Top Things to do in Devon
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The 10 Best Other Outdoor Activities in Devon, England
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. Go Coasteering
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By nickcH3188IL
Keith and Jackie were brilliant hosts throughout. The pre planning was clear and the kit well organised and efficient. The venue was superb and our group of adults and teenagers were well challenged with climbs out of the sea and exhilarating jumps back in.
2. Exewake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
We are a Devon based watersports school specialising in wakeboarding, waterskiing and inflatable rides. We are lucky enough to be located on the River Exe Estuary near Exmouth enabling us to operate in calm waters surrounded by stunning scenery. We offer groups and individuals of all ages and abilities the chance to get out on the water and try, practise or perfect a number of different watersports. We are a British Water Ski and Wakeboard accredited site which means we meet the highest standards of good practice for commerical waterski and wakeboard centres. To find out the best activity for you, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
3. Adventure Okehampton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
An outdoor activity centre offering up to 20 different adventure activities on Dartmoor. Suitable for groups, families or individuals looking for a fun day out. You and your fellow adventurers can have a go at mountain boarding, archery and scaling the climbing wall or ropes, with watersports including surfing, gorge scrambling, kayaking and canoeing on offer at the hostel’s private lake; true headers for heights can also have a go at the Big Oke Abseil. This small family run activity centre on the edge of Dartmoor has all sorts of outdoor adventures for all ages from 5 upwards. Birthday party, Stag and hen parties all catered for, and we even have costumes for that great picture to remember a special day. Skills courses also available, such as BCU 1 star kayaking and NNAS Navigation courses. Training to work in the outdoor industry is possible, with our activity trainees, who undertake their apprenticeships run through Exeter College. We usually take 4-6 apprentices each year.
Reviewed By Sanmani1 - North Finchley, United Kingdom
We did george scrambling this August bank holiday weekend for the first time. We were a bubble of two families with the youngest being 6years old. I must say we all had a fabulous experience. Our instructors Chris and Sammy were amazing! I would certainly recommend this activity.
4. Dartmoor Llama Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
Set in the heart of the stunning Dartmoor National Park near Widecombe-in-the-Moor, come and experience the beautiful rugged landscape of this unspoilt area of the Southwest of England.We are offering a range of guided Dartmoor walks, no need to worry about carrying your picnic lunch as our experienced trekking llamas will carry this for you.We will give you a flavour of the different aspects of the moor whether it be craggy granite tors, heather moorland, patchwork farmland, deep wooded gorges or tumbling rivers. The Dartmoor National Park covers an area of 368 square miles and is the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England.
Reviewed By twopedals
Llamas, spectacular views, pleasant guides and cream teas as well! Really relaxed, Covid-aware and well paced stroll, with the experiences of the leaders and great local knowledge pouring to the fore. A1 for even the most jaded!
5. The Sport Ground
6. Active Escape
Overall Ratings
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
7. Wheeldon Off Road Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By carolinei844
We stayed in the cottages and used the track twice. My son was a complete starter, as was his friend and my hubby hasn't rode a bike for 25 years. All 3 were taught very well and catered for. I would highly recommend the Off Road Centre and the cottages, we will definately be returning. Great holiday. xxxxx
8. Kelly's Hero Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Sea fishing for experienced and novice Tuition given tackle hire available.Trip lengths can range from 2 hrs upto a full day dependant on weather and local sea conditions.
Reviewed By Onholiday71
I took my dad and two sons out for an evening of fishing. Dave the skipper could not have been more helpful or accommodating. We caught bull huss, conger eels, and pollock which we returned to the sea. We caught loads of mackerel which we used for bait and took some home for BBQ. We had a good wrestle trying to land some of the fish. Thank you very much Dave for a really special memorable evening. We will be back as soon as we can. Fiona
9. Fly Like a Bird
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
Fly Like a Bird provides Tandem Hang Gliding flights in North Devon. We use the latest technology to give you a complete experience of the countryside from the air. Nature's wind produces the thermals and lift that allows us to fly in a zero-carbon emission manner(free-flight)-soaring the sky in exactly the same way as the birds do. Come and experience stunning views of the North Devon Coastline!
Reviewed By CurlyKirkham - Bideford, United Kingdom
Sam made the afternoon's hang gliding experience relaxing, super-safe and great fun. From setup to take-off to landing, it was a really good way to enjoy a bird's eye view of the North Devon coastline, and one I would highly recommend. Once you've got over the fact that you're essentially 'jumping off a cliff' the rest seems easy. Thanks for a great experience Sam.
10. Beach Volleyball School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Welcome to Beach Volleyball School and to Croyde, one of the best locations in the UK for volleyball! For years, we have been providing coaching to some of the best athletes in the UK, helping junior and adult athletes to international acclaim. Now you can be one of them! That's right! This summer, we’re offering sessions twice daily all summer, for EVERYONE. So no matter whether you are 6 or 60, have played for years or will be touching a volleyball for the first time, we have a session for you! Our experienced, professional coaches are waiting for you... So step onto the court with us this summer to begin your beach volleyball journey! Who knows where it might end...
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