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?
Devon
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?
VisitEngland Gold Award Winner: The 25 Boutique B&B
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Steps away from Torquay’s seafront is this year’s B&B & Guest House of the Year winner, with quirky yet stylish decor and oodles of home-baked treats.
VisitEngland Gold Award Winner: North Hayne Farm Cottages
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Offering exceptional farm holidays in the heart of Devon, the 2020 Gold award-winning Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year is ideal for families.
VisitEngland Silver Award Winner: Cary Arms & Spa
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Mixing a traditional English inn with the style and comfort of a boutique hotel, the 2020 Silver winner of Small Hotel of the Year guarantees a memorable stay.
Soak up the seaspray in Exmoor
Get ready for a thrill-seeking break spent kayaking or coasteering around Exmoor's dramatic landscapes.
Location: Exmoor National Park, Devon /Somerset
Tuck into enjoy fresh seafood on the River Exe Café
Take a water taxi to the River Exe Café, located on a floating pontoon on the Exe Estuary, and sample freshly caught fish dishes.
Location: Exmouth, Devon
Ride with the driver on the Dartmouth Steam Railway
Enjoy a scenic steam train ride from Paignton to Dartmouth, with a twist.
Location: Paignton, Devon
Explore a wild playground in Exmoor
Cycle past ancient sights and ramble amongst towering trees on a walking or cycling holiday spent exploring two National Parks.
Location: Exmoor & Quantock Hills, Devon
May events: Learn from food experts at Salcombe Crab Festival
Love seafood? Salcombe’s delicious crab celebration should be right at the top of your things to do in Devon list.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Explore Devon’s countryside on a mushroom foray
Join Riverside Cottage mushroom expert John Wright as you forage in Devon’s woodland fields to identify, gather responsibly and cook some wild fungi.
Location: Axminster, Devon
Explore the stately rooms of Powderham Castle
Step inside Powderham Castle; home to the 18th Earl of Devon, built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391 and one of England's finest stately homes.
Location: Kenton, 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
Escape to Salcombe’s tranquil coast
Head to this quintessentially English coastal town where crystal turquoise waters meet golden sand beaches, set against lush green Devonshire hills.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Explore the cobbled lanes of Clovelly
This ancient fishing village clings to the cliffs on the North Devon coast and tells a magical tale of living history.
Location: Clovelly, North 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
Kayak the River Dart
Have some family water fun in South Devon this summer.
Location: Tuckenhay, 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: 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 Ted Hughes' Dartmoor
Visit the village of North Tawton, follow the scenic Tarka Trail and soak up the sights and sounds which inspired one of England's greatest poets.
Location: Dartmoor, 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
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
Take the Pinkery Challenge at Exmoor’s Chains
There are few locations more stunning than Exmoor but if its wilderness you are after, then places don’t get much wilder than Exmoor’s Chains.
Location: Exmoor, 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
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
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