Top Things to do in Devon
Countries
The 9 Best Bus 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. 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!
2. 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
3. 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!
4. 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
5. Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London
Overall Ratings
4.2 based on 147 reviews
Uncover England’s stunning natural beauty and rich historical and cultural heritage on this day trip from London. With an expert guide, get up close to the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO-listed Baroque manor house where Sir Winston Churchill was born. Then, enjoy a panoramic tour of the beautiful Cotswolds, with stops at two of the region’s most picture-perfect parishes. End your tour with a trip to Bampton, the quintessential village that featured as Downton village in hit TV show 'Downton Abbey.'
Inclusions: Professional guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free WiFi on coach, Vox Headset, Blenheim Palace, State Rooms and Gardens
Exclusions: Optional gratuities, Food and beverages, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By soumim88
Francesco did a tremendous job for us. He obviously knew his subject very well and delivered it using humour and candour. The only thing that was missing in our opinion was speakers because at times we were at the back and could not hear him...otherwise excellent...and we wish him the best with his Architectural studies Regards Soumi and Lydia Mitra
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. Transfer from Southampton to London via Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey
Avoid a long wait at the taxi rank or the stress of navigating public transport with this chauffeur driver private transfer from Southampton cruise terminal to London via Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey and famous Downton Abbey film locations. Book this private transfer and your driver will collect you from Southampton cruise terminal or nearby accommodation and transfer you to central London or London Heathrow via Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey film locations. The transfer includes pre-booked admission into Highclere Castle and Cogges Manor Farm giving you fast-track entrance.
Inclusions: One-way private transport in a modern comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, Southampton port pick up and hotel drop off in central London or Heathrow Airport, Professional local guide/driver, Tickets to Highclere Castle and Cogges Manor Farm
Exclusions: Entrance fees to other attractions, Food or refreshments, Gratuities
Reviewed By mptaylor11
Our family had a wonderful time exploring Oxford and the Cotswolds with Graham, whom we found to be very knowledgable and friendly. The tour was well structured but also left enough flexibility for us to explore our specific interests. It felt like we were traveling with an old friend rather than someone we had just met. This was time well spent that provided us with fond memories from our family vacation.
8. Award Winning Luxury 5 day South West of England Tour
Travel England Tours are an award winning private chauffeur guide company. Explore the unspoiled countryside of the South West of England in one of our luxurious Mercedes S Class vehicles. With many World Heritage Sites located within the 8 counties covered within this tour you will see lots of outstanding coastlines, rolling landscapes and historical architecture. Relax and take in the beautiful landscapes while travelling in comfort and style with your own private chauffeur guide. Your local chauffeur guide has an abundance of knowledge of the areas which will ensure you have a memorable tour.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch, Snacks, Admissions to attractions, 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
9. Devon's Hidden and Secret Coastline
We start with some BREATHTAKING SCENERY with VIEWS to die for and a sea colour you just won't believe !! We visit a HIDDEN BEACH reached only by a old 18th Century SMUGGLERS TUNNEL. We will show you a stunning SECRET PICNIC SPOT, bring a picnic if you want. Next is somewhere 385 million years old with more SPECTACULAR VIEWS and then visit a COASTWATCH STATION. We will be DOLPHIN and SEAL watching all the way.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water
Exclusions: Dinner, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Lunch, Soda/Pop, Breakfast, WiFi on board, Restroom on board
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