A trip to Devon in the South West of England can involve a range of different activities, from enjoying beach holidays through to staying in cosy cottages along the coast and inland of the county. Devonis home to a number of key attractions for families and individuals, which include Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, the county city of Exeter, and many opportunities for walking trips along the coastline.
These sights and activities, and more, are listed below:
1 – Surfing
While Devon doesn’t quite have the same reputation for surfing as its nearby cousin Cornwall, there are still many beaches to enjoy along the county’s coasts; these include the beaches of Barnstaple on the North Coast of Devon, and the neighbouring Croyde Bay, as well as Woolacombe Bay.
2 – Visit Exeter
Devon’s capital city is more of a large market town than anything else, and is home to a busy city centre, a medieval cathedral, historic underground passages, quayside restaurants and bars, and the University of Exeter’s landscaped grounds. Recent shopping developments within Exeter have included a new John Lewis department store.
3 – Explore Dartmoor
This National Park is one of the most challenging for walkers in the UK, and can be navigated via towns such as Okehampton and Moretonhampstead. Guided tours are also available for anyone that doesn’t want to brave the landscape alone.
4 – Enjoy a Cottage Holiday
Devon is ideal for a cottage holiday, with its seaside towns and quiet inland villages meaning that there are multiple types of accommodation on offer; key destinations along the South Coast of Devoninclude Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.
5 – See Exmoor
An alternative to Dartmoor, Exmoor is another National Park, but one that crosses between Devon and the Easterly county of Somerset. Exmoor is home to diverse wildlife and fauna, and is also a good starting point for the South West Coast Path.
6 – Visit Paignton Zoo
This zoo has been open since 1923, and plays host to around 2,000 animals, as well as a botanic garden and conservation areas. The zoo can be easily reached by train or bus from Exeter or Plymouth.
7 – Take the South Devon Railway
A traditional steam train line that connects the towns of Buckfastleigh and Totnes, the South DevonRailway only covers 6 miles, but allows riders to see the local Devon countryside from steam carriages, and carries a significant amount of heritage.
8 – Walk the South West Coast Path
The whole trail runs from Dorset through Devon and around Cornwall, and involves about 600 miles in total. There are many camping spots along the way, and explorers can enjoy stopping off at pubs and towns along the Northern and Southern Devon coastlines.
9 – Go to Lundy Island
An island off Bideford in the North of Devon, and part of the Bristol Channel, Lundy Island is primarily made of granite, and represents a key marine reserve. The island has a tiny population, and is a popular destination for its natural stone formations.
10 – Explore Plymouth’s Barbican
Devon’s ‘second’ city includes the Barbican neighbourhood, one of the few areas of Plymouth to have survived World War Two bombing; see the old harbour, now converted into a lock, as well as the National Marine Aquarium and the Elizabethan House.
When looking in the south of England for holiday accommodation Devon self-catered cottages are Donna Baxters first choice.  She has traveled around many places in the UK and Europe and loves soaking up the local culture.
