Top Things to do in Devon
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Things to do in Devon, England: The Best Golf Courses
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. Saunton Golf Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 95 reviews
Golf club offering two classic, championship links courses, the West and East, both of which are Par 71 and set in undulating dunes.
Reviewed By Hastoegraham - Tring, United Kingdom
Both of the courses are a real challenge. The East is the harder of the two but the West is really interesting with a great variety of holes. The greens are very good and there can be some wicked pin positions. We played the West on a damp day but the course drains well and there was little wind. The East was played on a bright windy day. It eas great to be out but the combination of wind and course design made it a least 6 shots harder. But both were a delight to play. The Clubhouse is very comfortable and the staff friendly. A wonderful pro shop. By the way the course guides on the website are very good with sound advice, but I would suggest buying a course planner for each course as there are some nuances that are not immediately obvious, particularly if a pin is placed in a tight corner of a green. Altogether great.
2. East Devon Golf Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Members are often heard to say: ‘Even if I am not having a good round I still enjoy the spectacular views and realise how lucky I am to be playing golf here.’ At East Devon Golf Club we extend a friendly welcome to members and visitors alike. Situated on the cliff top above Budleigh Salterton, at 6344 yards the well drained fairways, close cropped links turf and challenging greens offer a fair and interesting test of golf. Add to this, the views, colours and the stunning natural habitat and you have the ideal place to enjoy your golf. Thanks to excellent drainage the course is rarely closed due to adverse weather conditions and exceptional golf can be enjoyed all year round. Visit us and you won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed By jeffe537 - Conwy, United Kingdom
Played here one evening last week and what a stunning golf course. The professional is a credit to your club, perfect gentleman and knowledgeable. The course condition was fantastic especially the greens, beautiful! For me the front nine is the better half , some fantastic holes on it. The tenth hole though has to be the signature hole, what a fantastic par 3. Only slight criticism but I emphasise slight Is the 16th and 17th holes are slightly disappointing. The clubhouse welcome was very pleasant and didn't feel stuffy at all. Will definitely be back for a game when we are next in the area. Excellent golf course and great value on the twilight deal.
3. Torre Abbey Leisure Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
Set in a beautiful location on Torquay seafront we have an excellently maintained 9 hole par 3 golf course available to all ages and standards from top players to absolute beginners. There is also an outdoor bowls green available to the public as well as ten all weather tennis courts. All equipment is available and we are open all year round from 9am-dusk.
Reviewed By MarkMahoney - Aldershot, United Kingdom
Beautiful area with lots to see and do. Lovely gardens with water features. Also a few kiosks for food and drinks and activities like bowls and golf.
4. Royal North Devon Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Founded in 1864 on the rugged North Devon coast, this golf course is the oldest in England and Wales and is still very popular today.
Reviewed By mrstepheni - Westward Ho, United Kingdom
Played the course today as a 4 ball , excellent condition,quirky, greens running approx 10 and true, well stocked pro shop with all the usual gear for hire. Good old fashioned clubhouse with additional decent kitchen facilities and menu. Great welcome from initial contact, sensible operation in place during COVID-19, if your in the area and want proper old fashioned Links golf as it should be, pay Royal North Devon a visit you won’t be disappointed.
5. Ilfracombe Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Devon's second-oldest golf club.
Reviewed By LightPacker738450
Played here on 13 Sep. Round was booked via Mark the club professional. He could not have been more helpful from the getgo, providing a quality set of hire clubs and buggy, which was cleaned (C-19) prior to use The course was in great condition; tees and greens were excellent and everybody at the club had a smile on their face Mark couldn’t have been helpful with making the whole experience a pleasure to come and visit. Will definitely return
6. Shaldon Cliffs Pitch and Putt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By LIMPIT - Colchester, United Kingdom
Great afternoon playing this super pitch & putt course, with super views. Some very tricky holes, greens were okay, maybe 5/10 compared to Golf Clubs. Great Value for money.
7. Cayman Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By X9059VKadamc
Great family fun for (11 and 13 year old in group) well kept up course and friendly staff definitely a good thing to do if you are in brixham on holiday.
8. Pirates Bay Adventure Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Avast, Me Hearties!! There be a place on the coast, one of skullduggery and wretched piracy. It be called Pirates Bay! Experience the adventure of Pirates Bay - A landscaped 18 hole course situated on Paignton Seafront. It's great fun for all the family. Dodge cannonballs and evade the thieving pirates as you navigate the lush carpeted greens, sink your ball but don't sink your ship!
Reviewed By johnandlynnseymour - Oxford, United Kingdom
Played crazy golf here twice in three days last week with my wife and mother in law. Very well presented and maintained site right on the sea front. Full 18 "holes" so good value and great fun. Will definitely visit again the next time we are in the Torbay area. Many thanks to the owners/operators of the venue.
9. Jungle Journey Adventure Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
18 Hole Jungle themed adventure golf course. Wind your way through the jungle using your golf skill as you encounter tigers, gorillas, chimps and snakes among many other jungle creatures. Jungle journey is fun for all the family. Located in Abbey Park, behind the air balloon, in Torquay and only 100m from Torre Abbey Sands. Hit your ball in the water, dare you retrieve it? Or will you leave it to the croc?
Reviewed By AndrewTheExplorerUK - Welwyn, United Kingdom
This is a lovely and varied course. Some of the holes are quite challenging. The course is well maintained. Some water hazards made it more interesting. Take your time on the last hole. If you get it in the top hole and ring the bell, you get a free round. The staff are very friendly. The setup is really good and covid friendly, everything was sanitised. There is a car park right outside but remember to bring change. Our family had a great time. Highly recommended.
10. Oak Meadow Golf Club
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