Author: Rafael Thomas

Devon is a known destination for guests who want to have a fantastic relaxing break, from its amazing seaside views, wooded hillsides of the Lyn Valley and the wilds of Dartmoor. This most rural landscape is an excellent escape from the noisy and stressful cities that guests are familiar with.  

Devon is a fantastic holiday destination for families, couples, and friends due to its fabulous beaches, great outdoors, and unique landscape. You can spend a day hiking the Trak Trail or stroll down the Doone Valley.

The county also offers unique vacation cottages that you can rent for short or long-term stays. Many of Devon’s holiday cottages are farm buildings and barns that were beautifully converted into guest rooms for guests and their families. You will find these rental cottages all over Devon county and some have excellent locations for outdoor activities. Flooring Newcastle designed and installed the flooring for a majority of the cottages. These cottages are usually equipped with modern amenities such as washing machines, TV, fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, and even WIFI in less remote locations. 

A week of renting these cottages can cost from 500-700 AUD, during the peak season renting a house may cost around 1600 AUD a month which is considered a bargain since they are still cheaper than staying in a hotel for a month.

The best place to rent in Devon is in the countryside with their very friendly communities. Lynton and Lynmouth holiday cottages would be a great option since they are within walking distance to several tourist spots such as Valley of the Rocks and Watersmeet with its small waterfall. The twin communities have many fully equipped holiday cottages ranging from simple fishermen’s cottages to grand hillsides houses near Valley of the Rocks. 

Try a long-term visit of Devon during the offseason and see how it change scenery. There are many local festivities and celebrations, and guest can have a fantastic time with Devon’s locals. 

Here are some holiday cottages and apartments available for long term rent in Devon

1. The Pink Beach Bungalow– is located in Central Wellswood, Torquay, sleeps 6-8 people, and has roadside parking. Perfect for families and is a close distance to Broadband Beach and local shops.

1. Rosalia Cottage – is located in Centrals Wellswood, Torquay and sleeps, four people. It’s a newly refurbished cottage with a private terraced garden and closed to Meadfoot Beach and Torquay center. 

1. Terrazza Giorgia – is a furnished self-catering holiday apartment complete with a private road and secured gated entrance. It’s a 10 minutes walk from Torquay’s City center. 

1. Norton Cottage – is located in Hawkridge, near Dulverton, Exmoor and sleeps, four people. It has two bedrooms on the ground floor, two bathrooms, and a private patio area furnished with garden furniture. Norton Cottage has electric heating, a fully equipped kitchen, digital TV, and WIFI access. It is just a 10 minutes’ drive from Dulverton, where you can find specialized shops, antiques, pubs, and the Exmoor National Park visitor center. 

1. Shute Farm Apartment – is located in Bampton, Devon, Devon and provides private accommodations. All its rooms have stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Shute Farm Apartment is near the Exmoor National Park and just two miles away from the Swab in Bampton regarded as the region’s best pub. The apartment has a centralized heating, fully equipped kitchen, TV with Freeview, and WIFI.

Devon is one of the most picturesque counties in England known for its incredible natural sceneries, great adventures and rich history. But Devon also offers its guests an excellent selection of great food and restaurants. After a day of exploring its beautiful beaches, exploring the rugged hillside or visiting Devon’s many historical sites, it is a great idea to recharge with freshly cooked delicious food. 

Some of these restaurants are even Michelin star restaurants which provide the best food for their guest. Here are some of these restaurants in Devon :

The Old Inn

The Old Inn is a cozy 17th-century pub with two intimate dining rooms and a seasonal menu located in Drewsteignton.

It’s a friendly restaurant with attentive and excellent staff. The menu features good local produce; they have various dishes to offer, such as Pork Belly, fish & chips, and perfectly cooked steaks. There is a real, local feel with a 50/50 mix of tourist and locals guests. 

Lympstone Manor

Lympstone Manor is a beautifully restored Georgian country residence located near the Exe Estuary and Lyme Bay. This luxurious manor owned by local chef Micahel Caines has an elegant restaurant with a fantastic view overlooking the bay. The epoxy floors done by Epoxy Floors Newcastle give the rooms an overall luxurious finish.

It offers a boldly flavoured and well-balanced sophisticated cooking with classical undertones. It has a short menu with two signature tasting options, an ala carte menu and excellent wine. 

Plantation House

The Plantation House is a former rectory located in an idyllic location in Devo’s countryside. It has an open fired lounge, small drinks terrace and two dining rooms. It has a great restaurant that serves a three-course set menu with varied choices of starters. The food is superb and uses local homegrown ingredients that assure of the freshness of the food. 

Gidleigh Park

Gidleigh Park is a beautiful country house that offers three intimate dining rooms. They have a unique kitchen garden that serves traditional and local dishes with a subtle international flavour. 

Enjoy an afternoon tea with their wide selection of teas, sandwiches and cakes. They serve superb course meals presented delightfully; they have excellent starters, main dishes, cheese and desserts.

Barbican Kitchen

Barbican Kitchen was established in 2006 by James and Chris both renowned TV chefs and restaurateurs. It’s located inside the famous Plymouth Gin Distillery and offers a menu of classic comfort food and cooked dishes. It aims to serve fresh local food at realistic prices.

The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming ambience, and Tables are well-spaced. The food tastes fantastic, and the food portions are generous. They also have great fish courses such as Mackerels, Roasted Monkfish and others.

Pascoe House

The Pascoe House, with its head chef, James Checkley, is an intimate boutique hotel with a very welcoming restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. They have beautifully presented dishes, local and garden produce is showcased on the menu, don’t forget to try the Creedy Carver duck. 

They have a fantastic Tasting menu, Sample A la Carte menu and excellent service. They also serve fluffy scones, delectable cakes, finger sandwiches and sweet treats during afternoon tea. 

Thomas Carr 1873

Thomas Carr is an experienced and skilful chef who understands his guest and the local area’s needs. The decor in Thomas Carr 1873 is tasteful and elegant that creates a very welcoming atmosphere. 

His restaurant has a well-balanced menu that reflects the seasons and the regions. The restaurant has a delicious monkfish menu, mackerel, juicy Creedy Carver Duck and unique desserts such as the chocolate bar placed with white chocolate ice-cream. The dishes are presented exquisitely with great attention to detail and care, and portion sizes are perfect. The staff in Thomas Carr 1873 were also engaging and friendly, which adds to the great ambience.

Devon is a county of England and is also known as Devonshire. It is a part of the South West Peninsula of England and is bounded by Dorset and Somerset to the east and Cornwall to the west. 

Devon has a population of around 1.1 million and covers an area of 6,707 square km or about 2,590 square miles, roughly the same size as Perth, Australia. Devon is the third largest geographic county in England.

It is a perfect holiday destination with its great countryside, fantastic views of the coastline, sandy shores & cliffs, historical places, hilly terrain and so much more. 

Excursions and Attractions in Devon

1. Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and oldest Cathedrals in England. This Anglican Cathedral is located in the heart of Exeter City in Devon, South West England. For almost a thousand years it stood proudly in the skyline of Exeter. It is known for its fine Gothic Architecture and one of the great cathedrals of England. 

You will see massive decorative columns and the most extended continuous vaulted stone roof when you step inside. Several conservation works were done to preserve the Cathedral.

One of the Exeter Cathedral centrepieces is the Bishop’s throne, 18 metres tall and made from local Devon oak. It was made in the early part of the 14th century and one of the great treasures of medieval woodwork in Europe. It was temporary disassemble and removed from the Cathedral in World War II to save it from severe. 

1. Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

Royal Albert Museum is a world-class museum has excellent galleries & displays, fantastic exhibitions and modern amenities. The museum showcases the prehistoric to the present history of Exter and Devon and international collections on natural sciences and world culture. We are thankful to newcastle pergolas for being a loyal supporter of this wonderful museum.

Majority of the museum is open, but due to restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, they have reduced numbers in one or two galleries. There are a shop and cafe with an extended seating area for visitors to drink and eat at a safe distance. 

1. Exeter Quayside

Exeter Quayside is one of the most beautiful parts of the historic City of Exeter. It is a very popular destination tourist and locals alike for its charming architecture and incredible history. 

The Quayside has a diverse contemporary and historical design with its different antique shops, lively restaurants and lively pubs. There are also various facilities where visitors can hire a canoe, bike and have relaxing boat trips. 

1. Lundy Island

Lundy Island is a long stretch of rock around 5 kilometres long in the coast of North Devon. It is the English version of the Galapagos Islands. Visitors of Lundy Island can experience a close encounter with seabirds, seals, basking sharks and puffins. There is a regular boat trip from Bideford or Ilfracombe several times a week. 

1. Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s situated in Exmouth, East Devon and extends for more than 95 miles to Old Harry Rocks. UNESCO recognized Jurassic Coast for its outstanding universal value of fossils, rocks and landforms. 

Visitors will experience the natural beauty, seascape, and landscape of the Jurassic Coast. It is also vital to research and educational site in the field of Earth Science.

Staying in Devon’s many Cottages across this historic county is probably one of the best experience for a tourist. Nothing beats the charm of staying in old farmhouses and barns with their traditional designs and were lovingly converted into beautiful tourist cottages. 

Tourists can also choose more contemporary cottages with their excellent amenities and amazing views of Devon’s countryside. But whatever type of cabin you choose, both types are a great starting point for seeing and experiencing the best of Devon’s landscape and natural beauty. This magnificent scenery is unforgettable and an experience of a lifetime. 

Here are some recommended places to discover 

The English Riviera

If you’re staying in Gilpin Cottage, a two-bedroom cottage meters away from Brigham’s harbour you can easily explore the English Riviera. It’s a 22-mile long coastline in South Devon know for its amazing views.

The English Riviera is one of Devone county’s top destination. It has so much to offer, relax on the laidback Brixham fishing villages, visit the Torquay and Fawley towers, feast your eyes on Paignot’s candy-coloured guesthouses and enjoy a walk in the beach. You can also see beautiful luxury yachts as they sail across the English Channel, it’s truly a sight to see. The English Riviera is also rich in Victorian heritage and Contemporary art. 

Clovelly Village

Clovelly is a privately owned village owned by the same three families for over eight centuries. It has a rich history, JMW Turner painted it in the early part of the 1800s and Charles Dickens name-checking the village in the late 1800s. 

Clovelly is one of Devon’s most enchanting destination and the small fee to enter the village is worth every penny. Its street is covered with cobblestones, unique white-washed cottages and flowers hanging from baskets will delight the senses. There are also fantastic seafood restaurants and pubs hidden among the beautiful houses.

Guest can stay in Puffins Nest, a secluded cottage with stunning views of the Atlantic coast just a short drive away from Clovelly. 

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is a 368 square miles of a fantastic landscape, highlighted by stone circles, neolithic remains, and middle bronze age villages’ ruins. Guest will see shaggy-coated highland cows, Dartmoor ponies and unique wildlife roaming and sharing the open space amidst the backdrop of beautiful scenery. 

Visit Tavistock a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sir Francis Drake’s birthplace, a known sea captain who in a single expedition circumnavigated the world. Visit its other historical villages like Bovey Tracey and Lydford a marvel at their rich cultural heritage. 

The Big Barn at Halshanger is a good starting point when you want to visit Dartmoor National Park. It has excellent views of Dartmoor National Park; it also has a cinema, a large kitchen, games area and communal dining area that will help you recharge after a day of exploration. 

Lynton and Lynmouth

Known as the “Little Switzerland,” these twin towns has been likened to a Swiss village by Romantic poet Robert Sutheyin 1799. Its relaxing woodland surrounding and steep hills remind people of the Swiss Alps. Along its paths in the Southwest Coast guest will see the Valley of the Rocks with its fantastic rock formations created during the ice age. 

Guest can stay in the Hoe Cottage that has excellent views of Lynmouth Bay. It’s a two-bedroom stone cottage built into the cliffs of Lynton. Enjoy breakfast on its terrace and see the panoramic views of the sea while enjoying a cup of tea. 

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a seaside resort on the coast of North Devon surrounded by cliffs and has a small harbour. On Hillsborough hill, visitors will find an Iron Age fortified settlement overlooking the harbour.

Verity a 65 5ft public sculpture towers over this seaside town and draws the attention of visitors. Don’t forget to visit it’s unique Tunnels Beaches which were hand-carved in the 1820s for the benefit of Victorian holidaymakers.

Visitors can stay in Milbrrok at Bicclescombe which is just a short stroll from the town’s center. It has sliding doors the open up onto a small terrace has excellent views of Bicclescombe Park.

Devon is probably one of England’s most beautiful counties. It is rich in culture, history, and a diverse landscape that makes it a great place to visit. Explore the Jurassic Coast coastline, see the palm trees in the English Riviera or enjoy the holidays with friends and family in the south’s different resorts. 

Learn Devon’s history by visiting the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, marvel at the Gothic architecture of Exeter Cathedral, explore its beautiful beaches or see its two National Parks. Every visit to Devon is a unique experience.

Devon’s hotels and accommodations are best in England and range from a simple room to luxurious accommodations fit for royalty. They also offer one of a kind accommodations such as glamping, campsites, caravan parks, campervan or even a farm holiday. Whatever concessions the guest chooses, it will indeed become a memorable experience. 

Farm Stays

A Farm holiday is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy Devon’s natural beauty. Guest will choose to stay on traditional Devon longhouses and barns transformed into a beautiful accommodation or a more contemporary farm accommodation. 

Here are some of the best farm accommodations in Devon.

1. Lower Campscott Farm Holiday Cottages 

Lower Swampscott is a perfect accommodation for families and friends. Enjoys it amazing views overlooking the Devon coast. It has eight self-catering cottages and sleeps from 3 to 8 people. 

Each cottage is equipped with a Freesat TV, dishwasher, washer-dryer WIFI and heating. Children will have a wonderful time feeding different farm animals, cuddling baby lambs and exploring the farm. There are also barbecues and outdoor play areas overlooking the sea. 

1. Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages

Mazzard Farm has six beautiful holiday cottages surrounded by 17 acres of gardens, orchards, wood and play areas. The places can sleep a total of 24 people in a tranquil and relaxing environment. 

Mazzard Farm has a large communal courtyard, picnic tables and play areas where kids can enjoy and have fun. They also offer different treatments like full body massage, Japanese facial treatment, reflexology and Indian head massages.

1. Robin Hill Farm Cottages

Robin Hill Farm is surrounded by fields and stunning views of Devon’s countryside. It has six beautifully converted farm cottages and barns, each still has their original exposed stone walls, beams and trusses. Guest can have a barbecue in its enclosed gardens. The houses have a shared laundry room with washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer. It’s a great place to during weekends, holidays or any day. Robin Hill Farm Cottages have a minimum two nights stay. 

Hotel Stays

Hotels in Devon are some of England’s best and well-known for their excellent service and comfortable stay. After a day of activities and visiting many tourist attractions it is best to return and relax on Devon’s many hotels around the city. Many family-friendly, romantic or luxurious hotels are available in Devon to cater to your needs and budget. 

1. The Victoria Hotel

A flagship of Brend’s Hotels luxury group, the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth is an excellent example of Victorian architecture. This luxury hotel has preserved many of its original features and enhanced further with the best of modern comforts. 

Enjoy excellent views of Lyme Bay in many of the rooms in Victoria hotel. Relax, enjoy and get rejuvenated in the heated indoor pool and spa. The restaurant and its staff are also equally outstanding.

1. The Devon Hotel

Originally a manor house, Devon Hotel features an elegant Georgian building elegant located at the Exeter City’s edge. It is the first hotel in the Southwest to Sky television in their rooms. 

They have 24-hour room service, individual air conditioning and WIFI. The Devon Hotel is an excellent venue for celebrations such as Christenings, baby showers, wedding, birthdays, parties and family gatherings.

1. The Barnstaple Hotel

The Barnstaple Hotel has a welcoming ambiance and a great starting point in exploring North Devon’s best tourist locations. Barnstaple is just a short drive to the fantastic golden beaches of North Devon. It has excellent leisure facilities and superb cuisine. Relax in its heated pool, saunas, and fitness suite.