If you’re looking for things to do in Devon this summer, you’ll find a huge range of activities that cater to all tastes and activity levels.
Known for its spectacular English countryside and rugged coastline, Devon is an incredible place for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or surfing.
Top 10 Things to do in Devon
Nature lovers will find plenty of landscaped gardens and rural spots where to enjoy the peace and relaxation offered by Devon’s country setting. Veteran foodies will also enjoy trying the traditional cuisine, renowned for its use of fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients.
Devon is also a great holiday destination for families, with lots of unique days out the kids will love. Culture seekers will find enough historical sites and fascinating museums to be kept thoroughly entertained. We’ve compiled the Top 10 things to do in Devon in 2022 for a summer holiday you’ll never forget.
1. Hike the Trails
Whether you’re a newbie hiker or an old hand, Devon has some of the best walking trails in the UK. The coastline in both North and South Devon is flanked by the South West Coast Path, offering incredible ocean views and plenty of places to stop and camp. In the South, you can explore the path through the South Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty and stop off at the beautiful Blackpool Sands beach. On the North Coast, the Hartland Devon Heritage Coast Walk circles natural landmarks like the Blackchurch Rock and the historic Hartland Abbey.
Hiking enthusiasts will also find walking trails suitable for all fitness and experience levels. For instance, the Mamhead Sensory Trail located near Exeter is a well-maintained path ideal for young families or older people. The route is also manned by a Forest Park Ranger’s Office, where visitors can park and buy maps of the area. For something a little more challenging, you can try the Ernest Bassett Walk that starts at Okehampton and progresses into Dartmoor.
2. Crealey Theme Park
Looking for fun things to do in Devon on a family holiday? Devon has numerous theme parks with rides and activities for all ages. Visitors can head to Crealey Theme Park near Sidmouth to enjoy epic rides, water slides, petting zoos, and more. Devon is also home to the BIG Sheep farm-themed park near Torridge. Here, visitors can meet the animals, cheer on the sheep races, and enjoy the park’s rollercoaster.
3. Parks and Gardens
While Devon certainly has its fair share of rugged, natural scenery, it is also home to many beautiful, landscaped parks and gardens. Visitors can explore the grounds of Tapley Manor or take a stroll around the stunning flower gardens at Coleton Fishacre. In Torridge, you will also find the RHS Garden Rosemoor, which is open every day with tickets available to pre-order online. Admission to the garden is relatively inexpensive, with children under 5 going free.
4. Water Parks
Despite its Atlantic coast, Devon can still experience balmy summer weather, making it an ideal spot for summer fun. The county is home to several water adventure parks where visitors of all ages can enjoy inflatable obstacle courses and activities like kayaking and wakeboarding. The Ultimate Adventure Centre near Torridge is an excellent choice for an all-around outdoor adventure. As well as water activities, the centre also offers an aerial climbing frame, ziplines, a bouldering wall and a rifle range.
If an inflatable water park sounds right up your street, the North Devon Wake Water Park is the perfect place to visit. Head to the inflatable aqua park and try to beat your friends around the course. Or try paddleboarding and open-water swimming in the outdoor lake.
5. Beautiful Beaches
Devon has numerous beautiful beaches due to its sprawling coastline in both the North and South. If you’re travelling to Devon during the warmer months, beaches like Blackpool Sands, Saunton Sands, and Greysands Beach are well worth a visit.
There are also numerous secluded coves along the Devon coast, such as Soar Mill Cove or Sunny Beach Cove, which are perfect for swimming. Hiring a car is an excellent option as it will allow you to search out smaller beaches that are off the beaten track and away from the summer crowds.
Visitors can also enjoy a trip to the famous Tunnels Beach located at Ilfracombe. As well as a sandy cove, the Tunnels Beach features well-maintained underground passages that run through the nearby cliffside. A popular spot for weddings, the beach has a restaurant and beautiful rock pools to swim in.
6. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum
If visiting museums is one of your favourite parts of a holiday, Devon has a ton of great cultural centres for you to explore. Located in Exeter, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum features historical exhibits about Exeter and the wider Devon area. The museum also boasts wildlife, art and world culture exhibits. It has a café and gift shop where you can grab a souvenir and a bite to eat. It is free to visit, making it a great day out for travellers on a budget.
Other fun cultural things in Devon include museums like the Babbacombe Model Village, featuring a miniature town that you can walk around and explore. Exeter Cathedral is another beautiful historical site with breathtaking Gothic towers and stained-glass windows.
7. Golf
Golf lovers will find plenty of peaceful coastal links in Devon. Around the River Tew estuary, you can play a few rounds at the Royal North Devon Golf Club or the Ilfracombe Golf Club. The Dartmoor National Park area is also home to several golf courses, like the Wrangaton Golf Club and the Yelverton Golf Club – perfect for a relaxing game in idyllic surroundings.
8. Plymouth Gin Distillery
Looking for things to do in Devon for a hen party or birthday celebration? The Plymouth Gin Distillery makes for a fantastic day out. Visitors can try local gins and unique cocktails and enjoy a tour of the distillery.
If whiskey is more your tipple, you could visit the Dartmoor Whisky Distillery. In addition, you will find multiple vineyards around the Dartmoor area, where visitors can see the vines and sample the local vintages. Vineyards such as Carey Valley Wines, Huxbear Vinyard, and the Swanaford Vineyard are perfect choices.
9. Plymouth Aquarium
Home to tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and much more, the Plymouth Aquarium makes for a great day out in Devon. With over 4,000 species and lots of informational exhibits, the aquarium provides a fantastic opportunity to learn about sea life in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. There is an on-site café and gift shop to help make your visit complete.
10. Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
As well as sea life at the aquarium, Devon is a great place to visit if you want to see wildlife. The Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in Ilfracombe gives you the chance to see lions, wolves, monkeys, and other exotic animals, whilst its model dinosaur exhibit and adventure trail are great fun for children to explore.
Devon is also home to the Paignton Zoo and Environmental Park. This outdoor centre features lemurs, zebras, flamingos, and many other species. Meanwhile, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with native species and farm animals at the World of Country Life outdoor museum. Kids will love the mini railway that carries you through the park, while adults and children alike will enjoy the tame birds of prey and the museum’s classic car exhibit.
No matter your age or interests, you’ll find things to do in Devon that make your trip memorable and exciting. From hiking and sunbathing on the coast to exploring local museums, Devon is a superb location for a summer holiday in 2022.
