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Why we love Devon

Hugging the south-west, Devon is a playground for adventurers, explorers and lovers of food and drink. With around 120 picturesque sandy beaches, it offers the perfect place to pitch a picnic stocked with locally sourced foods. Its crystal waters offer decent surf, while its towering cliff-side walks hark back to the fossilised Jurassic south.

From medieval towns to cute seaside villages, there’s a slice of paradise waiting for you. Whether you’re a walker, a cyclist or a wheelchair user, fancy a dip, a flop or even a trek with a lama, washed up with a fat menu of local treats and sleep under the stars, Devon has it all.

Things to do in Devon

A surfing, hiking and coasteering paradise, this north Devon seaside resort offers endless outdoor entertainment.

Hit the beach at Croyde Bay

VisitBritain

Devon, England

Man carrying surfboard and wearing wet suit on the rocks
Croyde Bay

This historic garden has a treat for all ages – with a mini railway, countryside museum and spectacular glasshouses.

Get your tickets for Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

bictonpark

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

This historic Gothic cathedral boasts glorious stained-glass windows and decorative stonework and offers a wide range of tours.

Plan your visit to Exeter Cathedral

Sebastian Christopher

Exeter, Devon

Aerial view of people looking down from a tower at Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral

Relax at this mindfulness retreat centre, set in beautiful gardens with restorative views of the Dart Valley.

Find peace at Sharpham House

The Sharpham Trust

IMG_875_Coach House retreatants connect with the rewilding area at The Sharpham Trust 01
Sharpham House

This south Devon island was made famous by the crime-writer Agatha Christie and features an Art Deco-inspired hotel.

Book your stay at Burgh Island

Burgh Island Hotel

Burgh Island
Burgh Island

The market town of Kingsbridge comes alive with local produce twice a month with its popular farmers market. Stall-holders offer everything from cakes to cushions, all locally made.

Stock up at the Kingsbridge Farmers Market

VisitBritain/David Clapp

Devon, England

Scones with strawberry jam for a traditional English tea.
Kingsbridge Farmers Market

Dive into the UK’s largest aquarium in Plymouth for an underwater exploration like no other, spy sea creatures and take a watery journey round the world’s oceans.

Explore the National Marine Aquarium

jaystoneuk/nationalmarineaquariam

Spring-National Marine Aquarium
National Marine Aquarium

Take a tour of the oldest working gin distillery in England at Plymouth Gin’s historic Black Friars Distillery.

Raise a glass on a tour of the Plymouth Gin Distillery

Destination Plymouth

Plymouth, England

Distillery machines lining the wall at Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin Distillery Tour

Take time out in one of the country’s top spas, in the grounds of Boringdon Hall hotel near Plymouth. With stunning hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas, this adults-only space is total bliss.

Unwind at Boringdon Hall

gaiaboringdon

Devon, England

Gaia Spa
Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall

Busy bees will love Quince Honey Farm, where you can try beekeeping, visit the nectar garden, tour the honey factory and candle-making room, or relax in the popular Nectary Restaurant.

Buzz off for a great day out at

devonrumco

Devon, England

Summer-Quince Honey Farm
Bee keeping at Quince Honey Farm

Clinging to the cliffside, the beautiful village of Clovelly in North Devon, is an unforgettable place to visit. The privately-owned village with its famous cobbled street tumbling down to the sea has no cars, just donkeys.

Plan your visit to magical Clovelly

VisitBritain

Devon, England

Woman sitting on harbour wall looking down on orw boats
Clovelly

For an all in one cultural experience, discover Plymouth and the South West’s museum, art gallery and archive.

Get into culture at The Box
Awaiting image
The Box

A surfing, hiking and coasteering paradise, this north Devon seaside resort offers endless outdoor entertainment.

Hit the beach at Croyde Bay

VisitBritain

Devon, England

Man carrying surfboard and wearing wet suit on the rocks
Croyde Bay

This historic garden has a treat for all ages – with a mini railway, countryside museum and spectacular glasshouses.

Get your tickets for Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

bictonpark

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

This historic Gothic cathedral boasts glorious stained-glass windows and decorative stonework and offers a wide range of tours.

Plan your visit to Exeter Cathedral

Sebastian Christopher

Exeter, Devon

Aerial view of people looking down from a tower at Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral

Relax at this mindfulness retreat centre, set in beautiful gardens with restorative views of the Dart Valley.

Find peace at Sharpham House

The Sharpham Trust

IMG_875_Coach House retreatants connect with the rewilding area at The Sharpham Trust 01
Sharpham House

This south Devon island was made famous by the crime-writer Agatha Christie and features an Art Deco-inspired hotel.

Book your stay at Burgh Island

Burgh Island Hotel

Burgh Island
Burgh Island

The market town of Kingsbridge comes alive with local produce twice a month with its popular farmers market. Stall-holders offer everything from cakes to cushions, all locally made.

Stock up at the Kingsbridge Farmers Market

VisitBritain/David Clapp

Devon, England

Scones with strawberry jam for a traditional English tea.
Kingsbridge Farmers Market

Dive into the UK’s largest aquarium in Plymouth for an underwater exploration like no other, spy sea creatures and take a watery journey round the world’s oceans.

Explore the National Marine Aquarium

jaystoneuk/nationalmarineaquariam

Spring-National Marine Aquarium
National Marine Aquarium

Take a tour of the oldest working gin distillery in England at Plymouth Gin’s historic Black Friars Distillery.

Raise a glass on a tour of the Plymouth Gin Distillery

Destination Plymouth

Plymouth, England

Distillery machines lining the wall at Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin Distillery Tour

Take time out in one of the country’s top spas, in the grounds of Boringdon Hall hotel near Plymouth. With stunning hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas, this adults-only space is total bliss.

Unwind at Boringdon Hall

gaiaboringdon

Devon, England

Gaia Spa
Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall

Busy bees will love Quince Honey Farm, where you can try beekeeping, visit the nectar garden, tour the honey factory and candle-making room, or relax in the popular Nectary Restaurant.

Buzz off for a great day out at

devonrumco

Devon, England

Summer-Quince Honey Farm
Bee keeping at Quince Honey Farm

Clinging to the cliffside, the beautiful village of Clovelly in North Devon, is an unforgettable place to visit. The privately-owned village with its famous cobbled street tumbling down to the sea has no cars, just donkeys.

Plan your visit to magical Clovelly

VisitBritain

Devon, England

Woman sitting on harbour wall looking down on orw boats
Clovelly

For an all in one cultural experience, discover Plymouth and the South West’s museum, art gallery and archive.

Get into culture at The Box
Awaiting image
The Box

Places to stay in Devon

Brixham

A cute harbour-side town in South Devon, where you can feast on freshly caught fish every day. It offers waterfront walks, a scenic beach and an outdoor Art Deco lido, Shoalstone Pool.

Croyde 

With its picture-perfect beach is perfect for surfers and those looking to learn or just soak up the vibe, complete with on-shore winds and Atlantic swells.

 

Totnes

A pretty little bohemian enclave set on the River Dart, where artists, musicians and lovers of all things organic and lots of independent shops and fair-trade cafés.

Explore nearby

With tangled oak forests and looming peaks, it can feel like the edge of the world.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

A wellness retreat for the Romans and Georgian architecture around every corner.

VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa

Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Surfer in a wetsuit surfing a large wave on a red surfboard

Getting to Devon

Devon is well served by trains from all over the country, and many of the routes are very picturesque, making it a great way to travel. The two main lines from London are from Paddington and Waterloo. You can also drive here and coaches run from Exeter, Tiverton and Plymouth. There are flights from many UK airports to Exeter International Airport and international flights.

Getting around

One of the best ways to get around is using the public transport network, from coach, train and bus. There’re taxis too.

By train

Great Western Railway (GWR) operate a number of journeys across Devon from over 270 destinations by train.

By bike

Devon has a host of wonderful cycle routes, many of which are connected to the main cycle network and range in length and difficulty.

By bus

The bus service is extensive across Devon with plenty of chances to link to smaller routes.

By taxi

Readily available. Probably best to ask your accommodation provider for details.

Want to know more?

Check out Visit Devon for the top inside tips and travel inspirations.