Things to Do in Devon

There’s plenty of things to do in Devon, home to the English Riviera. Devon is a county in southwest England and has everything from sandy beaches, medieval towns, ancient ruins and moorland national parks to explore.

If you are looking to kick back and relax, visit one of the beautiful beaches or bays or take a stroll through miles of unspoilt countryside.

For those who love to explore the local heritage, there is an abundance of historic buildings, museums and art galleries. The rocks on the Jurassic Coast are said to record the 185 millions years of the Earth’s history. So if you love searching for fossils, there is no better place to look than there!

Dartmoor National Park

Devon is a diverse and stunning region that is home to areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Geopark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two National Parks. Dartmoor is one of the largest and most famous of Britain’s National Parks and is roughly 368 square miles. You can explore the land on foot or two wheels without seeing another person for miles. For those who are keen cyclists you should follow the Drake’s trail.

The English Riviera

The English Riviera is South Devon’s charming and beautiful bay. It has its own UNESCO-stamped Geopark where visitors can learn and explore its unique ecosystem. The bay is host to a number of outdoor water sports such as canoeing, sailing and kayaking.

It is home to Torquay, Babbacombe, Paignton and Brixham. Torquay has a rich maritime history and there are a number of annual events and attractions to see, including the Regatta.

The Heart of Devon

Some of the key cities in Devon include, Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay. Explore the waterfront, set sail with Plymouth Boat Trips or stop off for a bit of retail therapy at Plymouth shopping centre.

Alternatively, visit the small city of Exeter, one of the most attractive and bustling cities in England. Remnants of its Roman past can be seen throughout the city of Exeter, which is reflected in its fascinating visitor attractions including the Underground Passages, free Red Coat Guided Tours and impressive Cathedral. There is also a host of boutique and independent shops peppered around the city, perfect for a little bit of retail therapy.

For those wanting to escape to the coast for a day or so, Exeter is only 25 minutes away from Exmouth beach.

Family Activities

There are lots of family attractions to choose from in Devon. From theme parks to wildlife parks and zoos, you will be spoilt for choice.

Crealy Theme Park is a multi award-winning family attraction located close to Exeter and has over 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions set across 100 acres of glorious Devon countryside.

The Big Sheep is a popular family attraction, guaranteed to be a fun day out for all ages. Packed with hilarious shows, such as the world-famous Sheep Racing and exciting rides, including the South West’s largest family rollercoaster.

Meet some four legged friends at the enchanting World of Country Life. Located in the beautiful area of Sandy Bay on the outskirts of Exmouth, the family-owned attraction is home to a wide range of furry and feathered animals. There is also a mix of museums, play areas and outdoor entertainment.

Photo by Louis Tripp on Unsplash