Never mind itineraries and to do lists; the best way to experience Devon is to be impulsive and do as the mood (and weather) takes you. The best of the fun is outdoors, exploring the square-jawed scenery of Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, cycling riverside trails, surfing, sailing, birdwatching on Lundy Island, and hiking the South West Coast Path. For culture vultures, stately homes offer a taste of Devon high life, while sophisticated seaside towns such as Dartmouth run regular arts, music and food events and sailing regattas
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Best for nature
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path, England’s second-longest after the King Charles III England Coast Path, traces the both coasts of Devon, offering easy access to wild and windswept cliffs, secluded sandy coves and remote hamlets. There are occasional pubs and cafés on the path, and a regular bus network means you can dip in and out as you please. If you’re on a multi-day trip, Luggage Transfers will drop off your luggage at your accommodation each day. Clovelly to Hartland Point is the most dramatic section, while Bantham to Salcombe has a string of postcard-pretty beaches. The further away you are from a car park, the more likely you are to find a cove to yourself.
Lundy Island
Lundy Island is a three-mile long granite outcrop off Hartland Point in north Devon. This marine reserve – often dubbed Britain’s Galapagos – is where birdwatchers, divers and snorkellers get up close and personal with seals, puffins and other seabirds as well as basking sharks. Dating from 1958, the graceful Oldenburg sails several times a week from Bideford and Ilfracombe from April to October. It has wood panelling in its comfortable saloons and a deck for fair-weather. In winter (from late October to March), a helicopter service operates from Hartland Point. If you want to see a particular species, drop in at the Marisco Tavern, the island’s only restaurant, where locals will give you advice on where to spot it, while the pub’s reference books will help you identify local flora and fauna.
Dartmoor National Park
There’s no better place in Devon to get some headspace than the wide open spaces of Dartmoor National Park, a 365 square-mile wilderness of wild moors, wooded glades, fairy-tale castles, cute villages and ancient hamlets. A walk up a Dartmoor tor – granite-topped hill – is a must. Look out for wild ponies, birds of prey, kingfishers, otters and rare butterflies.
Note that Dartmoor’s single-track narrow country lanes have few passing places so don’t attempt them unless you’re confident at reversing into tight spaces. If you’re unsure, wait for the other motorist to reverse (and hope they’re better at it than you).
Tarka Trail
Following a disused railway line from Braunton to Meeth, the Tarka Trail has colourful Thomas the Tank Engine-style signal boxes and carriages on the sidings. The 180-mile route takes in ancient villages, wooded valleys, rivers and moorland, with the northerly section following the journey of Tarka the Otter, from Henry Williamson’s classic novel. Largely flat, the trail is perfect for children, with plenty of cafés en route. A day-trip between Great Torrington to Meeth (11 miles) gives a good taster, with stunning Dartmoor views and a regular bus service to take you back. Bike hire is available at Great Torrington.
Best for foodies
Hele Corn Mill
£ | Open summer only | helecornmill.com
Don’t even think about leaving Devon without indulging in this tea-time tradition. With so many offerings, it’s hard to choose a favourite, but Hele Corn Mill, a working watermill dating from 1525, tops our list for its twice-baked scones, with their perfectly crispy crusts and pillowy centres.
Heated debate surrounds whether the jam or cream should go on first, but a recent study showed that the Devon approach of putting the jam on first ensures a more even spread of toppings.
Food and farmers’ markets
£
Devon’s market towns come alive at weekends with local producers selling fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, preserves and meats on market stalls. Exeter Street Food Market is one of the best, serving up delicacies from Friday to Sunday in the city centre, while Chagford Farmers’ Fayre brings together Dartmoor’s finest producers. Meanwhile, Ullacombe Farm Shop, near Haytor, sells traditional scrumpy, English wine, Dartmoor whisky, gins and vodkas, superb meat and handmade cheeses, and is home to one of the county’s finest butchers, Cox and Lafflin. Dart’s Farm, near Topsham, stocks an extensive range of Devon produce. Wherever you travel and eat in Devon, look out for the “Love the Flavour” logo on menus and in shop windows – this affiliation of food suppliers and producers is committed to quality Devon food and drink.
Best for sightseeing
Greenway
££ | nationaltrust.org.uk
Agatha Christie’s private holiday home, Greenway, on the River Dart is much as it was when the famed author stayed here to edit manuscripts and find an escape from writing. First editions line the shelves, along with family photos and collections of botanical china and archaeological finds. Even if you’re not a Christie fan, the house is worth a visit for its beautiful setting on the River Dart and gardens. Don’t miss the peach house, winery and fernery.
The most scenic way to get to Greenway is by ferry or steam train from Dartmouth. You can drive, but parking is limited so you’ll need to book it ahead of your arrival.
Powderham Castle
££ | powderham.co.uk
Powderham Castle is one of the oldest family seats in Devon, belonging to the Earl of Devon. Set in its own deer park, it has been added to and altered repeatedly over its 600-year history. Tours take in the medieval core, Neoclassical areas and the Victorian kitchen. There are beautiful rose beds and a walled garden with a Victorian glasshouse. You’ll have to hunt for it, but the working blacksmith’s forge in the grounds is a highlight. Opening times vary from Powderham’s itself so check ahead.
Dartmouth
Set on the River Dart, the harbour town of Dartmouth is a gem, with ancient narrow streets, boutique shops and stylish art galleries. Highlights include brunch at legendary café Alf Resco, a visit to Dartmouth Castle and Bayards Cove, a tour of Dartmouth Naval College, and a meal of southern European-style sharing plates at Andria. Escape summer crowds with Dartmouth’s nautical equivalent of an open-top bus tour, a scenic passenger ferry that shuttles between Dartmouth and Kingswear.
Best for families
Croyde Bay
Regarded as one of the best places in the country to go surfing, Croyde Bay has gentle breaks for beginners and bigger swells for more experienced surfers. There’s a handful of local surf schools offering lessons with board and wetsuit hire included, as well as coasteering expeditions for non-surfers. For a grown-up surfing break, stay at Woolacombe Bay, or Saunton Sands Hotel.
Buckfastleigh
Few Devon days out enchant every generation quite like a journey by steam train. The South Devon Railway runs between Buckfastleigh, the Dart Valley and Totnes. The return journey is a 14-mile return trip, taking roughly 30 minutes each way, with wooded river views, vintage carriages and enough whistle-and-steam excitement to keep children absorbed. It is feasible for a family, too: under-threes travel free, and family tickets are available. Check the timetable before setting off, as services vary by date. Go from Buckfastleigh, where parking is simpler, and bookend the ride with Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies next to the station, or a stroll to Buckfast Abbey. Late-afternoon trains are especially lovely, when the soft light looks beautiful over the Dart Valley.
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.