A Complete Travel Guide to Devon: Best Places, Beaches & Things to Do

Devon, where wild moors meet golden coastlines, and every village has a story.

Devon coastline beach holiday summer family vacation best beach

Why Devon Captures the Heart

Devon is one of those rare places where everything feels effortlessly beautiful. Two dramatic coastlines, rolling green hills, ancient moorlands, pastel‑painted villages, and some of England’s best beaches — all wrapped in a gentle, unhurried charm. Whether you’re here for coastal walks, cream teas, surfing, or storybook towns, Devon invites you to slow down and savour every moment.

Top 5 Places to Visit in North Devon

A rugged, dramatic coastline with sweeping beaches, surf towns, and cliff‑top views.

  1. Clovelly: A postcard‑perfect fishing village where cobbled lanes tumble down to a tiny harbour. No cars, just donkeys, sea air, and timeless charm.
  2. Lundy Island: A wild, windswept island where puffins, seals, and dramatic cliffs steal the show. Perfect for nature lovers and day‑trippers seeking solitude.
  3. Woolacombe: One of the best beaches in the UK — long, golden, and ideal for families, surfers, and sunset chasers.
  4. Ilfracombe: A lively harbour town known for its Victorian architecture, coastal walks, and Damien Hirst’s striking Verity statue.
  5. Exmoor National Park: Where moorland meets the sea. Expect deep valleys, wild ponies, and some of the darkest night skies in Europe.
Clovelly Devon county UK travel and home
Clovelly
lighthouse north light lundy island United Kingdom UK travel and home
Lundy Island
Woolacombe beach aerial view Devon UK travel and home
Woolacombe beach

Top 5 Places To Visit In South Devon

Softer landscapes, colourful seaside towns, and sheltered coves.

  1. Dartmouth: Elegant, nautical, and full of character. Wander the waterfront, explore Dartmouth Castle, or take a river cruise.
  2. Salcombe: A chic harbour town with turquoise waters, boutique shops, and sandy beaches. A favourite for sailing and stylish coastal escapes.
  3. Torquay & The English Riviera: Palm trees, promenades, and a Mediterranean feel. Great for families, beaches, and classic seaside fun.
  4. Totnes: Bohemian, historic, and full of independent shops. A great base for exploring the River Dart.
  5. Exeter: A vibrant cathedral city with Roman history, riverside walks, and excellent food.

Top 2 National Parks To Explore

  1. Dartmoor National Park: A wild, ancient landscape of granite tors, open moorland, stone circles, and roaming ponies. Perfect for hiking, photography, and escaping into nature.
  2. Exmoor National Park: Dramatic coastal cliffs, wooded valleys, and peaceful villages. Don’t miss the Lynton & Lynmouth cliff railway — a Victorian engineering gem.

5 Best Beaches in Devon

  1. Woolacombe: Three miles of golden sand and gentle waves — consistently voted one of the UK’s top beaches.
  2. Saunton Sands: A vast, sweeping beach backed by dunes. Ideal for long walks and beginner surfers.
  3. Bantham Beach: Beautiful, natural, and perfect for families. Overlooks the iconic Burgh Island.
  4. Blackpool Sands: A sheltered, turquoise‑water bay surrounded by pine trees. Feels almost Mediterranean.
  5. Bigbury‑on‑Sea & Burgh Island: A tidal island you can reach by foot or by the quirky sea tractor. Pure Devon magic.

🕮 Suggested Read: 12 Best Seaside Holidays In The UK (+ Bonus Beaches)

6 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages

  1. Clovelly: Steep, cobbled, and unforgettable.
  2. Appledore: Pastel houses, art galleries, and estuary views.
  3. Lynmouth & Lynton: Twin villages connected by a cliff railway, surrounded by dramatic scenery.
  4. Dartmouth: Elegant and full of maritime charm.
  5. Cockington: Thatched cottages, craft studios, and a timeless English village feel.
  6. Ashburton: A foodie haven and gateway to Dartmoor.

7 Unique Devon Experiences

  1. Surfing in Croyde

  2. Riding the Lynton & Lynmouth cliff railway

  3. Crossing to Burgh Island by sea tractor

  4. Walking the South West Coast Path

  5. Stargazing in Exmoor’s Dark Sky Reserve

  6. Enjoying a traditional Devon cream tea (cream first!)

  7. Wildlife boat trips to spot seals, dolphins, and seabirds

Food & Drink in Devon

Devon is a dream for food lovers.

Seafood: Fresh crab, mussels, and fish straight from the coast.

Farm shops & cider: Local produce, artisan cheeses, and traditional scrumpy.

Cream tea: In Devon, it’s cream first, then jam — and they’re very proud of it.

Michelin‑star dining: From coastal fine dining to countryside restaurants, Devon’s food scene is quietly exceptional.

Where To Stay

Best Hotels & Resorts in Devon

Coastal Hotels

Perfect for sea views and beach access.

The Woolacombe Bay Hotel is a stylish, historic seafront hotel overlooking one of the UK’s best beaches. Expect elegant rooms, a luxury spa, cinema, indoor and outdoor pools, and direct access to Woolacombe’s golden sands. Perfect for couples, families, and anyone who wants a classic British seaside stay in a lovely Victorian-era hotel with a touch of luxury.

Woolacombe Hotel Woolacombe beach travel and home best beach holiday UK, Devon county
Woolacombe Hotel, Woolacombe
Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay, Best Hotels In Devon, Uk
Cary Arms & Spa, Torquay

Cary Arms & Spa is one of the most versatile and celebration‑friendly venues on the entire English Riviera. It’s rare to find a place that caters so beautifully to both intimate escapes and larger group gatherings, but Cary Arms in Torquay manages it effortlessly. Perched right on Babbacombe Bay, it has that “hidden coastal gem” feeling — dramatic cliffs, sea views, and a private‑retreat atmosphere that instantly elevates any special occasion. They have accommodation for every type of guest, ranging from beach huts and beach suites for couples to holiday homes sleeping 8 to 9 people. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or multi‑generational trips without compromising on that feeling of space, privacy, and a proper “home‑by‑the‑sea” feeling that we all love so dearly. Cary Arms & Spa is absolutely one of the best celebration venues in Devon, thanks to its flexible accommodation (you can combine cottages, suites, and huts), stunning setting, and warm, boutique feel.

Boutique B&Bs

Charming, personal, and full of character.

  • The 25 Boutique B&B, Torquay:  Award‑winning, adults‑only, and consistently rated among the best B&Bs in the world.

  • The Old Rectory, Martinhoe (Exmoor): A peaceful country house with elegant rooms and beautiful gardens near the coast.

  • Kaywana Hall, Dartmouth: A modernist, architect‑designed B&B set in woodland — stylish, serene, and very special.

Country Inns & Rural Escapes

Cosy fireplaces, hearty meals, and countryside walks.

  • The Pig at Combe (near Honiton): A gorgeous country house hotel with kitchen‑garden dining and rustic‑luxury rooms.

  • Gidleigh Park, Dartmoor: A refined country manor with Michelin‑star dining and woodland trails.

  • The Arundell, Lifton: A historic coaching inn known for fishing, walking, and warm hospitality.

Family‑Friendly Resorts

Great facilities and easy access to beaches.

  • Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks: Multiple parks with pools, activities, and direct access to Woolacombe’s award‑winning beach.

  • Sandy Cove Hotel, Berrynarbor: Family‑friendly with sea views, a pool, and easy access to coastal walks.

  • Thurlestone Hotel, South Devon: A classic family hotel with pools, spa, golf, and a beautiful coastal setting.

Romantic Escapes

Hidden cottages, spa hotels, and peaceful retreats.

  • Bovey Castle, Dartmoor: A grand, luxurious escape with a spa, fine dining, and sweeping moorland views.

  • Burgh Island Hotel: An iconic Art Deco hotel on a tidal island — glamorous, historic, and unforgettable.

  • Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa: Stylish rooms overlooking the estuary, perfect for sunset cocktails and slow mornings.

TUI – Fabulous Vacation Packages from the UK to…

Beach Holidays | Multi-Destinations | City breaks | River Cruises | Ocean Cruises | Themed Cruises | Tours | Ski Holidays | Lakes & Mountains | Lapland | Villas | Weddings

Practical Tips

Best time to visit:

  • Summer: beaches, sunshine, coastal walks

  • Spring & autumn: quieter, beautiful scenery

  • Winter: cosy pubs, dramatic moorland, fewer crowds

Getting around: A car gives you the most freedom, especially for rural areas and beaches.

Weather: Mild but changeable — pack layers and a light waterproof.

Parking & driving: Villages can be narrow; use park‑and‑ride where available.

Devon, UK, rainbow, best holiday destination, travel and home

Final Thoughts

Devon is a place that stays with you — from its wild moors to its golden beaches and storybook villages. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a little of both, this corner of England offers endless ways to slow down and reconnect with the simple joys of travel.

💬 Have you visited Devon — or is it on your travel wishlist? Share your favourite spots or memories in the comments. We’d love to hear your stories.

Show some love with a quick thumbs‑up!

[wp_ulike]

Save, or Share:

X
Facebook
Telegram
WhatsApp

Comments