Top Things to do in Devon
Countries
What to do and see in Devon, England: The Best Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
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. Tree Surfers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Tree Surfers is about adventure for the whole family, don't just get close to nature, be a part of it.Test yourself on our tree top high ropes course that takes you 70 foot high into the canopy. Be blown away by zip wires, tarzan swings and our leap of faith, all interwoven to the canopy trail. Afterwards, if you are brave enough have a go at the Zip line.At Tree Surfers you can hire hire mountain bikes to explore 30kms of woodland trails ideal for adventurous families. Or try archery with one of our instructors in the woodland range.Tree Surfers is at The Tamar Trails Centre which is the gateway to the Tamar Trails. Pop into the Centre for maps, advice, information and best of all relax in the wonderful Beech cafe. The all year round cafe has a great menu of hot food and cream teas made with local produce and lots of love!
2. Dynamic Adventures CIC
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Dynamic Adventures CIC is a small, family-run not-for-profit outdoor adventure company based by the River Dart, on the Dartington Estate between the stunning South Hams beaches and wilds of Dartmoor. We offer excellent value, high-adrenaline, fun activities for all ages and abilities at our centre: kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, ziplining, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, high ropes, assault course, bushcraft and orienteering. And off-site: coasteering, surfing, caving, wild swimming, sea-kayaking, rock climbing on Dartmoor and leading expeditions all over the planet! For over 20 years, exploring and adventuring has shaped our mission to create opportunities for outdoor activities that can challenge and develop, no matter who you are or where you come from. Our core team is made up of a fantastic group of like-minded, highly qualified, experienced adventurers who are joined each year by our select outdoor trainee instructors who come for intensive 1 year training with us.
3. Go Ape Haldon Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 274 reviews
The classic and original Go Ape experience. We'll brief you for safety before you fly down our zip-wires, leap off our Tarzan Swing and tackle our crossings whilst enjoying some of Britain's most breathtaking scenery. We think everyone has the Go Ape spirit just waiting to be unleashed! There's no greater rush than the great outdoors, so whether your tribe is a stag do, birthday party, corporate event or simply a day out with the kids, we make our courses as fun and as accessible as possible.
4. The Ultimate Adventure Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 548 reviews
The Ultimate Adventure Centre offers the most comprehensive range of outdoor activities available throughout North Devon. Inspired by Tv's Total Wipeout our Ultimate Assault Course adds to the list of exhilarating experiences made possible through the Ultimate Adventure Centre. The Ultimate Adventure Centre has grown the activities provided, which include the Ultimate Assault, Surf School, Coasteering, Mountain Boarding, High Ropes, Climbing Walls, Kayaking, Archery,SUP & Log Cabin/Barn Accommodation & Adventure Camping. We are able to offer Adventure Packages to give you the chance to experience more than one activity at discounted rates. Our packages are available to you whether you are coming on your own or as a part of group. They can be enjoyed as part of an adventure day out or a longer activity weekend.
5. Coastline Sports
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Hi, I'm Will and I'm the owner of Coastline Sports. Whether you're looking for the thrill of coasteering, the challenge of rock climbing or fancy hitting the waves with our surf and paddleboarding lessons, our team is on hand to ensure you have a fantastic time exploring the North Devon coastline. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Many thanks, Will
6. The Bear Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
The Bear Trail is Devon's muddiest family assault course. 30 obstacles, unlimited mud! An award winning mud-fest of an attraction, the Bear Trail is a family friendly mud run obstacle course set on a 10 acre site. Outrageous outdoor family fun designed to create memories that last a lifetime. Scramble over the bear nets, zip down the zip wire and tumble through the tunnels. Tackle the assault course together as many times as you like; there's unlimited course completions. Once you're done, relax in the Bear Cave Cafe serving delicious wood-fired pizzas, paninis, drinks, treats and more. Or bring your own picnic and enjoy our outdoor or indoor picnic areas. Whether you’re 2 or 82, The Bear Trail is a perfect day out for all ages! NOTE: We are open EVERY DAY during school holidays, weekends only during term time. Please check our website for exact opening times.
TAGS
