Top Things to do in Devon
Countries
Top 8 Dolphin & Whale Watching 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. Devon Sea Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 189 reviews
Sailing from the historic South Devon town of Teignmouth. Experience the wonders of South Devon’s coastline and its magnificent wildlife from our passenger RIB. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Our tours offer a safe and informative boat trip looking at wildlife,geology and local history.
2. Sea Kayak Torbay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
GUIDED SEA KAYAKING TOURS AROUND THE ENGLISH RIVIERA Boat tours , Water Sports, Wildlife and Adventure ar what you will find in mobile kayaking and canoeing provider, Sea Kayak Torbay. We are based in Torquay, Devon at the heart of the UK's English Riviera Unesco Global Geopark. We deliver boat tours for everyone from the beaches of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, or the Dart and Teign estuaries. Kieran is passionate about delivering a truly memorable experience and he incorporates information about the local history and rich cultural heritage, marine wildlife and the geological sites of specific scientific interest. Kieran has been taming the sea for beginners for over a decade, allowing any person to enjoy floating around the English Riviera. We have 5 very distinct tour options for you from the Headlands, to the Backwaters and the estuaries there is something for everyone.
3. Silver Halo Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Silver Halo is a quick and stable 8 metre Cheetah Marine catamaran and skippered by her owner Matt Forrester, who is fully insured and qualified. We specialise in private fishing and sightseeing trips. Our boat trips are for smaller groups of up to 6 guests so perfect for small groups of friends or families to take a private charter. We can design your own day on the water to include what you want. Trips can include inshore or offshore fishing, sight seeing, wildlife watching, swimming and snorkelling. We can also run up the various South Devon estuaries and stop off for a pub lunch. Choose 2.5 hour, 4.5 hour, 9 hour, 11 hour or even multiple day trips. We have some of the UK's best fishing waters within our reach. Fishing options can include wrecks, reef, mackerel, Skerries banks and shark. All rods and reels are great quality and freely available for use. Tackle sales available onboard. Please get in touch or see our main website for more details.
4. Patricia Rose Charters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Patricia Rose Charters is a family run charter boat business for fishermen and women of all talents. From complete novice to club match champion all capabilities catered for.
5. Dolphin Watch UK
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Dolphin and marine life watching tour guide specialists, operating from Brixham, Fowey and St. Ives.
6. SNARK - sailing retreat
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
Join us on board sailing barge SNARK for one of our many activities and events, including sailing, yoga retreats, quayside events, cruises, dinners, B&B, nature watch, celebrations and private charters for business and private use. Individuals and groups of all levels of experience welcome.
7. Sailfunk Yachting
Luxury boating experiences in Salcombe, Devon that allow you to escape, energise and explore. The best thing about memories is making them; come on...jump aboard
8. Crusader Charters LTD
Crusader charters is a fast modern passenger carrying vessel specialising in fishing and photography tours. Our skippers have a wealth of local knowledge to give you the best experience of our stunning coastline and the amazing wildlife to be seen here.
