A moorland National Park that goes on forever and miles of heritage coast topped and tailed by riviera coastline define the southwest county of Devon. You and your family will never tire of rolling hills dotted with thatched cottages, and dramatic coastlines with cliff-edged bays and elegant Georgian towns like Torquay straight from an Agatha Christie crime caper. With so many places in Devon to explore, we recommend you pack picnics for every day out. The hours will disappear exploring rock pools and smugglers’ caves. Another attraction is the dolphins somersaulting off sweeping beaches. Then there are the famous Devonshire teas – oven-warm scones, sticky strawberry jam and dollops of clotted cream. Need we say more?
Places to visit in Devon
9 of the best things to do in Exeter
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From striking architecture to free city tours, there are plenty of reasons why Exeter is one of the best places to visit in Devon.
Sleepy Owl
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Wake up to birdsong at this blissful retreat near Bideford, winner of our Self-Catering Accommodation Gold Award 2024.
Rainy Day Activities: Find out what lies beneath Exeter
Escape the rain to explore Exeter’s Underground Passages and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum - ideal indoor attractions for a drizzly day.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Rainy Day Activities: Scale the walls of Exeter’s Quay Climbing Centre
With over 200 climbing lines, training walls and an abseil tower, there are plenty of indoor activities to suit everyone.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Discover 2,000 years of history for free on a guided tour
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England on a free Red Coat Guided Tour.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Rainy Day Activities: Uncover underwater life at the National Marine Aquarium
Need a rainy day idea? Visit the UK's largest aquarium to be amazed at its fascinating underwater world, and learn how we all play a part in conserving it.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Let Plymouth bring out your adventurous streak
Plymouth provides the perfect place for adventurers, with water sports, scuba diving, climbing walls, cycle paths, walks and boat trips.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Take time for yourself at Tinside Lido
Take a dip in the 1930s art deco outdoor Tinside Lido, where you can go for a dip or relax with a snack.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Test your Bravery and Try Sleeping with Sharks
Are you brave enough to spend the night with sharks at the National Marine Aquarium?
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Cycle through Plymouth and Dartmoor
Plymouth is perfectly positioned for the pedalling visitor on the crossroads of National Cycle Network routes and on the foothills of Dartmoor.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
