Days out for adults in Devon

Whether your kids have all grown up, are staying with the grandparents, or you don’t have children of your own, there is plenty to see and do in Devon for adults. So, if you are an empty nester, young parents, a couple, or are planning a break away with a group of friends, follow our guide to some great ways to spend a day out in Devon. 

There are so many natural visitor attractions, activities, and places of historic interest to entertain and bewitch you on a trip to Devon, that you may want to stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages. Whether you enjoy day trips to RHS and National Trust properties or want to go surfing, we have the perfect place waiting for you. 

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Cottages in Devon

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• Days out for empty nesters
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Places in Devon for empty nesters

Enjoy a spa day

There is a good choice of spas to pick from across Devon. Sometimes, a day getting pampered with a massage, light swim, sauna, hot tub session, and a manicure can go a long way to smooth out the aches and kinks. Depending on where you choose, the packages differ; some offer half-days or add in a light lunch to the deal, so it’s worth a browse to see who suits your requirements the best. We’d particularly recommend Northcote Manor Country House for their offers and range of services.  

Visit a vineyard

A tour and tasting at a vineyard is a great way to pass the time on your holiday. If you love wine, you can see how they are made at Torview Wines. The tours include a walk amongst the vines with a sommelier to see how they have been growing. Then you are shown around the winery to see how the wine is made and bottled. The tour is concluded with a tasting of some of Torview’s favourite wines. What could be better? Pre-booking is required via their website. 

Take in the seasons at some gardens

Devon is home to some lovely managed gardens; chief amongst them is RHS Rosemoor in Great Torrington, with its large visitor centre, shop, and restaurant. The grounds take up 65 acres of varying habitats including a forest, orchards, country gardens, lakes, and landscaped and ornamental gardens. Look out for sculptures as you walk around the shingle paths as well as active birdlife. Whatever season you choose to visit RHS Rosemoor, there is always lots to see and enjoy if you love plants and trees. 

Places to go in Devon for couples

Take a cookery course

One of the most famous TV restaurants in the UK is in Devon, so why not treat your partner to a fun day at River Cottage for a cookery course? River Cottage is a lovely spot close to Axminster, with a gigantic kitchen and garden from which to source your veggies. There is a list as long as your arm of course choices – you can make bread, cheese, fish, and shellfish dishes. There is also a whole host of non-cookery courses too, like foraging and learning about nutrition. We’d recommend booking ahead as these courses can be very popular depending on the time of year you are hoping to arrange a couple’s holiday in Devon.  

Take a hike in a national park

During a holiday to Devon, you have two national parks within reach: Exmoor and Dartmoor. Each one differs from the other, with plenty to see and do within their borders. Exmoor reaches as far north as the coast and the West Somerset border. Visit in October to catch rare sightings of the wild deer rutting or enjoy shady walks to Watersmeet all year round. Dartmoor is characterised by its wind-blasted open spaces of beauty. Strewn with the ruins of old mines and quarries, there are many trails to walk. One of the best and easiest to reach is the Princetown’s Old Railway walk, which can be completed in half a day if taken at an easy pace. 

See Devon from the air – enjoy a hot air balloon ride

Nothing is more romantic on a couple’s break than a ride in a hot air balloon. See the lush green fields and rolling woodlands of Devon from the air. Book a trip and watch the sunrise from the basket of a balloon; it’s a unique way to travel and will offer an unforgettable experience for you and your partner. Perhaps you have a celebration to mark, so what better way to experience the joys of Devon than from an early morning balloon ride? There are launch sites all over the South West close to Dartmoor and Exeter – pre-booking is essential. 

Places in Devon for a group of friends

Book a boat trip to Lundy

Visit Lundy with your friends; it’s a craggy island 10 miles off the North Devon coast with miles and miles of pathways to discover. You can book a seat on the SS Oldenburg from Bideford or Ilfracombe (this is tide dependent so do check timetables) and take the trip. Look out for seals and dolphins on the way! On the island, goats and sika deer are frequent sights, and after a long walk, you can unwind in the island pub, The Marisco Tavern. It’s a wonderful place to bond with friends on some fairly undemanding walks. Please note: no dogs are allowed on Lundy. 

Go surfing in Devon

If you and your friends are a sporty, outgoing bunch we’d recommend a course of surfing lessons at one of Devon’s premier surf breaks. Amongst the best in the world is Croyde with its decent point break and relatively narrow bay that’s a veritable roller factory. A good place to learn from scratch would be Westward Ho!, Saunton, or Woolacombe as the beaches are long and sandy, and – depending on the weather – can offer you a productive day on the waves. Book ahead in peak seasons to avoid getting left out. You can hire boards and apparel out from your surf school to avoid buying disposable, environmentally-unfriendly kit.

Lock your friends up in a Devon escape room

Escape rooms can always be a sure-fire way to give the grey matter a swirl. Being indoors, they are a good all-weather option should it pour down. In North Devon, you can get locked in at The Rabbit Hole in central Barnstaple. It doubles as a diner too, so you can pick up some lunch. Themes vary every few months, so if you are an escape room expert and have been before, there’s a chance that you and your friends will find something new to ‘befuzzle’ you. Pre-booking ahead is essential.

Map of days out for adults in Devon

Find these great places to visit on our handy map.

Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Devon

We have some fantastic holiday cottages, apartments, and houses to suit couples, empty nesters, and groups of all sizes. Why not take a look at our collection of Devon holiday accommodation today?

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