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: Find out what lies beneath Exeter
Escape the rain to explore Exeter’s Underground Passages and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum - ideal indoor attractions for a drizzly day.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Fall in love with Exeter Cathedral
Be awed by Exeter Cathedral; a gothic masterpiece and one of the South West's most iconic landmarks, even better when viewed from above.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Rainy Day Activities: Scale the walls of Exeter’s Quay Climbing Centre
With over 200 climbing lines, training walls and an abseil tower, there are plenty of indoor activities to suit everyone.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Discover 2,000 years of history for free on a guided tour
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England on a free Red Coat Guided Tour.
Location: Exeter, 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
Live a day in the life of a Tudor at St Nicholas Priory
Originally part of Exeter’s first medieval monastery, this splendid Grade I-listed building later became the Tudor home of a wealthy merchant family.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Rainy Day Activities: Uncover underwater life at the National Marine Aquarium
Need a rainy day idea? Visit the UK's largest aquarium to be amazed at its fascinating underwater world, and learn how we all play a part in conserving it.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Rainy Day Activities: Try a Tipple at Plymouth Gin Distillery
At one of Plymouth's oldest indoor attractions, see first hand how Plymouth's unique smooth gin is made.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
May events: Tuck into a three day food festival in Exeter
Celebrate the best food and drink from the South West at this event in May.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Plumb the depths of Plymouth's rich maritime history
Home to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army, Plymouth boasts an inspiring rich maritime heritage and is steeped in military history.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Let Plymouth bring out your adventurous streak
Plymouth provides the perfect place for adventurers, with water sports, scuba diving, climbing walls, cycle paths, walks and boat trips.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Take time for yourself at Tinside Lido
Take a dip in the 1930s art deco outdoor Tinside Lido, where you can go for a dip or relax with a snack.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
August events: Ooh and aah at the British Firework Championships
This summer, enjoy the British Firework Championships whilst surrounded by wonderful panoramic views of Plymouth Hoe.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Try Plymouth's Historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour
An essential first port of call, a bustling community of specialist shops, restaurants, and world-class attractions, all in a picturesque harbourside.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
December events: Find the perfect gift at the Exeter Christmas Market
The Exeter Christmas Market represents the best of what Britain, the South West and the rest of Europe has to offer – with a mix of great food, excellent crafts, unique gifts and decorations.
Location: Exeter
Test your Bravery and Try Sleeping with Sharks
Are you brave enough to spend the night with sharks at the National Marine Aquarium?
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Cycle through Plymouth and Dartmoor
Plymouth is perfectly positioned for the pedalling visitor on the crossroads of National Cycle Network routes and on the foothills of Dartmoor.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Visit The Mayflower Steps & Museum
Stand with your own feet on the Mayflower Steps, which mark the approximate location from which the Pilgrim Fathers embarked upon The Mayflower for the final time, in the year 1620.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Explore naval history at the Royal William Yard
Hop aboard the ferry and enjoy the stunning Plymouth coastline from the water to reach this cultural hotspot.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Plunder the Markets of Totnes
Combining history, alternative therapies, and breathtakingly beautiful countryside, Totnes is a unique and charming market town.
Location: Totnes, Devon
Enjoy street food beside the river in Exeter
Choose from an impressive line-up of different cuisines at this regular night market, set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter's historic quayside.
Location: Exeter, Devon