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.
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.
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.
5.0 based on 293 reviews
Amplify your 'learn to surf' experience with the best 'Instructor to Student' ratio of any Surfing England surf school. Smaller group sizes means our coaches can give you more attention in a safer environment to speed up the learning process. We run daily surf lessons suitable for everyone aged 5 to 80, from complete beginner to competitive professionals, school groups to group parties using in water teaching, classroom theory lessons, video analysis and surf skate sessions. We want you to enjoy surfing as much as we do, so whether you've never stood on a board before or have been doing it for years, we want to help you progress to your full potential. We also pride ourselves on being Coasteering specialists and run daily excursions. All equipment provided with onsite changing facilities, toilets, and hot showers. Enjoy a warm drink, cold beer, hot pasty or tasty ice cream from our cafe after your surf. Find us @Baggys, overlooking the beach.
5.0 based on 195 reviews
Jump onboard in Salcombe with the specialist Sea-N-Shore team. Water is our thing! RYA Powerboat School Based in Salcombe, Sea-N-Shore is an Advanced RYA Powerboat School and Watersports School. Take the wheel - and learn the skills to qualify as a professional powerboat helm with level 1, 2, intermediate, advanced, day skipper, yachtmaster, VHF, first aid courses. Rib Rides (W.I.S.E accredited centre) FAST Experience the thrill of a 75min adrenalin Rib Ride around the coast with friends and family, seal spotting and wreck hunting, and take in Start Point lighthouse and an old ruined village. SLOW Explore the Salcombe estuary with a 75 min slower tour, trawling for plankton, using field microscopes, aquascopes, and take in the birds, fish, flora and fauna. CRUISE Take a relaxed 3hr RIB cruise from Salcombe to the Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge. Choose your meal and drinks onboard and we'll do the rest. What could be better? Banana Ride/Wakeboard/Waterski Master the waves and learn to Wakeboard or Waterski with professional tuition, or jump onboard our banana boat and laugh the afternoon away with our unique games. How long can you hold on? Rib Coasteering Get together and scramble the rocks and explore the caves of our incredible coast with qualified instructors, all by boat. Enjoy the pre-determined route, the power of the waves and feel the adrenalin rush of low, medium and high jumps. Have you got what it takes? Groups and families are our thing From family groups, STAG and HEN, Corporate and team, we can cater for a fantastic day afloat, bringing everyone together to build a memorable day. We hope you can join us onboard soon.
5.0 based on 801 reviews
So much of Devon is available by road but what about the stunning scenery and wildlife only visible by boat? Ensure you don’t miss out on one of Devon's top things to do and take a trip with Stuart Line Cruises. Sailing all year round, you can set sail and explore the rich wildlife and breathtaking views of the River Exe or set sail back 250 million years exploring the Jurassic Coast Line. We even offer day trips out where you can leave the car behind and sail to a local resort such as Torquay or Brixham. Our boats are spacious, warm and come with all the creature comforts including toilets, bar and panoramic views from both top and bottom decks. There really is no excuse not to discover the history, beauty and wildlife of Devon!
5.0 based on 528 reviews
Guided sea kayak trips… the ultimate way to explore the coast! Individuals, groups and families all welcome - no experience required-Day-trips-Fun taster sessions-Skills courses-Wilderness expeditions-Group and family discounts… A variety of great locations including:-Dartmouth-Brixham-Torquay -Salcombe Highly qualified guides give you expert tuition throughout the day – all equipment provided.
5.0 based on 879 reviews
Surf South West run surfing lessons and Coasteering at Croyde Bay in North Devon. We are Croyde's longest running surf school and the only one located directly on Croyde Beach.
5.0 based on 717 reviews
Ilfracombe Sea Safari is a fantastic way to see the wildlife and vast expanse of beautiful coastline that North Devon has to offer. Come along on and enjoy one of our 4 tailor made rib experiences. From a stunning 1 hour coastal cruise to a 4 hour voyage to the unique Island of Lundy where you get to encounter the 200 resident grey seals.
5.0 based on 111 reviews
Guided river adventures on the River Dart Estuary, one of England's most beautiful rivers. Hire your own 8 or 12-seat 'Longbow' canoe, or join a 'by-the-seat' specials trip. Adventures normally begin at the Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay, and Stoke Gabriel, between the historic towns of Dartmouth and Totnes - with pubs, secret places, campfires, shipwrecks, wildlife and stories along the way. Ideal for groups of all ages and abilities - private parties; club trips; team-building; hen, stag and birthdays; youth development and study trips; pub-to-pub; wine tasting, and evening paddles. Trips are scheduled round the tide so times change daily and booking is essential. Beautiful River. Big Canoes. Great Fun.
5.0 based on 589 reviews
Coasteering, Kayaking, Caving and Stand Up Paddle Board guided tours. No previous experience is necessary as our highly experienced and qualified instructors will safely manage your session ensuring you learn skills and most importantly have great fun along the way! Award winning company that provides exceptional experiences with enthusiastic instructors and top of the range equipment - all for great value. Advanced booking is essential, suitable for all the family ages 8+. Reach Outdoors is a must-do on your visit to South Devon and the English Riviera.
5.0 based on 548 reviews
The Ultimate Adventure Centre offers the most comprehensive range of outdoor activities available throughout North Devon. Inspired by Tv's Total Wipeout our Ultimate Assault Course adds to the list of exhilarating experiences made possible through the Ultimate Adventure Centre. The Ultimate Adventure Centre has grown the activities provided, which include the Ultimate Assault, Surf School, Coasteering, Mountain Boarding, High Ropes, Climbing Walls, Kayaking, Archery,SUP & Log Cabin/Barn Accommodation & Adventure Camping. We are able to offer Adventure Packages to give you the chance to experience more than one activity at discounted rates. Our packages are available to you whether you are coming on your own or as a part of group. They can be enjoyed as part of an adventure day out or a longer activity weekend.
5.0 based on 150 reviews
North Devon's Adventure Activity Provider For: Coasteering, Stand Up Paddle Board, Rafting, Splatgun paintball, Amphibious Assault And More
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