Ever since the rise of seaside resorts and the arrival of the railways in the late 1900s, Devon has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. Famous for its fantastic beaches, Landscape World Heritage Sites and quaint towns and villages, Devon is a great holiday destination for the entire family.
Wondering what there is to do in Devon? Holiday cottage specialists Blue Chip Holidays have compiled a list of their top days out for families to enjoy in Devon.
The English Riviera – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
This string of family friendly seaside resorts host an array of attractions to explore and places to stay on the east coast of Devon. Steeped in maritime history and surrounded by stunning countryside and coastlines, the English Riviera’s main hubs of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are the perfect starting points to explore the area.
The English Riviera has an array of top quality attractions including underground caverns, waterparks, world-class zoos, and unique marine aviaries. Whether you want to discover the history and heritage of the area, try your hand at water sports or relax on the beach, the English Riviera has it all.
Dartmoor National Park
Situated in the heart of Devon, Dartmoor National Park is home to ancient landscapes, wooded valleys, stunning views, and rugged open spaces ideal for those who like the great outdoors.
Spanning 368 square miles, Dartmoor is an ideal location for cyclists and walkers looking for wide open spaces to explore, while those who want something a bit different can learn about the art of sculpting at the Sculpture School in North Tawton, explore vintage fairground rides at the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre or walk around the medieval monastery Buckfast Abbey.
Lundy Island
Situated 12 miles off the west coast of Devon, Lundy Island is a totally unique experience and is perfect for those who enjoy wildlife. Due to its unique combination of environmental conditions with rugged cliffs on the west and a sheltered and calm east coast, the island provides shelter and sanctuary to migrating birds including skylarks, puffins and Pied wagtails.
With some 140 different bird species recorded each year, Lundy Island is a great destination for birdwatchers, while the sea is home to an array of marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, Grey seals and jellyfish.
Tourists can visit Lundy Island via ferry which runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from March through October.
Watermouth Castle
Built in 1825, Watermouth Castle is now one of the top attractions in Devon and houses an array of underground tunnels and fortifications to explore, relics from Victorian times to discover and a variety of amusements to enjoy.
See what life was like in Victorian times as you walk through various exhibits with artefacts from the past, or explore the castle dungeon featuring craft shops from a bygone age, the Hall of Mirror and vintage arcade machines.
Watermouth Castle also features a 9-hole crazy golf course, adventure playground and a fantastic water show featuring water, music and lights in perfect synchronisation.
With an array of things to explore, rides to enjoy and with impressive views of the Devon countryside, Watermouth Castle is a great day out for the entire family.
The North Devon Surf School
A holiday in Devon would not be complete without experiencing some of the great water sports available on the coastline. Sailing, wind surfing and swimming are some of the more popular beach activities, but surfing is what Devon is most known for.
Awarded a Centre of Excellence by Surfing England, the North Devon Surf School has a purpose built facility located on Westward Ho! Beach on the west coast of Devon and specialises in surfing and paddleboard lessons. Whatever your skill level, the dedicated staff provide training for all skill levels-from beginners who are looking to learn to surf to intermediate surfers who want to improve their technique.
The facilities include heated changing rooms, hot showers, a surf shop and café, as well as a large collection of wetsuits and boards for hire. Whether you want to learn, practice or improve your surfing technique, the North Devon Surf School is worth checking out.
Have you visited Devon? If so what do you recommend visitors see and do?
Such a great post <3 Hope that one day I could have a chance to visit Devon and others destination in England. I love this country because it is the country of football and many beautiful attractions. I`m sure that my experience there will be one of the most memorable moments in my life. Thank you
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