A beautiful county brimming with history and mystery, Devon offers bustling cities and quaint villages, varied countryside and stunning coastline. There is so much to see that it would take a lifetime to discover it all. But, whether it is your first visit or one of many returns, here are just a few of the best things to do in Devon.
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Why Visit Devon?
Devon is a great place to visit at any time of year. Located in southwest England it has a relatively mild climate and has the benefit of two coastlines, each with its own distinctive character. Inland you will find two national parks, with moorland, hills and forests, ideal for hikers, adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The cities of Exeter and Plymouth offer historic sights, shopping, and a variety of rainy day activities. Elsewhere you can discover market towns, villages full of thatched cottages, and several stately homes. Then there are wildlife parks, local food and drink (don’t forget the cream tea!), and several family friendly attractions.
And Devon has its own share of unusual things for visitors to discover, whether it is prehistoric stone circles, the local tradition of letterboxing, or the many myths and legends that abound in the area. Read on for more…
Countryside And National Parks
The two coastlines include part of the Jurassic Coast, an area with a rich history and natural beauty that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Devon is also home to two national parks (Dartmoor and part of Exmoor) and all or part of five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) – South Devon, North Devon Coast, East Devon, Tamar Valley and the Blackdown Hills.
Even outside of these areas you will encounter rolling hills, quiet streams and country lanes, and peaceful nature reserves. Whether you are looking for hiking, outdoor activities, or just a place for a picnic with a view, there is plenty to choose from.
Dartmoor National Park
You can’t visit Devon and not explore Dartmoor! A massive area of almost 1,000 km2, it encompasses vast expanses of moorland, as well as rivers and waterfalls. There are strange granite rock formations, lonely pubs and villages, and the famous Dartmoor ponies. Not surprisingly this is a historic landscape, and it has given rise to many myths and legends.
With more than 700 km of footpaths, and large areas of right to roam land, this is a walker’s paradise. Many hikers like to tackle the tors – high hills topped with granite outcrops giving spectacular views at their summits. Popular tors include Haytor and Bowerman’s Nose. Or you could tackle the 173 km Dartmoor Way which takes in varied scenery around the edge of the national park.
What To See And Do On Dartmoor
As well as hiking there are opportunities for cycling, climbing and horse riding. Another popular activity, particularly for families, is letterboxing. This is a local tradition which involves seeking out hidden “letterboxes”, a sort of low-tech geocaching. (Read more about letterboxing on Dartmoor.)
Family attractions in the national park include Becky Falls and Canonteign Falls, both scenic waterfalls with walks, activities and cafés. On the western edge of Dartmoor is Lydford Gorge, a spectacular river gorge with a 30m high waterfall.
Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement is a group of ritual sites including a stone circle, cairns and standing stones, possibly dating back to 2500 BCE. It also includes the remains of a Bronze Age settlement.
You may also want to explore some of the traditional villages hidden away on Dartmoor, such as Lustleigh with its cluster of thatched cottages.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor stretches across part of north Devon and into Somerset. Although small it has a varied landscape, with coastline and wild and rocky moorland. It is dotted with farms, small villages and historic monuments. And it is an ideal destination for star gazers: Exmoor was the first dark sky reserve in Europe.
A must see destination on the Exmoor coast is the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth. These quaint fishing communities are connected by a tall cliff, with Lynmouth at sea level and Lynton at the top of the hill. The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway runs between the two. Nearby is the Valley of Rocks, a slightly precarious area of rocky cliffs known for its colony of wild goats.
Inland on Exmoor the moorland offers numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling.
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is a 1,014 km National Trail from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. It follows the south Devon coast from Brixham to Plymouth, passing along the Jurassic Coast towards the so-called “English Riviera”, a UNESCO Global Geopark with beautiful beaches, varied geology, and traditional holiday resorts. And in the north it goes along the edge of Exmoor and on towards the popular towns of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe.
Lundy Island
If you want to get away from it all you could visit the remote Lundy Island, in the Bristol Channel off the north coast of Devon. This tiny granite outcrop is perfect for bird watchers, anglers and climbers, and for anyone who is looking for a brief escape from urban life.
You can take a day trip to Lundy, with a two hour sailing from Bideford or Ilfracombe. Or you can have enjoy the peace and quiet for longer by staying in one of the 23 holiday cottages on the island.
Burgh Island
Less remote is the even smaller Burgh Island, opposite Bigbury on Sea in south Devon. You can walk to the island across the sand at low tide; at other times it is accessible via the famous sea tractor.
The main attraction here is the Burgh Island Hotel, an Art Deco landmark. It was a popular haunt of Agatha Christie, who set two of her novels here.
South Devon Railway
An easy way to enjoy the countryside is by taking a trip along the South Devon Railway. This is an 11 km steam railway running along the River Dart from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, allowing you to explore both the town of Totnes and the magnificent Buckfast Abbey in the same day.
Towns And Cities Of Devon
Exeter
Exeter is a small city with lots to see and do. Quite apart from the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, it has Roman remains and a charming quayside area. There are historic buildings and underground passages, cobbled streets and independent shops.
Visitors can enjoy the pubs, cafés and gourmet restaurants. There are sporting events and music. And of course the Quay offers opportunities for boat trips and riverside walks.
Plymouth
Devon’s other city is Plymouth, known for its long maritime history and as the place from which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed to the New World in 1620. The Barbican area is full of old cobbled streets, and the harbour contains several marinas and a fish market.
Plymouth is also home to the National Marine Aquarium. This is the largest aquarium in the UK, with more than 4,000 animals including sharks, octopuses, and many different types of fish. The aquarium has several different viewing areas and you could easily spend many hours here.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth is a pretty town at the head of the River Dart, and home to the Britannia Royal Naval College. It is full of small shops, pubs and restaurants, and there are scenic walks along the river. The major point of interest is the historic Dartmouth Castle (free entry to English Heritage members).
You could travel to Dartmouth by taking the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to Kingswear and then taking the ferry across the river. Nearby places of interest include Greenway House and Coleton Fishacre (see Country Houses below).
Torquay
Torquay is a traditional seaside town with a contemporary feel. It offers beaches, a marina and a busy harbour as well as restaurants and cocktail bars. And of course it enjoys the temperate climate of Devon’s south coast.
There are two important historic sites in Torquay. Torre Abbey is a well preserved medieval monastery with extensive gardens and an art gallery. And Kents Cavern is a maze of prehistoric caves with stalagmites and stalactites and much more.
Totnes
Totnes is a medieval town on the edge of Dartmoor. It stands at the top of a hill, crowned by a castle. It is known for its markets, independent shops and small cafés and restaurants.
Read more about the Best Things To Do In Totnes.
Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe, on the north Devon coast, is a picturesque harbour town with sandy beaches and a stunning coastline. It is also known for its galleries and shops, and numerous excellent restaurants.
Visitors to Ilfracombe can explore the Victorian Tunnels Beaches and the14th century chapel on Lantern Hill. The Ilfracombe Art Trail takes place each year in May.
Clovelly
Clovelly is a curiosity. This ancient fishing village was once owned by royalty and remains in private ownership today. It is characterised by a single cobbled road that runs down a steep cliffside towards a small harbour and quay. There are no cars here: transport is via donkeys or sledges!
There is an entrance charge to the village, which includes access to Clovelly Court Gardens, Fisherman’s Cottage and the Kingsley Museum.
Country Houses And Historic Buildings
Devon is home to numerous historic houses and buildings, many of them owned by the National Trust. Here are just a few of them.
Coleton Fishacre
Coleton Fishacre, on the south coast, is an eclectic 1920s house that was once home to the famous D’Oyly Carte family. It has tropical gardens running down to the sea and offers the opportunity to discover a lost way of life.
Read more: Recapturing The Jazz Age At Coleton Fishacre.
Castle Drogo
Located near Drewsteignton on the edge of Dartmoor, Castle Drogo is an early 20th century castle-cum-country house, and was the last castle to be built in England. Overlooking the Teign Gorge, the castle has a dramatic natural setting and colourful landscaped gardens.
Greenway House
High above the River Dart, the house and grounds of Greenway House are worth a visit in their own right. But they are best known as the one-time home of Agatha Christie, and the house is full of memorabilia about the author and her works.
Read more: Greenway House, The Home Of Agatha Christie.
Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle is a fortified manor house beside the Exe estuary. It has been in the ownership of the Earls of Devon since the 14th century, but the current house is mostly Georgian. The extensive grounds include an ancient deer park, gardens, woodland and working farms.
As well as the house and grounds, you can visit the bistro and the well stocked farm shop.
Knightshayes
Knightshayes, near Tiverton, is a 19th century Gothic Revival house designed by William Burges. It is surrounded by extensive parkland and woods, with walking trails and picnic spots. And the formal gardens boast one of the most varied collections of plants in the country.
Compton Castle
Not far from Paignton, Compton Castle is a small but romantic medieval fortress, complete with towers and portcullis. Explore the Great Hall and the old kitchens, and walk around the formal knot garden, rose garden and kitchen gardens.
Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey is a slightly unusual Benedictine foundation, in that it was established in the 20th century. It has a spectacular modern church, beautiful grounds, and the famous Buckfast Tonic Wine.
Read more: Enjoying A Visit To Buckfast Abbey.
How To Visit Devon
- It is possible to travel to Devon by train from London. Trains from Waterloo go to Exeter, while from Paddington you can travel to Exeter, Paignton and Plymouth. Local trains from Exeter go to Exmouth or Barnstaple.
- There is a wide network of buses as well as ferries and steam railways, as well as hiking and cycling paths, making it easy to get around without a car.
- There is lots of visitor accommodation in the major cities and towns. And if you do decide to hire a car you could choose a more remote self catering cottage or farmhouse B&B.
- If you want to explore Dartmoor one of the best places to stay is in Bovey Tracey, an attractive small town with shops and restaurants on the edge of the moor.
