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
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?
Accommodation and attractions in Devon
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For more comprehensive listings on where to stay, things to do and holiday ideas
Meet the gibbons at Paignton Zoo
Let’s face it, British animals can be fairly tame (bless ‘em). At least, compared to tigers, Chilean flamingos, Asiatic lions and tropical reptiles they are – all of which you’ll find at Paignton Zoo in Devon.
Location: Paignton, Devon
Take to the waters in South Devon
Salcombe’s sheltered estuary makes it the perfect British watersports holiday destination.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Take an action adventure with a North Devon break
North Devon is renowned for surfing, but it also offers jetskiing, kite-surfing, speed ribbing, and sea safaris on the hunt for dolphins and seals.
Location: Devon
Have a picnic whilst sailing on the River Dart
Enjoy a glorious combination of two great loves of the English: boating and picnics.
Location: Dartmouth, Devon
Cycle from coast to moor on the Tarka Trail
Discover historic coastal towns, deep river valleys, and ancient woodlands on one of the country’s longest traffic-free cycling and walking routes.
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
Climb Smeatons Tower for Gorgeous Views
Feel the exhilarating sea air when you climb the 93 steps to the top of Smeatons Tower, and then look out over the Hoe and Plymouth City.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Take a boat trip for the best view of the Jurassic Coast
Step aboard the Stuart Line Cruise, and see the stunning 250 million year old Jurassic Coast cliffs up close from the sea.
Location: Exmouth, Devon
Push your Limits at Adrenaline Quarry
Adrenaline Quarry. Throwing people off cliffs since 2009. Come and get your heart racing at Cornwall's high-flying adventure park.
Location: The Tamar Valley, 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
Cathedral to Quay
With 2,000 years of history, exciting water sports and award winning food and drink, explore Exeter from Cathedral to Quay.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Take afternoon tea 20s style and enjoy timeless views
Sat high on a cliff overlooking the stunning North Devon coast, the art deco Saunton Sands Hotel is a wonderful spot to take afternoon tea.
Location: Saunton, Devon
Follow themed cycle trails through Haldon Forest Park
Get active under 3,500 acres of forest canopy, with purpose-built cycling trails for all abilities at Haldon Forest Park
Location: Exeter, Devon
Explore enchanting Rosemoor in the Torridge Valley
At Rosemoor in Devon, sharply clipped hedges, textural grasses and plants carefully chosen for winter interest ensure beauty on even the chilliest of days.
Location: Great Torrington, Devon
See Devon from the Back of a Horse
Horses are such a large part of the history and culture of Devon, with the county unsurpassed for the beauty and quality of its landscape.
Location: 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
Uncover Exeter’s historic gems on a city break
Make the most of your trip to Exeter and stay on for this South West city’s stylish shopping, historic buildings and surrounding countryside.
Location: Exeter
Discover Maritime and Wartime History in Dartmouth
With its strong maritime heritage, enchanting streets and scenic river location you’ll fall in love with Dartmouth.
Location: Dartmouth, Devon
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
Explore the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery
An intriguing place to visit with nine permanent galleries, two exhibition galleries and hundreds of events and activities throughout the year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
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