South Devon

Whether it’s a romantic weekend, a sightseeing expedition or you’re planning your family holidays in Devon, South Devon is the ideal place to escape the stresses and strains of daily life. Offering the best of both coastline and countryside, this region gives you the chance to choose the holiday you want, whether you’re after unspoilt countryside, beautiful beaches or a chance to discover hidden villages and some of the most secluded places to stay in Devon.

Family Fun

For family holidays in Devon, this area is filled with Devon attractions. There are various high-octane amusement parks throughout South Devon. However, if your little ones aren’t quite up to it, you can take them on a journey from Paignton to Kingswear on the Dartmouth Steam Railway’s steam trains. As well as stopping at towns and villages along the route, it’s a great opportunity for snappers to take pictures of the dolphins and seals that visit the River Dart. In addition, you can take a relaxing boat trip across the river to Dartmouth, where you can indulge everyone in a little light shopping or enjoy the restaurants, cafes and pubs that are tucked away there.

Things to Do

If it’s shopping you’re after, be sure to visit the market towns of Newton Abbot and Kingsbridge, both renowned market towns since the early 1200s. For something a bit different take a wander through Totnes, one of the oldest towns in England with a truly vibrant and unique personality of its own. In addition to superb high street shopping, you’ll also find market days where you can get your hands on local produce or unusual local arts and crafts. If you fancy improving your culinary skills while you’re here, why not book a course at the Ashburton Cookery School, or for something a little spicy pay a visit to the South Devon Chilli Farm. For a great day out with the kids, head over to Woodlands Family Theme Park , the largest in the South West, with 11 zones of fun for all the family.There’s so many things to do in Devon as well as lots to see, so leave plenty of time to explore. And try and factor some time in for the spectacular events that occur in the region, such as the South Devon Crab Festival, held in July and August.

Accommodation and Eating Out

When you’re looking for places to stay in Devon, South Devon has an impressive selection to choose from. In addition to friendly, family-run B&Bs, rustic and secluded self-catering cottages and luxury boutique hotels, it also has a number of holiday parks offering chalet and caravan hire and there are even some local Yurt Camps for those who want to try their hands at ‘glamping.’

The area is also well served by some great places to eat in Devon, and we’re justifiably proud of our local produce down here. Discover the very best that Devon’s seas have to offer at the Rockfish restaurant in Dartmouth . Or why not let someone else do the cooking? The ODE Restaurant in Shaldon offers fine-dining and is one of the few restaurants in the country to be accredited by the Soil Association, meaning that only the best local, organic ingredients are used to create their award-winning meals.

For further information on what South Devon has to offer you, use our interactive Devon map, go to the Visit South Devon website, or just keep browsing for suggestions and ideas.