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
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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
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.
Explore the English Riviera Global Geopark
Spot rare wildlife, go coasteering, and discover stories of drowned forests at South Devon's Global Geopark, a fascinating area with rich historical and geological heritage.
Location: Torquay, Devon
Take to the waters in South Devon
Salcombe’s sheltered estuary makes it the perfect British watersports holiday destination.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Follow themed trails through Haldon Forest Park
Walk, cycle, horse ride, segway or Go Ape at Haldon Forest Park near Exeter.
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
Kayak the River Dart
Have some family water fun in South Devon this summer.
Location: Tuckenhay, 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
Stretch Your Legs Hiking Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor National Park is a walk to remember. Follow a suggested route in the leaflets; join guided walks with an expert, or set yourself a challenge.
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
Take on the Tarka Trail for your next break
For the challenge of the 'Exmoor Beast' 100km/100m cycle sportive, or a gentle potter along the Tarka Trail with the family, North Devon is the place.
Location: North 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
Explore the murderous locations behind Agatha Christie's books
Explore the places in the English Riviera and South Devon that inspired Agatha Christie’s well-known books, following the trail to her favourite spots.
Location: Torquay, Devon
Uncover millions of years of history on the English Riviera
The English Riviera is steeped in rich seafaring history, with stories of pirates, smugglers and shipwrecks waiting to be uncovered.
Location: English Riviera, 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
See Dartmoor's famous film and TV locations
'(I have) Never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor.' -Steven Spielberg
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
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 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
Cycle alongside the Exe Estuary
Jump on a bike to explore the beautiful Exe Estuary, taking in the lovely scenery, villages and landscapes along a 26 mile-long route.
Location: Exeter, 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
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
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