Devon : A Destination Guide

Clotted cream. Rolling countryside. An accent to die for. Devon is famous for plenty of things and makes a great getaway destination whatever the occasion. Here’s our list of best bits for this corner of England…

• Getting there

  Devon is easily reached by train, bus – and if you’re coming from further afield – plane, too. First Great Western and South West trains run services to Devon from London Paddington and Waterloo. If you’re looking for a main base to stop off at once you’re in Devon, Plymouth, Tiverton and Exeter St Davids are good starting points. If you’re travelling to Devon on the bus, National Express have scheduled services to the county from all across the UK.

• Weather/What to bring

  Being in the south of England, Devon often enjoys a slightly warmer climate than the rest of the country. However, it can still get cold, wet and windy – especially during winter. Make sure you pack warm clothing and wet weather gear (and if you’re planning on giving surfing a go, a wetsuit would come in handy).

• How to choose your perfect Devon cottage

  If you’re going self-catering, a stay in a Devonshire cottage makes perfect sense. To help decide on the sort of cottage and location that would suit you best, think through these things before booking:

  • What do you plan on seeing/doing on your holiday? • Do you mind driving to get to places of interest? • Are you looking for an isolated idyll or a bolthole in the thick of it? • What amenities would you like to have easy access to? • Will you spend most of your time out and about, or at home at the cottage?

  Once you’ve thought through these questions, coming to the right conclusion about where to stay in Devon should become much clearer.

• Devon’s top attractions

  For families, Devon is packed full of great things to see and do. There’s everything from gorgeous natural attractions to theme parks and zoos. The Plymouth Aquarium should be top of anyone’s list of things to do in Devon. Journey deep into the ocean and gaze up at the weird and wonderful undersea world in the UK’s biggest aquarium.

  Unleash your wild side on Dartmoor. Roam across rolling hills, paddle in trickling streams, or enjoy an action-packed day out at River Dart Country Park. It’s got obstacle courses galore – which even the sulkiest teenager would find hard to resist.

  Then there’s Powderham Castle – one of the oldest family homes in the country. With birds of prey, and adventure playground and a pets’ corner – there’s plenty for kids of all ages to enjoy.

  For something a little more laid-back, hop on a steam train and enjoy the scenery as you’re whisked through the countryside on the South Devon Railway. Enjoy the journey from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and you can also tie in a visit to Buckfast Abbey and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm too.

  For a cheap as chips option, there’s no better day out than a day at the seaside. Splurge on a fish and chip lunch then spend the day pottering on the sands or trying your hand at a spot of surfing.

• Further afield

  If you’re looking for trips a little further afield,the neighbouring County of Cornwall is home to the Eden Project a must-see for the top of your list. It features the world’s largest indoor rainforest inside huge artificial biomes. Elsewhere, there’s the Lost Gardens of Heligan (also in Cornwall), and the kid-friendly Milky Way Adventure Park in North Devon.