A moorland National Park that goes on forever and miles of heritage coast topped and tailed by riviera coastline define the southwest county of Devon. You and your family will never tire of rolling hills dotted with thatched cottages, and dramatic coastlines with cliff-edged bays and elegant Georgian towns like Torquay straight from an Agatha Christie crime caper. With so many places in Devon to explore, we recommend you pack picnics for every day out. The hours will disappear exploring rock pools and smugglers’ caves. Another attraction is the dolphins somersaulting off sweeping beaches. Then there are the famous Devonshire teas – oven-warm scones, sticky strawberry jam and dollops of clotted cream. Need we say more?
Places to visit in Devon
9 of the best things to do in Exeter
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From striking architecture to free city tours, there are plenty of reasons why Exeter is one of the best places to visit in Devon.
Rainy Day Activities: See famous works in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
With numerous famous artworks and historical artefacts on display, the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a must-see indoor attraction in the heart of Exeter.
Location: Exeter, Devon
September events: Experience Agatha Christie's Riviera in Devon
Discover Agatha Christie's Riviera and follow in her footsteps by attending her namesake festival, and walking the Agatha Christie Mile in the bustling harbour town of Torquay.
Location: Torquay, Devon
See Dartmoor's famous film and TV locations
'(I have) Never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor.' -Steven Spielberg
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
Follow Sherlock Holmes around Dartmoor
Visit the eerie place that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write Hound of the Baskervilles.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
Step into a Jane Austen novel at Hartland Abbey
Visit the historic house and filming locations of classic TV adaptations of Jane Austen and Rosamunde Pilcher novels, and step into the romance.
Location: Hartland, North Devon
Discover Devon's Literature Scene
Devon has provided inspiration for a host of literary greats down the centuries. Many of them lived in Devon, or stayed to be inspired for a time.
Location: Exmoor, Lynton & Lynmouth, Taw and Torridge estuaries, Braunton Burrows, Morte Point
Plunder the Markets of Totnes
Combining history, alternative therapies, and breathtakingly beautiful countryside, Totnes is a unique and charming market town.
Location: Totnes, Devon