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
Featured
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
Featured
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
Featured
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.
Follow themed trails through Haldon Forest Park
Walk, cycle, horse ride, segway or Go Ape at Haldon Forest Park near Exeter.
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: 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
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
Discover spectacular Lundy Island
A rare experience is to be found on the beautiful and wild Lundy Island just 12 miles off the North Devon Coast in the Atlantic Ocean.
Location: Lundy, Devon
Kayak the River Dart
Have some family water fun in South Devon this summer.
Location: Tuckenhay, Devon
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
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
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
Follow Sherlock Holmes around Dartmoor
Visit the eerie place that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write Hound of the Baskervilles.
Location: Dartmoor, 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
Go wild camping on Dartmoor
When it comes to experiencing the unspoiled and unique environment of the wilds of Dartmoor, nothing compares to wild camping.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
Go wild swimming at Thurlestone Rock
Pull on your wetsuit and goggles and aim for Thurlestone Rock off the south Devon coast for a really wild swimming adventure.
Location: Thurlestone, 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
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
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
Go glamping at Crealy Theme Park & Resort
Kick back in style at the biggest family theme park in Devon and enjoy unlimited access to exciting rides, indoor play areas and a variety of live shows.
Location: Exeter, 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
Rainy Day Activities: Experience all the fun of a vintage fair
Visit the largest collection of working vintage fairground rides and world-class fairground art in Britain at this fantastic indoor attraction.
Location: Lifton, Devon
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