Best time to visit Devon

Things to do in Devon...

Variety sums up why Devon is one of England’s finest counties for walking, with the Tarka Trail, Granite Way and South West Coast Path delivering Devonshire’s range of landscapes at their very best. From accessible pushchair and wheelchair routes along abandoned railway lines, to dense woodland and river valleys like Watersmeet and Lydford Gorge, where waterfalls and wildlife flourish, there’s so much scope for walking in Devon. Just make sure you pack for all seasons. Cycling in Devon is almost as natural as scones and tea which is why there are numerous cycle hire companies set up at the start of trails to tempt even the most reticent of pedal pushers into the saddle. Coast to coast from Ilfracombe to Plymouth; the challenging Dartmoor Way; the flat 8km nature reserve trail along the River Exe; a 12km countryside from Bampton to Tiverton; whatever your preferred pace, cycling in Devon shouldn’t be serious, unless you want it to be, of course. You’ll never forget the first time you saw the Milky Way in the sky rather than a confectionary aisle and as Devon boasts Britain’s darkest skies, free from light pollution, evenings outdoors are about as good as it gets for amateur astronomers. Exmoor National Park, especially, really captures the constellations although, on a clear autumnal night, you’ll be hard pushed not to find yourself watching the skies, if not for the stars, then for the bats and barn owls.

“A rental car is ideally required to make the most of the local countryside sights, but the farm shop 10mins walk away is nice and the food all locally grown.” – Glyn Kirpalani

“It really isn't that hard to get the train there. Honest. The year before we drove to Devon and it took 12 hours to return to Leeds which is just super stressful. This year the train took 6 hours. No problem. Buses, bikes and feet are the way forward on this holiday. Devon is very green, warm and beautiful.” – Kath Cox

“Don't come with preconceptions; let the peacefulness of the place slow you down. Bring wellies and a torch. The local dog walks are great. RHS Rosemoor is well worth a visit, as is Great Torrington. Eat at the ‘Tally Ho!’ in Hatherleigh.” – Sue Stanwell

“Bring lots of old clothes for the children; it takes time to get places by car as the roads are smaller; the train service from Eggsford is great - we used it to get to the coast and we loved Dawlish Warren – lovely beach and a nature reserve (really reasonable with a family railcard). Take a torch for walking back from the pub at night and star watching.” – Heather Mcadam