Visit Devon on a Budget

We’re all starting to feel the pinch as the cost of living crisis continues. We all know things will get worse before they get better and you might be thinking of cutting back, but you don’t have to sacrifice having fun in Devon – there are a host of ways you can have a free or budget day out without breaking the bank.

Everyone deserves to let their hair down once in a while and as one of the UK’s most diverse and fascinating counties, Devon is the place to enjoy a fun, free day out!

Open spaces

The majority of Devon’s beaches are free to visit, though some of them do have charges on their car parks. The two National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor are also free to visit and explore as is the South West Coast Path and the various walking and cycling trails that can be found in the area including the Tarka Trail and the East Devon Way. Seaton Wetlands is one of the region’s best loved nature reserves and is also free to visit.

You can also explore Exeter for free with one of their free guided tours, join one by visiting Cathedral Green or Torquay by following the Agatha Christie Literary Trail.

Free attractions

Some of the region’s museums, galleries and other attractions are free to visit including:

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Exeter

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

The Box, Plymouth

Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh

House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey

Haldon Forest Park, Kennford

Cockington, nr Torquay

Heavitree Pleasure Grounds, Exeter

Devon’s Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey

Tamar Trails, nr Plymouth

Roadford Lake, Lifton (have free activities available)

Devon Open Studios, locations across Devon

Free activities

Crabbing
Fossil hunting
Wildlife spotting
Swimming
Catch the sea tractor to Burgh Island
Skating, there are several skate parks across Devon

Budget days out

Tree Surfers, Tavistock prices start at £12.

Crealy Theme Park and Resort, nr Exeter, prices vary but start from £10 with discounts if you book in advance.

Powderham Castle, nr Exeter, prices from £10.95, with free re-entry on another day.
Babbacombe Model Village, nr Torquay, local resident discount is available.

Becky Falls, Dartmoor, family tickets are £32 and season tickets are available.
Quince Honey Farm, South Molton from £11 with some additional free activities available.

The Paint Hub, Dawlish Warren, prices start from £7

The Big Sheep, Bideford, prices start from £12.50 with members going free.

Canonteign Falls, nr Exeter, family tickets are £28, with discounts for members and those on holiday.

Hartland Abbey, Hartland, tickets for the gardens are £11 or a family ticket for the house and gardens are £14.50

Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth Marina, tickets for cruises start at £5 for children and £7.50 for adults.

RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, family tickets are £32, with discounts for RHS members.

Wildwood Escot, Ottery St Mary, family tickets are £35.

Coldharbour Mill, Collumpton, family tickets start from £26.50.

River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, tickets start from £13.20.

Bear Town, nr Exeter, tickets start from £7.95.

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter, residents enter for free with tickets starting from £7.50.

Torre Abbey, Torquay, family tickets start at £12.

Otters and Butterflies, Buckfastliegh, offer a saver ticket at £30.

Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford, tickets from £7.

Dartington Crystal, Torrington, tickets from £9.75 with children free.

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, family tickets from £18.

Tapeley Park and Gardens, Instow, tickets from £5 or for £25 enjoy unlimited visits.

Ilfracombe Aquarium, Ilfracombe, family tickets from £22.50.

Axminster Heritage Centre, Axminster, tickets £4.

Seaton Tramway, Seaton, all day explorer tickets are £12.

Sidmouth Toy and Model Museum, Sidmouth, family tickets are £10.

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Exmoor, tickets from £2.20.

Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, Moretonhampstead, family tickets are £20.

Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, Bovey Tracey, £15 a ticket.