Devon Holidays 2024/2025

Things to do in Devon

From building sandcastles on the beach and enjoying afternoon cakes in local tearooms, to more adventure-filled days of climbing and paragliding, there is a huge amount to see and do in Devon.

Exeter

Exeter is both a great city break and day out. While Exeter Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum are certainly on the list of things to do, the Underground Passages are a fun and unique look into the history of the city. Be sure to also get your photo taken at Parliament Street, which is one of the narrowest streets in the world.

Dartmoor National Park

Devon is the perfect place to get outdoors for some "soft adventure", and there's no better place to visit than Dartmoor National Park. Here you can enjoy a mix of easier walking and cycling trails, with more adventurous canoeing and climbing. It's also one of the best places in the UK to try your hand at Wild Camping. You can find an interactive map of the areas of Dartmoor that you can wild camp on the official Dartmoor National Park website here.

Things To Do For Families With Toddlers

If you're on holiday in Devon with a toddler, there are a number of local animal farms and petting zoos that are perfect for a fun-filled family day out. Try the World of Country Life just outside of Exmouth and near Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, or if you're on holiday in North Devon, the Quince Honey Farm near South Molton is perfect for learning about beekeeping and honey and Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park along the north coast is great fun too.

Things To Do For Couples

If you're on holiday as a couple, you might want to avoid the family hotspots and try somewhere more hidden away. There are unique hotels and accommodation dotted about Devon that is perfect for an adults only couples retreat, with facilities like spas and swimming pools. And don't forget, caravan parks can also be a great place to unwind for adults too, many of which have plenty of entertainment, as well as lodges with hot tubs.

Accommodation

Holiday Parks In Devon

There is an abundance of caravan and holiday parks in Devon, ranging from adult only, quieter parks with fishing lakes, to larger family friendly resorts with plenty of activities, facilities and entertainment. The popular Haven Devon Cliffs is a favourite amongst families for both its location and amenities, and can be booked using the Daily Mail and Sun holiday codes promotion, while Surf Bay Holiday Park near Westward Ho Beach is a popular park on the north coast, with dog friendly accommodation, wheelchair friendly caravans, and apartments with hot tubs. Self catering is a popular choice while in Devon but there are other options like bed and breakfast.

Cottages and Lodges In Devon

Self catering cottages and lodges in Devon are a great way to enjoy a holiday with friends and family, while having the creature comforts of your own home. From cosy one bedroom, quaint and quirky cottages to large family and group friendly barns, there is so much choice.

Sykes Holiday Cottages is just one of the many brands offering a huge range of quality cottage accommodation in Devon, with specialist properties including pet friendly and lodges with hot tubs. At certain times of the year, you may also be able to find a discount code for a bit of a discount on your next break.

Hotels In Devon

Hotels in Devon range from budget friendly, low-cost chain hotels like Travelodges and Premier Inns, to luxury, spa resorts and everything in between. For a special treat (when you're not on a budget), the impressive Bovey Castle is popular for romantic getaways (and weddings), or Woodbury Park Hotel for a cheaper weekend break option.

Most of the popular seaside towns like Paignton, Exmouth and Seaton offering Premier Inns, which make for comfortable accommodation by the sea, or take a look at some of the smaller and family run hotels, and give a fun, local feel to your next stay.

Camping and Glamping

Camping and glamping holidays in Devon are a great way to enjoy a fun filled holiday without spending too much on accommodation. There are plenty of camping and glamping accommodations in Devon to choose from whether you're spending time in north Devon or close to Dartmoor. Yurts, camping pods and luxury tent camps are dotted around and allow you to enjoy an upgraded camping experience with nicer facilities.

Wild camping in Devon is also possible with select areas in and around Dartmoor National Park. Conditions in Devon, while still "wild" are the perfect way to introduce yourself to wild camping before heading to more experienced areas like Scotland or Wales. It's a great way to explore the area on a budget but make sure you get kitted out properly before you travel.

Airbnb

Renting a home on Airbnb is another great way to stay, helping you to experience Devon a little more like a local with the comforts of a home, perfect for self catering holidays. From quirky narrowboats to large cottages and farm houses, Airbnb is perfect if you want to enjoy Devon. If you're on your own, you can also find shared accommodation, staying with the owner who can help show you around the local area.

Devon Holidays By Type

By The Sea

The north and south Devon coastlines are the ideal place to spend a holiday by the sea, whether you're with friends, as a couple or enjoying time together as a family. There is a great mix of small villages and large towns to discover, depending on whether you're on holiday to relax and unwind, or enjoy a lively getaway with plenty to do. Popular towns like Torquay and Paignton (although not technically in Devon) offer plenty of nightlife, restaurants and shopping, as well as many attractions like Living Coasts Aquarium, Adventure Golf, and amusement parks. Take a look at Woolacombe Beach where the dog friendly Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park is only a short distance away.

With Dogs

Of course, no family getaway is complete without bringing the whole family. It's easy to enjoy a holiday in Devon with dogs, as there is plenty of pet friendly accommodation, as well as loads of walking trails in the Devon countryside that are perfect for enjoying long afternoon dog walks. If you're booking a self-catering cottage or booking into one of Devon's many fantastic caravan parks, make sure to check for any additional costs associated with bringing your dog on holiday with you, as there may be things like cleaning fees, or per dog fees.

Activity Holidays

Devon activity holidays are a great way to keep busy on holiday if you've got an active family to keep occupied. The Manor House Hotel near Okehampton (just north of Dartmoor), is a hugely popular craft and activity hotel, with so many activities on offer to learn and keep the kids (and adults) busy. From tennis and soccer school, to candle making and pottery, there really is so much to do and learn here.

Or why not try a themed break, like horse riding or kite surfing, taking lessons while you're here, even if you’re a beginner. You can easily book your hotel, travel and activities separately, depending on your budget and what activities you want to try out. PGL is another great activity brand with a centre at Barton Hall near Torquay, which is good for both families and school groups and allows kids to try out new activities as part of the holiday programme.

Holiday Parks

Holiday parks in Devon vary widely, from larger, branded parks with plenty of facilities and entertainment, to smaller, quieter parks with features like fishing ponds. Big brands like Haven, Park Resorts and Parkdean are a great starting point and feature regularly in the £9.50/15 Sun holiday codes and Breakfree Holidays codes promotions which start again soon. If you're not familiar with these, you can find out more about how to save on your next caravan holiday in Devon by using promotional codes in newspapers here.

For Families

Devon is the perfect spot for a family holiday, even large families getting together. There is so much to see and do, whether you like to spend time by the sea, chill out by the pool, or simply enjoy the countryside's many walking trails. Holiday parks feature plenty of family orientated entertainment options including kids clubs, water slides, and heaps more activities.

Family friendly accommodation is also readily available, although you should expect the cost to rise during the peak school holidays, so keep this in mind when trying to budget for your holiday. Self catering options are a good way to save, with caravans and lodges sleeping up to eight people, and have all the kitchen facilities and home comforts you need when you're on a family holiday in Devon.

All Inclusive

All inclusive holidays in Devon aren't really a thing, but you can find half board and full board holiday options available. The Manor House Hotel offers full board accommodation, with some of the activities costing extra, but means you don't have to worry so much about spending more on holiday than you had expected to. You'll also find several of the holiday parks will offer half board accommodation options, with breakfast and dinner included within the cost of your holiday, and is another great way to keep the cost down, even if all inclusive isn't available.

With pools

If you want to enjoy a Devon holiday with a pool, you've got a few places to choose from including spa hotels, activity hotels and caravan parks. If you want to keep kids happy with a pool on holiday, definitely look at the numerous holiday park options available, many of which have water slides and activities, as well as other family friendly entertainment options.