Nestled within the Southwest of England, and just shy of beautiful Cornwall, Devon is a totally stunning area to visit. Honestly, there’s a heap of the best places in Devon that you can’t miss on a trip to this part of England, especially on its coastline and within its national parks.
We’ve visited Devon quite a few times over the years and always loved it!
From the stunning North Devon coastline, stopping in places like Ilfracombe and hunting for dinosaur fossils on the Jurassic Coast (nearby), it’s a region that’s too diverse and beautiful to miss.
So, to help you get the most out of your time when visiting Devon, I wanted to share some absolute gems that we love. Perched all across Devon, these spots are perfect waypoints and pit stops that I hope you’ll love as much as me.
Take a look, below, at the best places in Devon to visit. Have an amazing time!
1.) Dartmoor National Park
One of England’s national parks, Dartmoor is totally beautiful to visit (as you’d expect from a national park), right?
Well, the other thing that makes Dartmoor so special is how few people live here. It’s the least densely populated and largest open space in all of southern England. This all means it’s one of the best places in Devon to visit if you want to explore the great outdoors and get away from it all.
Over the years, there’s been a heap of local folklore that has been passed down over centuries, too. With stories of headless horsemen, Devonshire fairies and otherworldly beasts, it’s a region that’s steeped in legend! In fact, Dartmoor is what inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s third Sherlock Holmes novel, The Hounds of the Baskervilles.
Anyway, legends aside, once you arrive be sure to trek up to Dartmoor’s tors, the highest points in Southern England. There’s so many dotted all across the park and typically on top of higher points (the highest being High Willhays Tor). Most of these have stood since the Bronze Age and it’s perfect for a ramble.
Afterwards, head over to the western fringes of Dartmoor and explore visit St Michael’s Church in Brentor. It dates all the way back to the 12th century and stands proudly overlooking the park.
Finally, just in case you haven’t seen enough of Dartmoor, pop across to Lustleigh and visit the tiniest little hamlet that filled with thatched cottages.
Plus, you can easily partner this with a visit to Becky Falls that are around 70ft high.
Read more: Best things to do in North Devon
2.) Jurassic Coast
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast is not only one of the best places in Devon to visit, it’s one of the most magnificent coastlines in all of England that stretches into Dorset, too.
Named the Jurassic Coast due to its 185 million years of history (or so), the sedimentary layers of rock have been revealed by sea erosion ever since.
This has led to it being one of the best places to search for fossils and with every new bit of tidal erosion, new fossils are released.
We spent a few hours on the beach looking for them… we ended up finding five of them!
Afterwards, head across to explore Durdle Door and see the massive sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks. Both totally stunning and gorgeous to visit.
Finally, don’t forget to stop off at Corfe Castle, a settlement and town that’s been inhabited for around 8,000 years!
Read more: How to find fossils on the Jurassic Coast
3.) Ilfracombe
Situated right on the coast of North Devon, Ilfracombe is a historic fishing town that’s totally lovely to anchor yourself for a few days away.
You see, not only is there a heap of epic things to do in Ilfracombe but there’s also loads of stuff to do in the wider region around the town itself.
After arriving, be sure to head to the harbour area and check out Verity, the colossal art installation that was imagined by Damien Hirst.
From here, you can then pop into the Chapel of St Nicholas and stroll the cliffs around Tunnels Beach for a gorgeous stroll.
Don’t forget to head over to the Valley of Rocks that’s around 25-minutes east of Ilfracombe.
Here, you’ll get to follow the South-West Coast Path and spot the wild goats and prehistoric geologic that makes this such a unique part of Devon.
Oh, and you can easily visit the Valley of Rocks whilst partnering a trip to Lynton and Lynmouth, too!
Read more: Best things to do in Ilfracombe
4.) Paignton
Just west of Torquay, Paignton is a great little place to visit if you want a seaside holiday in Devon. With Paignton Beach and Broadsands Beach nearby, the area’s a perfect spot to catch some waves!
Afterwards, take a trip to Greenway House, the holiday home of Dame Agatha Christie! Greenway House is a must-see for fans of her books, especially as you can find first editions of her works inside.
Also, don’t forget to take a little trip to Berry Pomeroy Castle that’s just outside Paignton, too – the Elizabethan House is amazing to see and date back centuries.
5.) Hartland Peninsula
No trip to Devon is complete without some time in the countryside!
We totally loved staying around the Hartland Peninsula as it was completely chilled and complete countryside. We decided to stay a few nights at Loveland Farm who pride itself on sustainability.
Their pod was so amazing, we didn’t want to leave.
Also, don’t forget to check out Speke’s Mill, a whopping 50+ metre high waterfall that’s right by the South-West Coast Path.
Read more: Our time staying at Loveland Farm
6.) Lynton and Lynmouth
Perched on the mouth of the West Lyn River, Lynton and Lynmouth are two towns that are separated by the steep hill that goes right through them.
Now, you can walk up the steep hills but there’s a much more fun way to get to the top. Head on the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway that goes regularly and well worth the small fee to ride it.
Both are gorgeous little places where you can whisk away a few hours of exploring.
Read more: Our time exploring Lynton and Lynmouth
7.) Woolacombe Beach
One of the best beaches in England, Woolacombe is a favourite destination among locals and visitors, too. Perfect for families, surfers and anyone in between, Woolacombe Beach is a not-so-hidden gem that’s well worth exploring.
With a white sandy coastline, Woolacombe is the kind of place you come for the day and just chill. Just be sure to take a picnic with you (otherwise, you might end up heading back to Ilfracombe for lunch).
Read more: Best beaches in England
8.) Exmoor National Park
One of Devon’s two national parks, Exmoor is situated in North Devon and is a treat to explore.
Once here, make sure to spend some time exploring the moors and walk through the ancient forests that make this spot so special. Plus, you’ll get to see the Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge that’s been around since Medieval times.
If you want to make a day of it, head out on an Exmoor Safari. This is what we did and ended up spotting some of the local deer, horses and birds of prey within the park.
Read more: Our safari in Exmoor National Park
8.) Lundy Island
Lundy Island, the biggest island in the English Channel, is one of the best places in Devon to go for an adventure!
Now, the island has had a long and turbulent history, hosting a number of different conflicts and invasions. Though there’s no need to worry about that anymore – nowadays, it’s totally serene and the only disturbance you’ll come across is from the wildlife.
Accessible by boat from Devon, Lundy Island has a huge variety of animal life including the gorgeous puffins that frequent the shores. It’s totally beautiful and well worth a visit if you love your wildlife.
Read more: Best islands in England
10.) Dartmouth
This charming historic town, aptly named based on its position on the mouth of the River Dart, is one of the prettiest coastal towns in England.
Well, that and Kingswear that’s opposite.
With its bustling harbour and quaint colourful riverfront houses, Dartmouth has an undeniable character that’s totally gorgeous for a day trip.
Stroll on through the town’s cobbled streets and alleyways that appear almost unchanged from how they would have centuries ago.
After spending some time within the town, drive towards the coast to spot Dartmouth Castle. Dating back over 500-years, this castle is totally unique and so picturesque to see.
Read more: Best castles in England to visit
11.) Salcombe
Halfway down the coast between Plymouth and Torquay, Salcombe is a beautiful little town that’s totally idyllic for a few days away.
Tucked on the estuary, Salcombe is the kind of place you visit for chilled out strolls, pottering around the little boutiques and grabbing long lunches with a tipple. It’s all so dreamy, especially in summer.
Make sure to grab a local treat from Salcombe Dairy – they make all their ice cream in-house and the flavours are totally delicious.
Read more: Best things to do in Plymouth
12.) Totnes
The unique little town of Totnes is a great little spot to visit, especially if you’re based around Dartmouth or Paignton.
Here, you’ll get to explore the organic and fair-trade market that pops up twice a week and visit the locally-owned restaurants, pubs and shops on Totnes’ high street.
Afterwards, take a stroll through and soak up the history at Totnes Castle, Dartington Hall, and grab a bite at the Waterside Bistro. Their lamb tagines are so fragrant and flavourful!
13.) Exeter
One of the larger cities in Devon, Exeter has thousands of years of history and even dates back to Roman times.
Not only that, it’s one of the best places in Devon to visit for a city break, with a heap of things to see and do for a short weekend stop.
Once here, be sure to explore the iconic Exeter Cathederal, head inside the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and tour the Underground Passages that date back over 500 years!
It’s such a great place.
14.) Dartmoor Prison Museum
Dartmoor Prison, located on the desolate plains of Dartmoor, operated during the 1800s and is the site of many gruesome deaths. Although pretty macabre, it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in the history of the region (and its prisoners).
Way back, the prison was initially constructed to hold American prisoners of war. Over time, the prison became riddled with all sorts of problems, from; overcrowding, disease, mutinies to executions!
Nowadays, curious visitors can pop into the Dartmoor Prison Museum to explore!
15.) The Treby Arms
Just shy of Plymouth, and right on the border of Devon, The Treby Arms is a great little foodie spot to visit on a road trip around Devon.
Serving up a yummy mix of traditional pub grub and more eclectic creations, The Treby Arms is the perfect dinner spot to grab a bite. Their homemade pies and are everything!
Read more: Best places in Cornwall to visit
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