Top Things to do in Devon
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Top 10 Lessons & Workshops 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. Social Fabric
2. Seagreen of appledore
3. The Artisan Bakery School-Day Classes
4. Crazy About Clay-Classes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisE3663
We booked a two hour session for five of us and it was fantastic. We all were able to produce something using the potters wheels that can be fired and hopefully a treasured memory. I say we produced.......well. That is with the expert tuition and guidance from Mary and her able helper Martha who were always there to help and guide us. A perfect session for us and a really good introduction into this art by a natural teacher. I cannot recommend this more highly and we did it as a family for a special birthday treat. I'm sure this would be great for any kind of treat. Thankyou very much Crazy about Clay. Can't wait to see if our finished products if they survive the firing process !!
5. Devon Art Supplies (Imagine Design Create Ltd)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Devon Art Supplies is an Arts & Crafts shop based in Seaton, Devon offering a range of creative supplies, art sessions and product demonstrations. Everything from high end art materials to mixed media, papercrafts, needlecrafts and more is available in store and online. Situated in Seaton, Devon since December 2014 (previously named Imagine Design Create) it has grown and developed with the support of locals and tourists. It has expanded in size since opening and now offers thousands of products from a variety of top brands and small independents. Workshops are hosted most days in store by local tutors and by owner Kerri-Ann Briggs an art graduate who has also been seen on TV channel Hochanda demonstrating craft products.
6. Space to Move
7. Axminster Skill Centre - Axminster
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Axminster Skill Centre is a hub of learning and practical creativity, offering a range of woodworking, woodturning, carving and engineering courses. Our tutors are experienced and well versed in their respective crafts; many of them are professional demonstrators and able to deliver their courses with a clear, informative and enthusiastic approach. Our courses are designed to cater for small groups of no more than five or six students, ensuring each will receive a high standard of tuition and plenty of one-to-one attention. And with their newfound confidence, students often return to build on what they have learned and progress to a higher level of skill.
Reviewed By TomsDad2
This was my second visit to Axminster Skills Centre having previously attended the 2 day router course 3 years ago. I was so impressed then with the excellent training facilities at Axminster coupled with the vast knowledge, tremendous skill and invaluable experience of the tutors I vowed to return when time permits. Now I am retired I decided on a new venture for me of pen turning. After just one superb day spent in a dedicated lathe workshop, 4 other students and a first class tutor in Ben, I produced pens that shocked my wife in total amazement. I will be looking at the other courses offered here at Axminster as my experience so far has been 5 star with the tutors achieving the perfect balance of a relaxed yet safe environment in which all students can learn at their own pace. ASC really is a centre of excellence for woodworking. Well done to all staff and management for creating a great place to learn.
8. Basic Bushcraft
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Learn the basics to living in the wild. Fire lighting, safe management of water, shelters, tree and plant identification. Safe use of sharp tools, knives, axes and saws. We also teach archery, navigation and can facilitate team building and learning. Our aim is fun and lots of learning. Plenty of hands on learning and time to develop your skills.
Reviewed By Somerset_UKVicky
WoW!! What a fantastic experience we had with making fire by friction. Steve n his partner Lin provided us with comfort, knowledgable instruction and a magical atmosphere in an ancient woodland in Devon. A must for outdoor enthusiasts of any age. We’ll be going back for more. Thank you Steve n Lin.
9. The Old Kennels - Courses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
Pure creative indulgence & relaxation in good company and beautiful countryside see our website for details of all our current courses. Classes are tutored by local, national and international professional craftspeople and are designed to be attended either as a single day, or to interact with other days, to allow you continuity and further development, if you so wish. We also have beautiful four star accommodation on site and are Green Tourism Gold/Green Leaders Platinum award holders.
Reviewed By Copperhare
I had a lovely two days sitting and learning to draw maps with Jim, it was fun and absorbing and fascinating to see some of the maps he's worked on, Tracey made wonderful lunches, a really enjoyable couple of days!
10. Wall In The Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Wall in the Hall is a Multi Purpose Activity Centre offering both Indoor and Outdoor climbing facilities as well as other activities. We are Mid Devon's only dedicated climbing facility and pride ourselves on having a friendly and local feel. Saturday and Sunday we offer drop in sessions for people of any age and experience something that is very unique to find in a climbing centre and we have constantly changing challenges for ages 4 till 400(our oldest regular climber is in her 80's.). We also run adult climbing sessions and workshops and ensure there are always problems that will stump you no matter what your level of fitness. A perfect day out or Work out, and always a friendly smile.
