Don't worry about itineraries and to-do lists; the best way to experience Devon is to be impulsive and do what the mood (and weather) takes you. The best part is being outdoors: exploring the square-jawed landscape of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, cycling along the riverside paths, surfing, sailing, birdwatching on Lundy Island and walking the South West Coastal Path. For culture vultures, stately homes offer a taste of luxury living in Devon, while sophisticated seaside resorts such as Dartmouth regularly host arts, music and food events and sailing regattas.
For more Devon inspiration, check out our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, pubs, cream teas and beaches.
Take a walk on Britain's longest footpath
The South West Coast Path, Britain's longest footpath, runs along both coasts of Devon, providing easy access to wild and windswept cliffs, secluded sandy coves and secluded hamlets. There are occasional pubs and cafes along the path, and the regular bus network means you can hop on and off as you please. If you are on a multi-day trip, Luggage Transfers will deliver your luggage to your accommodation every day.
Insider tip: Clovelly to Hartland Point is the most dramatic stretch, while Bantham to Salcombe has a string of postcard-like beaches. The further you are from a parking lot, the more likely you are to find a bay for yourself.
Go bird watching in the British Galapagos
Lundy Islandis a five kilometer long granite outcrop at Hartland Point in north Devon. It is a marine reserve, where twitchers, divers and snorkelers can get up close and personal with seals, puffins, basking sharks and seabirds. The graceful Oldenburg dates back to 1958 and sails from Bideford and Ilfracombe several times a week from April to October. It has wood paneling in the comfortable salons and a deck for fair weather. In winter (November to March) there is a helicopter service from Hartland Point.
Insider tip: If you want to see a particular species, stop by the Marisco Tavern, the island's only restaurant, where locals will give you advice on where to spot it, while the pub's reference books will help you identify the local flora and fauna to identify.
Freewheel along Britain's longest traffic-free cycle route
The Tarka Trail follows a disused railway line from Braunton to Meeth and features colorful signal boxes and Thomas the Tank Engine style carriages on the sidings. The 186-mile route takes in ancient villages, wooded valleys, rivers and moorland, with the northern section following the journey of Tarka the Otter, from Henry Williamson's classic novel. The trail is mostly flat and perfect for kids, with plenty of cafes along the way.
Insider tip: A day trip between Great Torrington and Meeth (11 miles) is a good taster, with beautiful views of Dartmoor and a regular bus service taking you back. Bicycles can be hired at Great Torrington.
Stock up at a farmer's market or farm shop
Devon's market towns come alive at weekends with local producers selling fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, preserves and meat on market stalls. Exeter Street Food Market is one of the best, serving up delicacies in the city center from Friday to Sunday, while Chagford Farmers' Fayre brings together Dartmoor's best producers including Teign Valley Venison and The Dartmoor Charcuterie Company. Meanwhile, Ullacombe Farm Shop, near Haytor, sells traditional English wine, Dartmoor whisky, gins and vodkas, delicious meats and handmade cheeses, while Dart's Farm, near Topsham, stocks an extensive range of Devon products.
Insider tip: Wherever you travel and eat in Devon, look out for the 'Love the Flavour' logo on menus and in shop windows. This partnership of food suppliers and producers is committed to the quality of Devon food and drink.
Enjoy a traditional cream tea
Don't even think about leaving Devon without indulging in this tea time tradition. With so much on offer it's hard to choose a favorite, but Hele Corn Mill, a working watermill dating from 1525, tops our list for its twice-baked scones, with their perfectly crispy crusts and soft centers.
Insider tip: There is a heated debate over whether the jam or cream should be served first, but a recent study has shown that the Devon approach of applying the jam first ensures a more even distribution of toppings. Find more of the best in our dedicated guide.
Blow away the cobwebs in Dartmoor National Park
There's no better place in Devon to get some free space than the vast open spaces of Dartmoor National Park, a 220-square-mile wilderness full of wild moors, wooded glades, fairytale castles, cute villages and ancient hamlets. A walk over Dartmoor Tor - hill with granite peaks - is a must. Look out for wild ponies, birds of prey, kingfishers, otters and rare butterflies.
Insider tip: Dartmoor's narrow country lanes have few overtaking opportunities, so don't attempt these unless you're confident you can reverse into tight spaces. If you're not sure, wait for the other driver to back up (and hope he's better at it than you are).
Visit Agatha Christie's holiday home
Agatha Christie's private holiday home, Greenway, on the River Dart, is much the same as it was when the crime writer stayed here to write her book. First editions line the shelves, along with family photos and collections of botanical porcelain and archaeological finds. Even if you're not a Christie fan, the house is worth a visit for its beautiful location on the River Dart and gardens. Don't miss the peach house, winery and fernery.
Insider tip: The most scenic way to reach Greenway is by ferry or steam train from Dartmouth. You can drive but parking is limited. You must therefore reserve this before arrival.
Look how the other half lives
Powderham Castle is one of the oldest family seats in Devon and belongs to the Earl of Devon. It is located in its own deer park and has been added and modified several times over its 600 year history. Tours take in the medieval core, neoclassical areas and Victorian cuisine. There are beautiful rose beds and a walled garden with a Victorian glasshouse.
Insider tip: You'll have to look for it, but the working forge on site is a highlight. Opening times vary from Powderham's so check ahead.
Visit a port city
Situated on the River Dart, the harbor town of Dartmouth is a gem, with ancient narrow streets, boutique shops and stylish art galleries. Highlights include brunch at the legendary Alf Resco café, a visit to Dartmouth Castle and Bayards Cove, a tour of Dartmouth Naval College, and a meal of Southern European-style sharing plates at Andria.
Insider tip: Escape the summer crowds with Dartmouth's nautical equivalent of an open-top bus tour (dartmouthrailriver.co.uk), a scenic passenger ferry that shuttles between Dartmouth and Kingswear.
Hang ten with the surfers
Considered one of the best places in the country for surfing, Croyde Bay has gentle breaks for beginners and bigger waves for more experienced surfers. There are a handful of local surf schools offering lessons, which include board and wetsuit rentals, as well as coasteering expeditions for non-surfers.
Insider tip: For an adults-only surfing holiday, stay at Woolacombe Bay or Saunton Sands Hotel.
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to bring you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks - to best suit every type of traveler. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.
