Top Things to do in Devon
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What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Bike Tours
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. Dartmoor Walks & Rides This Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Guided tours of Dartmoor National Park on foot or electric bike. Tours are designed to suit your interests and energy levels. Electric bikes make cycling accessible to all of average fitness, even on Dartmoor's steep hills. German spoken
2. Bike Guide Devon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Find the best mountain bike routes in East Devon and beyond, whatever your level of cycling experience. From swooping singletrack to quiet country lanes we can design a ride just for you. We offer regular group mountain bike ride, group weekends, including women-only (with a women guide) and 1-2-1 confidence coaching sessions. If you are visiting East Devon we can also offer bespoke guided rides to suit you skill and fitness levels, showing you the best riding that the area has to offer, including plenty of swooping singletrack through the trees, fabulous views and good cafes for the all important coffee and cake stop.
3. Salcombe Bike Hire Co
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Salcombe Bike hire offers top of the range electric and hybrid bikes to rent. We also offer guided and self guided bike tours in the South Hams with our most popular tour the Salcombe Estuary. Our Electric bikes have a range of 60-100km which will get you up the Devon hills without having to break into a sweat. We can also deliver the bikes with advanced warning for a small charge.
4. iScootbike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Centralised in Plymouth, iScootbike is a privately-owned company working on popularising the traditional English scooter bike to the public. Alongside selling and loaning their collection of vehicles, a team of experienced riders offers also guided tours to showcase the beauty of the city from the new vantage point. Using the bikes utilizes all of the muscle groups active when cycling and jogging, doubling the impact on the fitness level. Riding is suitable for all ages and strength levels.
5. Devon Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Devon Safaris is an independent guided tour company offering unique overland guided tours of some of the most beautiful, unspoilt landscapes in Devon. We currently offer three exhilarating Ebike Safaris… so before rushing to the beach why not try a new adventure and explore the hidden gems that Devon as to offer?
6. Ashburton Information Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
If you need to know about local attractions, shops and services, places to visit, things to do, where to stay, buses, trains, theatres, cinemas, where to walk or cycle, if you need maps, books, postcards or that special local souvenir, then drop in and see us. We are a single point of contact for information about Ashburton and the surrounding area serving visitors, local residents and businesses.
7. South Hams SUP WALK Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
South Hams SUP WALK Adventures is a registered British Stand Up Paddleboarding Association (BSUPA) school and a member of the British Mountaineering Council. Our highly experienced guides will help you explore the glorious South Devon estuaries and countryside on foot, SUP or both. We offer bespoke paddle board tours, guided walks and custom adventures for active people who want to get out there. All boards, paddles and safety gear provided along with transport between tour locations.
8. Easy Bike Days
Easy Bike Days offers guided tours and electric bike hire to help you discover the hidden gems of Devon and Somerset, the Blackdown Hills and Mid Devon Countryside. The majority of the area is recognised as outstanding natural beauty, with stunning scenery, numerous nature reserves, heritage sites and an abundance of wildlife and flora. Our electric bikes will leave you with more energy to enjoy these secrets of course sample the locally produced refreshments.
9. Pi Society
Pi Society is a boutique and discreet matchmaking agency to rekindle loving, warm, heartfelt relationships & friendships through our special Pi events.
10. Pavel Kurz
My name is Pavel and I love our kick scooters. Kick scooter riding is one of the best ways to improve your overall fitness condition.
