’ll have seaside towns and clifftop walks to enjoy, and with Dartmoor and Exmoor your adventures can expand to kayaking, hiking or just admiring the spectacular scenery. So you can make the very best of this wonderful English county, we’ve created this Devon travel guide that’s full of tips, inspiration and great things to do to explore this South West England gem – and our range of beautiful cottages in Devon make the perfect place to stay.

When to visit | Hidden gems | For families | Things to do | For foodies

Why visit Devon?

Devon is a spectacularly varied county, from the windswept, bleak beauty of heather-covered Dartmoor to the two distinctive coastlines where you can spend your days catching waves or rays, or walking along the rugged cliffs – according to your preference. One of the simplest, but loveliest things to do in Devon is to wander the towns and villages, which are brimming with beautifully preserved heritage attractions, quaint rural architecture and cosy, open-fire pubs. Cementing Devon’s appeal is a cuisine inspired by the wilderness, offering fresh game from the moors, locally farmed produce and fish delivered straight from the sea to your plate.

Typical Devon activities

• Dartmoor – Wander the wilds of this rugged National Park, which is rich in literary heritage and local legends.
• South West Coast Path – Tackle part of Britain’s longest footpath.
• Exeter – Wander the historic streets of the county capital, a lively university town with a famous cathedral.
• Powderham Castle – Spend a whole day exploring the grounds of this elegant country mansion.
• Salcombe – Head to one of the numerous sandy beaches around this picturesque coastal town.

When to visit?

Timing your holiday well can make a big difference to your trip to Devon. Most National Trust attractions as well as many other heritage sites are closed between November and March, although winter does promise tourist-free escapes to the countryside if you are willing to brave changeable weather.

Summer has the best climate and the most options for things to see and do, but you’ll have to share the best beaches and buildings with other visitors. Perhaps the best times to go are spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather remains mild, the moorland bursts into seasonal colours and you are more likely to have a bit of space to yourself. 

Ways to travel around Devon

• Airports: Flights to Devon land in Exeter Airport, with excellent links within the UK.

• By train: Trains are hassle-free ways of trundling through the scenery of Devon, and routes run to most of the major towns. Ranger tickets offer unlimited roaming on local lines for the day, and can take you along some of the region’s most scenic routes, such as the spectacular Tarka line. Visit NationalRail for tickets.

• By car: Popular car rental firms such as Avis, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz offer the most flexible way of getting around Devon, allowing access to places off the beaten track. E-cocars, which operates out of Totnes, is a car share club that lets you borrow a local’s car.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX is a sporty model available in the form of an electric vehicle in the name of “Midnight Club: Los Angeles”. This vehicle is the latest release from the popular company and has proven to be very popular with many people due to its looks as well as its performance. It has set new standards for other vehicles such as those from the brand. It is one of the best vehicle that can be used for any kind of driving conditions and it will definitely serve you in the best way it can.

• By Bus: Buses provide slightly more flexible public transport around the villages of the region. JourneyDevon has an interactive bus map which shows you all the routes you can take.

• By Bike: Cycling is an excellent way to get around Devon. Visit Cycle Devon for information on trails to suit cyclists of every ability.

Hidden gems

• Clovelly is a car-free village hidden on the northern coast of the county; it’s worth visiting simply to wander the attractive pedestrianised streets. Kids will love riding the donkeys, which were historically used as transport here in place of motors, while the village’s two inns make for scenic dinner spots.
• The Napoleonic fortifications are just one of the reasons to visit Berry Head National Nature Reserve; there is also a vast array of wildlife and coastal walking trails. The cliffs around the edge of the reserve are ideal for adventure sports like climbing and kayaking too.
• Exmoor in the north of Devon is like a lesser-known, equally stunning version of its southern counterpart, Dartmoor – except Exmoor has the added bonus of a coastline. It’s a wild and alluring stretch of countryside that feels far removed from the busyness of modern life. Start your explorations in Exford, which is found right in the heart of the park.
• Most guidebooks will use the word ‘alternative’ to describe the relaxed Totnes, a town that celebrates diversity and exudes a New Age vibe. What makes the area unmissable for us, however, is not just its progressive outlook but also its collection of listed buildings, which feature unusual overhanging upper storeys.
• Learn about the legends that surround Okehampton Castle, a country manor best known for the grisly story of Lady Howard who reputedly murdered her husbands to turn them into carriages. The ruin, which dates back to the Dark Ages, is impressive and well worth a visit – whether you buy into the ghastly ghost stories or not.
• There’s always something going on in the village of Appledore. Its popular book festival draws in authors and literature-lovers from around the country, while the whole community joins in with the celebrations during its annual regatta. But even if you arrive when there’s no special event taking place, the seaside village is still a delight to explore, full of quaint, charming cafés and colourful, independent shops.

Things to do in Devon

Devon’s diverse assortment of old towns, wild uninhabited moorland and breathtaking coastline, provide freedom in abundance as well as a lengthy catalogue of activities for grown-up groups to get involved with. Rent out a house that’s equipped for a big party and take along a large group of friends for a staycation that will be hard to beat.

Sporty – or at least wannabe sporty – types can cycle, ride horses or kayak their way around the county, while those less keen on high-energy pursuits can try Segways, barges or cruises instead. Culture connoisseurs, meanwhile, will be satiated by the multitude of museums, theatres and heritage. Of course, there is always the option of simply relaxing in the beautiful countryside, tossing lines for fish by the sea or holing up in your cottage with a book and a glass of wine.From coasteering to glass-blowing to cruising the canals, we round up the hottest Devon activities for grown-up groups – and don’t forget to check out our blog on the best group activities in Devon too!

Activities in Devon for the adrenaline junkies

• Coasteering involves getting to grips (quite literally!) with Devon’s coastlines as you climb, scramble and splash your way along challenging routes along the coast – you can even explore some hidden caves!
• Reach Outdoors can show you along some great coasteering routes, and they can sort you out with kayaking or bushcraft skills if you’re feeling less adventurous.
• Hot Pursuit Cycles is a good recommendation when it comes to hiring bikes, and they can even suggest a route that’s right for you (and your fitness level).
• Then there’s the Devon coast to consider! There’s nothing better than messing about in boats, and hiring one for a sail or even take up an afternoon of water-sports.
• The brilliantly names Fish ‘N’ Trips can arrange brilliant fishing trips for you and your group, and you can eat what you catch afterwards (so that’s dinner sorted too).

Laid-back group activities in Devon

• If you (or any of your friends) are the literary sort then Devon has a treat in store – it’s the birthplace of Agatha Christie and a visit to her old holiday home of Greenway is an illuminating day trip if you’re a lover of mystery novels or books in general.
• A fantastically relaxing way to enjoy the canals is with Tiverton Canal Co, who can take you back to a far more relaxing time with a narrowboat trip pulled by a horse.
• And you can indulge in a little equine relaxation with Adventure Clydesdale, which offers tours of the wonderful Dartmoor on Clydesdale horses.
• Fancy doing something a little more artistic and out of the ordinary? You can try your hand at glass blowing at Dartington Crystal, who also offer a fascinating tour of their workshops.

The best family-friendly activities in Devon

The wide open spaces of Devon’s countryside are the perfect place for children to discover their inner explorer. Hop on a steam boat or train for an old-fashioned journey into nature, or drift over the fields and moors in a hot air balloon. Not only can animal-loving broods take along the family pet (Fido will love running wild across the moors), but there’s also plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. Adventure awaits the most active and daring children, who can try their hand at surfing on the coast and assault courses inland.

• Unique Devon Tours run a whole host of brilliant themed tours, from fossil hunting to retracing the steps of the great detective himself, Sherlock Holmes.
• Devon boasts around 450 miles of beaches, so you know that a day by the sea with the kids is a great way for everyone to relax. The fishing and coastal towns that you’ll find nearby are often a joy to explore too.
• But a day at the beach doesn’t have to be solely about paddling and sandcastles – why not head to the North Devon Surf School and take on the waves?
• The Ultimate Adventure Centre is a great choice thanks to the fact you’re not tied down to any one adventure – try kayaking, a high rope course, mountain biking or the brilliantly wacky water-boarding.
• And want the ultimate way to enjoy all that breathtaking Devon countryside? One way that everyone will surely remember is a hot air balloon ride over the county, with several companies offering tours when the weather’s in your favour. Aerosaurus Balloons offer flights from South Hams and Tiverton, and you can even enjoy a flight that skirts the dramatic and beautiful Devon coastline.

The best family-friendly walks in Devon

• The route from Ringmore to Ayrmer Cove is a brief three miles, and the cove is full of nature for inquisitive kids. The route down to the cove might not be suitable for pushchairs though!
• The Tarka Trail runs down a disused railway line between Meeth and Barnstaple – while it’s 23-miles long, it’s accessible enough that you can hop on and off at any point.
• Heddon’s Mouth takes in everything that’s great about the Devon countryside, passing through ancient woodland and ending up at a charmingly small shingle beach.
• The England Coast Path is set to be the longest coastal walk in the world! And Devon just happens to be smack bang in the middle of the South West section!

You can find out even more by checking out our blog on the best family-friendly activities in Devon.

Best places to visit in Devon if you’re a foodie

Devonshire cuisine has entered the modern world with aplomb, majoring on local, organic food and inventive, trendy dishes. Seek out the region’s best restaurants to discover a culinary county where the meals are shaped by the landscape. Game, meat and vegetables have a short journey between field and fork, giving the dishes an authentic, local flavour. Inland, the farms provide rich cheeses and even wine, while the coast is a constant source of gastronomic inspiration – the menus here are decided by the daily catch.

Feeling hungry yet? You will be after reading our list of Devon’s finest food and drink experiences! You can find even more tasty info in our blog post on the best foodie experiences in Devon too.

The best restaurants in Devon

• If you want a meal that’s quintessentially Devon, head to Ode True Food in Shaldon. All their ingredients are locally and ethically sourced, and with dishes including slow cooked lamb and home smoked River Teign salmon you’ll see how eating responsibly doesn’t mean skimping on taste.
• If you’re looking for high-end eating, Plympton’s Treby Arms boasts a Michelin star for its gourmet food, which takes a traditional direction in the surroundings of a beautiful country inn.
• The fruits of Devon’s extensive coastline get placed front and centre at The Oyster Shack in Bigbury. With seafood of all sorts to choose from, if you can’t choose you should probably go for the restaurant’s eponymous shellfish – it’s what they’re famous for, after all.

• The Elephant Restaurant and Brasserie in  Torquay provides diners with an agonising choice – do you eat in the Michelin-starred upstairs section or the laid back brasserie on the ground floor? Luckily, you can’t go wrong as both serve mouth-watering food, it really depends on whether you feel like splashing out a bit…

Dishes from Devon you have to try

• Though it’s a bone of contention in the county whether it actually originated in Cornwall, the Devonshire Cream Tea is a must – a scone topped with clotted cream and jam is an absolute joy to behold (and even better to eat).
• Brixham crab is particularly well-regarded, and you’ll find crab salad on many pub and restaurant menus. Well worth a try.
• As far as drinks go, Devon is famed for its scrumpy – a flat and often highly potent cider that might leave you with a sire head come the morning (don’t say you weren’t warned!)
• The county’s extensive dairy farming also produces some amazing cheeses – the Devon blue is a recent award-winner that’s definitely worth searching out but keep your eyes peeled for Curworthy, Sharpham and Vulscombe, too.

So, there we have it – a pretty in-depth guide to the South West England beauty that is Devon! Hopefully this has given you all the information you need for your upcoming holiday, or inspired you to visit! If it’s the latter, be sure to check out our gorgeous collection of holiday homes in Devon.