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
Step back in time on a heritage visit to Dartmoor
Become immersed in Dartmoor’s heritage as you explore its historic attractions, a modern day castle and old stannary town.
Location: Dartmoor, 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
August events: Grab your partner and ceilidh on down to Sidmouth Folk Week
The Regency town of Sidmouth on Devon’s Jurassic Coast celebrates a week of folk music, dance and song every August.
Location: Sidmouth, Devon
Discover Dartmoor's myths and legends
Let your imagination run riot as you visit locations of well known Dartmoor legends.
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
Be inspired at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen
Visit the largest contemporary crafts venue in the South West, located in Bovey Tracey at the Grade II listed Riverside Mill.
Location: Bovey Tracey, Devon
Explore the High Seas at Hallsands
The atmospheric ruined fishing village of Hallsands stands as testament to the power of the sea and the danger of over exploiting natural resources.
Location: Hallsands, 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
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
Take on the South West Coast Path National Trail
Wander the South West Coast Path and see the trail that allowed officials to catch smugglers in their coves and hideouts.
Location: Somerset
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
Walk alongside donkeys in Clovelly Village
Take a peek back in time as you wander the historical fishing village of Clovelly in North Devon.
Location: Clovelly, 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
A family picnic walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs
Follow part of the South West Coast Path National Trail to discover the World Heritage Jurassic Coast in east Devon – and meet over 400 donkeys.
Location: Sidmouth, Devon
Experience world renowned art on Ilfracombe harbour
Damien Hirst’s monumental statue ‘Verity’ provides a new landmark in this historic seaside town with a growing reputation for art and culture.
Location: Ilfracombe, Devon
Tavistock Farmers' Market
Food is serious business in Tavistock: on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, the central Bedford Square jumps into life.
Location: Tavistock, Devon
Spend the day touring Exeter’s waterside on foot or bike
Exeter's quayside is a hub of activity, with independent shopping, historic buildings, restaurants and excellent riverside walking and cycle routes.
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
Walk the South Devon Coastal Path
The South Devon Coast Path is a chance to discover a huge range of natural and social history, rocky headlands, hidden coves and sandy beaches.
Location: Devon
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