What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Horseback Riding Tours

April 26, 2022 Hector Krause

Devon Cottages - The Ultimate in Relaxing Breaks

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.

Devon's Cottages, All Mod Cons

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.

Town Mouse or Country Mouse

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. Hayes Farm Stables

Ideford, Chudleigh, Newton Abbot TQ13 0BA England http://hayes-farm.com/
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Hayes Farm Stables

2. Wembury Bay Riding School

Churchwood Valley Pump Hill, Wembury PL9 0DZ England +44 1752 862676 http://www.wemburybayridingschool.co.uk
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Wembury Bay Riding School

3. Cholwell Riding Stables

Mary Tavy, Dartmoor National Park PL19 9QG England +44 1822 810526 http://www.cholwellridingstables.co.uk
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
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5.0 based on 234 reviews

Cholwell Riding Stables

Reviewed By erinc2018

My other half and I visited Cholwell stables in September 2020 as part of our trip down to Devon. It’s safe to say that our hour and a half ride on Dartmoor was the highlight of our whole trip! The staff at Cholwell Riding Stables are friendly and accommodating and the horses (Zippy and Oreo) were just fab. Upon booking you are asked for your height, weight and riding experience so that you are matched up with a suitable horse. It really seems as though all levels are catered for which is great. Thank you Cholwell, we will definitely be back! :)

4. Budleigh Salterton Riding School

Heatherways Stables Dalditch Lane, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7AS England +44 1395 442035 http://www.devonriding.co.uk/
Excellent
90%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

Budleigh Salterton Riding School

Reviewed By vickyr659

myself and my 2 daughters had a great time on our hour hack while on holiday last week, we are mixed ability and all enjoyed it, Rob the owner was very friendly patient and kind, I would def recommend budleigh stables and will be booking again when we are next in devon.

5. Adventure Clydesdale

Brimpts Farm,, Dartmoor National Park, Dartmeet PL20 6SG England +44 7901 943038 [email protected] http://www.adventureclydesdale.com
Excellent
98%
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5.0 based on 104 reviews

Adventure Clydesdale

Reviewed By minibreak375 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

An amazing experience of riding on the gorgeous sure footed courageous Clydesdale horses. Beautiful and spectacular views and varied rides on Dartmoor.

6. Eastlake livery yard (not riding stables anymore)

Off Fatherford Road, Dartmoor National Park, Okehampton England +44 1837 52513
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Eastlake livery yard (not riding stables anymore)

7. Dean Riding Stables

Lower Dean Farm Trentishoe, Parracombe EX31 4PJ England +44 1598 763565 [email protected] http://deanridingstables.co.uk
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Dean Riding Stables

8. Cheston Farm Equestrian Centre

Cheston Farm, Wrangaton, Dartmoor National Park TQ10 9HL England +44 1364 388188 [email protected] http://www.chestonfarm.co.uk/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Cheston Farm Equestrian Centre

Reviewed By 635zoew

My Daughter and her friend had booked an hour lesson and a hack on Dartmoor . Sophie took the hour lesson ,and in the words of my daughter who has ridden for a number of years ,fantastic both girls really enjoyed the experience.Couple days later they went on a hack on Dartmoor .which again they both found brilliant.The centre has a superb indoor Equestrian arena .excellent facilities.I would recommend that you book well in advance .as they like to check out the riders before they ride to see what experience you have.But i have to say we have visited many riding schools on our travels and this has to be one of the best

9. Haldon Riding Stables

Home Farm, Dunchideock EX6 7YD England +44 1392 832645 https://www.facebook.com/Haldon-Riding-Stables-168278834595/?rf=182054468518578
Excellent
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Haldon Riding Stables

10. Oakland's Riding School

Balls Fram Road, Exeter EX2 9JA England +44 1392 272105 http://oaklandsridingschool.co.uk
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Oakland's Riding School

Family run riding school eat over 40yrs, friendly experienced staff and 55 working horses and ponies. 5mins from Exeter City centre, all levels catered for

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