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
Be a big cat keeper for a day at Dartmoor Zoo
Join the Big Cat Keepers at Dartmoor Zoo for this hard work, hands on, all day experience.
Location: Plymouth, 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 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
Get the teenagers active on an action-packed family break
Enjoy a weekend of abseiling, cycling and horse riding and country walks with the whole family on the moor.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
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
Take time for yourself at Tinside Lido
Take a dip in the 1930s art deco outdoor Tinside Lido, where you can go for a dip or relax with a snack.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Set out on a family cycling break in the Heart of Devon
Enjoy a cycling break with friends or family and discover the windswept scenery of the Exe Estuary, just south of Exeter, and its abundant wildlife.
Location: Exeter and East devon, Devon
Journey back to the 1920s at Coleton Fishacre
A 1920s Art Deco house and garden in the beautiful Devon countryside.
Location: Kingswear, Devon
Visit The Mayflower Steps & Museum
Stand with your own feet on the Mayflower Steps, which mark the approximate location from which the Pilgrim Fathers embarked upon The Mayflower for the final time, in the year 1620.
Location: Plymouth, 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
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
Wake up early for a totally worth it tour of Brixham Fish Market
An early morning visit to Brixham's famous fish market is the most authentic way to experience coastal life in the southwest of England.
Location: Brixham, 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
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
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
9 unmissable experiences in Exmoor
One of England's lesser-known national parks, Exmoor is more than ideal for a short break. From exploring the park by steam train to swimming with seals, here are nine unmissable experiences to have on a weekend break in this secret pocket of the south west.
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
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
Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and electric blue water
A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
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