Forget the Maldives – Devon might not have palm trees, but it’s got golden beaches, wild moors, and the kind of charm that makes you want to pack up and move in permanently. Whether you’re here for surfing, hiking, or scoffing cream teas, Devon is basically Britain’s answer to paradise.
First up, the beaches. Devon is seriously spoiled – try Woolacombe for family fun, Croyde Bay if you fancy catching waves, or the unspoiled Bantham for picture-perfect sands that look straight off a postcard.
If you’re more of a hiker, Dartmoor National Park is your playground. With its roaming ponies, dramatic tors, and endless walking trails, it’s basically nature’s gym – but way prettier. You can take a full day guided tour and learn about the history whilst hiking.
For a touch of history and city life, head to Exeter with its ancient cathedral and quirky shops, or Plymouth, which blends maritime history with a lively nightlife scene. Take the Agatha Christie Walking Tour in Torbay. You’ll uncover stories about the famous author that most guidebooks skip, with a small group for that personal touch. Mystery solved!
And don’t skip the villages. Clovelly is all cobbled streets and sea views, while Salcombe is pure coastal chic with yachts bobbing about and plenty of ice cream stops.
Get adventurous with a kayaking trip along Devon’s hidden coves, or try paddleboarding at one of the calmer beaches. Cyclists can take on the Tarka Trail, a scenic ride through villages, estuaries, and countryside.
Families will love a day at Powderham Castle, where history meets fun, or you could just wander the coast path for endless sea views. Or check out Crealy Theme Park & Resort, which has rollercoasters, animals, and loads of rides for the little ones – a perfect fun day out.
If you love quirky attractions, check out The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth. It’s free to visit, home to hundreds of adorable rescued donkeys, and kids absolutely love it. Or step back in time at Berry Pomeroy Castle, a dramatic ruin wrapped in legends of ghosts and hidden treasures. Perfect for a spooky story while exploring.
Nature lovers should wander around the Lundy Island reserve. It’s a short boat trip away and is home to puffins, seals, and the clearest waters you’ll see in the UK. For something magical, take a stroll through the Babbacombe Model Village. It’s a miniature world of castles, cottages, and scenes that’ll make you feel like a giant.
If you fancy testing your nerves, the SkyTrail High Ropes Course in North Devon is perfect. You’ll be 10 metres up tackling 24 different challenges – a proper adrenaline-pumping activity for kids and grown-ups alike.
If water thrills are more your thing, hop aboard the Raptor RIB Ride in Torquay. You’ll zoom across the bay, spotting hidden coves and caves with speed and style. A wild ride with the chance of wildlife along the way.
Or, if you’ve got the courage, try coasteering at Hele Bay. Think scrambling, leaping, and swimming your way along rugged cliffs and wave-filled gullies. The views stretch all the way across to Wales on a clear day!
To top it off, get airborne with a Private Motorglider Flight over Devon. Glide above rolling hills, monuments, and countryside with a pilot at the controls (and maybe try them yourself). It’s Devon like you’ve never seen before – picture-perfect from the sky.
If seafood’s your thing, make a beeline for Brixham, where the catch of the day is as fresh as it gets. For traditional pubs, you’ll find no shortage of cosy spots serving hearty grub – perfect after a day on the moors. And of course, you have to try a Devon cream tea (cream first, then jam – don’t start a war with Cornwall by doing it backwards).
Holiday Hack Sheet
If you’re planning a Devon getaway, booking through Sykes Holiday Cottages, Holidaycottages.co.uk, or Luxurycottages.com makes life so much easier. These sites handpick properties across the county, from coastal hideaways to countryside gems, meaning there’s something for every budget and taste. You’ll get transparent pricing, flexible booking options, and often extras like hot tubs, pet-friendly stays, or sea views. Plus, it’s all wrapped into one simple process—no endless scrolling or stress, just the perfect Devon escape ready and waiting.
Devon Holidays, holidaycottages
Devon Holidays, Sykes Holiday Cottages
Luxury Cottages Devon Holidays
Getting around Devon is part of the adventure itself. The easiest way is definitely by car – those winding country lanes may be narrow, but they lead you to tucked-away beaches, moorland viewpoints, and villages that buses just don’t reach. Just be ready to breathe in when another car comes towards you on a single track road – it’s all part of the Devon experience.
Public transport exists, but it’s best for the bigger towns. Trains connect Exeter, Plymouth, and Torquay, with some scenic coastal stretches worth the ride alone. Buses run between towns and villages, but timetables can be a little, shall we say, “relaxed” – so don’t expect London Underground frequency.
If you’re sticking coastal, walking is king. The South West Coast Path threads through Devon and gives you jaw-dropping cliff views that cars could never reach. And for something quirky, you can even hop on ferries that shuttle between spots like Dartmouth and Kingswear – turning travel into a mini boat trip.
I hear you asking.. when is the best time to visit? The beauty of Devon is that it’s worth a trip any time of year – but each season brings its own vibe. Summer (June–August) is the obvious crowd-pleaser, with long sunny days (fingers crossed), beach BBQs, and all the seaside towns buzzing with life. Just be ready for busier roads and beaches.
Spring (March–May) is perfect if you fancy quieter coast paths, blooming gardens, and slightly cheaper stays. You’ll still need a jumper, but the daffodils make up for it.
Autumn (September–November) is underrated – think golden moorland walks, cosy pubs with roaring fires, and fewer crowds. It’s the sweet spot for those who like peace with their pint.
Even winter (December–February) has its charm – bracing cliff walks, frosty mornings, and Devonshire cream teas by a log burner. It’s not beach weather, but it’s properly atmospheric.
Know these.. thank us later
Pack for all weathers – even in summer, Devon can flip from sunshine to soggy showers, so bring layers and waterproofs.
Book accommodation early – especially in peak summer, the best cottages, hotels, and campsites in Devon sell out fast.
Don’t just stick to one coast – North Devon and South Devon have totally different vibes, so try to see both if you can.
Driving is easiest – public transport exists, but country lanes and hidden villages are best explored by car (just be ready for narrow roads).
Cream first, jam second – when in Devon, this is the sacred rule for cream teas. Don’t risk the Cornish wrath.
Plan for slow travel – traffic in holiday season can get heavy, so leave extra time for getting around and chill into “Devon time.”
Bring your walking shoes – the South West Coast Path is stunning, with cliff views and hidden coves you’ll never forget.
Booking activities – have a look on GetYourGuide & Viator for some great trips and things to do in Devon.
From windswept moors to hidden coves, Devon is the kind of place that sneaks into your heart. Add in cream teas, castles, and seaside strolls, and you’ve got a holiday that ticks every box. It’s cosy, quirky, and utterly unforgettable.
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