10 Best Things to Do in Devon

The Valley of the Rocks is a picturesque U-shaped valley just 10 minutes away from Lynmouth on foot. It's home to a handful of free-roaming feral goats and you’re welcome to hike up the jagged cliffs of the valley for breathtaking views of the Celtic Sea. As the path may sometimes be muddy and uneven with small rocks along the way, it's best if you don covered shoes for comfort.

If you need a break between your climb, do stop by Mother Meldrum’s Café. It’s set in the heart of the valley and offers a variety of homemade refreshments.

The Greenway House is located by Brixham, attracting many fans of award-winning mystery novelist Agatha Christie. Once her holiday home, it’s now a museum showcasing her personal belongings and book collection. There’s a walled garden with a large lawn and many rare plants.

For aspiring pianists, you’ll be able to see the family’s original Steinway Piano right in the middle of the Drawing Room. Occasionally, you’ll hear a volunteer pianist playing or if you ask – you may even be allowed to play a song of your own.

The Dartmoor National Park is a large moorland that stretches around 368 square miles. Offering various activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, and even bouldering, the park is great for all ages – even families with tots in tow.

The Dartmoor National Park has numerous visitor centres, where you’ll get to meet the volunteers and rangers. The park is infamous for its changing weather and heavy mists, so we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and a pair of safety boots when you visit.

The Exeter Cathedral is an Anglican church set in the heart of Devon. Housing England’s longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling, the cathedral hosts 4 public mass services every Sunday. On selected Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can join a roof tour that takes you up the roof for a breathtaking view of the city of Exeter.

A large LEGO® model of the Exeter Cathedral was added to the church in 2016, which visitors can add bricks to for a fee. All proceeds are used for the site's upkeep.

The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is famously known as the world’s highest and steepest water-powered railway. Built in 1890, this funicular railway still ferries visitors through the twinning towns, making stops by the top station at Lynton and the bottom station at Lynmouth.

The stunning Cliff Top Café awaits you at the end of your ride, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Lynmouth Bay while enjoying their traditional scones with clotted cream and jam that’s served with tea. Tickets are available for purchase at either station, with discounted tickets for children under 13 years of age.

The medieval Dartmouth Castle by the hills of Dartmouth is over 600 years old and known as a fortress protecting River Dart and the Dartmouth Port through wartimes. Inside, you’ll be able to explore the original passageways that were once crossed by Victorian soldiers. See the town of Dartmouth from the top of the original Gun Tower.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could hop on a boat to view the majestic castle from afar. Keep your eyes open for wildlife surrounding the coastline of South Devon.

The National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth is Britain’s largest aquarium. Separated into 4 zones to indicate different marine habitats, it houses over 4,000 aquatic animals. You can see 5 species of sharks and a resident green turtle named Friday.

The National Marine Aquarium is a great spot to visit especially on rainy days, as you’ll get to keep dry and still marvel at the aquatic specimens. The aquarium also hosts its special ‘Quiet at The Museum’ event aimed to provide a more comfortable visit to those with sensory needs. This happens 3 times a year after regular visiting hours, with specially priced tickets available online.

The Plymouth Gin Distillery is a historic gin distillery in the city centre that’s still in operation today. They pride themselves in preparing their spirits according to the original recipe from 1793. You can stop by The Refectory Cocktail Bar for handcrafted drinks.

For gin lovers, the distillery offers tours varying from a 40-minute distillery walkabout and gin tasting to a 2.5-hour master distiller’s tour that lets you distil your own blend of gin. Bookings are recommended – you’ll have to inform the distillery in advance if you’re bringing children below 17 years.

Brixham Harbour is a popular fishing village in South Devon. Well-known as one of UK’s largest fishing fleet locations, the harbour also has a viewing deck where you can watch over 100 boats sail by daily.

While you’re there, don’t forget to pop into the Golden Hind Museum Ship, a replica of the first ship that sailed the world owned by Sir Francis Drake. There are rows of family-run restaurants along the port side, ready to serve you fresh seafood caught by the same fishing boats docked at the harbour.

The RHS Garden Rosemoor is an open garden stretching over 100 acres in Torridge Valley. It’s surrounded by a natural landscape, including the largest rose gardens in South West Devon, a fruit and vegetable garden, and a seasonal planting display featuring a variety of flowers from the garden. Families with young children are welcome to explore the natural play areas within the woodlands.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the award-winning Garden Kitchen Restaurant where you can enjoy tea and meals while being surrounded by RHS Garden Rosemoor’s natural beauty.