This year Father’s Day falls on 18th June and with the promise of warm weather and sunny days, it’s the perfect time to show your father figure how much you appreciate him with a day trip to Devon!
With a host of activities and attractions perfect for the whole family, there are loads of ways you can treat your dad/uncle/grandfather/step father/ whoever while visiting Devon. To help you plan the perfect day, here are a couple of suggestions for a great Father’s Day out in Devon.
Golfing
If there’s one thing dads enjoy it's a round of golf or two, which is why visiting Devon is such a good idea this Father’s Day! Did you know Devon has a long history with golfing? The oldest golf course in England can be found in the North of the county. The Royal North Devon Golf Club was founded in 1864 and remains as popular today as it was then! It is regarded as the Saint Andrews of the south and is regularly featured in "Top Courses to Play" lists.
The Royal North Devon Golf Club isn’t the only course in the region that deserves a mention either, there are courses all over the county, so you can find one that best suits your needs. Why not go one step further by booking a golfing break? There are several hotels with their own golf courses or affiliation with nearby greens. Find places to stay that offer golf breaks here.
Fishing
If you want to give your dad a peaceful day out, why not look at the ample fishing opportunities across Devon? Whether he likes fly fishing, river fishing or sea fishing, there is a spot for everyone here.
Sea fishers will love to visit places like Beer and Appledore, while those that enjoy river fishing will find the Tamar, the Tar and various locations across Dartmoor and there are several hotels with their own fly fishing stock.
Like with golfing, there are places offering short breaks with fishing included, you can even hire the equipment if you want it to be a complete surprise.
Cycling
One of the best ways to experience Devon is by cycling. With an abundance of cycle routes, businesses offering cycle hire, adapted bikes and everything else you might need, it’s the perfect activity for a Father’s Day outing.
Some of the best loved cycle trails include: The Tarka Trail, which follows the route of Tarka the Otter, The Exe Estuary trail, which has some amazing views, the Drake’s Trail, which is full of historical interest, and the Two Moors Trail, which, like the name suggests, includes both National Parks. Alternatively, there are places like Haldon Forest Park or activity centres like Skern Lodge and Roadford Lake who offer cycling or somewhere like Sadson Woods Bike Park, a purpose built mountain trail near Paignton.
Learn more about cycling in Devon here.
A cream tea or two
If your dad is anything like us, they’re likely a foodie which means that they will love visits to Devon. With an incredible natural larder and several traditional delicacies that are well loved to this day, why not enjoy a food tour of the region?
Grab some fish and chips by the sea or stop off for a traditional cream tea or two in picturesque settings. Alternatively, why not book a meal at one of the region’s award-winning restaurants? Or treat him to a trip around a vineyard or some cider making? Devon is a real haven for foodies and with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional treats and food and brewery tours, there is something for every taste.
Enjoy a day out with the whole family
Though Father’s Day is all about the father figure in your life, that doesn’t mean that the whole family can’t have fun! Many of Devon’s attractions have special offers on over Father’s Day, including Dartmoor Zoo who are running their Dad’s go Free entry offer during Father’s Day.
Elsewhere, Stuart Line Cruises has their Father’s Day Pasty and Pint Cruise. This calming cruise along the River Exe includes an award winning, locally made pasty and the drink of your choice, with locally made cider also on the menu. Or head to Bideford for the Soapbox Derby – a great day out for the whole family!
Want more things to do for Father’s Day? Take a look at what’s on here.
