Top Things to do in Devon
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10 Cooking Classes in Devon That You Shouldn't Miss
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.
Restaurants in Devon
1. Manna from Devon Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
A family run cooking school established in 2006 and overlooking the River Dart. We specialise in Bread, Fish, Mediterranean and Asian Cuisines and Wood-fired Oven Cooking. Holiday times will feature Family Classes aimed at inspiring youngsters to cook.Our classes are small, friendly, very much hands on and designed to inspire both budding and experienced cooks to explore new areas and expand their repertoires.
Reviewed By Tilly2934 - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
I booked onto the Mastering your oven course in the hope that not only would it help with my pizza disasters but also give me additional ideas for my oven. This course did not disappoint! From arrival there was a warm welcome from Holly and David, we were provided with copious amounts of coffee and tea. After brief introductions the cooking began and we were fed throughout the day with amazing food all cooked in the wood fired oven. In addition, we made our own pizza dough which we were expertly guided through at every stage and shown how to shape like the experts (well David made it look easy anyway). Having made our own pizzas we were then treated to a full lunch! And pud! (With wine for those not driving). From booking the course, communication has been great and we were taught in an easy going humorous manner by clearly very knowledgable masters in their field. David who for our day was front of house managed to answer all questions fired at him whilst Holly worked tirelessly prepping all of the food in the background. I do not hesitate in recommending anyone attending one of Manna of Devon courses if you want to get the best out of your oven - you will go home with the confidence to tackle anything. Thank you both for a great experience.
2. Ashburton Cookery School - Day Courses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
The Ashburton Cookery School is one of the UK's top cookery schools offering inspirational cookery courses, lead by professional chefs, from our modern training centre in Devon. With over 40 cookery courses to choose from, designed to suit beginners as well as experienced home cooks we will teach you to cook with imagination, passion and enjoyment. If you want to take your cookery skills to the next level we have a cookery course for you.
Reviewed By Mumanddaughter2 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
My daughter and I did a baking weekend course and I can honestly say what an amazing weekend we had. The chef, teacher was called Michael and he was so knowledgeable and friendly and showed us step by step what to do. The lovely Lily catered to our every need and did all the dishes with a smile ???? and we can away with so many fabulous goodies and new skills. The covid restrictions that were out In place were fantastic and we felt safe and cared for the whole weekend. The hotel they recommended to stay in is also fantastic and we will definitely be returning. Thank you so much ????????
3. Hidden Valley Pigs
4. Exeter Cookery School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Learn to cook the food of your dreams in our converted 1830’s warehouse on Exeter’s historic quayside, with a range of cookery courses to suit everyone. The stunning purpose-built kitchens at Exeter Cookery School have been kitted out for real home cooks, making our venue the perfect place to develop and hone your cookery skills.
Reviewed By Wb1564 - London, United Kingdom
We attended a half day spun sugar workshop and had an excellent time. My husband was a bit reluctant at first, but really enjoyed it. Jim was great, explaining everything clearly but also with humour. We managed to make everything planned and although we could not take them with us (we were not going home that day), were pleased to see that the sugar was going to be recycled. A great morning that I thoroughly recommend.
5. Choccie Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Chocolate classes, workshops and masterclasses for children and adults.
6. Devon Gin School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Established in 2013 Devon Distillery started by being the only Grappa Producers in the UK. Since then Devon Distillery has grown in its produce and offerings and in 2018 launched the Devon Gin School, where you can use your inGinuinty to create your own bespoke gin!
Reviewed By catherineb721 - Southampton, United Kingdom
A brilliant day at Gin school, learnt a lot and well worth the visit. Mowenna was very informative and kept us on the straight and narrow. Take a taxi and do not drive, they offer Gin tasters and you need to try.
7. Ground Up Cookery School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
A rural cookery school set in the beautiful Dartmoor National Park. We offer a range of courses focusing on seasonal, local and foraged ingredients. You will get to taste delicious dishes, take things home for your friends and family to try, but most importantly learn new skills.
Reviewed By judem828
Had a fantastic day here, a gift from a friend. Colin is so knowledgeable and friendly. I've learned that you can eat so much more than sloes and nuts! We went around the 'school' garden picking out nettles, seed heads, herbs. Then we walked a short stretch of country lane and discovered dozens of plants that can be eaten, not all to my taste and some are very labour intensive, but so interesting. We then returned to the kitchens and each pod cooked a dish which we shared for lunch. During cooking Colin supplied us with delicious little bites of foraged food, who knew Japanese knotweed tastes like rhubarb, yum! I would recommend Ground Up Cookery to anyone.
8. Two Tarts Cookery School
Two Tarts Cookery School, on the edge of Exmoor, is a fun, friendly cookery school where experienced caterer and mum-of-four Joanna Dunbavin will help you to cook! Croissants or curries, goulash or gluten-free, there is a course for everyone! Public and children's courses run year-round, while birthday parties, hens parties, individual tutoring and corporate events are available on request.
9. Pi Society
Pi Society is a boutique and discreet matchmaking agency to rekindle loving, warm, heartfelt relationships & friendships through our special Pi events.
10. The Salty Sparrow Cookery School
I'm Samantha, owner and chef of The Salty Sparrow Bistro Cafe in Brixham. We are now delighted to offer cookery classes for all levels of experience from absolute beginner, intermediate, advanced home cook and kid's club. My extensive experience around the globe will reflect on the different classes we offer.
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