10 Architectural Buildings in Devon That You Shouldn't Miss

October 19, 2021 Roger Rusk

Devon Cottages - The Ultimate in Relaxing Breaks

From the wilds of Dartmoor to the wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley, Devon is undoubtedly one of England's most beautiful counties. Its overwhelmingly rural landscape means that catered accommodation is restricted to over-subscribed Bed and Breakfasts and hotels which are mostly concentrated in towns like Exeter and Barnstaple.

Devon is a great location for a family holiday in the great outdoors, with everything from beach resorts at Ilfracombe to rambling in the hills of Exmoor and tors of Dartmoor. It is a large county, but whether you want to follow the Tarka Trail, or walk down the Doone Valley, you can be sure there will be cottages open for holiday rentals nearby.

Devon's Cottages, All Mod Cons

Most of Devon's holiday rental cottages started as farm buildings of some sort, and planning restrictions mean that many of them retain their rural charm on the outside. However, the cottages are generally renovated to 21st Century standards inside, with double glazing, TV, washing machines and fully-equipped kitchens. Families are well catered for in the higher end properties with games rooms, sometimes including full-size pool tables and large gardens for children to explore.

Despite the unpredictability of Devon's weather even during the summer months, the comfort of these properties gives great peace of mind. Moreover, a week's holiday rental of a cottage in Devon can cost as little as £300 - £400. During the peak season you can spend as much as £900 a month for one of the larger or more luxurious cottages, which still works out to be cheaper than a lot of hotels, especially if you have to book several rooms to accommodate a family of four or five.

Town Mouse or Country Mouse

To get the best of Devon's startling countryside and its friendly communities, renting a holiday cottage near Lynton and Lynmouth can be a good start. It is a useful base from which to explore North Devon, and is within walking distance of several beauty spots, such as Watersmeet (complete with a small but impressive waterfall) and the Valley of the Rocks. Separated by a steep cliff, you can travel up a funicular railway from coastal Lynmouth to clifftop Lynton, with plenty of stunning walks, shopping opportunities and several beaches and boat trips to nearby coastal attractions.

The twin villages also boast a concentration of well-equipped holiday cottages, from modest fisherman's cottages on the path to Watersmeet to grander hillside houses on the way to the Valley of the Rocks. Whatever your budget, Lynton and Lynmouth can provide some tempting accommodation options for your first Devon holiday.


Restaurants in Devon

1. St Peters church

42 Fore Street, Shaldon TQ14 0EA England http://www.shaldonchurches.org.uk/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

St Peters church

2. Ottery St Mary Parish Church

The College, Ottery St. Mary EX11 1DQ England +44 1404 812012 http://www.otterystmary.org.uk/
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Ottery St Mary Parish Church

3. Mol's Coffee House - Cathedral Close

Cathedral Close, Exeter England http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/molscoffee.php
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Mol's Coffee House - Cathedral Close

4. St. Petroc's Church

12 Wellington Square, South Brent, Dartmoor National Park TQ10 9AG England
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

St. Petroc's Church

5. St James Church

Bitton Park Road, Teignmouth England +44 1626 770115 http://www.joinmychurch.com/churches/St-James-Teignmouth-Devon-United-Kingdom/137222
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

St James Church

6. Torre Abbey

Torre Abbey The Kings Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE England +44 1803 293593 [email protected] http://www.torre-abbey.org.uk
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 801 reviews

Torre Abbey

Welcoming visitors for over 800 years . . . Torre Abbey is Torbay's most historic building, a scheduled ancient monument dating back to 1196 and set within 18 acres of garden and parkland. It’s also a multi-award-winning visitor attraction housing an impressive art collection boasting over 600 incredible works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Meanwhile, our 800 Years Gallery uses state-of-the-art technology to tell the abbey’s fascinating story through videos, talking portraits and interactive displays. This Torbay Council-owned museum and gardens is also a centre for creativity and culture, offering events and workshops as well as hosting world-class exhibitions alongside creative work from the cream of local talent. We also pride ourselves on being family friendly with a range of activities available for youngsters, both inside the historic buildings and outside in our gardens. Visit our website for the latest information about our COVID19 safety measures.

Reviewed By ystrdy - Torquay, United Kingdom

Look out for the lesser spotted head gardener and her sidekick who will be more than happy to help you with info regarding the huge range of rare and beautiful plants in the walled garden. Definitely worth a visit- especially the fantastic Palm house with its 400 varieties of weird and wonderful plants!! Enjoy!!

7. Exeter Cathedral

Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,879 reviews

Exeter Cathedral

Lift your gaze to the world’s longest uninterrupted Gothic stone vaulted cathedral ceiling. Discover Scott’s sledging flag from the legendary British Antarctic Expedition. Marvel at the medieval astronomical clock. With a thousand years of history, stunning architecture, unique treasures, musical and spiritual heritage, you’ll feel inspired from the moment you step inside Exeter Cathedral.

8. Exeter Guildhall

High St., Exeter England +44 1392 265500 http://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/our-attractions/exeter-guildhall/
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Exeter Guildhall

Reviewed By Vanessa-Essex111 - Rayleigh, United Kingdom

Finally managed to have a look around this wonderful historic Building Absolutely stunning inside a birthday treat from my friend well worth a vist

9. Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)

Higher Ashton, Dunchideock EX6 7QY England +44 1392 833846 http://www.haldonbelvedere.co.uk/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 108 reviews

Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)

Reviewed By 274louiser - Bristol, United Kingdom

I was so excited to stay in a castle and it definitely exceeded my expectations. It’s so affordable you must come and stay. It had a gorgeous apartment with fully equipped kitchen and amazing views. Access to the rooftop was even better for the views.

10. A La Ronde

A La Ronde Summer Lane, Exmouth EX8 5BD England +44 1395 265514 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-alaronde
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 947 reviews

A La Ronde

Reviewed By A8990KOcynthiab - Liskeard, United Kingdom

Unusual round house with interesting history, lovely views of the River Ex. Taking tea and cake on a sunny afternoon transports you to another era! Put your phones away and enjoy the moment!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.