Top Things to do in Devon
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7 Cultural Tours 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. Guided walking tour of the Barbican and Hoe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Whether you are a local looking to find out more about the past of your home town, or visiting from afar; Plymouth is steeped in key events, stories and discoveries, and has been home to some of England’s most important and influential explorers, artists and significant folk. Join us for a guided tour as we visit a bygone age and step back into the past of this maritime city. Small group sizes keep a personable feel. If you have a particular interest, please tell us, as we are happy to tailor tours to suit this.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By rpjmLeeds
My wife and I met Elaine Shaw who was not only precisely on time but immediately made a terrific impression on both of us. We usually book a guide in most cities we visit and found Pilgrim on the web. We were extremely pleased with our choice. Elaine was friendly, informative and able to answer virtually every question we asked (and we did ask many !). The 3 to 4 hours passed all too quickly which served to reinforce our opinions and our only disappointment was when we had to say goodbye. Highly Recommended !
2. Downton Abbey and the Cotswolds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Take a trip back in time to the set of Downton Abbey on our full-day tour to Highclere Castle and the Cotswolds. Our tour departs from Oxford and takes you first to Highclere Castle, the splendid home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. You have a chance to visit the castle and see where the filming took place and also to visit the beautiful castle grounds. We then take you to the delightful village of Bampton which was the backdrop for the village of Downton. Enjoy lunch in the Swan pub at Swinbrook and then an enchanting drive stopping in some of the quaint villages of the North Cotswolds before returning to Oxford.
Inclusions: Blue Badge guide, Live commentary on board, Bottled water, Entrance ticket to Highclere Castle, Pick up from North Oxford Hotels on request , Pick up from Oxford Station on request
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By jennifercF805IS
My husband and I recently went on the half day Cotswolds taster tour and had an incredible time! The tour began with the introduction of our two fab guides who were so knowledgable and friendly. They greeted us wearing face masks and shields which put us at ease right away. They greeted me by name as well, impressive! We met them on Broad street which has some cafes that open early so make sure to grab one to go. We are local to Oxford but don’t have a car and this was perfect for a day out of the city to see the country. We sat socially distant from the guides and they even had sanitiser and water on hand if we needed it. They opened the door for us and kept themselves socially distant which was important. They were very professional and got to know us so they could customise the tour a bit to show us more churches and schools which we were interested in. I really loved our first stop at Minster Lovell and my favourite spot was Bourton on the Water. We will be going back to those places for sure. They definitely have more to see including historic sights and shops in those two places. Honestly the day was perfect and we felt like VIPs. This was the best half day taster tour and we are already planning to go again once restrictions are lifted. We even gave our families and friends their contact to book tours because we were so impressed. Fantastic driving Dave and Ed was so knowledgable about the area. Great communication with us pre tour and post. Thanks so much and definitely worth booking!
3. Culture, Cobblestones and Clotted Cream
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 7 reviews
Join me on your very own micro adventure for two (or three!) where wonder leads to wandering and life is a little more delicious with some local Devon food! Inspired by the abundance of quirky facts and hidden gems dotted all around the city, be prepared for a micro-adventure of culture, creativity & deliciousness, wrapped up in a blanket of fun. History oozes from the cobblestones in Plymouth but you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy what this amazing city has to offer. We’ll wander off the beaten track, sails the seas on a cute little ferry, and have plenty of opportunities for photographs! We will be out in fresh air for the whole of this experience... social distancing and keeping safe. Allow 3-4hrs for this experience, to include food and make it your own!
Inclusions: Ferry Transportation, A cold drink and yummy sweet or savoury treat!
Exclusions: All food and drink is purchased as required by the individual guest, Tips and Gratuities
Reviewed By CarolumK
Jayne and Adrian are a brilliant double act - the dressing up and enactment of a Mayflower character is inspired and impressive both from the perspective of being on the tour and for getting the attention of other potential punters who we passed along the way. It also shows a great level of commitment and makes it easier to bring the stories to life. Both of them are very knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects and it is also great to have 2 running the show as one can pick up the reactions of guests and their particular interests while the other is delivering a section of the tour, while also filling in gaps in knowledge or simply a temporary loss of memory. Likewise, their delivery styles are very different so if the group has more chemistry with one than the other, they can be flexible and accommodate it. They reinforced my recently acquired belief that Plymouth is hugely underestimated as a city and has played a truly extraordinary role in the maritime, trading, naval, political and scientific fields of British/UK history. Go on their tour and tell me otherwise... Admin-wise they were very understanding of my request to switch my session on the same day and then accommodating my lateness due to terrible traffic. Awesome.
4. 5-Day Devon and Cornwall Small-Group Tour from London
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 191 reviews
Leave bustling London behind for five wonderful days in the countryside of southwest England! On this small-group tour from London to the counties of Devon and Cornwall, your guide will tell you interesting historical facts and stories about the area and show you beautiful towns, famous sights and breathtaking landscapes you’ll never forget. Discover the beauty of these two regions – some of England's best – and visit popular attractions like Stonehenge. You’ll see the South Devon coast, Dartmoor, Exeter and, of course, the idyllic county of Cornwall. In a group of less than 16 people, you are sure to enjoy a personalized and valuable experience with your guide.
Inclusions: 4 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast in either a B&B or 3-star Hotel., Driver/guide, Small-group tour (maximum 16 passengers), Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
Exclusions: Gratuities, Meals and refreshments, Admission fees
Reviewed By HerbertViola
The Wales tour was a great experience made much better by our excellent guide Rob! It was a difficult one as travel restrictions in Wales were announced on our third day. But Rabbies was quick to make alternative arrangements in Cotswolds and covered the additional cost of bookings. We have been to some magical locations which we would definitely miss on our own. Rob was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic to help, friendly and flexible making everyone feel involved. All in all, it was the highlight trip of the year!
5. 3-Day Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast Tour from London
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 20 reviews
Explore southwest England in three wonderful days on this small-group tour from London. See the mystic stone circle of Stonehenge and discover the historic city of Exeter, where you will stay two nights. Also visit Glastonbury with the impressive Tor, and end your small-group tour in the Georgian city of Bath. In a group of less than 16 people, you are sure to enjoy a personalized and valuable experience with your guide.
Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, Small-group tour (maximum 16 people), 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast , Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini coach
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Admission fees
Reviewed By mk1956
If this is the Rabies Tour it is totally outstanding !! We enjoyed it immensely. Our guide was Dan from Wales. He was excellent. Next year 2022 we plan to book a Rabies Tour for Scotland and we're going to fill our own bus! Can't wait
6. Devon, Dorset and Cornwall : Private Driver Guided 5 Day Tour from London
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
Your experienced Private Driver Guide takes you to arguably the most beautiful counties of England and Britain. Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have some of the most picturesque and quaint English villages with thatched cottages, historic churches and welcoming country pubs serving excellent food and drink. There is also the opportunity to visit the dramatic Jurassic Coast with its steep cliffs, and breathtaking rocky outcrops. We also visit the wild and rugged terrain of Dartmoor and hear many stories that have originated from this spectacular landscape. The following day is spent on the northern coast exploring the beautiful villages of Clovelly and Port Isaac, where the TV series, Doc Martin is filmed and there are more opportunities to taste the local cuisine and try the local beers from this part of Britain. There are a range of things to to on the final two days - exploring St Ives and Mount St Michael or the Eden Project to name just a couple. The tour is tailor-made to your needs.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: All accommodation, meals, drinks and refreshments are not included in the price of the tour.
Reviewed By Zenzaro
We had met Nigel Homer earlier in December when he guided us on the Rabbies Oxford & Traditional Cotwold Villages 1 Day Tour. We had such a wonderful day that we booked Nigel again. Nigel has such a delightful manner, is extremely knowledgeable & has a very inviting sense of humour all of which enables him to deliver the most relaxed, comfortable, fun & enjoyable tour. Thank you so much & best wishes, Nigel. ????
7. Private Full Day Tour – Skip the line Tickets to Tower of London & British Lunch
Discover all the magic of London in this unique Private Full Day Tour. Walk with your local host through the most emblematic places of the city, starting with the incredible St. Paul's Cathedral. Cross the beautiful River Thames. Admire the famous theatre where Shakespeare performed his plays. Go up to the terrace of the Tate Modern Museum to get the best views of London. Visit two of the most beautiful markets in the city. Relax at the table of one of the most traditional pubs in London, and enjoy an English lunch. Discover the fascinating St. Dunstan in the East Church, in ruins, very close to a better preserved Roman archaeological site, the London Wall. After admiring Tower Bridge your last stop is a jewel of medieval architecture, the Tower of London, a World Heritage Site. Skip the line and enjoy the time you want in this incredible museum. Book now this amazing Full Day Tour tour with a private guide, just for you, and let us make your visit to London a unique experience!!
Inclusions: 4 hs. Private Tour with a local guide + Tower of London, Skip the line tickets to the Tower of London + Audio-guide, A bus ride to the old part of London, Lunch in a traditional pub
Exclusions: Gratuities to the guide, Terrace of the Tate Modern closed from Monday to Friday, Terrace of The Garden at 120 Saturdays and Sundays closed
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