Short Breaks in Devon
By land area, Devon is the third-largest county in England and is one of the most popular holiday destinations due to its favourable climate, great coastline, glorious sandy beaches, and wild moorland. Devon has two coastlines, two National Parks - Exmoor and Dartmoor - and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Blackdown Hills, East Devon, the North Devon Coast, South Devon, and the Tamar Valley. And believe it or not, Devon also has parts of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the North Devon Biosphere and the Jurassic Coast. With all this natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Devon makes an excellent holiday destination and why there are so many organised short breaks in Devon to choose from.
Being “outdoors” features in most Devon escapes, whether it’s along the coastline or high up on the wild moors, but there are many other things to do if the weather is against you, or you want to discover the culture and history. Devon has castles to explore, grand houses and museums to browse, cities and towns to wander, and some wonderful gardens to relax in. And don’t forget to make time for a Devonshire Cream Tea, which means you’ve got to put the clotted cream on the scone first!
Brixham Harbour Along The English Riviera © essentially-england.com
Short Breaks in Devon
We’ve had some memorable times in Devon and even worked there for a few months when our jobs were relocated. I remember marching over Dartmoor trying to find stone circles, a stone tramway, and ancient abandoned villages. It was great fun, but I’d only want to do it when the weather was good, as it can get a bit grim up on wild Dartmoor. We’ve also camped near Exmoor, which was equally beautiful, and perhaps not as wild as Dartmoor.
Although we’re not the kind of people who sit on a beach, we have admired the beaches on both the north and south coasts and even took a short break in Torquay. We particularly liked the bit of coast between historic Slapton Sands and lovely Dartmouth.
There is so
much to do and explore in Devon, and I’m sure there is something for everyone’s
taste. Take a peep at these short breaks in Devon that I’ve selected...
Torquay, Regency Coast & Riviera
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Coach travel to Torquay hotel & back from various pick-up points.
Visit
- Relax in wonderful Torquay, part of the English Riviera.
- Sidmouth & Exmouth.
- Optional extra day out to Plymouth & Dartmoor.
- Discover Brixham, Kingswear, & Dartmouth.
Ilfracombe & North Devon
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Coach travel to Ilfracombe hotel & back from various pick-up points.
Visit
- Explore the market and harbour town of Bideford & admire the workers at Dartington Crystal.
- Travel up & down between pretty Lynton & Lynmouth.
- Optional extra day out to Barnstaple, the largest town in North Devon.
Best of North Devon & Clovelly
8 Days / 7 Nights
Travel
Coach travel to Lynton hotel & back from various pick-up points.
Visit
- Clovelly.
- Optional extra days out to Barnstaple & Bideford & Exmouth.
- Lynton & Lynmouth.
- Exmoor National Park & Dunster.
- Chambercombe Manor and Ilfracombe.
South Devon & Dartmoor National Park
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Coach travel to & from Torquay hotel from various pick-up points.
Visit
- Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Abbey, Princetown & Tavistock.
- Dartmouth, River Cruise & Totnes.
- Optional extra trip to Brixham & Teignmouth.
Exmouth & Devon's Rails & Sails
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Coach travel to & from Exmouth hotel from various pick-up points.
Visit
- South Devon Railway, Buckfast Abbey and Totnes.
- Exeter and Jurassic Coast Cruise.
- Optional extra day out to Sidmouth, Seaton, & The World of Country Life.
Torquay and Cruises of the English Riviera
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Coach travel to Torquay hotel & back from various pick-up points.
Visit
- Dartmoor National Park and Plymouth Harbour Cruise.
- Exmouth and Jurassic Coast Cruise.
- Optional extra day out in historic Exeter.
Hound Tor © essentially-england.comSpecial Interest Short Breaks in Devon
Devon's Past Mysteries Revealed
6 Days / 5 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to/from your Torquay hotel.
Visit
- Greenway & Coleton Fishacre.
- Torre Abbey & Britannia Royal Naval College.
- Drake’s Island & Plymouth.
- Agatha Christie Walking Tour & Burgh Island.
Gardens of North Devon
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Return coach travel to your Bideford hotel from various pick-up points.
Visit
- The beautiful RHS Rosemoor gardens.
- Optional day out to Lynton & Lynmouth.
- Hartland Abbey & Gardens and Woolacombe.
Railways of Somerset and the Devon Coast
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to/from your Tiverton hotel.
Visit
- Train ride to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway & Dunster.
- Lynton & Barnstaple Railway trip & Lynton/Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
- South devon Railway & boat cruise to Dartmouth.
Walking Over to Burgh Island at Low Tide © essentially-england.comActivity Breaks in Devon
We can vouch that the walking is fantastic in Devon, whether it’s on either Dartmoor or Exmoor, along the rocky cliffs or a beach, or just a peaceful meander around a garden or parkland. It seems that wherever you go to walk, there will be great views.
I’ve had race wins and won National Championship medals whilst cycling in Devon, but Devon is not the first place many of us think of when looking for a cycling holiday. It's worth giving it a try, though. Cycling in Devon can be challenging, but the beautiful views, friendly towns, and cute villages make it very rewarding. There are some flatter areas and a couple of disused railway lines have been turned into bike paths for easier cycling.
Cycle Devon - Coast to Coast
4 Days / 3 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to/from Tiverton Parkway Railway Station.
Visit
- Cycle from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple (32km/20 miles).
- Barnstaple to Hatherleigh on the Tarka Trail (52km/32 miles).
- Hatherleigh to Tavistock on the Granite Way with Dartmoor National Park option (42km/26 miles).
- Tavistock to Plymouth on Drakes Trail (35km/22 miles).
Walking South Devon's Coastal Path
8 Days / 7 Nights
Travel
Make your own way to Plymouth hotel & from Dartmouth.
Visit
- Plymouth to Wembury (10km/6 miles).
- Wembury to Mothecombe (17km/11 miles).
- Wonwell to Hope Cove (14km/9 miles).
- Hope Cove to Salcombe (12km/7 miles).
- Salcombe to Torcross (20km/12 miles).
- Beesands to Dartmouth (18km/11 miles).
Tempted? For even more short breaks in Devon click here.
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