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?
Places to visit in Devon
9 of the best things to do in Exeter
Featured
From striking architecture to free city tours, there are plenty of reasons why Exeter is one of the best places to visit in Devon.
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
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
Follow themed trails through Haldon Forest Park
Walk, cycle, horse ride, segway or Go Ape at Haldon Forest Park near Exeter.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Take a trip on one of England’s last horse-drawn barges
Explore the Grand Western Canal on one of England’s last horse drawn barges, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Devon countryside.
Location: Tiverton, Devon
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
Kayak the River Dart
Have some family water fun in South Devon this summer.
Location: Tuckenhay, 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
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
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
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 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
Cycle through Plymouth and Dartmoor
Plymouth is perfectly positioned for the pedalling visitor on the crossroads of National Cycle Network routes and on the foothills of Dartmoor.
Location: Plymouth, 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
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
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
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
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
