Top 10 things to do in Devon
Devon is the only English county with two coasts and two national parks. Expect wild moorland, long sandy beaches, cream teas and harbour towns. Most of the list below is outdoors, so it suits walkers and families best, with a few wet-weather options too.
- 1
Dartmoor National Park
📍 Dartmoor, central DevonWalking, wildlifeGranite tors, wild ponies, river valleys and old stone villages across 360 square miles of open moorland. Start at a visitor centre such as Princetown and pick a short waymarked walk. Weather changes quickly, so bring a waterproof.
- 2
Jurassic Coast (East Devon)
📍 East Devon coastCoast, geologyA World Heritage coastline of red cliffs and pebble beaches running from Exmouth towards Dorset. Seaton, Beer and Sidmouth make good bases for easy coastal walks and fossil spotting.
- 3
Exeter Cathedral
📍 ExeterHistory, indoorsA medieval Gothic cathedral with one of the longest stretches of unbroken vaulted ceiling in the world. It sits in the centre of Exeter, so it combines easily with the Quayside and the city’s other sights.
- 4
Exmoor National Park and Lynton & Lynmouth
📍 Lynton & Lynmouth, North DevonCoast, moorlandDramatic sea cliffs and moorland on the North Devon coast, with the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth and the Valley of the Rocks nearby. Good for walkers who want a coastal feel with fewer crowds.
- 5
National Marine Aquarium
📍 PlymouthFamilies, wet weatherBilled as the UK’s largest aquarium, on Plymouth’s waterfront. A reliable indoor choice for a rainy day, and it combines well with a walk round the Barbican and the Hoe.
- 6
Paignton Zoo
📍 PaigntonFamiliesA large zoo and botanical garden with more than 2,000 animals in the English Riviera. Allow most of a day and book ahead in school holidays.
- 7
Dartmouth Castle
📍 DartmouthHistory, coastA fortress guarding the mouth of the River Dart, reached by a pretty walk or a short ferry from the town. Combine it with Dartmouth’s waterfront shops and cafés.
- 8
Kents Cavern
📍 TorquayFamilies, wet weatherAncient caves in Torquay with guided tours through prehistoric chambers. Good for children and a sensible choice if the weather turns.
- 9
Woolacombe Beach
📍 Woolacombe, North DevonBeach, surfA long sandy beach on the North Devon coast, popular for surfing, walking and sunsets. Parking and car parks fill quickly in summer, so arrive early.
- 10
Lundy Island
📍 Lundy Island, off North DevonDay trip, wildlifeA small island in the Bristol Channel reached by boat, known for seabirds, seals and clifftop walks. Sailings depend on weather and season, so check before you plan around it.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.