Location Devon
Devon is a gorgeous piece of Britain, it has everything: rolling hills, desolately beautiful moorland and rugged cliffs with golden sandy beaches at their foot. Devon conjures up the memory of childhood seaside holidays through the cry of seabirds mingled with the soothing whispers of the waves and a scrumptious ice cream in hand.
More people nowadays choose to holiday in Britain, rather than going abroad, and it’s easy to see why when there’s such wonderful things to do on our doorstep. If you’re planning a trip to Devon then here’s some things that you will not want to miss. Woolacombe beach is one of the most popular beaches in Devon. It boasts soft golden sands, fascinating rock formations and lots of little pools for kids to explore. The beach is clean, safe and just a short walk from lots of shops and cafes. Woolacombe is perfect for a relaxing seaside day trip.
If you’re interested in getting up close and personal with animals then there are lots of things to do in Devon. You should take a trip to Sidmouth and see the donkey sanctuary, kids will love getting the chance to feed these gentle creatures and learn more about them. Another option is Yarak Bird of Prey Centre where you can handle some magnificent birds and discover the beauty of these stunning predators. Paignton Zoo and Exmoor Zoo also make for fascinating days out.
If cruising around the city sounds like the perfect day for you then you can visit Plymouth or Exeter. Plymouth has lots of great shops but the highlight is definitely the hoe. You can stroll by the iconic lighthouse, stop for a cream tea and enjoy the sea views. If you have the kids with you then Plymouth aquarium is a brilliant place for them to learn and play. Exeter features fabulous shops and you can nip into the breathtaking cathedral and experience the extraordinary architecture for yourself.
If you’d like to see some stunning scenery then Exmoor and Dartmoor have lots of walks and you can try horse riding, cycling, camping and stargazing, as well as investigate the quaint little villages peppered through the land, those hidden gems will often surprise you!
These suggestions are just a taste of what Devon has to offer, you could visit every year and still not uncover all this special little county’s secrets. So, why not come and see it for yourself?
Devon Lodges
Best Things To Do In Devon
Situated in the Southwest of England, Devon is a beautiful county that features sandy beaches, stunning coastlines, rugged countryside and National Parks. There are lots of things to see and do when on holiday in Devon. Explore market towns, try cream tea, and visit historical landmarks throughout the county. With something for all interests and ages, Devon is guaranteed to be a great location for your next holiday in the UK.
South West Coast Path
Whether you want to walk for miles or just go somewhere for stunning views, the South West Coast Path is definitely recommended when on holiday in Devon. Known as one the best walking trails in the world, the South West Coast Path runs along the coastline for 630 miles and through counties of Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Devon. Accessible from many beaches in Devon, you can join the South West Coast Path for stunning views, and lots of wildlife, nature and heritage. There are lots of walks throughout the coastal path suitable for different abilities and groups of people. Choose one of the pub walks such as Torridge Tarka Trail which is an easy 3-mile walk along the coast. Or choose one of the many family-friendly walks and spend your day walking along the stunning Devon coastline stopping for picnics and photos along the way.
Dartmoor National Park
The Dartmoor National Park is a moorland area in Devon. The rugged landscape is full of forests, rivers, wetlands and rock formations waiting to be explored. Visitors to the National Park will find a number of villages throughout which are great for exploring after a trail walk. The National Park is also home to Dartmoor Prison, Castle Drogo, Buckfast Abbey as well as events and activities held throughout the year for visitors of all ages. When staying in Devon, a trip to Dartmoor National Park is a great choice for lots of things to do and see in the moorland.
Dartmoor Zoo
Put some wild back in your stride, reconnect with nature and fall in love with Dartmoor Zoo. Across 33 acres of beautiful parkland, the zoo has the biggest cat collection in the South West, with over 250 animals and only 15 minutes away from Plymouth. With an onsite restaurant, cafe, soft play area and plenty of outdoor space, it’s truly a fun day out for all ages. https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/
Exeter Cathedral
As one of the most impressive Cathedrals in the county, Exeter Cathedral is a must visit. Whether you choose to go inside the Cathedral to explore further or just admire the beauty from the surrounding grounds with a picnic, you won’t be disappointed. The Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and there are free guided tours daily (with admission), perfect for visitors to learn more about this magnificent stone building. Go into one of the towers for stunning views and soak up the history. Whilst visiting the Cathedral, enjoy food or a drink with a view at one of the many cafes and restaurants that surround the Cathedral area.
Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a stretch of cliffs from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. It runs along the coast for 96 miles and offers spectacular coastal views for visitors in Devon. Start at Exmouth and explore this beautiful harbour town which is at the mouth of River Exe and is a gateway to the stunning Jurassic Coast. Walk along the coastline from Exmouth for as long as you desire, stopping off at Sidmouth, Beer and Seaton. Whether you want a good walk along the coastline with beautiful views, to hunt for fossils or visit a new town, there are plenty of things to see and do along the Jurassic Coast all-year round.
RHS Rosemoor
The RHS Garden Rosemoor is a great day out for the whole family. Located in North Devon, the gardens have so much for visitors to see and do, with events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the colourful, stunning 65-acre gardens where they can see a wide range of beautiful flowers and plants in bloom. Throughout the gardens, there are lots of benches so visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous views. There is also a playground for the little ones, a kitchen offering delicious food with dishes using the fruit and vegetables grown on site, and a shop for souvenirs and plants to take home.
National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the UK and a great activity for the whole family, especially on a rainy afternoon. Located in the city of Plymouth, the aquarium has over 4000 animals. Visitors can learn about marine conservation, see local animals including fish and marine animals found in the Great Barrier Reef. And make sure you visit the Atlantic Ocean tank which is the deepest in the UK (holding 2.5 million litres of water) and home to nurse sharks, sand tigers sharks and even lemon sharks! There are daily talks, shows and activities for visitors to enjoy including diving and shark shows, talks, and arts and crafts for the whole family.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor is an area of hilly open moorland in West Somerset and North Devon. A beautiful landscape of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers.
Attractions on the coast include Woody Bay, a few miles west of Lynton, and home to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. Further along the coast, Porlock is a quiet coastal town with an adjacent salt marsh nature reserve and a harbour at nearby Porlock Weir.
Diggerland, Devon
Diggerland is the ultimate adventure UK Theme park experience…where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery. Located in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire, your closest Diggerland UK Theme park is the perfect destination for action, fun and thrill packed family days out. Book your ticket online at https://www.diggerland.com/
Woolacombe
Popular with holidaymakers, Woolacombe is a seaside resort in the North of the county. Located on the coast, there is a beautiful 3-mile beach where visitors can spend their day building sand castles, relaxing in the sun, surfing and walking their dogs. The beach even won Britain’s Best Beach in 2015 and came 13th in the world. The village has lots of hotels, holiday homes and parks as well as activities perfect for the family including crazy golf, cafes, pubs and shops. So if you’re looking to plan a trip to the beach whilst on holiday in Devon, Woolacombe is a great choice. With excellent surfing conditions, plenty of golden sand and a pretty village to explore, you can spend the whole day here making memories with your family.