Top Things to do in Devon
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Top 10 Scenic Walking Areas 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. South West Coast Path - Hooken Cliffs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
A 4 mile moderate ramble along the South West Coast Path through the Hooken Undercliff, where a dramatic landslip in 1790 provides a haven for wildlife. Returning along the clifftops above, where there are spectacular views in either direction of red cliffs soaring beyond the white, the walk links the villages of Beer and Branscombe.
Reviewed By Basil745
One of our favourite walks. For younger children, best to leave a car in the car park at Branscombe for return to Beer if you can.
2. South West Coast Path Walk - Ilfracombe and the Torrs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 201 reviews
This 3.2 mile route on the South West Coast Path travels through a long wooded valley to The Torrs, a rugged area also known as 'The Seven Hills' with tremendous views across the Bristol Channel. Any walk around the town features steep gradients, but the magnificent cliff scenery towering above the picturesque harbour makes it worth the effort.
Reviewed By ScotonAlderney - St Anne, United Kingdom
A great walk from Combe Martin to ilfracombe. Many covered wooded paths if steep in places. Mouth watering views in the sunshine. Well worth doing if hard work in the sun. Widmouth definitely worth a visit ????????
3. Noss Mayo and Revelstoke Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
The many faces of maritime South Devon in one 4.1 mile walk on the South West Coast Path; wild open sea and rugged coast, sheltered estuary, wooded riverbanks, and the waterfront village of Noss Mayo with it's chocolate box charm. Parts of this walk can be accessed by tramper, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Reviewed By Cookiescot - Halesowen, United Kingdom
We stayed in Noss Mayo for a week. Lots of walks in the area, can recommend this walk, started from our holiday let, up past the tennis courts until you reach Warren Point car park then on to the coastal path back downtown Noss Mayo.
4. Beer to Branscombe South West Coast Walk
5. Castle Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Privately owned historic 50 acre gardens surround the spectacular family home set in the rolling hills of Devon. Come and enjoy a picnic in the grounds or visit the garden kiosk for a cream tea. Walks take you through the Millennium Garden, Walled Garden Woodland Gardens, past follies, statues and temples. Walk up to the Castle and enjoy spectacular views.
Reviewed By V5248PXbarryw - London, United Kingdom
Amazing place to visit greeted by a lovely lady on the paying kiosk who told us the best route to take to get to the castle. Its got paths that take you to different parts of the grounds to suit your abilities we went to the top for the castle and I must say its not the easiest of walk but really worth it for the views and there are seating places on route. This is a very peaceful place all you can really ear are the birds I can't recommend it enough if you want to get away from all the stress of every day life. We finished off with a lovely drink and freshly made sandwiches that were outstanding and very good value for money all in all a fantastic day out 5 stars will visit again in the near future.
6. South West Coast Path - Burgh Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
A short walk from the South West Coast Path of less than 1 mile on Burgh Island. Cross the causeway on foot at low tide (make sure you can get back again!) or take the sea tractor. This very small island has a host of fascinating features, including the art deco hotel made famous by Agatha Christie, a fourteenth century inn and an ancient chapel which once doubled as a huer's hut.
Reviewed By One_of_the_BOFs - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
We actually walked this section of the SWCP a year or so back, but promised to return to complete the short walk from the car park opposite the island to the ferry as we had to take a taxi round the inlet having arrived too late to cross in the ferry. Back now to honour that promise and also stay on Burgh Island for a couple of nights, we have taken the opportunity to walk around the island and also try out the ferry tractor. The views are quite stunning and well worth that extra effort - if the tide allows.
7. Little Dartmouth & St Petrox Walk on the South West Coast Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
A high-level 4.2 mile walk on the South West Coast Path around the cliffs above the mouth of the River Dart, where medieval monks kept a light burning in the chapel to let sailors know where the rocks were. Small birds call from the bushes and seals haul out on the rocks around the headland. Allow time for exploring the history around Dartmouth Castle, Warfleet Cove and Gallants Bower.
Reviewed By chrismB7291QA
This is a gorgeous coastal walk with stunning coastal scenery from the coast and then to the river Dart estuary.
8. Appledore & Northam Burrows Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By H2048FGkevinb - Barnstaple, United Kingdom
Toll road a bit pricey during the summer at £4.50 but you can park there for the day. Lovely walks across the burrows and can be very scenic on a clear day.
9. Teignmouth to Dawlish Railway Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By castle1_10 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Its a good 20 odd minutes stroll along the sea wall usually fairly busy around 5 minutes walk you reach sprey point couple of seats on the grass verge if needed but continue on towards the railway tunnel outlet Parsons tunnel you will note steps that go under the railway here is the salty dog kiosk ... coffee anyone ? If your a train buff usually plenty of trains traverse here Remember if your walking to Dawlish you need to go up smugglers lane walk on the road side pick the coastal path just passed smugglers inn
10. Roundham Head - South West Coast Path Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
A wheelchair-friendly 1 mile walk on the South West Path around Paignton's Roundham Head, the hub of the town's sixteenth-century fishing industry. The headland's rocky red layered cliffs are topped with pines and sycamores. There are extensive views, northwards across Tor Bay and over Goodrington Sands to Brixham in the south. On a good day you can even see across Lyme Bay to Portland.
Reviewed By V4592TYpatrickt - Carlisle, United Kingdom
Wonderful views from Roundham Gardens on the cliff top - plenty of seats and nooks and crannies to take in the suns rays facing south
