Top Things to do in Devon
Countries
Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Gear Rentals
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. Devon Cycle Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
We specialise in family cycle hire, providing quality bikes, friendly service and helpful advice. We're really passionate about all things bike and we want to pass on our love of cycling to you. At our centre we have everything you need for the perfect day out cycling including Hamax child seats, Burley trailers, tags and sit up and beg bikes we even have a trailer you can hire for your dog!
Reviewed By BoardingPass794237
walking the granite way, came across this stop alongside the path. Lovely friendly team, fantastic coffee, plenty of outside places to sit and a clean toilet... perfect place for a break
2. Kayakhub Exeter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
We offer canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board hire, guided trips and tuition. We love you to bring your family and the dog for a relaxed paddle to the Double Locks Pub or the Turf Locks and beyond. We can deliver canoes and kayaks all around Exeter and the Devon.
3. Jurassic Paddle Sports
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By colin1907 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Superb staff, your safety is safe in their hands great equipment and tuition. Great value for money aswel plus they wouldn’t take payment before I arrived just incase we couldn’t turn up. Would totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a bit of water activity. That had loads of equipment and sanitised everything. 10 out a 10 for Guy and the guys
4. SupwithBill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Paddleboarding rentals and lessons at good prices! 0-Hero in 2 hours!!! With the Exe-Estuary in our back garden, the shallow, flat water makes it a perfect location for mastering Stand Up Paddling! As I am a 'Mobile Stand Up Paddle Centre', I do also use Exmouth Seafront. Beautiful coastline to explore on a 'SUPfari'! Come and have a go! We even paddle to the pub on a sunday for some lunch!
5. Biketrail Cycle Shop & Cycle Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
AWARD WINNING Cycle / Bike Hire & Cycle Shop offering SEASONAL DISCOUNTS. Located alongside the Tarka Trail in North Devon, Access to 31 miles of traffic free Cycle trail. We hire bikes for use on the Tarka Trail as well as specialist bikes for exploring Exmoor, Devon & the Devon Coast to Coast (National Route 27). We have a wide range of bikes for all ages & abilities, Bikes especially designed for non cyclists as well as bikes for Disabled users. We also have a Mobility Scooter. Recumbents, Penny Farthing, Tandems, Children Tandem, Beach Cruisers, MTB, Hybrid, Vintage Bikes, Dutch Bikes, Dutch Family bike, Children's Trailers, Handcycles, Dog Trailers and more.
6. Torrington Cycle Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By AlisonBea33
Torrington cycle hire is conveniently located next to the Tarka trail with free parking in the old station car park. We hired two bikes for our children for the afternoon by just calling in. The owners/staff were all friendly and helpful and we were quickly issued a couple of bikes with helmets and puncture kit. Price was reasonable and we had a lovely afternoon walking the trail towards Bideford whilst the children cycled. Would highly recommend.
7. Adventure South
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 104 reviews
Adventure South provides outdoor adventure experience for small and large groups of people, based in Salcombe, South Devon. We operate a mixture of water sports and land-based activities include, Coasteering, Equipment Rental, Escape the Hills, Paddle Boarding Hire, Mega-SUP, Climbing, and SUP-Tours. Adventure South is a locally run company with a huge passion for delivering exciting and memorable adventure experiences.
8. Bike Higher
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
We provide a range of electric bikes (pedal assist) for day (or longer) hire or guided tours in the beautiful north Devon / Cornwall countryside. We can also arrange bespoke holiday itineraries for those wanting longer tours. Many people use the traffic free Tarka Trail which is ideal for children and we can provide child buggies / tag alongs for family groups.
9. Saddles & Paddles Exeter Ltd
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 156 reviews
Bike and paddlesports hire centre, plus bike sales & repairs, on Exeter quay. Pedal from the city to the seaside or paddle to the pub! Easy, relaxing, outdoor fun for all ages, with bike, canoe, kayak and SUP hire. We're on Exeter's historic quayside - popular for it's fascinating history, interesting architecture and independent shops - an easy 10 min walk from the city centre. Open 9am to 6pm everyday except Wednesdays (bike hire 10.00am to 5.30pm, boat hire 10.30am -5pm)
10. Woolacombe Surf Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 732 reviews
Woolacombe Surf Centre is Woolacombe's highest rated & qualified surf school / water sports provider! Professionally run & based in the heart of Woolacombe, North Devon. WSC is accredited as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by Surfing England, the highest attainable level. All our coaches are fully qualified instructors & beach lifeguards with many years coaching experience with a true passion for surfing and watersports. We operate our surf lessons on the beautiful Woolacombe Beach, awarded the best beach in the UK 2015 & 2016. With 3 miles of golden sand facing the Atlantic we have a great learning environment for surfing. Our kayaking and coasteering trips are hosted on the breathtaking coastline of North Devon. We also offer top quality surf hire equipment, from surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits right through to stand up paddle boards (SUP'S) and kayaks. All sessions are 2.5 hours long which include all equipment required and coaching throughout, we also take photos (FREE) with our in water camera to immortalise you finest surfing moments!
