With our increasingly busy lives, finding a work life balance has never been more important and, has never been more difficult. The global nature of business today, means being around for different time zones, being in different places rather than one office and feeling guilty for switching on an Out of Office when you take a day trip. It doesn’t have to be that way – why not combine your remote working with a mini break? You can not only get your work done, but also spend some time exploring somewhere new and enjoy a beautiful view, right from your desk.
With more and more people working remotely, there is no reason to stare at the same four walls of your home office – head to Devon and join one of the many people working from the region’s work hubs and combining their working day with a holiday.
There are a host of locations across the county suitable for checking email and taking work calls, all within easy reach of the region’s best loved attractions, beaches and top hotels. Devon Workhubs has a network of workspaces, from private offices to shared spaces and individual hot desks available in a diverse range of locations.
Interested in giving a workcation a go?
Here are some of our suggestions for planning the perfect workcation in Devon.
Workcation in South Devon
Back to Top of ListDevon Workhubs have locations in Newton Abbot, Torquay and Totnes, giving you several options for exploring south Devon.
Torquay is within the beautiful English Riveira, which is full of great places to stay and things to do. If you’re visiting with the whole family, TLH Leisure is a great place to stay. It’s a complex of four hotels, with everything you could need for a holiday, including nightly entertainment, pools, gym and a spa, as well as kid’s clubs and other leisure activities, plus you’re just a short journey from the beach and local shops.
Alternatively, Osborne Apartments in Torquay are a great self catering option, while Grosvenor House offers comfortable guesthouse accommodation. For a stay with a view, the Imperial Torquay commands a cliff top position, giving you a wonderful view to wake up to each day.
While you’re at work, the rest of the family can enjoy shopping at Fleetwalk or the nearby towns of Paignton or Brixham. Take a break and join them for lunch at one of the town’s many eateries, like Bistrot Pierre, which is close to several of the town’s amenities. Being in the English Riviera means there’s plenty to keep you entertained through the day, why not spend some time feeling like a giant at Babbacombe Model Village or indulge in some history at Torre Abbey.
Torquay is on the mainline rail network, making it even easier to reach for a workcation. Newton Abbot isn’t far from Torquay and is also accessible by train. There is a workhub here too and you’re also within easy reach of Dartmoor. Using the work hub here will also mean you’re close to Newton Abbot Racecourse, which is a great place to blow off some steam and with their family days, there will be things for the whole family to get involved with.
Elsewhere in South Devon, there is a workhub in Totnes. As one of the region’s best loved towns and with a real Bohemian atmosphere, working from here is always a fun activity! The town is well known for its eateries and markets, and visitors love grabbing some paddle boards for an adventure along the River Dart. While you’re here, why not not let your creative side loose with a spot of pottery painting at China Blue? Or spend some time exploring the many independent shops? This is a great place to stay for anyone looking for a cosy cottage or self catering holiday home – Check out the properties on offer from Boutique Retreats and find somewhere comfortable for your home office.
Wherever you are in South Devon, you’re never too far from the beach or a beautiful view or two!
Workcation in North Devon
Back to Top of ListThe North Devon region forms part of the UK’s first surf reserve and also falls across parts of the Exmoor National Park, which is a Dark Skies Reserve – meaning it is a great place to be if you want to indulge in some star gazing or a little surfing!
North Devon is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a couple of coastal walks in between meetings and with a workhub in Ilfracombe, you’ll be in the foodie heart of the region. Break up the day with a trip to Ilfracombe Aquarium or a walk around the harbour to meet Verity and make sure to stop off at Fore Street to sample some of the amazing local cuisine!
For somewhere a little more remote – there is also a hub in Great Torrington, which puts you close to places like RHS Rosemoor, perfect if you need a moment away from your desk to enjoy the flowers and indulge in a traditional cream tea at their restaurant. You can even do a spot of shopping for the upcoming festive season between meetings by stopping off at Dartington Crystal, where you can also enjoy tours of the glass factory. If you’re bringing your family, you can stay at Smytham Holiday Park, which is set within 33 acres of parkland and is a great place to unwind after a busy day.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday park, cottage or hotel, there are plenty of accommodation options around North Devon, you can find more options here.
Workcation on Dartmoor and West Devon
Back to Top of ListDartmoor isn’t just about the iconic ponies; it’s a hive of culture and tradition – you’ll find amazing home grown food and drink and creepy myths. Be sure to look out for the Hairy Hands that like to make an appearance in Princetown and listen out for the hell hounds that are said to roam the moors at night! Don’t let that put you off though, Dartmoor is a wonderfully inspirational place – ideal for anyone who needs to unleash their creativity. You’ll find a work hub in Buckfastleigh, a particularly picturesque area full of things to do.
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Buckfast Abbey or indulge in the nostalgia at South Devon Railway. Elsewhere, the kids will love visiting Pennywell Farm and make sure to befriend the otters at Otters and Butterflies – you can even adopt an otter for the year and keep up to date with their progress!
Find a host of places to stay across Dartmoor here.
If you fancy getting the blood flowing during your workcation, choose a hub in Tavistock. Here you have the River Tamar where you can enjoy canoe trips along the river or take on Tamar Trails or Tree Surfers, so you can get out of the office and give everyone a good day out.
Workcation in East Devon
Back to Top of ListThis area of Devon is where you’ll find the Jurassic Coast, as well as countless walks and places like the Blackdown Hills. The city of Exeter falls within the East Devon region and is a real hub of culture – you’ll never be lost for things to do here! From shopping to live music, there is something to suit everyone, as well as two major train stations and plenty of free wifi for setting up and taking work calls.
While you’re in Exeter, challenge your co workers or family to some axe throwing with Celtic Tossers or soak up the city’s ambience at Exeter Cathedral. If the weather is against you, head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, which is free to visit and has an array of fascinating exhibitions.
Just off the motorway before you reach Exeter is Crealy Theme Park – the largest park of its kind in the southwest and ideal for burning off any energy, no matter your age!
Elsewhere in East Devon, there is the picturesque Honiton, home to the Honiton Work Hub. You can spend your break times exploring the various walking routes and visiting the region’s many art galleries and antique shops. Another nearby hub is in Cullompton, where the younger kids will definitely love spending time at Bear Town.
With a host of diverse locations across Devon, it has never been easier to combine work and play. It’s something people using Devon Work Hubs have been utilising over the summer. Speaking to the team at Devon Work Hubs, Ben, who works from Grant Thronton UK LLP, said: “The whole package works for us as a family. We come down and stay at Harford Bridge Caravan Site and I work part of the week in the Hub. I get to have a break and get some work done and I don’t need to take a whole week of annual leave to come down and enjoy Devon.”
Where will you be planning your next workcation?
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