6 minute read
THINGS TO DO
With access to acres of countryside, miles of coasts, history, shopping opportunities and just about everything in between, you are never short of things to do when in Devon.
The two cities of Plymouth and Exeter give you modern shopping centres, music venues and more, while the seaside resorts and country towns have charming independent stores and a plethora of activities. Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or something challenging to get the adrenaline pumping, you’ll find something here.
IN DEVON YOU’LL FIND...
Water Sport Opportunities
If you love getting out on the water, make sure to head to North Devon – the surfing capital of the UK where you can find the perfect conditions for surfing and other water sports. If you want to base yourself in South or East Devon, don’t worry, there are still plenty of opportunities to ride the waves and lots of companies offering tuition and equipment hire.
roadfordlake_activitycentre
Visit Combe Martin
www.visitcombemartin.com
Friendly Accommodation Kayaking Centre Charming Shops Fascinating Museum Best Rockpooling Cosy Cafes Outstanding Scenery Scenic Walks
Newberry Beach
Our all-year dog-friendly beach Combe Martin Beach
Dogs welcome: October - April inc.
Castles, Forts & Caves
Devon has a rich historical past, fascinating geology, and plenty of tales of wealthy landowners and cunning pirates who used caves or built castles and forts to protect their hard- (or ill-) gotten gains.
Some of Devon's castles and forts are many hundreds of years old, whilst others are interesting because of their relative youth; some are in great shape whilst others are now fascinating ruins. Some Devon caves are maintained and open to the public, whilst some are more hidden and waiting to be discovered.
Museums
Did you know? … The narrowest street in the world can be found in Exeter - Parliament Street is only 0.64 metres at its narrowest point!
credit: Alex Graeme
Learn about Devon’s extensive history at one of the region’s museums, many offer free entry and cover a wide range of subjects, so whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find an exhibition for you.
In recent years breweries and micro breweries have been popping up all over the place and Devon is no exception. Visiting a brewery or a micro brewery for the day is a great way of sampling the best locally brewed drinks, from beers to ales to the West Country staple, cider.
Not only do you get to buy and taste the very best in local flavours, but you’ll also get the chance to see how your favourite tipples are made.
Philip Vile Photography
Nostalgic Attractions
With the regency style buildings of the seaside resorts and the iron age forts of Dartmoor, there is nostalgia at every turn. Indulge yourself by jumping on a steam train or visiting one of the region’s working museums.
Outstanding cottage holidays with a personal touch
01395 512130
www.sweetcombecottages.co.uk
enquiries@sweetcombecottages.co.uk
FIND YOUR PERFECT SELF CATERING HOLIDAY Sidmouth, Sidbury, Beer, Branscombe, Otterton, Newton Poppleford, Tipton St John, Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh, Colaton Raleigh, Exmouth or Topsham.
We love art here in Devon, with galleries, shops and workshops giving you the chance to do everything from pottery making to painting, these are perfect for letting your creative side loose and hiding away on a rainy day.
Adventure and Theme Parks
From family friendly parks perfect for babies all the way to grandparents and rides to get the heart pumping, there’s loads of options for the thrill seekers among you – choose from water parks to theme parks and even an adventure park set in the grounds of a castle!
per family from
£99
Stay at one of our 3 Parks next to Britain’s best beach and use the pools, sports, shows and so much more on them all. Pick from the cutest caravans to hot tub laden lodges, or bring your own tent or tourer.
Call 01271 872 373 or visit woolacombe.com/devon
Book online and save an extra £10 off Holiday Homes
There are lots of cookery schools in Devon – which is unsurprising, given the quality of the produce here. Book yourself on to a course and you get to learn a new skill, spend time with expert chefs and enjoy yourself at the same time.
We've some excellent (and awardwinning) Devon cookery schools, offering a huge variety of courses – including foraging, butchery, baking, seafood cookery, comfort food, vegetarian food and both wine- and cider-making (and tasting!).
Walking and Cycling Trails
The South West Coast Path covers nearly the whole of the county, plus in North Devon you have the Tarka Trail offering a level route for cycling and walking and the East Devon Way which takes you through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Try wild swimming off the Jurassic Coast or even some orienteering in the countryside, have a go at rock climbing on Dartmoor or just take a gentle stroll or a challenging ramble, Devon is full of outdoor pursuits.
swlakes
Est. 1956
Countryside holidays by the sea Paignton, South Devon
Holiday Caravans Lodges Camping Touring Pods Dog-Friendly
Arlington Court
& the National Trust Carriage Museum
A hidden jewel on the edge of Exmoor, Arlington has something for all. From outdoor adventures to scrumptious cakes, rainy day crafting to fun-filled events, there is always something to discover. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court 01271850296 | EX31 4SF
Animal Attractions
From award winning aquariums to famous zoos and farm attractions, there are plenty of chances to get to know your favourite animals. You can even come across roaming herds of ponies in the National Parks and a family of feral goats on Exmoor!
Stately Homes
There is something very interesting about exploring a stately home and seeing how the other side live. Devon is full of country estates offering tours of their manors and mansions, many of them are managed by organisations like the National Trust, so at certain times of the year, you can enjoy seasonal activities.
Endless Events…
There is always something going on in Devon, don’t believe us? Head to: visitdevon.co.uk/whats-on!
...and loads more!
Head to visitdevon.co.uk/things-to-do for a wide range of attractions and activities.
DISCOVER THE BEST OF DEVON AT ANY TIME OF YEAR!
AWARD WINNING 5-STAR HOLIDAY PARK LOCATED JUST 20 MINS FROM M5 J30 EXETER www.coftonholidays.co.uk
your glorious corner of Devon