It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The winter season is full of cheer and magic, even at the sea side! While you might not think that being by the sea or in the countryside is a good idea when the weather starts getting a bit wild, but you’d be wrong! The winter months can be spent enjoying many of the region’s landscapes in a new light or enjoying some of the seasonal events. Plus, the winter months in Devon are much less crowded than the summer, so you will have much more space to explore at your own pace and if you’re a dog owner, you’ll find more beaches and coastal areas for your dog to enjoy!
Here are 5 top things you can do in Devon during the winter!
Image - Affinity Devon
Do some retail therapy
Devon has some amazing independent shops, as well as high street favourites and during this time of year there are lots of pop up shops and Christmas markets for you to enjoy. Head to Affinity Devon, a unique shopping village in north Devon with over 30 stores. You could stay over at Westward Living on the Westward Ho! coastline offering luxury accommodation, or perhaps Seafield Holiday Park for anyone who loves a family friendly, self-catering holiday park.
Every area of Devon has amazing Christmas Markets at this time of year, the ones in Exeter and Plymouth are good choices as the malls are also nearby, or head to Totnes, which offers several unique shopping opportunities.
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Image - Dartmoor
Go for a walk
While Devon is a beautiful place to walk around during the summer, it is equally as picturesque during the winter months. Head to the South West Coastal Path or the Tarka Trail and see the area under frost or with a low winter sun. If walking is a hobby if yours, check out the Tamar Trails, open all year around, it is a great attraction for families who love being outdoors, you can explore on foot, by bike or just hang out in the café! Pentillie Castle is nearby if you are looking for somewhere to stay or perhaps stick with the rural location by staying at Harford Bridge Holiday Park, which is set in the Dartmoor National Park.
Image - Gara Rock
Visit a café
Is there anything better than finding somewhere warm and ordering a hot drink that you can nurse while reclining in a nice comfy chair? No, didn’t think so. There are loads of lovely, cosy cafes all over Devon. Gara Rock is a great place to relax with some food and a drink while taking in some magnificent views. You’re near the Salcombe Distilling Co if you wanted to pick up some gifts or fancy a tipple or two. In Bovey Tracey, you can spend hours in the Home Farm Café with some incredible local produce or the Green Table Café at Dartington, which will put you in the vicinity of Dartington Hall and all the events and activities that can be found there.
Image - Coldharbour Mill
Visit a museum
When the weather is dire, why not head to one of the region’s museums, you’ll find hundreds of them all over the county. The Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum and Country Park is always a fascinating place to stop for a few hours. You could even split the day between there and Diggerland to keep the kids entertained. In Exeter you’ll find the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, which you could combine with a few hours at the Leisure and Spa at the Devon Hotel or if you’re feeling energetic and the weather is ok, Go Ape at Haldon Forest.
Go to one of the top attractions
Devon is full of attractions and many of them have indoor areas and offer activities all through the winter. Plus, as it is the off-season, you’ll find special offers and plenty of space to explore. The picturesque village of Clovelly is nearby and is always worth a visit, some of the photos you can get of this beautiful town in the winter months are incredible. Make sure to leave enough time for a quick bite to eat at The Pier House, Westward Ho!’s only seafront bar and bistro, where else can you see the waves crashing that close to you while staying dry and warm? Alternatively, you can spend the day at Crealy Adventure Park and Resort, not only is the adventure park open all year around, but the site also has accommodation, so you won’t have to travel too far if you want to stay in the area.
Got any other suggestions of fun things to do in Devon? Let us know! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
