Top Things to do in Devon
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9 Historic Walking Areas 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. Bolberry Down
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By helenlQ7613GJ - Bridgnorth, United Kingdom
Fantastic coastal walks either direction from Bolberry Down car park - either towards East Soar Mill Cove or to Hope Cove. Great restaurant here too - definitely recommend for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Being National Trust members get the parking free which is always a bonus.
2. St Stephen's
3. Viaduct Bannawell Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By 755allanh - East Bergholt, United Kingdom
There is a nice easy circular walk up and over the viaduct from the town centre. It's just over a mile with steep steps, but well worth it for the views. We did the main path which is fully paved, as it was raining a lot of the day, so the paths leading away would have been too muddy - fine if you have walking boots on though!
4. Hoe Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By L7768EQdavidd - Devon, United Kingdom
Thursdsy 25th June and we walked along this promenade which stretches for roughly 430 metres (roughly 1,410 feet) through Hoe Park, which is situated on the world famous Plymouth Hoe. Walking the Promenade is an ideal way to enjoy the panoramic view over Plymouth Sound and Drake's Island. It is a wide even walkway, with lawns on either side, so easy for walking, wheelchairs and child buggies. It crosses Hoe Park from Elliot Street on the east of the Park to Hoe Road on the west. Along with the impressive views that are a number of statues, monuments and memorials Including the Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleets Monument and the Royal Airforce & Allied Airforces Monument. There are statues to commemorate Sir Francis Drake and Nancy Astor. The 2 most prominent landmarks on the Hoe are Smeaton's Tower and the Naval Memorial. They dominate the skyline along the Hoe. The Armada Memorial is also an impressive landmark. Keep an eye out for the Viking Stone at the top end of the Promenade near Elliot Street entrance to the Park.
5. Gandy Street Murals
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Passp0rtAlwaysReady - Exeter, United Kingdom
Taking a walk down Gandy Street on the 100th day of lockdown past the old Gandy Street murals is a fitting reminder of how quiet Exeter is, especially on the back streets in the current pandemic...
6. Totnes Town Mill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
7. Viking Stone
8. Plymouth Trails
Developed to open up Plymouth’s heritage for local people and tourists,the Plymouth Trails can be accessed via the free app. Search for 'Plymouth Trails' on the App Store or Google Play to download. There are three core trails: Mayflower Trail City Centre Trail Hoe Trail Partner trails available in the app and more on the website.
9. The Butterwalk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
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