Whether you choose to take to the water, roam the countryside or try something a little more off the beaten track, Devon is a veritable adventure playground. And whatever your interests, age range or desire for adventure, there are plenty of fun Devon activities to get excited about.
Take to the waves by surfing, kayaking or coasteering, or – if you prefer to keep your feet on dry land – why not explore the county’s epic landscape on two feet or two wheels? You could always combine a few of these action-packed activities for one of the best activity holidays you could have.
We’ve picked out seven of our favourite things to do in Devon, where you can do them, and found a high-quality self-catering cottage for you to stay in while you’re there. Now, all that you need to do is choose your adventure, pack your bag and get your adrenaline pumping!
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Surfing
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With the North Devon coastline boasting around 65 miles of sandy beaches, hidden coves and craggy points where you can find some of the best waves in the country (and with South Devon having some great spots too!) – surfing should be top of your list when you come to Devon. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a total pro, you’ll find a wave to suit you – making it one of the best North Devon activities you can try while on holiday. But before you head off to the seaside, make sure you are beach safety savvy - our guide to top beach safety tips can help.
Our overall favourite has to be Westward Ho! – the 2-mile long stretch of sandy beach is rarely crowded, there are very few underwater hazards and the waves are gentle and consistent, making it a real crowd-pleasing beach. Plus, there is ample public parking, surf schools and hire centres aplenty, and – most importantly – lots of good cafes and restaurants to choose from for a post-surf pick-me-up!
Stay nearby: Bay View - Westward Ho! | sleeps 8 + 3 dogs
More Devon surfing beaches
Horse riding
People in Devon say there are two types of locals: those who surf, and those who ride horses. We say, why can’t you do both?! With miles upon miles of wide, open countryside to explore, plus endless sandy beaches to gallop along, Devon is a great destination to enjoy on horseback.
For an unforgettable day in the saddle, head to Exmoor National Park which is a horse rider’s dream. Boasting over 300 miles of bridleways across 267 square miles of unspoilt countryside, it’ll be hard to ride the same trail twice. As the national park is so popular with those who love equestrianism, there are plenty of riding centres on offer where you can book in for lessons, cross-country rides, or even give your own horse a holiday!
Stay nearby: Beacon Down, Exmoor | sleeps 6
Kayaking
Kayaking the Devon coastline allows you to see the sights of the sea from an entirely new perspective. Free of designated pathways and other geographical restrictions, you can discover secret coves, come face to face with the diverse marine life and go wherever your paddles will take you.
While much of Devon’s coastline is suitable for kayaking, our favourite spot is the Jurassic Coast in East Devon. The iconic red sandstone cliffs and the sparkling turquoise sea provide a unique setting for a brilliant day out on the water; explore rock formations, take a dip in secluded coves and marvel at the striking landscape around you. Plus, there are many charming seaside towns where you’ll find fresh seafood, refreshing ice creams and ice-cold pints of beer for the perfect end to one of the best East Devon activities around.
Stay nearby: Seaview Garden | sleeps 4
Coasteering
If exploring Devon’s shores by kayak or surfboard seems a little too sedate for you, how about coasteering? Traverse coastal landscapes by climbing and scrambling across craggy cliffs, summon up the courage to plunge into the wild waters below, and then flow with the current through gullies and whirlpools – there’s nothing quite like it!
Devon’s abundance of coastal cliffs makes the county a must-visit for any keen coasteerers, but our favourite spot is Gara Rock, near Salcombe. It’s blessed with tall cliffs for big jumps that will push you out of your comfort zone, plus a rugged shoreline with crystal-clear water for a spot of swimming. Just make sure you book in with one of the reputable activity centres who can equip you with all the right kit.
Stay nearby: Ferndale Treetops View, South Allington, | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Cycling
The entire county of Devon is criss-crossed with trails just waiting to be explored on two wheels – from sedate, traffic-free pathways suitable for the whole family, to lung-busting hill climbs where your effort will be rewarded with epic views.
Our particular favourite is the Granite Way, part of the mammoth Devon Coast to Coast route. Spanning 11 miles from Okehampton to Lydford, the Granite Way is a fairly new and mostly traffic-free trail that follows the route of a former railway line along the north-west edge of Dartmoor. It gives you some fantastic views of the granite landscape (hence the name), plus some picturesque wooded sections too. Its short length and abundance of refreshment points along the way make it a great choice for a day out with the whole family, and you can even hire bikes in Okehampton and Meldon, meaning you don’t need to wrestle with the roof rack before you leave!
Stay nearby: Lydford Lodge, Okehampton | sleeps 2
Alpaca walking
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One of Devon’s most unusual things to do – and one of the most popular children’s activities – alpaca walking is exactly what you would suggest! Many farms and smallholdings offer the chance to take their resident alpacas on a gentle countryside walk, also giving you the opportunity to learn more about the lives of these furry creatures.
One place that offers this unforgettable experience is Woolley Animals in Winkleigh, where you can go on an hour-long walk with alpacas, followed by a meet-and-greet with the other farm residents, including goats and sheep! You can even enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea after the walk – just remember: cream first! It’s a day out that will be top of any animal lover’s must-do list and better still, it’s suitable for any age – making it a great day out for young and old.
Stay nearby: Devon’s Traphouse Cottage, Winkleigh | sleeps 2
Walking
Epic rambles across vast countryside, hilly climbs along cliff faces, and gentle strolls around historic villages – Devon really is a walker’s heaven. Take your pick from flat riverside trails, designated coastal paths or two gloriously immense national parks – just remember to pack your walking boots!
Our must-do trail is the Teign Gorge in Dartmoor National Park. It’s one of the park’s most famous walks – and for good reason. The 4-mile walk begins at the historic Castle Drogo and follows a high path above the River Teign. It’s spectacular at any time of year, with abundant wildlife to spot, but really comes into its own in autumn when the woodland is ablaze with seasonal colours. Dogs are welcome on leads through the countryside, making this a great route to try with your four-legged best friend too – although beware of some steep sections.
Stay nearby: Medland View, Tedburn St Mary | sleeps 4
More top walks in Devon
More things to do in Devon
If you’re looking for a little more inspiration – or perhaps the weather isn’t playing ball – take a look at our guide to the top things to do in Devon, packed with plenty of indoor activities for all ages. Or browse our full collection of Devon cottages – many are packed with features to aid your adventuring, from surfboard and kayak storage to outdoor showers perfect for hosing off after a day out, and some even have stabling too!
All Devon cottages