Top Things to do in Devon
Countries
The 10 Best Tours 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. Hot Air Balloon Flight from Tiverton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy a Champagne Hot Air Balloon flight over the beautiful countryside of Devon. Take in the stunning English scenery as you float effortlessly through the sky. Minimum of two people. You will meet our ground crew where you will be taken to the launch site. You will then meet your Pilot and be given a full safety briefing; you can get involved and help inflate the balloon! Your skilled and experienced Pilot will fly you over wonderful landscapes for up to one hour. When you land, you can help pack away the balloon and enjoy a glass of chilled Champagne or juice to toast your flight, you can also request a signed personalised flight certificate. You will then be taken back to the original meeting place in our vehicles. A fantastic experience and one to be remembered forever! Hot Air Balloon rides take place at dawn or dusk and the whole experience lasts around 3-4 hours. Flights are weather dependent. Main flying season April-October.
Inclusions: Glass of champagne Flight certificate Hot Air Balloon Flight
Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Ian F
Christmas present from our children 2017. 8or9 flights cancelled so far due to 3 plus hours drive several overnight stays. upgraded to afternoon flights. extra £50. still having to drive for up to 2 hours then turning back. it was suggested that we included weekends as well, thought that it would be just added to our account due to the costs we have incurred so far, but know aerosaurus balloons want even more money off us
2. Fused glass pieces and workshops
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
You will have the opportunity to learn about fused glass, the techniques and then create something unique of your own.
Inclusions: All cutting and finishing equipment, kiln.
Exclusions:
3. Award winning Luxury 3 day Devon and Cornwall Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Travel England Tours are an award winning chauffeur guide tour company. Devon and Cornwall possess some of the most beautiful coastlines and natural beauty in England. Your tour will capture these scenes and idyllic rolling landscape. Immerse yourself in the stunning views and historic locations. Visit the World Heritage Sites of the Minack Theatre, Charlestown Harbour and Botallick Mines amongst others. Experience the small fishing harbours, quaint villages and golden sandy beaches set in rural surroundings whilst travelling in one of our luxurious Mercedes vehicles. Your own local private chauffeur guide has an abundance of knowledge of the area which will ensure you have a memorable tour of these two beautiful counties. Travel in comfort and convenience with your own private chauffeur guide and vehicle. Collection and drop off at your local accommodation.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Food and drink, Admission fees (Minack Theatre approx £5pp, Tintagel Castle approx £10pp), Overnight Accommodation (if required, help can be provided to locate suitable accommodation)
Reviewed By 782andreyk
We have greatly enjoyed our tour around Devon with Ian. We have seen the most interesting attractions in Devon (Plymouth, Weymouth, Exeter, Slapton Sands, Dartmoor) in just one day. Ian is an extremely capable and friendly tour guide, and we can only recommend Travel England Tours for anyone wanting to explore Devon! Andrey and Giulie
4. 09:30 Coach & Ride (one hour surf lesson & keep the kit for the rest of the day)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Sarah Whiteley grew up looking over Saunton Sands, right between Croyde and Braunton. After years at the top of the competitive surfing game (British and European Champion), she decided to return to her roots and give something back to the sport by setting up Walking on Waves Surf School. Chances are you could get lessons from one of Britain’s most successful female surfers. I believe in, and take pride in, working with surfers at all levels – from first attempt to competition coaching. There’s a joy that comes from seeing someone stand up for the first time that invigorates me every time. Equally, there’s a sense of fulfilment at helping someone nail a manoeuvre that they’ve been working on for 3 months.
Inclusions: Surfboards and wetsuits
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Brizzlegirl21
Instructor was very pleasant and friendly but I didn't feel like we got anything out of the lesson that we couldn't have got from just hiring the equipment and practising, especially as we were told they were short of boards as the hire place kept nicking them! Spent 5 mins on shore learning technique then straight in the water. Fine for me as it was my second lesson, but might not be so good for those that hadn't. Once in the water very little interaction or tips for improvement, although there was cheering/ encouragement for catching waves. The instructor seemed to home in on one student who got all her attention. Luckily, it didn't matter too much, as conditions were good and after half an hour I was riding waves quite well, but I could have done with more help in the first half hour. My husband got it straight away - (annoyingly!), so there was no interaction between them, other than checking he was ok. Would have been good to get tips for improvement, which wouldn't have been hard as there were only 5 of us in the group. At the end it was suggested I come back for another lesson the next day on a different board as she thought that would suit me better. Would have been nice to have swapped earlier if that was the case but the sea was a long way out, so maybe that's why it wasn't suggested.
5. Patricia Rose Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Patricia Rose Charters is a family run husband and wife team. We specialise in bespoke boat charters as well as standard club and Individuals bookings. Patricia Rose is a 38 foot very fast stable Aquastar boat .
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks
Exclusions: Rod Hire available at extra cost
Reviewed By nedwob53
The key to a good day out always begins with a good the skipper. If that’s right, then it’s down to weather and luck. Patricia Rose ticks all the boxes and is a top notch charter. Had a cracking evening run up the river with Andy and his wife Trish. Lots of helpful advice and patient assistance where needed, good tackle and tea and hot dogs to boot. Very highly recommended.
6. Half Day 5 Hour Whole Boat Booking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Patricia Rose Charters is a family run bespoke boat charter business. We are primarily an angling charter service but we do what we say on the tin. You are chartering Patricia Rose. Tell Andy your budget and what you want to achieve afloat and he will use his 40 years experience in taking people to sea to design a bespoke package for you that will surpass your expectation.
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks
Exclusions: Rod Hire Available extra
Reviewed By nedwob53
The key to a good day out always begins with a good the skipper. If that’s right, then it’s down to weather and luck. Patricia Rose ticks all the boxes and is a top notch charter. Had a cracking evening run up the river with Andy and his wife Trish. Lots of helpful advice and patient assistance where needed, good tackle and tea and hot dogs to boot. Very highly recommended.
7. 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 !
8. Stand Up Paddling Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We use a protected stunning part of the estuary suited perfectly towards learning to SUP. Boasting incredible views and scenery this is an amazing adventure packed with wildlife and tranquil paddling.
Inclusions: Stand Up Paddleboard, Paddle, Wetsuit, A friendly welcoming instructor
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Timbo35
First time coasteering for us and we loved it. Josh and Nick are professional, expert and make sure everyone feels safe and has loads of fun. Some awesome jumps which even my wife did to her surprise! Highly recommended - a brilliant experience
9. Glider Plane Tour of the Jurassic Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Flying above the Jurassic Coastline in a motorglider is a truly unique experience. Our aircraft it is both very quiet and comfortable and offers unrivalled visibility making it perfect for taking aerial photographs of all the attractions along the beautiful South Coast Motorgliders by there nature are extremely safe aircraft to fly in as with their long wings they can glide very efficiently without the engine running. Your 1 hour trip will give you ample opportunity to see the cliffs and beaches along the coast as well as the chance to handle the controls and fly the motorglider if you wish. As your pilot is a fully qualified flying Instructor you will be able to receive some tuition on handling the controls of the aircraft and possibly flying us back to the airfield yourself.
Inclusions: Pre-flight briefing and option to receive some flying instruction if you would like
Exclusions: We are unable to accommodate people above 100kg
Reviewed By Fearless03823612193
To begin with; Ian was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating. It was my first time on a motor glider and I truly enjoyed the experience. Flying in a glider is an amazing experience and once Ian let me take the controls, it was outstanding. On top of that, stunning views of the Jurassic Coast are picturesque. I should add that compared to a standard light aircraft (Cessna or Piper) the views are better because of the canopy. I highly recommend it! Atilla
10. Gin Making Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The Gin Nest is Torbay's premier gin-making experience. You will be guided in the art of distilling your own craft gin using a traditional copper pot still. We provide alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks during the experience, and a 500ml bottle of your hand-crafted gin to take home with you. You have the opportunity to personalise your experience to suit any occasion. We take individual bookings or group bookings. Talk to the team today if you want to book for a space for a rainy day, a birthday, hen party, or any other event.
Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Gin Still and related equipment, 500ml bottle of your own hand-crafted gin, Soft drinks, tea and coffee
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 341victoriaq
Excellent day gin making with Leanne. Very relaxed, fun atmosphere but coupled with being informative and professional. Great value & we even piggy-backed onto the wine-tasting tour that was happening in the Wine Box afterwards! Great experience, would highly recommend
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