Devon is without doubt one of the UK’s hottest vacation places, and for an excellent motive too. It’s a wonderful English county identified for its picturesque cities, charming villages, atmospheric harbours, and people beautiful seashores.
Whereas Devon’s coastlines (uniquely the county has two) function one of many fundamental points of interest for guests, there are additionally cities to find, distant wilderness to traverse, heritage landmarks to discover and scrumptious regional meals to feast on. Whereas most individuals consider Devon as being a summer time vacation vacation spot, it’s really a terrific place to go to all 12 months spherical due to the number of issues to do. Your morning stroll alongside the seashore could also be a bit of brisker within the winter nevertheless it’s undoubtedly going to blow away the cobwebs as you’re employed up an urge for food for an additional great pub lunch. Devon is the proper location for a weekend away so we’ve put collectively a weekend information to Devon to be sure you have the very best weekend break doable…
How you can get to Devon
One of the best ways to get to Devon and to get round is in your individual automobile. Should you don’t have a automobile then I’d suggest hiring one to your weekender as it would make your journey a lot simpler.
The place to remain in Devon
I’d suggest hiring a cute little cottage to your weekender in Devon for an ideal escape. Check out Marsdens Devon Cottages for a great deal of pretty choices. They’ve every part from cute and cosy cottages to the big and opulent for those who’re travelling with a giant group. I’ve bought my eye on this unimaginable one – discuss a swimming pool with a view!
What to do in Devon
Hit the seashores
When the solar is shining, there aren’t many locations you’d quite be within the UK than the gorgeous seashores of Devon. Whether or not it’s browsing at Croyde or sunning your self at Woolacombe, you’ll have numerous stretches of shoreline to select from.
Stroll the South West Coast Path
Britain’s longest footpath follows each the north and south coasts of Devon, having fun with gorgeous views and offering entry to many alluring sandy coves and bays. Whether or not you’re primarily based within the north or south throughout your Devon weekend away, it’s effectively price taking to this path one sunny morning.
Go to Exeter
A vibrant and thrilling metropolis, Exeter is well-liked with college students which means it’s a vigorous and enjoyable place. There are a great deal of nice pubs, bars and eateries so it’s a superb possibility for an evening out. On high of this, you’ll discover beautiful Georgian streets, a smattering of Roman ruins and a splendid Norman cathedral.
Discover Dartmoor and Exmoor
Dartmoor is a surprising 365 square-mile panorama crammed with wildlife, nation pubs and stone-age ruins. Exmoor is legendary for its ponies and actually stunning so keep in mind to pack your mountaineering boots and your digicam!
Strive a conventional Devonshire cream tea
The proper afternoon deal with after a day strolling the moorland of Dartmoor or catching the waves at Croyde, a Devonshire cream tea (cream on first keep in mind!) is without doubt one of the true delights of a break in Devon. You may get your self one all around the county, however having fun with one among the many enchanting streets and prettily-painted homes of Appledore will up the allure issue.
Go to Powderham Fort
Boasting a 600-year historical past, a placing and considerably imposing façade, in addition to its very personal deer park, Powderham Fort is one in every of Devon’s oldest household seats and most spectacular heritage landmarks. Take a tour of the advanced’s medieval core and Victorian kitchen for a glance behind the scenes.
Journey throughout the water to Lundy Island
This Marine Conservation Zone is also known as Britain’s very personal Galapagos, well-known for its wild inhabitants which embody puffins, seals and sharks. The island is three miles lengthy and will be reached from Bideford and Ilfracombe. You can spend the day snorkelling, diving and even mountain climbing.
Meet the animals at Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park has as many as 2,000 animals on present throughout its grounds and welcomes over half one million guests ever 12 months. It is without doubt one of the greatest points of interest in Devon for households with younger youngsters, assured to maintain everyone entertained throughout a day without work from the seashore.
Hit the Tarka Path
One other exercise well-liked with holidaying households, this disused railway line, which is the longest traffic-free cycle route within the UK, is synonymous with Henry Williamson’s novel, Tarka the Otter. Observe down the numerous places which function within the novel as you cycle or stroll some or the entire 26 miles between Meeth and Barnstaple.
Discover journey on the River Dart
Devon’s River Dart is a playground of outside journey and is the place to go for a superb hike. However for those who fancy one thing much more adventurous then take to the water. Flowing by way of Dartmoor Nationwide Park to the coast at Dartmouth, you’ll be able to get pleasure from canoeing and kayaking on the river’s scenic waters.
Devon’s Occasions
I’d suggest trying out Go to Devon to search out the newest details about occasions. There’s masses occurring from music and dance performances to carnivals, festivals, gigs, exhibitions and sporting occasions. Olly Murs is acting at Powderham Fort this summer time so I’d get that on my wishlist if I have been going.
The place to eat & drink in Devon
From positive eating and hearty pub meals to native ales and lounge bar consuming, there are many choices throughout the villages, cities and cities of Devon, spanning every finances.
Relating to meals, you’ll be able to’t escape the inevitable temptation of a giant plate of fish and chips, particularly across the coast. Simply inland from Woolacombe and Croyde sits Squires, serving up the very best, no frills fish and chips within the county – the proper accompaniment to watching the sundown from the seashore.
Should you’re after one thing conventional then head to The New Inn, simply outdoors of Barnstaple, for a restaurant frequently known as one in every of Devon’s greatest. Beneficiant parts and a well-stocked and always altering menu board are accompanied by a pleasant environment and a few scrumptious native ales to ship an genuine and memorable Devonshire eating expertise.
Relating to drinks, there are numerous locations to select from, however you’ll discover the very best selection across the streets of Exeter. Whether it is beer you’re into, nowhere comes higher than The Beer Cellar, the town’s first specialist craft beer bar which serves up the very best of British, American, European and world beers on draught and in bottles.
Get off the overwhelmed observe in Devon
Agatha Christie Competition
Have you ever ever taken half in a Cluedo championship!? This and extra will be skilled on the Agatha Christie Competition held in Torquay, the author’s birthplace, each September. Different occasions embody homicide thriller video games, tea dances, treasures hunts and readings.
Buckfast Abbey
For one thing else much more uncommon, head to Buckfast Abbey, one thing of a pilgrimage web site for boozy Scots! Situated in Buckfastleigh on the outskirts of Dartmoor Nationwide Park, this Benedictine monastery is legendary for brewing a poisonous and considerably disagreeable tonic wine, Buckfast (additionally affectionately known as ‘Commotion Lotion’ north of the border). Pay a go to to this engaging advanced, for a bit of, but robust, flavour of Buckfastleigh.
Do you will have any extra solutions for a weekend in Devon?
Should you’d like extra weekend break inspiration, take a look at our 52 weekend away concepts.
