Places for child free holiday in Devon

Now the kids are back to school and the summer rush is over, you might be looking for an escape for a few days – Devon might be known for being mother nature’s playground and being a perfect destination for families, but did you know it is also ideal for anyone wanting to enjoy an adult friendly holiday too? There are lots of great places, some of which don’t accept children, to stay across the county and plenty of attractions that you can enjoy with or without the smaller members of your family.

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you have a great child free visit to Devon this autumn.

For places to stay:

Like we said, there are some places that are adults only, which are a good option for anyone who wants to avoid children entirely.  Whether you like children or not, sometimes it is nice to enjoy the peace and quiet that comes from an adult only resort or establishment.

One option is the Hideout Treehouse from Sleepy Owl. Located near Bideford in North Devon, the Hideout Treehouse is a magical place that features the only treehouse in the UK with a bath on a rail! It’s been designed with romantic breaks in mind, so is perfect for couples wanting to get away from it all and spend some time together. With an open plan living space with a drop down cinema screen for those movie marathons, bi-fold doors for enjoying the changing seasons and a king sized bed to a peaceful night’s sleep – it’s a haven for parents planning a quick get away or couples wanting to spend some time together after the summer rush.

Image: Sleepy Owl 

Another option in the North Devon area is the Mole Resort which offers both hotel and self catering stays – so you can pick the one that best suits you. The lodges are modern and can sleep up to eight for anyone wanting a girl’s holiday or a get away with friends, or head to the hotel and really recharge by leaving the catering to someone else. The estate is great for escaping your every day life, with a myriad of activities like tennis, fishing, axe throwing and a nine hole golf course, all available for guest’s use.

If you like the sound of having your own private space, Dittisham Hideaway near Dartmouth has treehouses and shepherd’s lodges which really let you get back to nature and escape everything that modern life will throw at you. Each hideaway is like staying in your own exclusive mini resort, making it ideal for couples who want to get away from it all.

Now we’ve found you a few options for where to stay, here’s some suggestions of things to do without the kids.

Alder Vineyard in south Devon is an absolute must for wine lovers and those that enjoy being outside. There are tours through the vines which end with a chance to sample the latest tipples and is the ideal spot for learning more about England’s wine industry. Not only that, but the vineyard’s café is award winning and is incredibly popular, especially for its cheese and charcuterie platters – perfect for anyone wanting a proper grown up day out!

Image: Plymouth Gin

Another one for the over 18s is Plymouth Gin. As the oldest working distillery in England, this is the best place to discover everything you have ever wanted to know about gin. The team here have been making their famous drinks according to the original recipe since 1793 and the building itself dates back to the 1430s – it is thought that the pilgrim fathers who headed off on the Mayflower to settle in the New World spent their last night there, no doubt enjoying their last taste of English gin!

Aside from a range of tours of the distillery, there are also several food and drink experiences on offer, including some of the county’s finest cocktails and one of Plymouth’s top restaurants. Plus you have the chance to make your own gin to take home with you! This one is definitely not for the kids!

Families are of course welcome at Newton Abbot Racecourse but if you really want to lean into the experience of horse racing and maybe trying your hand at working out which odds are best, head out for a day at the races without them. Saturday racing returns in September, so now is the best time to visit!

Looking for more things to do without the kids? You can find more options below.