Devon Holidays: Something for Everyone

Devon is a county of three parts, each with its own distinctive character, meaning that a holiday in Devon really does provide something for everyone. The sheltered south coast is a magnet for families and foodies. The north is home to some of England’s largest swaths of sand, whilst the wild moors of Dartmoor are the perfect escape for those who really want to get away from it all.

The Coastal Scenery

Devon’s pretty south coast is dotted with classic British seaside towns, perfect for family days at the beach. From Salcombe all the way along the coast to Exmouth there’s plenty of potential for deck chair and bucket and spade fun on south Devon’s beaches. Sailing is a favorite way to get out on the water here and hiring a boat is easy with a plethora of watersports centers to choose from.



Cuisine

Foodies are well catered for in south Devon. With fish fresh off the boat at Brixham, juicy Bigbury oysters and a good helping of farm fresh produce at Devon’s many farm shops, food, and drink in south Devon is firmly on the map. This is the stomping ground for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and home of the ever-popular River Cottage, so get your taste buds ready for some homegrown South West treats. A holiday cottage in south Devon makes a great holiday base for foodies and families to explore from.

Endless swathes of sand

If it’s endless swathes of sand disappearing to the horizon that you’re after, look no further than Devon’s north coast beaches. Woolacombe, Westward Ho! and Saunton have got beaches by the bucketload just waiting to be sunbathed on, walked along and kite buggied over. And when you’ve exhausted yourself at the beach, you can head to Exmoor, where the South West Coast Path hugs one of England’s most stunning stretches of coastline.

A North Devon holiday cottage is ideal for surfers, sunbathers, kite buggy-ers, and walkers, as well as those who just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Attractions & Activities

There are plenty of attractions to keep the kids happy in north Devon too. Archery, quad biking, Exmoor Zoo and Ilfracombe Aquarium are sure to put a smile on their faces, while the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a hit with all ages. The 500ft vertical journey from Lynmouth at the bottom of the cliff to Lynton at the top is a great way to experience some unique views of the area.

Lovers of the great outdoors can ensconce themselves in a cottage on Dartmoor to spend days rambling over the tors and investigating the moors. Dartmoor has retained the quality of true wilderness that is so rare in today’s modern world. A couple of days spent in this primeval landscape can work wonders if you’re in need of a real getaway.

Walking

Walking is clearly the big draw here and Dartmoor’s miles of walks are enough to keep even the most fanatical of walkers happy for weeks on end. Standing stones and the remains of ancient villages add to the sense of mystery and history on the moors. There were 1350 ancient sites at last count. Merrivale Stones include the longest double stone row in Europe, a stone circle, menhirs (standing stones) and a kistvaen (burial tomb). Unlike many of Dartmoor’s ancient sites, the Merrivale Stones are easily accessible, just a short distance from the B357 road.

Family fun and food in south Devon, surfing and walking on Devon’s north coast, or the great open spaces of Dartmoor, a cottage holiday in Devon will give you access to enjoy it all.